1x1 or 2x1 Elk hunt?

[Mark]

I wanted to get some opinions from anyone with experience on 1x1 or 2x1 elk hunts. I'm planning a hunt with a buddy of mine and we are hung up on what to do. 1x1 might mean more action but 2x1 wouldn't necessarily limit it either.

Feedback appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[woodtick]

I'm assuming your talking a guided hunt, 1x1 would give you more time to fill your own tag but a 2x1 you'll get to experience the hunt together. Those would be my biggest concerns, I like spending time with my buddies so a 2x1 would be the way I would go and you could maybe even capture some video if your into a thing like that.

 

[Retterath]

I'm guessing your talking a guided hunt? One you need to think about the 2 on 1 will save you quite a bit of money with some outfitters. With a 1 on 1 you can add an at least $800 to the cost, but also if you go on a 2 on 1 you better talk it over and be clear who is going to shoot first when that animal presents a shot.

 

[Mark]

Yes, guided. The difference is negligible. We want to hunt together but if it pulls the odds way down we'd spend the $. As far as who shoots first that's easy. Me. Lol!

 

[Mark]

I might add this is an archery rut hunt.

 

[woodtick]

Yes, guided. The difference is negligible. We want to hunt together but if it pulls the odds way down we'd spend the $. As far as who shoots first that's easy. Me. Lol!

If the outfitter has a really high success rates, I'd think that the difference between the two would be negligible. But if it's a tough hunt I'd maybe way your odds a little on the 1x1!

 

[mntnguide]

If money isn't an issue really I would suggest going 1 on 1 for archery. Archery hunting bulls is tough as is, you both will definitely have better chance of leaving the outfitter with bulls if you go with separate guides. We book our archery hunts 1 on 1 for that reason. Most our hunters our buddies and they get to see each other in the morning and at night, but when it comes to getting an archery bull on the ground your best bet for both of you leaving camp with filled tags would be 1 on 1. That is just my .02 though. I don't mind having 2 archery hunters when guiding, as i can set them up in different positions in case the bull comes in differently which happens plenty, but that definitely can't be controlled as to who shoots first in some situations.

 

[Mark]

Thanks for the feedback! Really appreciate the input guys!

 

[woodtick]

If money isn't an issue really I would suggest going 1 on 1 for archery. Archery hunting bulls is tough as is, you both will definitely have better chance of leaving the outfitter with bulls if you go with separate guides. We book our archery hunts 1 on 1 for that reason. Most our hunters our buddies and they get to see each other in the morning and at night, but when it comes to getting an archery bull on the ground your best bet for both of you leaving camp with filled tags would be 1 on 1. That is just my .02 though. I don't mind having 2 archery hunters when guiding, as i can set them up in different positions in case the bull comes in differently which happens plenty, but that definitely can't be controlled as to who shoots first in some situations.

Nothing better than having an actual outfitter weigh in on this, I'd listen!

 

[Mark]

I agree woodtick! Thanks mntnguide!

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

If success is high on your list, I would definitely NOT go 2X1, I cringed when I heard you were considering it. You need to maximize your days and opportunities to kill an elk.

 

[WapitiBob]

I used to guide in NM. Go 1 on 1 especially for archery. If you're hunting a slam dunk pvt ranch, yea maybe team up. Anything else your odds of killing aren't very good to begin with so don't cut them further. Team up after one of you tags out.

 

[PointsHunter]

Someone already mentioned it - but there isn't too significant difference between 1:1 and 1:2 with most guides. If you're going to spend the money definitely go 1:1. With luck, one of you will tag out early then you'll be able to hunt the rest of the time together.

 

[buckbull]

I would definitely go one on one. I went with a buddy that couldn't keep up and it slowed us down big time. I thought he was in shape but wasn't.

 

[Hilltop]

I have several years guiding experience elk on prime land in Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico- 1 on 1 is the best option by far when it comes to an archery elk hunt. You chances for one of you to be successful at least doubles by splitting up. You can cover twice the ground to locate elk. Your guide can tailor the hunt to your abilities and preferences. You can move undetected more easily with fewer people. Sneaking in on elk by yourself is difficult. With three or four people it becomes ridiculously hard at times. There is no guessing "is he going to shoot?". Once one of you fills, the free guide usually becomes a scout for the remaining hunter making it easier to locate additional animals. You eliminate the risk of stepping on each others toes- guided hunts can cause stress that most people don't see coming. There are more reasons but I hope you understand my opinion.

If you want to go on a buddy hunt that you can experience together, choose a private land rifle hunt for elk or do a weekend antelope hunt together.