I've never elk hunted, but it is a something I will do. It has been a dream to do this for a while. At 31 I'm finally in a place where its time that I am really starting to dig into it and the wheels are starting to turn in my head and am trying to get some plans made. I'm at a point where it doesn't have to be a dream, I can make it happen. I have quickly learned that its not something that you just plan to do one year and go get a tag that fall and go hunt. Its never going to happen if I don't start buying points, unless I were to do otc inCO, which from what I have read it sounds like there a more hunters and pressure than anything. I want to start accumulating points in multiple states so I can starting hunting sooner and more often than later and less often.
I've started going on several states sites to see how the process starts etc, (WY, MT, AZ). I feel overwhelmed with how many different avenues there are and things to follow and processes. I have read that getting a subscription to GoHunt is a good way to help narrow things down and get through the process. Does anyone have any other resources that may be helpful to help dumb it down for me? For example I just want to buy a point for MT and learned that tomorrow is the last day to purchase a point for 2021. I just want to buy a point, but I don't see that option on their site, do I have to pay for a full license and get a point if I am not drawn and then get refunded that full price? I have emailed FWP asking that question, but i'm probably to late to get it figured out in time to have it done by the 30th, and it kills me that I am now likely another year behind on MT.
I'm from IA. I have 3 weeks vacation a year at work. So I don't have a lot of time to devote to scouting areas etc. Having never hunted elk before I am thinking my first couple hunts go through an outfitter/guide so I can learn how to elk hunt, when to do what, when to move, call, what types of areas to hunt etc. Other than watching youtube and reading on forums or facebook groups like this I have no firsthand knowledge on it. Then maybe start to do DIY on public land hunts. I don't have a desire to go after 300+ bulls at an outfitter/guide, I just want to get my feet wet and learn and would be happy with any bull elk, which would hopefully help with the price. I am an avid bowhunter for whitetail here in IA and spring turkey here, going on a pronghorn hunt in WY this fall. But my dream is to go on a handful of elk hunts in my life and taste success a couple times.
Any tips/thoughts appreciated.
I've started going on several states sites to see how the process starts etc, (WY, MT, AZ). I feel overwhelmed with how many different avenues there are and things to follow and processes. I have read that getting a subscription to GoHunt is a good way to help narrow things down and get through the process. Does anyone have any other resources that may be helpful to help dumb it down for me? For example I just want to buy a point for MT and learned that tomorrow is the last day to purchase a point for 2021. I just want to buy a point, but I don't see that option on their site, do I have to pay for a full license and get a point if I am not drawn and then get refunded that full price? I have emailed FWP asking that question, but i'm probably to late to get it figured out in time to have it done by the 30th, and it kills me that I am now likely another year behind on MT.
I'm from IA. I have 3 weeks vacation a year at work. So I don't have a lot of time to devote to scouting areas etc. Having never hunted elk before I am thinking my first couple hunts go through an outfitter/guide so I can learn how to elk hunt, when to do what, when to move, call, what types of areas to hunt etc. Other than watching youtube and reading on forums or facebook groups like this I have no firsthand knowledge on it. Then maybe start to do DIY on public land hunts. I don't have a desire to go after 300+ bulls at an outfitter/guide, I just want to get my feet wet and learn and would be happy with any bull elk, which would hopefully help with the price. I am an avid bowhunter for whitetail here in IA and spring turkey here, going on a pronghorn hunt in WY this fall. But my dream is to go on a handful of elk hunts in my life and taste success a couple times.
Any tips/thoughts appreciated.