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.

 

[Addicting]

Shelton Ranch Outfitters

Private ranch access • High-country elk, deer, antelope & more • Small-group hunts with personalized accommodations

sheltonranch.com

It was featured on Wilderness Journal so you can see what it is all about. Just search them up on YouTube. It’s a great place for your Dad to build good memories with you.

 

[Laelkhunter]

What type of budget you on? Some very nice all-inclusive well catered hunts available, just depends on your available $$.

 

[@fulldraw]

good question and one i'm still working through. NM voucher prices are outrageous and seem to run anywhere from $6500 - $16k.

Realistically, I think i'd be able to pay $15kish all in (tag plus lodging/guide) for him. my brother would pay his own way. i would just be along for the ride/experience with the old man.

 

[44hunter45]

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!

This

I lost my dad this year. I would have paid anything to have done one more elk hunt with him.

 

[Steiny77]

Get with a good booking agent and do a hunt where you don't need to draw points. They are still available.
Spend the bucks to get on a private ranch with a reputable outfitter where you will have good lodging, hot meals, showers and a bed every night.
I've done several elk hunts like this and got a nice bull each time.

 

[Lostinthewoods]

good question and one i'm still working through. NM voucher prices are outrageous and seem to run anywhere from $6500 - $16k.

Realistically, I think i'd be able to pay $15kish all in (tag plus lodging/guide) for him. my brother would pay his own way. i would just be along for the ride/experience with the old man.

I looked at some units in NM that I know meet what you’re talking about and I noticed the price shoot’s up significantly when you add in the cabin and lodging.
(A lot looked around $12K that included a guide for the hunter, lodging, and food, etc)

You may just have to get creative. Maybe instead of using their lodging you get an Airbnb and just have the guide meet you in the field.

Meal prep and cook at the Airbnb every day.

That should cut costs down.

 

[jpc01101]

Call Milligan Brand in Chana, NM they have a comfortable lodge and have access to enough private that your Dad won’t have trouble getting on an elk. The only issue would be trophy quality. A 300” bull is absolutely possible but they kill a lot of 6x6 270-280 bulls.

 

[rookieforever33]

After a few years of point creep and rising prices my family group decided to do a cow elk hunt. Could book one and draw tags immediately for the entire 6 guys. Ages ranged from 30 to 60. Booked 5 days to alleviate pressure and enjoy ourselves after the hunt. Everyone got a cow by the end of day 3. No antlers for the wall, but the memories are priceless.

 

[Deerhunter6250]

300 inch bulls are hard to come by even on most guided hunts. 260 t0 280 not so much

 

[jimh406]

I'd check with guides (check references) and pay the money required for him. You and your brother can just go to hang out. That's what I would have done if I had a redo.

If he's like many dads, he'd let you guys take the first shots. Not quite the goal of the hunt for "him".

 

[Laelkhunter]

good question and one i'm still working through. NM voucher prices are outrageous and seem to run anywhere from $6500 - $16k.

Realistically, I think i'd be able to pay $15kish all in (tag plus lodging/guide) for him. my brother would pay his own way. i would just be along for the ride/experience with the old man.

Chama Land and Cattle. Run by the Jicarilla. Top notch in every way. $4 million lodge all-inclusive. Some you-tube videos are available. They do have free range elk that are real bruisers, and they also have some high fence hunts that are just as rugged as the other part of the ranch. Also, bring your fishing rod for some spectacular rainbow fishing. Top notch 5 star meals daily-no baloney sandwiches there. Non hunters can also make the trip.