A few buddies and I are thinking of planning an elk hunt in the next couple years. We would like to go unguided to save a little money. None of us have ever been elk hunting before and could use a little advice from the pros. What is the best state for do-it-yourselfers? I found a link to a place called "desert bull" out of AZ. Has any one ever used them? There services sound pretty helpful. It appears to be a scouting service. Again any and all suggestions are welcome. I figure it is getting too late to try to get this ready for next season, but that will just give us more planning time for the following season.
- Thread starter rh44mag
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RH:
I can say that Desert Bull provides an outstanding service. Jeff specializes in Arizona. If you draw an Elk tag in Arizona, you are luckier than me. You might be give Jeff a call and ask him about New Mexico.
Good luck.
I can say that Desert Bull provides an outstanding service. Jeff specializes in Arizona. If you draw an Elk tag in Arizona, you are luckier than me. You might be give Jeff a call and ask him about New Mexico.
Good luck.
Speckmisser
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I'm not a "pro", but I've been looking at elk hunting opportunities for several years now as I was planning my own trip.
I'd say hands down, the best place for do-it-yourself hunting would be Colorado. There are tons of elk, fairly easy to get tags, and lots of public land. You just can't find too many places where you can get tags over-the-counter, and there's plenty of information available about Colorado elk hunting. The added bonus is that if you're going from Missouri, it's pretty close-by too.
There are other good states. Wyoming, Utah, and New Mexico come to mind. It really just depends on what you're looking for, and how long you're willing to wait to get drawn for tags.
I'd say hands down, the best place for do-it-yourself hunting would be Colorado. There are tons of elk, fairly easy to get tags, and lots of public land. You just can't find too many places where you can get tags over-the-counter, and there's plenty of information available about Colorado elk hunting. The added bonus is that if you're going from Missouri, it's pretty close-by too.
There are other good states. Wyoming, Utah, and New Mexico come to mind. It really just depends on what you're looking for, and how long you're willing to wait to get drawn for tags.
elk_getter
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Well, I don't know where to begin. If I were you I would go to a state where it is easy to get an over the counter tag. Also I would suggest bow hunting, normally you can purchase a general season tag and hunt them during estrus.
I would start by picking a state.
calling the local biologist for area where most animals were harvested.
Get familiar with the area with maps and possible arial photo's.
Talk to the local Markets and butcher shops
take at least a 4 day scouting trip before you hunt to get a first hand look at the terrain.
this is a true do it yourself hunt and fair chase..........
This is also how I started hunting Elk out of state..........
If you decide on Oregon, Idaho or Montana I can give you some advice. Although Montana you need to apply.
Good Luck........
I would start by picking a state.
calling the local biologist for area where most animals were harvested.
Get familiar with the area with maps and possible arial photo's.
Talk to the local Markets and butcher shops
take at least a 4 day scouting trip before you hunt to get a first hand look at the terrain.
this is a true do it yourself hunt and fair chase..........
This is also how I started hunting Elk out of state..........
If you decide on Oregon, Idaho or Montana I can give you some advice. Although Montana you need to apply.
Good Luck........
COHunter
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No Elk left in Colorado. The last one in the State died of CWD last night !!!!
If you come to Colorado, go to Wal-Mart and buy your tag, head up to Craig and drive around Black Mtn, California Park, Slater Park and Bear Ears and you should find them. I grouse hunt up those's area's and the Elk are thick. Be sure to pick up a Deer tag because they're thick up there too. If your willing to walk, Jimmy Dunn STL has a lot of Deer in it.
But you will have "lots" of company
If you come to Colorado, go to Wal-Mart and buy your tag, head up to Craig and drive around Black Mtn, California Park, Slater Park and Bear Ears and you should find them. I grouse hunt up those's area's and the Elk are thick. Be sure to pick up a Deer tag because they're thick up there too. If your willing to walk, Jimmy Dunn STL has a lot of Deer in it.
But you will have "lots" of company
You certainly can buy a over the counter bull or cow tag in Colorado, but there are some stipulations so check out the big game brosure on the Colorado division of wildlife web-site. If you guys are ready and waiting to go on a elk hunt why wait???????????? My advise would be to buy a over the counter tag in Colorado next year and then in another state start putting in for a trophy hunt or another general season drawing, this way you guys will be out in the field next fall, instead of sitting on the sofa. Only around 20% of elk hunters have success, so just because your willing to wait a couple of years dosen't necisarily improve your odds. Get as much experience while you can so when you do finally get a bull in the scope there will be less chance of a rookie mistake. If your looking for a place to hunt in Colorado let me know I can point you in the right direcion.
I have been hunting in Clorado now for 11 years unguided. It has been the some of the most enjoyable hunting experiences in my life. The elk are there,and u defintely dont need a guide to take one. But after all these years,I find I am still in the learning stages. This year, I took the largest bull to date in my hunting group. If I can figure out how to post a pic......I will try....lol (6x7)
