What Is Your Suggestion For an Ideal First Elk Hunt?

[huntnkat]

Thanks for the input guys. LCH- That's cool that you can do that in ID. We have bears in TN but only really far east and they're hard to hunt from what I hear. I think I'm leaning towards CO archery or MT archery for now and I'll start building points in WY to get a good unit there once I get some experience under my belt. I like the idea of Idaho but that's a significantly longer drive for us than CO would be. I sure appreciate everyone's help.

 

[3855WIN]

On average, archery hunting takes more time. Try to plan for two weeks, if possible. Also remember getting away from people could also mean a long pack out if you kill an elk.

 

[el unit]

huntnkat- My hunting is spent in the Pioneer Mtns north of Dillon. Every drainage or creek has a campground and/or trailhead. Lots of access- some motorized, some roadless.

 

[hunt1up]

This year is my 11th western hunt in a row and 3rd elk hunt and I feel like I'm just now getting comfortable in the mountains looking for elk...the terrain, the altitude, the size of the land. But I can be a slow learner at times!

I think I'd pull a cow tag in a better quality unit and go next year. Bank a point or two and then use them. You can draw some damn fine cow tags that will allow you to see more animals, learn the terrain, and do it with less pressure. I had 3-4 WY points in 2014 and we elected to go cow hunting. I'm glad I did before I used those points. I've learned a ton since. This year we have a good bull tag and I feel pretty good about it.

There's plenty of bull options too, and if a shot at a bull is important, then ignore my post!

 

[wytex]

Lots of great areas in Wyoming without bear issues. Either would be a good plan. Maybe a drop camp for your first hunt. Then you don't have to worry about all the equipment.

 

[huntnkat]

Thanks for all the great advice guys. I talked to my brother last night. I think we're gonna try to go to Colorado for a year or two while building points in WY. That way we can get some experience and know what we're doing a little more when we use our points. We really thought about MT, but it's a good bit further drive and tags are a good bit more expensive. My brother will still be a youth when we go so his CO tag is only around $100. A drop camp would definitely be nice, but we plan on doing this about every year so I kinda feel like the money we would use for a drop camp would be better spent on quality gear we can use down the road. Any thoughts on archery vs 1st rifle season in CO? Good luck to everyone this year btw.

 

[JDH]

As stated before, you could probably draw a Wyoming general tag in 2018 if you buy your points the next couple of years.

Idaho allows you to use an elk or deer tag on a wolf, lion, or black bear, which provides a little more opportunity.

If you already know someone who elk hunts, try to buddy up with them. Offer to drive your rig and pay for the gas in exchange for taking you under their wing.

LCH, do you need a ride to WY...say 2018 elk season?

 

[LCH]

LCH, do you need a ride to WY...say 2018 elk season?

I'm always looking for good guys to share hunts with, it seems like that's hard to find around here.

I've killed exactly one elk though, of the hornless variety, so I'd at least have to buy the gas.

 

[sbhooper]

Thanks for all the great advice guys. I talked to my brother last night. I think we're gonna try to go to Colorado for a year or two while building points in WY. That way we can get some experience and know what we're doing a little more when we use our points. We really thought about MT, but it's a good bit further drive and tags are a good bit more expensive. My brother will still be a youth when we go so his CO tag is only around $100. A drop camp would definitely be nice, but we plan on doing this about every year so I kinda feel like the money we would use for a drop camp would be better spent on quality gear we can use down the road. Any thoughts on archery vs 1st rifle season in CO? Good luck to everyone this year btw.

If you are wrapped up around antlers, then the first rifle could be a bit harder to get a decent permit. The units with good bulls usually take several points. I think that you would have a hard time drawing any decent units. Archery would probably be better, but if I was in your shoes, I would get cow permits for a year or two and learn the areas and how to hunt them.

 

[JohnCushman]

He could hunt OTC archery or leftover cow muzzleloader tags for a few years while he collects enough points for a 1st season hunt.

 

[huntnkat]

We're not wrapped around antlers. We'd be tickled with a cow. But we would like to have an either sex tag just in case we get a chance at a bull. I'm thinking we might apply for either muzzleloader or 1st rifle as a first choice, but hunt OTC archery in the last week of September as a plan B. I plan to build points in WY for several years while we get some experience in CO. Can youths apply for all the same hunts/units etc as anybody else?

 

[JDH]

I'm always looking for good guys to share hunts with, it seems like that's hard to find around here.

I've killed exactly one elk though, of the hornless variety, so I'd at least have to buy the gas.

That's one more than me!