re: Big game hunting out West

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Colorado, Wyoming or Montana

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Those are great options for possibly getting a nice hunt in the next few years for elk or deer.

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deer, elk, sheep

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Sheep hunting in the lower 48 is not really attainable without good planning and a lot of luck or really (I mean seriously!) deep pockets.

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when planning something like this, what do i need to think about?

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Definitely think about the time and amount of planning needed to get a desirable tag. A Wyoming general tag will probably take 4 preference points to draw. A Montana general will take two or three and if you apply with an outfitter you can buy two bonus points when you apply. Colorado has over the counter tags and decent opportunities that you can get with low points.

From my perspective, those Colorado over the counter hunts and low point opportunities aren’t that desirable unless you get horsed into a remote place by a knowledgeable outfitter, have(or pay for) access to private land, or have some kind of trespass access.

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Are there certain agencies that would be more helpful than others I could contact?

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It’s not that hard to figure out the application process but if I needed an application service I’d call “the draw” or huntin fool. I’ve never spent a dollar or applied with either of them but I’ve called and they seemed very helpful and knowledgeable.

My advice would be first decide what you want your hunt to look like. Do you want to backpack? Do you want to be on horseback? Do you want to get horsed in and be alone? Bow or rifle? Deer or elk? Do you want to shoot a giant or are you ok with like a decent representation of the species? Some of those will basically require an outfitter, some could be done DIY. It may help to work backwards and call some outfitters who are doing what you think you’d like to do and ask them what’s required.