If You Have Been On An Elk Hunt Check In Here!

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I did an archery elk hunt in New Mexico a few years ago. I hunted the Gila NF in Unit 16A. It was the most physical arse beating I've ever put myself through. I got a decent 5x5 on the final day of the hunt. Hunting the bugle is cool and if you have a chance you should check it out. My advice is to get in shape. If you are not in shape your likelihood of getting an archery elk drops by 75% IMHO. I was running 3-5 miles a day for 6 months leading up to my hunt and the altitude still wore me down.

If you are looking for a high quality bull then go with AZ. You have two choices, wait the 6-10 years necessary to draw a prime bull elk tag or buy a landowner tag. Be prepared to pay somewhere on the order of $10K+ if you go the landowner route.

New Mexico's Gila NF is decent. There is a good elk population but monsters are getting fewer. A 250-300 class bull is typical there.

I dont think NM or AZ allows nonresidents to DIY. They say its a safety issue and with NM you have to list your outfitter when purchasing your tag.

I believe a Colorado has elk tags right over the counter. If you just want to blast an elk or DIY this is your best bet. Quality will be low and hunting pressure will be high.

Hope this helps..

I've been on an elk hunt to Etolin Island here in SE. No need for a guide (resident) but it's difficult to get a permit, since so few are given out for the island elk. SE AK Moose and elk hunts are permit draws, and harder to come by.

Went here in August, amazing experience. I know I'll catch flack for being high fence, and but it was something I'll likely never get an opportunity to do again with my dad. We aren't big game hunters and the biggest thing either of us had killed prior to this hunt was a goose. Its a first class operation from the food, to the guides, to the bulls themselves.