Your Favorite elk hunting state

[AZ Jim]

Arizona because that is where I live and see some monster elk. If I had the opportunity maybe New Mexico, and Montana would be next on my list.

I think there is a choice missing as to what type of hunting a person does (Trophy, Meat, Depends, etc..), one choice should be "Depends on the Hunting Conditions Opportunities".


I made the choice to change from meat hunting hunting only (as I used to do - first legal animal I harvested), because everytime I drew a cow tag as my second choice I would loose my bonus points and therefore lessen my chance to be drawn for a premium bull hunt in the future. The more time I spent in the field and saw more trophy bulls, the more I wanted to harvest one. I have already taken cows and smaller bulls and wanted the challenge that larger more experinced animals presented.

That being said, If I have been drawn for a bull hunt, and have hunted hard for the majority of the hunt, and have seen little or no big bulls I will take a smaller one to put some meat in the freezer, as that is another primary reason I hunt. I would rather go home with some elk meat, than none at all. It could be another 6 years before I am drawn again and I love elk meat, therefore the decision to harvest a smaller animal at that time.

Often times the elk hunts are six to eight days long in AZ. I f I have not seen any quality animals, sign of them etc., on the last one or two days I will harvest a smaller animal if the opportunity presents.

Just my two cents worth.


AZ Jim

 

[easymoney]

I bowhunt Oregon every year, because I can actually get a tag and hunt on public land undisturbed(mostly) and see loads of bulls each time out.
I put in for tags in other states each year but rarely if ever get drawn, especially here in CA...

 

[kphunter]

Looks like AZ and Colorado are the winners at this point. AZ has the quality, Colorado has the quantity.

KP

 

[wmidbrook]

It's interesting to see how the results are shaping up!

I definately see the attraction to CO for its opportunity especially for non-residents and AZ for its big bulls. I must admit I'm suprised that Montana, NM and NV rated as low as they did although most JHO visitors are probably from or have strong ties to CA. Plus, for whatever reason, I sure like NM...but, most NR plates I see there are either AZ or TX...not plates from many other states unlike Wyo where there're plates from all over.

 

[DFGELK]

I do agree that tag fees for California elk are expensive but it is a dilemma in order to have the hunts and manage elk we need to fund the program (the money is not going to magically show up) so they set the price higher than probably any other resident elk tag. That money funds the programs and allows the hunts to continue. Hopefully in the future with more tags the price can be reduced or charge less for cow tag, etc. In perspective the non-resident elk tag is only 3 times more than a resident elk tag, how many other states have that ratio? The bill that was passed allowing non-residents to apply was not submitted by fish and game, we could only comment on it. It allowed up to 1 non-resident elk and antelope tag each year. Last year a non-resident drew an antelope tag (first year they could apply). Just depends on your random number, hopefully one day I will draw a tag. I need to find out how many non-residents actually applied (unfortunately application dollars do not go to the program)

Joe

 

[fishnhunt]

I am one non res that applied for elk and will be applying untill I am old and gray....But that is why I have a lifetime license

 

[nwtfhunter]

Its funny that one state is so overlooked. Later this summer/fall I will see if I cant get some pics of these bulls.

 

[WapitiBob]

I'm glad to see NM ranked low.

 

[richracer1]

ID Elk hunts. Why, that is my legal state of residence. OTC elk tags are 29 bucks. Being in the Air Force, does have some perks. Hunt as a resident in the state I'm stationed in (currently VAFB, CA) and my home state.

Our ID elk hunt is the OTC any weapon cow season. I look forward to this week every year. 2006 was good to us. I have included one of my favorite pics.


[attachment=50798:Truck_Load.jpg]

 

[arizona hunter]

I chose AZ because I live in AZ. If I get drawn then I am able to spend the summer camping/scouting the area I drew.
I am only interested in the meat, so an "antlerless" tag is fine for me, and besides our house really does not have room for a large set of antlers-maybe some day.

If I lived in one of those other states most likely that would be my favorite state to hunt in.

 

[Shane]

AZ - condensed population of elk - along the rim. High ratio of mature bulls. Awesome, clear weather...although the heat is also a bad thing. Very cool place to hunt.

MT - Just awesome country, lots of private and public land, and high game populations.

...can you imagine seeing plates from MT or WY in NM or AZ? That WOULD be a sight.

 

[superduty]

I've only hunted elk in NM and enjoyed it very much. I currently have my fingers crossed for a NV antlerless tag for my wife, son, and me for this years draw. If I don't have any luck then a roadtrip just might be in the stars for a OTC meat tag. Too bad they don't have a youth tag for elk here like they do for mule deer.

 

[hatchet1]

wyoming for sure,as i hunt trophy mulies and bulls at the same time, love that fact that the next draw i bust arse up might
produce the buck or bull of a lifetime for me,whoever presents first, is gettin the lead

 

[Zim1]

I've had the luck to get to hunt quite a few states over the years, including the primo units. Arizona was actually too easy. I'll still rank it as my #1 choice overall. Nevada had bigger bulls but rougher terrain to deal with. New Mexico is my favorite for ease of drawing a good tag. So it depends how you define "favorite".

This year will be a new leaf for me, as it will be my first trip specifically devoted to fun, not a monster bull as the goal. Drew a good/average tag in New Mexico with my girlfriend. Taking her on her first trip to the mountains and very stoked about it. I have never met anyone like her. She is a master of improvising to an unreal degree. Never complains about anything. Just the type you know you can depend on to have a good time up there. Any elk will truly be a trophy on this trip, and the poplulation is very high where we are going. Actually glad it is not a trophy unit so I can concentrate on teaching her. Hope to catch some trout for dinner too.

 

[bighorn67]

So far, the only state I've hunted elk in is Utah. I guess it has to be my favorite. There are a lot of elk and archery tags are OTC and relatively cheap. I'm headed up to the same spot again this year wiith high hopes and sharp broadheads.

Dave

 

[hank4elk]

I'd say my home state(CA) if I could draw or was a rich guy, but reality. I hunted Montana twice in '70s, but will say I'm glad NM is near bottom . Drew 1st time, excellant area , no crowds, 300"bull possible.2 guys I know from Mont. are NM elk hunters now. Hank

 

[hank4elk]

Oh yeah! I forgot, any elk is a trophy. For that matter deer. I hunt for meat, and my sanity. a great rack is always a welcome bonus, but will end up in the celler gallery.

 

[MULIES4EVER]

I hunt for sanity also. I love the big racks but in the winter when my wife is making elk stew, elk steak fajitas, elk stroganoff..... well you get the point. Tha antlers dont matter much then.

I have only hunted them in Utah so that is all I know. i am hoping Midbrook can shed some Wyoming light for me next year though.

 

[wmidbrook]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

Hope to catch some trout for dinner too.[/b]

....Zim, I know you did good in NV....but, I hope if you're fishing hopewell that you venture north of there to get your elk. I've hunted that unit twice and I do like it too....nothin' big but good numbers of 'em for sure. Any more, I just as soon shoot a cow here in UT or up in Wyo.

BTW....I want to thank the thousands of viewers who checked in on this thread! It will no doubt factor into policy decisions on the table these days.