Elk newby

[Hookedonelk]

Hey guys, I am new to the group and also a newby to elk hunting. I went on a drop camp muzzleloader hunt in 2018 and am hooked!!!! I think about the hunt everyday, and think about how I can’t wait to do it again. I am planning on another Colorado hunt in the fall of 2020 but with the bow this time to avoid the wait to gain enough pref points. I am wondering your thoughts on DIY versus drop camps and land leases. I am looking at cost and time. The drop camp worked well whereas we were brought to area where the elk were. Worried about a DIY hunt because I live in Wisconsin and can’t go scout throughout the year. The land lease option is quite costly but the cost would be worth it the first bugle I would hear. I am just looking for some insight from fellow hunters with their opinion on these options, thank you in advance and for your time if you reply!

 

[mdeerjunkie]

Welcome. Elk hunting is sure fun! I have only done diy hunts before. Depending on the unit you choose there can be a lot of pressure during archery season if you do not have any points, and the elk are pretty smart and do not do a ton of bugling. You have to get off the road and get 5/6 miles deep and the terrain can be extreme. If I were you I would probably do a drop camp just to make it a little easier. But that is just my opinion. Good luck on whatever you choose to do!

 

[dirtclod Az.]

Have hunted DIY Elk for 30+ yrs.Never have I hiked back in 5-6mi. most Elk
routinely stay in the same area until they start thier summer or winter migrations.
And where is that?... Since you can't scout in advance,get there early or rely on
a kind HT member to guide you as where to go.You have a year,start makin' friends!
Welcome to the Forum from Az.Ain't no Elk here.Ha!,Ha!

 

[Ben Sellers]

Get points and go on a hunt at the same time. I would get points in a couple of states. Welcome to the forum. There has been a lot of advice doled out on this site if you search or scroll back through the older posts.

 

[elkhnter]

If you hunted there in ‘18, you already have an idea about the area. Archery runs before, during and after ML. Get a OTC tag in Colorado and hunt. Also buy a point in Wyoming and Arizona.

 

[Hookedonelk]

Welcome. Elk hunting is sure fun! I have only done diy hunts before. Depending on the unit you choose there can be a lot of pressure during archery season if you do not have any points, and the elk are pretty smart and do not do a ton of bugling. You have to get off the road and get 5/6 miles deep and the terrain can be extreme. If I were you I would probably do a drop camp just to make it a little easier. But that is just my opinion. Good luck on whatever you choose to do!

We did unit 54 for muzzle and we have 1 point now

 

[mdeerjunkie]

If you wanted to hunt the same unit for archery it looks like you would have a 75% chance of drawing a tag. Otherwise like the other guys recommended you could apply for a point and do OTC.

 

[mdeerjunkie]

Actually I misspoke. You have a 100% chance with 1 point.

 

[dgc1963]

This comes from a guy living in Pa. and gets out west every few yrs
And outfitter can help with the learning curve for a hunt or two
or if you want to do dyi keep going to same area to learn where the elk are more often than not
It seems to me some folks keep moving around looking for that special place where every draw has a 350 bull in it
Ive learned an area pretty well and for most part see elk on every trip and yes still eat tags more than not lol but love every minute of it

 

[dirtclod Az.]

If you hunted there in ‘18, you already have an idea about the area. Archery runs before, during and after ML. Get a OTC tag in Colorado and hunt. Also buy a point in Wyoming and Arizona.

Cept' there ain't no Elk's in Az...Points yes Elk nope.Ha!,Ha!

 

[elkhnter]

Cept' there ain't no Elk's in Az...Points yes Elk nope.Ha!,Ha!

Ya, I know, but I have to spend money somewhere!

 

[dirtclod Az.]

Ya, I know, but I have to spend money somewhere!

Truth be told,I may have seen a Bull or two pushing 340-+
Maybe,Maybe not?

 

[elkhnter]

Truth be told,I may have seen a Bull or two pushing 340-+ Maybe,Maybe not?

I understand, and there’s no 160” whitetails in Illinois. Well, maybe one or two.