Need Info on Elk Hunt

[RutnNStrutn]

Hey guys!

I am a veteran hunter that lives in Florida and have mcuh experience deer hunting. I would love to go on an elk hunt. I am looking at doing it in 2 seasons, 2004-2005. I have never been on one, and other than reading magazines and watching TV shows, I don't know squat about it.
I am interested in knowing:
-What is the best state to go to? Factors I am considering are ease of drawing a permit for a non-resident. Travel. Access. Lodging. Price. And of course, quality hunting.
-Need and availability of a guide. Are they worth the price? What is a good website to find out who the good ones and who the bad ones are?
-What is the best hunt to go on to experience rutting action and get a shot at a big bull? Archery, muzzleloader or rifle?
-Is it worth the extra money to go private, or is quality public hunting available? Remember I am from Florida and want to make this a memorable trip.
-Should I concentrate on elk only, or make it a combo hunt with muleys, whitetails or pronghorns being in the mix?
-What did I forget?
Thanks for your help!!

 

[COHunter]

There is another Elkcrazed Floridian on this board that you should maybe get into contact with (340mag) and buy him a cup of coffee
As far as getting a Tag goes, its hard to beat Colorado. You just go to Wal-Mart and buy one. Now the downside to that is you will have plenty of company in the Mtns.
If money isnt a big issue, I would look into New Mexico and they're private land tags.
If you want screaming Bulls, here in CO the Archery & Muzzy hunts are the time to go (Sept). They can still be bugling during our 1st rifle season, but thats really getting late in the game

 

[muskrat89]

I'm a Booking Agent, and I often recommend Idaho or Alberta for tag availability and relatively good price on guided hunts...

 

[Losthwy]

Recommend reading a few books on the subject to give a good base of infomation from different authors. Most give advice on checking out outfitters, what kind of equipment, the ins and outs of where to go, etc. "Hunt Elk" by Zumbo is a good one. Guided hunts and private land will generally give you better odds, but they are pricey. Being your from Florida (I grew up there in FT. Walton Bch.) where the highest elavation is about 490 ft. and most Elk hunting in the Rocky Mountains is many thousands of feet, if you can get here a few days before the hunt to adjust to the altitude. A few general tips- get in shape elk hunting is hard work, dress in layers, no cotten, you'll find going up and down hills you'll need to adjust your clothes to the changing body temperature, always carry emergency equipment in your pack in case you need to spend a night in the woods, compass/GPS, and a map are a must; and the weather here can change on a dime the morning you start out in 70 degree sunny day can become two feet of snow by the afternoon, and check the forecast as much as possible. June13 I was fishing in the mountains at noon it was in the low 70's with sunny skies at 5:00 it was in the 40's and sleeting. Be prepare.

 

[SSimmons]

Colorado has tags that can be bought over the counter as does Idaho with a cap. The over the counter tags in Idaho generally sale out mid-september. Both states have areas that are "draw only" units or open units. Colorado boasts the largest number of elk and generally good access. If you have limited knowledge of elk movement and habitat I would recommend a guide. I hired a guide last year for the first time and had a bad experience. Check out referrals and call the state wildlife offices to see if they have data on the selected guide. For Sept. rifle hunt when the bulls will be bugling check out Idaho, units 16a,17,19,20 (Selway Zone), or Middle Fork Zone. Guide required. For Sept. archery check out Hermosa Pass above Rico, CO or Flat Top wilderness out of Meeker, CO

 

[paulc]

If you want to go this year or next, and your heart is set on a bull, you will need to pay an outfitter that has exclusive area or can take you into the wilderness.

buying over the counter tags and trying to do it yourself is a major challenge.

regarding a guide, if you are after a bull this or next year get with an outfit like USO, or Garth Carters hunting service that can tailor fit what you are looking for.

as far as a combo trip dont recomend it unless you have plenty of time.

if you have more specific questions you can email me.
Paul

 

[RutnNStrutn]

Thanks for the info guys, any other info is appreciated as well. Keep it coming fellas!!

