Looking into my first elk hunt

[Blackdirt Cowboy]

Just talked to Mick Chapell. His outlook was pretty bleak on the chances of a non-resident drawing a tag in New Mexico. Sounded like it would be worth it if you got lucky, though. I'm thinking I just need to start applying in states with the bonus point system, but even then it seems there are no guarantees.

 

[Barrelnut]

I would contact Len (the owner of this site) LongRangeHunting has groups elk hunts in WY every year. Reasonable cost with a encouraging success rate. Check the thread below. Tells cost and what is need as far as licenses for the last one in 2018.
https://www.longrangehunting.com/th...t-for-elk-with-non-typical-outfitters.191694/

 

[Rick Richard]

Just talked to Mick Chapell. His outlook was pretty bleak on the chances of a non-resident drawing a tag in New Mexico. Sounded like it would be worth it if you got lucky, though. I'm thinking I just need to start applying in states with the bonus point system, but even then it seems there are no guarantees.

That is why I recommended going with the landowner tag route. A bit more expensive, but you are gaurantee a tag

 

[jwall3d11]

Colorado is probably your best bet. A lot of otc tags. Wyoming where Nontypical is located takes 2-3 points to draw.

 

[Barrelnut]

And while your working on those 2~3 points (years), get a OTC in CO and learn a little about elk country and elk hunting. Might get one, might not, but I guarantee you you will learn a lot.
You can also buy a point in WY to help it go quicker.

 

[MtPockets]

Here is a brief rundown of the Nonresident Combo licenses that are available in Montana. They are pretty spendy, but there is also another option called a 'B Tag' that is less expensive.

http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/licenses/all/nonresidentCombo.html

My suggestion would be to pick a good hunting partner (or two), research OTC areas, and make a hunt of a lifetime every year.
Meanwhile, put in for the preference points in whatever state you choose. You'll learn about elk and elk hunting while spending quality time in the woods and eventually you'll draw a bull tag. Then you can decide if you need a guide or just want to do it on your own.

Good luck! Keep us up to date on how it's all going!

 

[turkeyfever]

A elk hunt will run from $2,000 to $20,000 depending on what direction you take. I would set a budget first and then ask for directions from there.

 

[Blackdirt Cowboy]

I can't afford the landowner permit hunts. I've got enough money saved up that I can afford a quality guided hunt. I'm going to have to start putting in applications and building bonus points. In the meantime, I may or may not look into OTC permits in Colorado and Wyoming. Montana seems ridiculously expensive o try and hunt on an OTC permit.

 

[Deleted member 107796]

I dream of shooting bulls like that. Not sure I have the funds to get that kind of hunt.

The cost of a CO nonresident bull/fishing combo is $661. Do your homework, find the areas and target some thick beds and good elk routes and you can get a nice bull like those. What it takes, mostly, that most don't do is the willingness to hike in, stay put, and have clear plan in place if you drop one. Look at the deadfall that those hogs are in!

 

[hunter67wa]

Yes in NM it takes a couple of years to draw, but it is worth it.

 

[Deleted member 107796]

Yes in NM it takes a couple of years to draw, but it is worth it.

Does NM have a leftover list at the end of the draw?

 

[Plinker147]

Yes there is a left over list but they are never left over elk licenses. I think I've seen 1 or 2 left over elk licenses in 10 years and those were for handicapped hunters.

In NM 6% of the tags in a unit are reserved for non-resident unguided. 10% of the tags are reserved for guided non-resident, and 84% are for residents. My suggestion to the OP is start building points in other states but apply for NM premium elk hunts. Its a random draw every year so your odds aren't good but the same every year, why not try. If you do draw you really don't need a guide in our top units there is a ton of elk. But if your really interested in the big bulls 350+ a guide will help your chances considerably.

 

[Troutslayer2]

Montana seems ridiculously expensive o try and hunt on an OTC permit.

Good to hear. Whatever it costs I wish we would quadruple it.

 

[turkeyfever]

You could also do a management bull hunt in New Mexico fairly cheap. I have hunted this ranch for antelope, mule deer and bull and cow elk.
http://www.expressuubar.com/elk