Guided elk hunt

[bigred1]

Philward, I don't know where you got the $2000 price tag from, but as of now that's just not true. The most expensive license is a special draw that greatly improves you chance of drawing, that one is a little over $1200. The regular is almost $700 and cows an under $300. I know that's expensive for most of us working or retired people, but the people of this state are tax adverse and want big oil, coal and nonresident hunters to carry them. Which they mostly do.

 

[Ronald W Schaefer]

So I'm wanting to go on a guide elk hunt in the coming years. I have zero preference points in any state for elk. Curious if anyone on here has any recommendations for a Outfitter with little to no preference points. Been looking in Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico. I know New Mexico you can purchase a hunt and landowner tag, but that's going to be out of my price range.

I saved up for all my landowner hunts and a hunt in Africa. If you say its gonna be a few years down the road commit to a "payment" to yourself every month. Landowner hunts are a tad spendy but I'm 3 for 3 in successful hunts.

 

[birddog 68]

I saved up for all my landowner hunts and a hunt in Africa. If you say its gonna be a few years down the road commit to a "payment" to yourself every month. Landowner hunts are a tad spendy but I'm 3 for 3 in successful hunts.

This is how I do it. Scrape and save for a good hunt every few years. Good doesn't necessarily mean success though but my average is pretty good also.

 

[Don Titus]

Philward, I don't know where you got the $2000 price tag from, but as of now that's just not true. The most expensive license is a special draw that greatly improves you chance of drawing, that one is a little over $1200. The regular is almost $700 and cows an under $300. I know that's expensive for most of us working or retired people, but the people of this state are tax adverse and want big oil, coal and nonresident hunters to carry them. Which they mostly do.

Just saw a YouTube video where Randy Newburg predicts the Special Elk license in WY will be $2K by 2024 and preference point dilution will be "over the top" because of the changes WY is making to favor resident hunters. I'm booked for first rifle in Bridget Tetons in 2024 and between increased license and outfitter fees I'm going to have to fork over another $2K. At 80, I don't have too many high mountain horseback hunts left, so I'm not happy about it, but it is what it is…

 

[bdlesh]

I was hoping to afford a guided elk hunt but, after seeing the cost, it is more than I would like to spend. A good hunt is $6500-20,000 depending on what you end up killing. I imagine you can double those prices by the time everything is paid for. I was hoping to get out for $10,000 or so. Guess like my better days....have past me by

 

[bigred1]

Don I hope the YouTube video is wrong. The Wyoming legislature sets the rates on licenses so I guess we'll find out soon enough. Personally I don't get my news off of youtuber's predictions. I believe that if enough nonresidents don't come here to hunt something will change, at least that's what the laws of supply and demand would dictate.
Lot's of luck with your draw and may you have a successful hunt.

 

[Troutslayer2]

What is this supposed to mean?

It means don't be as proud of an elk you bought as one you earned.

 

[Window]

It means don't be as proud of an elk you bought as one you earned.

It's sad that it's now where it is. The experience of hunting in the west is special and I've done so for the past 25 years. I also hunted ducks from Manitoba from the gulf in south Louisiana since my late teen days. It all got too commercialized and took all the fun out of it. I'm still making the trip out west to Colorado every year and was fortunate to take an elk and a deer this year but the ducks I gave up ten years ago. Now that the wolves are being reintroduced in where we hunt in Colorado, I'm afraid the days of perusing my passion are numbered. What happened to the good ole days?

 

[bigred1]

Window, it's to many people chasing after the same or fewer resources and land owners capitalizing on a new revenue stream. The old saying "follow the money" is still true.

 

[Thompsonj]

After talking to a friend in AZ, I'm going to start applying there. Going to be looking into late season rifle in the unit he lives in.

 

[Southern 62]

I've lived in Colorado since 1976. Hunted elk most years including several archery hunting. Taken 17 which is a good percentage. Always wanted to go on a horse pack trip, but at 75 I've about run out of time.
Saw a fine 6 pointer the day before opening this year, then not even a fresh track for the next 6 days. It can be discouraging.
Your chances increase a lot I would think by hiring an outfitter since they, usually, are in the area scouting and learning the country long before the season opens.
It costs a lot for horses, equipment, food, manpower to run an outfit. Nothing in hunting can nor should guarantee success. You can only hunt hard and hunt wisely.
BTW, the area I hunted (Gore Pass near Kremmling, CO) in this year you could easily apply for a cow tag and buy an OTC bull tag increasing your chances…though I failed…LOL!
Lots more hunters these days in Colorado than even 20 years ago. Still if you're capable of hiking (maybe even in snow!) 1-2 miles away from roads your chances increase greatly. But remember you still have to haul your prize back out. That is likely 4-5 round trips. Very tough on a 75 yo man.

Best of luck and don't waist time in your youth to get the chance to hunt the mountains for elk! It is special!

I totally agree!!!! Youth only comes once!!!

 

[Philward]

Just saw a YouTube video where Randy Newburg predicts the Special Elk license in WY will be $2K by 2024 and preference point dilution will be "over the top" because of the changes WY is making to favor resident hunters. I'm booked for first rifle in Bridget Tetons in 2024 and between increased license and outfitter fees I'm going to have to fork over another $2K. At 80, I don't have too many high mountain horseback hunts left, so I'm not happy about it, but it is what it is…

That's where I heard it, not for next year but later. I assume he is a reputable authority in it if state tags and licenses. Tried for Montana last year but didn't draw but that's the only time I ever tried out of state hunting.

 

[mnoland30]

NM allocates 6% of the draw bull tags for non-residents who are not guided. Unit 34 (which has some cronic wasting disease) had an either sex muzzleloader hunt this year, and lots of elk. Next year Game & Fish is threatening to not allow scopes on muzzleloaders, so if you're willing to shoot a scopeless smoke pole, you have a pretty good chance of getting drawn. I believe lots of NM hunters will not put in if they can't use scopes. Elk are easier to hunt than deer. They are bigger and easier to spot, and run in bigger herds. In October for the muzzleloader hunt they are often still bugling. Buy yourself a good Springbar or Kodiak tent and a catalytic heater and you can outfit yourself. If you get drawn in unit 13, 15,17, 5b, or 34, PM me and I'll tell you where to go. If you have OnX on your phone, it will tell you which ranches get unit wide permits. If they do, they have to allow access on their ranches. As far as packing them out, you have to be in shape, but you don't have to carry out the bones. Get in shape by carrying a pack full of sand or lead shot. Learn the gutless method. Usually in October, it is cool enough to leave the meat out overnight without spoilage. That gives you time to make 3 or 4 trips. I'm 69, and I can still pack out an elk by myself, but I work at staying in shape. You may be able to find locals with horses to pack out your elk.

 

[Elkeater]

Philward, I don't know where you got the $2000 price tag from, but as of now that's just not true. The most expensive license is a special draw that greatly improves you chance of drawing, that one is a little over $1200. The regular is almost $700 and cows an under $300. I know that's expensive for most of us working or retired people, but the people of this state are tax adverse and want big oil, coal and nonresident hunters to carry them. Which they mostly do.

The Wyoming state legislature has approved the NR special price increase to about $1900 for 2024. Antelope and deer special NR are approved to over $1000 now.