Advice for a novice Elk Hunter

[Poyntman]

Hey Guys,
I'm new here and would much appreciate some advice....I apologize for the length but the more detail the better
My buddy and I are from TN. He wants to bowhunt Elk this Fall. I bowhunted Elk a couple of times in CO but many years ago now... when we were both much younger and more fit.
1) which State? CO OTC (with all the crowds but big herds) or WY general or Other? (I've hunted in WY, CO, ID) He wants to go to CO (that's the only place he's hunted out West) but I want to go where we will have the BEST EXPERIENCE
2) terrain..we are the types willing to get away from crowds but we are 50 now and not 25 so I think it would be wise to find a recommendation that's not too rugged. I don't think I can hike 10 miles up and down every day anymore
3) our expectations are not to kill a huge bull... we just want to have a great time and would love to just be successful
4) timing..He wants to go first week (it will likely be hit and Elk likely not bugling)..I think it may be wise to wait a week (or two)

I appreciate all of the advice and knowledge in advance guys...

 

[ScottR]

I will unashamedly add my plug here...

Start with a 2018 MRS Annual and a subscription to both Journals. This will help with state selection.

 

[LCH]

You're a day late and a dollar short for Wyoming, app period has passed.

If I were you I'd probably go where I'd been before if possible, maybe for nostalgia if nothing else. Otherwise you can still try for a tag in AZ, NM, MT, or your OTC options in CO and ID.

 

[kidoggy]

first ? welcome to the site!

Idaho has many otc either sex elk archery hunts.

not sure which I would choose as far as being easier then the next

I personally prefer early rut to late rut as far as the bugling goes. expect it will be HOT though , so have a plan in place for cooling the meat and getting it out fast.

 

[dirtclod Az.]

Az. has NO Elk,Deer Or Javelina.Maybe a Jackalope or two.

 

[kidoggy]

Az. has NO Elk,Deer Or Javelina.Maybe a Jackalope or two.

I hear they are bigger in texas.

 

[RICMIC]

Being 50 shouldn't hold you back...wish I was 50 again. I am 66 and still solo backpack hunt the high country, and there are others on the forum who have a decade or more on me. It's stated over and over: Be in the best shape possible, be confident in your shooting skills, and hunt where there are actually some elk. Don't limit yourself to how far you can hunt, but rather how far you can pack out an elk.

 

[87TT]

If you are really going to do this, you need to get in shape. And when you think you are, get in better shape. Like Kidoggy said have a plan to get the meat out if you are lucky and get one. Elk have this habit of living in some steep and rough stuff. And the ability to change zipcodes at the drop of a hat.
I try to keep in some kind of shape all year but start ramping up in the summer. Start climbing hills and walking every day. I wear a progressively loaded pack. Bow practice every day.
Oh yeah 66 years old here too. (at least I will be in 4 days)

 

[Poyntman]

Thanks,
Im a long time subscriber...and have read and used the MRS over the years (with particular success on Antelope)
Looks Like CO it will be...I need to find more detailed information on herd size and terrain etc by Unit.
I've never hunted other than near Dillon/Silverthorn and we worked hard but we did get into some Elk..
I'd like to maybe find some more open area where we could do some glassing etc vs hiking miles in black timber

 

[Poyntman]

first ? welcome to the site!

Idaho has many otc either sex elk archery hunts.

not sure which I would choose as far as being easier then the next

I personally prefer early rut to late rut as far as the bugling goes. expect it will be HOT though , so have a plan in place for cooling the meat and getting it out fast.

Thanks...good advice on the heat....

 

[Poyntman]

Being 50 shouldn't hold you back...wish I was 50 again. I am 66 and still solo backpack hunt the high country, and there are others on the forum who have a decade or more on me. It's stated over and over: Be in the best shape possible, be confident in your shooting skills, and hunt where there are actually some elk. Don't limit yourself to how far you can hunt, but rather how far you can pack out an elk.

Very true advice...I've been in that situation where you dread the thought of multiple multi mile trips with a load on your back

 

[Poyntman]

Az. has NO Elk,Deer Or Javelina.Maybe a Jackalope or two.

Oh AZ has got em...just too damn hard to get the permits lol...supply and demand

 

[Prerylyon]

Without getting into specifics that may amount to spilling too many beans; I'll share my basic strategy as an elk novice:

1. Hunt elk every year from now on
2. Until I anchor one/get more experience hunt states that have hunt areas with large numbers of accessible elk

#1 means states with OTC tags (or nearly so) will need serious consideration due to draw realities. #2 means a frank look at overall harvest numbers, however flawed they may be, and elk density in accessible country. #2 may lead to hunts with high hunter density; but so be it. Guys kill elk in those places every year-it might as well be you and me.

I've only chased elk twice; and one of those times I was only along for the ride; but both times it was addicting.


Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337Z using Tapatalk

 

[Poyntman]

I will unashamedly add my plug here...

Start with a 2018 MRS Annual and a subscription to both Journals. This will help with state selection.

Thanks Scott...
I've done that...been a subscriber for years and have always enjoyed the MRS and have encouraged others to as well

 

[Poyntman]

Without getting into specifics that may amount to spilling too many beans; I'll share my basic strategy as an elk novice:

1. Hunt elk every year from now on
2. Until I anchor one/get more experience hunt states that have hunt areas with large numbers of accessible elk

#1 means states with OTC tags (or nearly so) will need serious consideration due to draw realities. #2 means a frank look at overall harvest numbers, however flawed they may be, and elk density in accessible country. #2 may lead to hunts with high hunter density; but so be it. Guys kill elk in those places every year-it might as well be you and me.

I've only chased elk twice; and one of those times I was only along for the ride; but both times it was addicting.


Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337Z using Tapatalk

Thanks for the advice...it's quite true. I've been hunting Africa and other areas and , of course, whitetails etc for the last 15 years and would enjoy doing more Westen hunting. It's far easier once you become familiar with an area and it's quite imposing when you are not

 

[dirtclod Az.]

Walked,Hiked for 2 months before hunt...First day went way
too hard and started to get heat prostration...
Made it to camp.'50 yrs in Az.Drank water all the way.
You never can tell about your enviroment/surroundings.

 

[BKC]

Ponytman, I have some experience in the Dillon/Silverthorne area. Mainly looking for my lost horses and mule. PM me and I can maybe steer you in the right direction.

 

[tx2019]

I hear they are bigger in texas.

True statement!

 

[Bonecollector]

Only attitudes!

 

[kidoggy]

Only attitudes!

they get bigger cause they gots to fight each other fer hoof print water!