Rec for Elk Trip for Father

[@fulldraw]

I'm looking for recs/insights for a guided elk hunt for my Dad (74), Brother (45), and me (40). This hunt is primarily for my dad. He recently expressed interest in wishing he had gone on an elk hunt so we would love to try and make this happen while he is still in good shape. He is active working on a ranch and doesn't have issues moving around or shooting a gun (will still get up in a tree stand in the fall for whitetail) though he will be the first to say he doesn't want to be hoofing it up 1000' with a heavy pack. We would certainly consider private land options that may allow for a little less pressure or easier SxS access to give him more opportunities. We are agnostic on state. Would love for him to have realistic shot at 300"+ bull. Would prefer to be based out of a cabin (he has gotten soft in his old age ). we are planning Fall 2027.

if someone has done a similar trip with great experience, i would love to hear about it.

 

[rmyoung1]

What’s your point status across the states with elk?

 

[@fulldraw]

I have 3-9 points across most states. He has zero. Brother has zero. I'm operating under the assumption we will buy a land owner voucher.

 

[Lostinthewoods]

My dad died when he was 63 before we got to do “a big hunt”.

Simple answer - #*^@#* waiting for points, make it a sure thing, and pay for the trip of a life time.

If you want to solidify the hunt without worrying about the point game, start your research with New Mexico. Buy 2-3 vouchers depending on how many of you want to hunt, focus on units that meet your needs (cabin and 300”+) and start saving now.

Personally I’d do a unit wide voucher over ranch only.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[rmyoung1]

I have 3-9 points across most states. He has zero. Brother has zero. I'm operating under the assumption we will buy a land owner voucher.

Well, if you’re cool with buying vouchers, then their zero-point status won’t matter too much. New Mexico and Colorado should provide some options.

 

[@fulldraw]

My dad died when he was 63 before we got to do “a big hunt”.

Simple answer - #*^@#* waiting for points, make it a sure thing, and pay for the trip of a life time.

If you want to solidify the hunt without worrying about the point game, start your research with New Mexico. Buy 2-3 vouchers depending on how many of you want to hunt, focus on units that meet your needs (cabin and 300”+) and start saving now.

Personally I’d do a unit wide voucher over ranch only.

Thank you. This is my exact thought process. The topic came up in conversation recently and I want to make it happen as soon as possible for this very reason--you never know what life may throw at you. I have no doubt that the memories made will be worth the dollars spent when you look back on it.

New Mexico is high on the list due to the amount of LO vouchers and I have been lucky enough to hunt in New Mexico for elk a couple of times so I am familiar with a couple of the units there. If anyone has any recs for outfitters that cater to the "more accessible" hunting with lodge based accommodations, let me know.

 

[rmyoung1]

Another option, assuming your 9-point state is Wyoming, is buy a point for everyone in your party this year. Next year, apply for a general tag in the special as a party in the West Region. Then, if you draw, book the trip of a lifetime with a good outfit in one of the wilderness areas. It won’t be a cabin or lodge, but wall tent camps are comfortable, and it’ll be the type of elk hunting memory you’d like to make, I bet.