Non resident hunting advice

[Nick87]

If i was in the position to drop $10k on a one and done elk hunt. I think id probably look towards a New Mexico private land guided hunt. Just my .02.

 

[cgasner1]

If i was in the position to drop $10k on a one and done elk hunt. I think id probably look towards a New Mexico private land guided hunt. Just my .02.

Even if you just bought a landowner tag for less than that you’d probably be better off than investing all the money into a lands trust for a week in Montana. Especially if you may end up needing multiple seasons

 

[CRJR45]

I’ve looked at the land trust a couple times and it seems like it’s set up for guys like this. I don’t mean that this to be an insult. They all try and come off like they are offering access to a huge ranch with un pressured wildlife for a bargain. Most those ranches are about the size of your front yard. I think people with very little experience think it will be the fast track to a great hunt and will probably be very disappointed when they show up and realize they don’t really get much access for the amount of money they paid and if it did have game on it I’d bet someone else had already pushed them off. A guy may pick a spot up and all the timing works out great but my two cents on it is if someone is selling you something online for what seems like a bargain price there may be a reason.

THIS !

If i was in the position to drop $10k on a one and done elk hunt. I think id probably look towards a New Mexico private land guided hunt. Just my .02.

Be careful on that route , Co-op tags and some small outfits , worst hunt I ever paid for .

 

[Kydeerslayer64]

Idk I keep getting pulled back to what do you have for expectations? If this is a one and done deal for you I’d hire a guide. If you looking at making a few years of elk hunting but investing money multiple years into something such as land trust I’d still just hire a guide the first year to cut the curve down. It appears your age may be up and mobility down a bit if it was me I’d personally probably start looking at lower tier landowner tags in New Mexico. It just depends on a the time and money you have to invest for the desirable outcome your looking for. For all I known there may be a reason you are looking at Montana that hasn’t been mentioned it’s actually kinda hard to give a opinion missing some of the information

Thanks, I chose Montana for a couple reasons. First of all, my brother in law lives in Bozeman, so the trip kills two birds. Secondly the drawing is very easy to get drawn in just 2 years. Now what happens after getting drawn is the hard part and that’s why I’m trying to figure out the after I get drawn before grabbing my 2nd preference point. April 1st is coming quick and if I don’t apply this year I just lose the cost I paid for my bonus and preference point last year which is probably cheaper than applying and taking the 80% refund. You guys are very blessed to have the herd size you have and can hunt year after year. I have been putting in for the Ky Elk drawing for 15 years and got drawn once for a cow archery tag. I paid $4000 and it was an amazing experience, saw a lot of Elk but couldn’t seal the deal.
I do appreciate everyone’s feedback!
Thanks for yours!

 

[Nick87]

THIS !

Be careful on that route , Co-op tags and some small outfits , worst hunt I ever paid for .

I'd go with a reputable outfitter. Lot of shady hunts with LO tag guys though for sure.

 

[Nick87]

Thanks, I chose Montana for a couple reasons. First of all, my brother in law lives in Bozeman, so the trip kills two birds. Secondly the drawing is very easy to get drawn in just 2 years. Now what happens after getting drawn is the hard part and that’s why I’m trying to figure out the after I get drawn before grabbing my 2nd preference point. April 1st is coming quick and if I don’t apply this year I just lose the cost I paid for my bonus and preference point last year which is probably cheaper than applying and taking the 80% refund. You guys are very blessed to have the herd size you have and can hunt year after year. I have been putting in for the Ky Elk drawing for 15 years and got drawn once for a cow archery tag. I paid $4000 and it was an amazing experience, saw a lot of Elk but couldn’t seal the deal.
I do appreciate everyone’s feedback!
Thanks for yours!

Surely someone on this site knows a good outfitter near Bozeman they can suggest. @PoleX @frequentlybannedtroll ?

 

[cgasner1]

I'd go with a reputable outfitter. Lot of shady hunts with LO tag guys though for sure.

If it was me I’d look for a good reputable one an start calling and asking to get on a cancellation hunt may be able to save some money that way

 

[Kydeerslayer64]

Surely someone on this site knows a good outfitter near Bozeman they can suggest. @PoleX @frequentlybannedtroll ?

Thanks Nick

 

[Pucky Freak]

I am just wondering what has happened to HT.
Members on a DIY public land hunting forum, recommending a private land outfitted hunt. Pure blasphemy.
A nonresident newbie asking from hunting advice and not getting blasted, but instead getting some really sold advice. The OP's posts should be required reading for all newbies.
I hope you have a great hunt and get a bull.

OP honesty, humility, and gratitude helps. Seems to be in short supply on a lot of solicitations.

 

[NDGuy]

THIS !

Be careful on that route , Co-op tags and some small outfits , worst hunt I ever paid for .

Most reputable outfitters I have seen in NM, AZ etc charge 15-20k and some are bowhunts.

 

[WVmike]

Its hard for people coming from the east to understand how big it is out west. I know a local kid who asks me every year and I tell him to buy a point and he can go along eventually. He told me the other day he has a buddy with a relative who owns a 300 acre ranch somewhere and he's just gonna go that route. I started to try and explain and he wasn't having it. Have to figure it out the hard way I guess.

I completely agree with this. My first hunt out west was in 2024 the landscape is so wide open and vast, you feel a little overwhelmed at just how big a valley is or a basin. Having some good glass that can do some of the walking for you to an extent is a good start because it would take days, weeks maybe more to walk the areas where you might want to look for elk or where they are. Being in good shape is another thing too. My hunting partner at the time was getting smoked just from walking on the established trails to where we were scouting because we were at almost 10,000 feet. The elevation doesn't care where you come from or how good of shape you think you are in. It took me a couple of days to acclimate to the elevation and by that time weather moved in and the cards just weren't in our favor. Like others have said, if you're not in good shape hire a guide if you have the coin to do it.

 

[SAJ-99]

Thanks Nick

You can check below. Picking a unit would help. The topography can vary widely, so too will the experience. I think most people here would agree there is nothing to be ashamed about using a guide, particularly in your situation. Not all guides are created equal and the good ones might not have openings. Good luck.

Search Results - Montana Outfitters & Guides Association

www.montanaoutfitters.org

 

[Kydeerslayer64]

You can check below. Picking a unit would help. The topography can vary widely, so too will the experience. I think most people here would agree there is nothing to be ashamed about using a guide, particularly in your situation. Not all guides are created equal and the good ones might not have openings. Good luck.

Search Results - Montana Outfitters & Guides Association

www.montanaoutfitters.org

You guys are awesome!

 

[Kydeerslayer64]

You guys are awesome!

Here’s the million dollar question…
What specific areas offer the best odds at lower elevations and more manageable terrain?
I have been hunting for years and understand how weather and hunting pressure can increase or decrease the odds.
I will have to plan this trip months in advance and don’t have the local advantage of waiting for the best opportunities…just being out there hunting and the experience is often enough for me, shooting an elk is just as they say the “Icing on the Cake “ or here in Ky like sipping great bourbon.