 

[Losthwy]

One more tip. braking in the mountains is different than flatlands braking. A common mistake almost everyone does when they first drive in the mountains (including myself- I don't remember any chapters on mountain driving in the Florida drivers ed. course in H.S... {LOL}) is using the brake too much going downhill. Brake to slow down, then "rest" the brakes so they have time to cool and/or use a lower gear to slow your vechicle to avoid frying your brakes, which can lead to total brake failure or fires. I drove many times in the Smokies w/o a problem but, the first time I drove in the mountains out west where they are higher and steeper, I "smoked" my brakes pretty good. Have fun and take some pictures.
Also, get the lightest boots you can. A few ounces will make a huge difference at the end of the day.

 

[340mag]

Im presently recovering from ankle surgery, and im schedualled for more ankle surgery shortly so this years elk hunt is doubtful


start running alot now! youll need the exercise to be able to keep up with those ELK if your not used to higher elevations. only your first shot will count or be availiable most times ,learn to make it good and quick!
try never to stand in direct sun light,always in the shade to break up your out-line if possiable.
dress in WARM layers, and carry a light back-pack
start running alot now!
wear a hat that keeps the sun out of your eyes and snow and rain from running down your jacket collar, and a cow call you know how to use! don,t shoot untill your sure of your shot placement,
learn to shoot at least reasonably well OFFHAND out to about 150 yards quickly if possiable while stalking.
carry a compass, canteen,knife,poncho,and cigerette lighter at all times
start running alot now!
a top quality scope is a great idea, keep the scope on the lowest setting if stalking in the timber.
ELK are not DEER, FIND THE HERD,then get sneaky, ELK travel great distances, don,t think youll get one by sitting and looking from a single spot unless its a major geographical funnel in great ELK country
NEVER SHOOT OFFHAND if a rest is available, learn to use a sling to steady your shots. a fold out BI-POD is a good accesory
be perfectly sure of your shot placement or don,t shot!
heres usefull info READ ALL THE LINKS

http://home.att.net/~sajackson/elk.html

http://www.jacksonholewyoming.net/elk/

http://www.freemanriver.com/Hunting/huntin..._tips_elk_1.htm

http://www.westernhunter.com/Pages/Vol02Is...5/elktips1.html

http://www.allhunters.net/allhunters_elk_h...unting_tips.htm

http://www.chuckhawks.com/elk_cartridges.htm

http://www.huntingmag.com/big_game/ideal_elk/

http://www.westernhunter.com/Pages/Vol02Is...3/elktips2.html

http://members.tripod.com/~elkhunter2/



no elk is worth another hunters life, be damn sure what your shooting at!

most elk are smart enought to stay in the timber durring day light after opening day,don,t expect elk to be standing in the open like on calendars, and if my 33 years plus elk hunting is average, youll get most shots at walking elk , learn to shoot accurately and fast, shooting 1" 100 yard groups with a rifle is fine, but learning to shoot 3"-6" 150 yard groups from odd angles and with little warning with extreme speed on walking elk will get more ELK!!!

BTW IM A HUGE BELIEVER IN CAMO
this is closer to what Im talking about

I have a hat thats woodland camo thats got a larger brim, I pin the sides up like an aussie hat and its worn with a 3/4 camo face mask and (SNEAKY LEAVES)

NO , YOU DON,T NEED THIS MUCH CAMO, BUT I AM ABLE TO GET IN REALLY CLOSE FOR MOST SHOTS

AND YOU WON,T BELIEVE HOW HARD YOU ARE FOR GAME (or other hunters) TO SEE ,IF YOUR SITTING STILL in A BUNCH OF BRANCHES IN THE SHADE WITH YOUR BOW on a good game trail IN A GOOD SPOT DRESSED LIKE THIS!!! BUT ELK ARE NOT DEER the ELK TEND TO TRAVEL LONG DISTANCES, YOU MUST LOCATE THE HERDS AND SNEAK IN FOR A SHOT MOST TIMES

