i have hunted with wayne hill outfitting a number of times for elk in both idaho and montana. his prices are very reasonable (for an elk hunt!) and hunting is top notch. you hunt public land but the area holds a good number of huge bulls and almost no other hunter competition. the area is VERY demanding and success depends on how good you can get up and down very steep mountains (some areas feel like sheep country). his guides will work as hard as needed to get you a shot, they really know what they are doing. highly recommended.

 

Whatever you do DO NOT go with York Outfitters from Idaho,, long story short, guides got lost everyday, property wasn't scouted prior to our arrival,, $4000 horse ride [down]

 

Dad and I hunted with Grouse Mesa Outfitters in New Mexico. 7000 acre private ranch horseback hunt. Lots of elk with a very good chance to get a bull. Check out their website to get an idea about quality of bulls. If you, or anyone is considering this outfitter, feel free to pm me for more info

 

try hook and hoof, you can bring your new recurve that your going to purchase[ninja]

 

[lol]

 

What do you mean by a larger bull?
While price in not always commensurate in the size of your elk, it often helps (unfortunately).
If you are looking for one int the 250 to 300 range, then please,please do not overlook Oregon. IMHO, you have way better chances of scoring on a bull there than any other states you may be looking at. And the price is much better than the other states.
Bigger than 300, then any of the states that you mention are good choices. The price for a "good" will be approaching or surpassing the 10K area. Anything over 350 is either a lie or going to seriously hit you wallet.
PM me and I can give you some more info.

 

$4000 horse ride

OUCH[wallmad]

 

Do you have any bonus points for arizona or utah? If not, you could be years drawing a tag there.

 

Do you have any bonus points for arizona or utah? If not, you could be years drawing a tag there.

I have some extra BJ points for detailing my wife's car, but I don't think that's what you mean[confused]
I checked a few outfitters who offered landowner permits. My budget is enough to include that, but I would rather not spend the extra $$. I've never hunted with an outfitter, this is all new to me. I'm trying to learn as much about the process as possible for every individual state.

 

I told you where to go so stop it

SS!

 

I told you where to go so stop it

And I told you, he's too much $$$ for the quality of bullls he gets his clients.

 

DIY in the area with a few scouting trips beforehand

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big elk in AZ with a outfitter is big time cash.

 

$4000 horse ride

My horse ride in British Columbia cost me $12,000. Well actually I didn't ride them too much because I spent most of my hunt looking for them[wallmad]

 

Angel, don't go to Arizona, sheriff Joe will be waiting for you. lol. Don't listen to Will, he always takes the easy way and goes with his Bow. lazy!

 

There is a ton of BLM and national forest property out west...Do some home work and Hunt on your own.
DIY hunts are so much more rewarding, knowing that you did it on your own instead of just being a trigger man.

 

There is a ton of BLM and national forest property out west...Do some home work and Hunt on your own.
DIY hunts are so much more rewarding, knowing that you did it on your own instead of just being a trigger man.

I agree with this. Looks like you have plenty of time to plan so do some research, and start getting in shape now. Even if you think you are in good shape, you probably will not feel that way your first few days at 10,000 feet, or when you have to pack one out.

If you want to shoot a big bull, go spend the $$ and go with an outfitter. That is your best chance at a big bull.

If you want to go elk hunting, experience the hunting out west, and do it for a reasonable price, with a reasonable chance of getting an elk, a DIY hunt on public land will be right for you. Four of us did this, a two week bowhunt for elk in Colorado. In 2009, we took 2 vehicles and it costs about $1500 to $1600 each. In 2010 we took one vehicle and did it for about $1200.00 each, that's everything: gas, tolls, food, tags.

One elk came home in 2009, nothing in 2010, but there is more to hunting out west than the kill, at least for me there was.

If you just want to kill an elk----> outfitter and $$$.

Good luck whichever way you go, it's a great experience.

 

Siggma Hunts in Utah...100% success with rifle during the rut.
http://siggmaknives.com/hunts.html

Heavens Gate Outfitters in Idaho. http://www.hgoid.com/

 

I'm looking to hunt with the BOW only. I spoke to my brother-in-law today who lives in Telluride. He was looking out the window at some immature bulls when he woke this morning. According to him, there are bulls (some big, mostly small) all around him. He's gonna ask a few of his buddies who hunt a few questions for me. Question is, other than pressure and access, what should I be asking? Sorry for my ignorance, but I've never hunted out west.

 

One elk came home in 2009, nothing in 2010, but there is more to hunting out west than the kill, at least for me there was.

If you just want to kill an elk----> outfitter and $$$.

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And I told you, he's too much $$$ for the quality of bullls he gets his clients.

say "SS!" at the lodge for an instant savings[ko]

 

We should get a trip going out west

 

say "SS!" at the lodge for an instant savings

Leave off the last S for savings [ko]