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Started By
Message
Best state to get OOS elk tags for gun hunt?
Posted on 12/17/16 at 3:27 am
Posted on 12/17/16 at 3:27 am
Wanting to start looking into planning a DIY elk rifle hunt out west. I know Montanas herd is down bc of the wolves. Which states offer the best mix of success rate and chance at a quality/trophy bull.
Tia
Tia
This post was edited on 12/17/16 at 3:57 am
6
Posted on 12/17/16 at 5:23 am to GREENHEAD22
I hunted the Coeur d'Alene Nation Forest in Idaho this year. Plenty elk. Didn't get one but I heard them, saw lots of tracks. Saw a spike but couldn't get a shot off. Wasn't overcrowded with hunters and the few I saw were real nice. Planning a bow hunt in Colorado next year. So if anyone knows a good unit let me know.
Posted on 12/17/16 at 7:22 am to GREENHEAD22
It depends on if you are going for the experience or going to kill.
After going to Colorado and trying my luck at over the counter elk hunting. I enjoyed the challenge but I concluded that 1. You need horses to get to the spots where the other walkin hunters can't get, 2. There are a ton of people just like you who are trying the same thing, odds are low. 3. It's extremely challenging from a elevation/terraine standpoint.
If you can actually get drawn in NM you have good odds. Odds of drawing are less than 3%.
Other spots are good as well but it will take years to get drawn.
Do yourself a favor, hire an outfitter. Thank me later.
After going to Colorado and trying my luck at over the counter elk hunting. I enjoyed the challenge but I concluded that 1. You need horses to get to the spots where the other walkin hunters can't get, 2. There are a ton of people just like you who are trying the same thing, odds are low. 3. It's extremely challenging from a elevation/terraine standpoint.
If you can actually get drawn in NM you have good odds. Odds of drawing are less than 3%.
Other spots are good as well but it will take years to get drawn.
Do yourself a favor, hire an outfitter. Thank me later.
Posted on 12/17/16 at 8:25 am to LSUisBetterthanU
When are you looking to go? With 0 preference points anywhere you go will not be good odds, not have a large herd, and not have huge bulls. As said Idaho may be the best for basically over the counter or drawing with 0 pref points for Elk.
You have to realize that some of the best units now literally require 18-20 years of preference points.
But if you are going to try and go in 3-5 years and build up your points then that would certainly change things quite a bit.
You have to realize that some of the best units now literally require 18-20 years of preference points.
But if you are going to try and go in 3-5 years and build up your points then that would certainly change things quite a bit.
Posted on 12/17/16 at 8:34 am to GREENHEAD22
quote:
Wanting to start looking into planning a DIY elk rifle hunt out west
I'd suggest Colorado, but I think you will find good options in a few other states as well. I've heard a bunch of different numbers but it always seems to be 1 in 6 fill their tags.
Your changes are going to increase if you're in good shape and you have already broken in your boots. The #1 thing I've seen stop hunts is bad feet. Get yourself a nice tripod for your binoculars and spotting scope.
Have fun! You can do it
Posted on 12/17/16 at 8:45 am to GREENHEAD22
I would go Colorado. Pick a unit that requires 1-2 points to draw a bull tag. Spend the next 2 years putting in for a preference point 1st and cow tag 2nd. You should draw the cow tag. Spend the time hunting to look for good REMOTE areas to get away from crowds. Try to find a few options in one area. That way other hunters don't ruin your hunt. If you kill a cow that's a bonus because you learn if your equipment and body is up to packing it out.
Posted on 12/17/16 at 10:11 am to GREENHEAD22
Bugle article from this month says Montana elk herd is 30,000 above plan so they are extending the seasons in certain units.
Wolves are the best excuse for lazy outfitters since weather
Wolves are the best excuse for lazy outfitters since weather
Posted on 12/17/16 at 2:05 pm to nogoodjr
Last time I hunted Colorado in '09, it was about a 10% success rate on legal bulls on public land.
It's difficult hunting and we brought our own mules with us. Awesome experience though. Can't wait to go back.
It's difficult hunting and we brought our own mules with us. Awesome experience though. Can't wait to go back.
Posted on 12/17/16 at 4:59 pm to GREENHEAD22
quote:
I know Montanas herd is down bc of the wolves.
Where do people get bullshite information like this? The population is up and has been increasing steadily.
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