AND YOUR CORRECT IF YOU THINK I TAKE A LOT OF B.S. ABOUT HOW I LOOK,(BUT MOST GUYS COME AROUND TO MY WAY OF THINKING ONCE THEY SEE THE RESULTS THAT BEING INVISIABLE IN THE TIMBER CAN PRODUCE!!) BUT KEEP IN MIND YOU DON,T WANT ANY CAMO TO GET IN THE WAY AS YOU SHOOT!, PRACTICE IN THE CAMO WHAT YOU HUNT WITH SHOOTING AT ALL POSSIABLE ANGLES

 

[tmoniz]

Wyoming has excellent elk hunting. Area 22 the Ferris Mountains only offers 6 non res elk tags, but if you get one of those tags you're in for an exciting hunt. Very large bulls there. Or go for a general tag and seek out a good outfitter and guide. I know a few and have hunted with them successfully in the past. Do your homework, read up. Nothing like an elk hunt.

hunting pics

 

[RutnNStrutn]

340, I don't doubt that you catch some BS about your camo, but I think it looks good. I, for one, would compliment you on it, after you scared the living bejesus out of me when I walked up on you.

Thanks for all the information gents, and I welcome anything else you guys have to offer!!

 

[TomBow]

Hunting Information systems has an outfitter review section that you should check out. These are customer reviews in most cases and will give you a line on good outfitters. Before taking blind word that an outfitter is good, ask the outfitter for customer references and talk directly with those customers. I'd hate to see your first elk hunt get ruined by a crap outfitter. It's the "know before you go" and "buyer beware!" thing.

Hope this helps.

Gotta say Thanks again to 340Mag and COHunter who helped me out when I asked for the same information. I appreciate hunters helping other hunters as I help other hunters when I can.

Best of Luck!

 

[rukidnme]

Rutn,
I have only hunted elk in Idaho but it is pretty good here.
It is a lot of work as others have stated, not uncommon to cover 10 miles a day up and down canyons in the rut trying to locate a bull that you can get going.

The elk are the most vocal here the last two weeks of September and first week of October. Archery is open the entire month of September in most general units.

Idaho is mostly public land, you can pretty much drive up to any spot in the national forest here and hunt elk.
The trick is to get away from the crowds during the general elk season.

Units along the Salmon River are usually not crowded, you can find places where you will mostly be by yourself.
None of the wilderness units have bow seasons, they open September 15 for rifle rut hunts. Some of these areas are accessible by truck. Unless you have horses and can pack back in, the wilderness areas are not usually the best elk hunting.

Unfortunately archery hunting for bulls is not usually something you can just pick up and decide to come out and do and be very successful. If you hunt the right areas you should have lots of excitement but it is extremely difficult to arrow a bull until you have paid your dues for a few years and learned through trial and error how to arrow a bull. Some people get lucky of course and get a bull quicker than that.

If you can afford it an outfitter may be the way to go for your first hunt.
Sawtooth Wilderness Outfitters hunts the Sawtooths North of Boise, he has an excellent reputation and hunts in awesome country. His rifle season opens Oct. 15 they are usually still bugling then.
Or do some research into an outfitter that goes into the wilderness areas on Sept. 15th for a rifle rut hunt.
Be aware though that the wolves have been busy in those wilderness areas eating the elk.

If no finances contact the fish and game offices in a few of the offices in Southern Idaho. (Stay away from SE Idaho it is a zoo). Get them to tell you some spots where you can get away from the crowds and come on out and give it a try. Watch lots of elk hunting videos, (I recommend Primos, lots of other videos are filmed on practically tame ranch elk) practice with your bow, get in shape and give er a go!

 

[RutnNStrutn]

Thanks for the tips gentlemen. I appreciate it.

 

[target]

How big of an elk are you after, do you hunt on foot, horseback or ATV, how much do you want to spend & do you need a guieded hunt or just a little direction? there are plenty of places where a first timer can go with a 99% of killing an elk but it will cost you. email me I can fill you in
huntinfo@ontargetoutfitters.com