2015 Elk Hunt Prep -- OTC Tags -- Where To Start?

[cscott711]

Hey guys,

I never knew this forum existed until recently. I have subscribed to Eastman's magazine in the past though. I've been to eastern Wyoming on seven trips for deer and antelope. This year, I saw someone pack out a 5 x 5 bull elk and said I have got to do that! So, here I am. I'd like to do an OTC hunt or apply where the odds are pretty good and use an OTC area as a back-up plan. I don't have any points.

I know Colorado has the largest herd, but also the most hunters. I've heard that Idaho might be a good option? Is there information on the forum somewhere or perhaps someone could reply or PM me with advice on where to narrow down my search? I understand I have to put in the legwork, but felt there'd be no harm in asking for a few pointers from guys who've been there. If anyone wants input on hunting deer and antelope in Eastern Wyoming, then I'd be happy to swap that information with you as well.

And thank you for going out of your way to provide any information.

 

[ScottR]

The Idaho and Montana MRS should help quite a bit if you don't mind paying the fees.

Head over to the introduction forum and post a few pictures from your antelope hunts! It's always great to see new forum members past success!

 

[Musket Man]

Welcome to the forum! Look in the MRS section of the forum under the states you are interested in. There is alot of info there to get your research started.

 

[cscott711]

The Idaho and Montana MRS should help quite a bit if you don't mind paying the fees.

Head over to the introduction forum and post a few pictures from your antelope hunts! It's always great to see new forum members past success!

Thanks. Question. If I get a digital subscription, am I able to view the MRS online somewhere? It doesn't look like the "back of the magazine" info is in the MRS sub-forums that are open to the public. I do remember those articles in the magazines having a boatload of information.

 

[cscott711]

Welcome to the forum! Look in the MRS section of the forum under the states you are interested in. There is alot of info there to get your research started.

Thanks a lot!

 

[roknHS]

I'd pick a state or an area where you don't have to compete against the wolves. Here in Idaho, a lot of the back country wilderness areas (Selway Bitteroot, Frank Church, etc) have had the herds decimated by the 365 days a year predators. Wolves are the most efficient predator of game animals. There are still areas in Idaho that have decent elk populations, only because the wolves haven't made it there yet or the terrain and cover doesn't favor the run em down and eat em tactics of the wolf. Those areas are also tough for us to hunt.
I think your best chance to see a lot of animals and have a good chance at a decent bull would be to look at Colorado, Arizona or New Mexico.

 

[cscott711]

Well I'm now seriously considering Colorado. Either archery or possibly muzzleloader. I do have one preference point from years ago that I forgot about. So, for OTC archery or muzzleloader in Colorado, what would you guys recommend? I've been looking art units 43 and 771 for OTC archery or 44,45,47,444 for 1 point muzzleloader.

Hoping there's fewer people during archery or muzzleloader seasons compared to rifle.

 

[SansSouci]

Does British Columbia & Alberta sell over-the-counter tags? Do they require nonresidents to hire guides?

In the states, I'd almost assuredly try for a Wyoming tag, even if I had to buy a premium tag. In fact, Wyoming might be my first choice.

 

[RICMIC]

I have hunted both the muzzle-loader and rifle seasons in Colorado, and there are definitely fewer folks out to compete with during the MZL season. You may find that bull tags take a number of points, but cow tags are often an easy draw. I talked to some MZL elk hunters when I was driving down the mountain after tagging a deer, and they had driven all over, hiked all over, and saw few hunters and no elk. I spoke to a forestry crew doing trail maintenance (in a wilderness area), and they told me the big elk herds were 12 miles back in where no one was hunting. Unless you have pack animals, you always have to keep in mind how you can get the meat out in time. I am not an archery hunter, but have scouted the same areas in late August and found the elk to be more accessible. Again, you better have a plan for getting it out because it is even hotter then.

 

[cscott711]

I have hunted both the muzzle-loader and rifle seasons in Colorado, and there are definitely fewer folks out to compete with during the MZL season. You may find that bull tags take a number of points, but cow tags are often an easy draw. I talked to some MZL elk hunters when I was driving down the mountain after tagging a deer, and they had driven all over, hiked all over, and saw few hunters and no elk. I spoke to a forestry crew doing trail maintenance (in a wilderness area), and they told me the big elk herds were 12 miles back in where no one was hunting. Unless you have pack animals, you always have to keep in mind how you can get the meat out in time. I am not an archery hunter, but have scouted the same areas in late August and found the elk to be more accessible. Again, you better have a plan for getting it out because it is even hotter then.

That is some good advice. Is there a way to get it out quickly without pack animals or is it just get to it as quick as possible and have everyone help pack it out in one trip and into a cooler right away?

I like the idea of hiking in 12 miles. Maybe I'm just out of my mind though. I want to get to where the elk are and figure I'm going to have to put on some miles to get away from everyone else.

 

[RICMIC]

If you can bring 3 or 4 Studley Hungwell types along with you, then have at it. A bull elk will require 4 or 5 man loads out. If you are alone, that means 120 miles, plus one more trip out with your camp. Anyone with you would likely want to hunt too, so if you are all lucky and tag out ...... well, you do the math. Try it first on a deer; I did it five miles back, solo at 62, it was an absolute butt-kicker. But, it was the most enjoyable hunt of my life. I have also rented horses, but that is another story.

 

[ScottR]

Twelve miles is REALLY far to pack out a bull without horses. We packed my bull this year six miles and that is all the farther I would push on a backpack hunt.

I don't say this to discourage you, I say this to make sure you have a great hunt. Look for an area beyond 3 miles and under 6 and you shouldn't have much competition.

 

[cscott711]

Haha, I hear ya. I've packed out about 12 mule deer and antelope for 1-3 miles. Even those weren't a cup of tea, but I've done zero training for those trips either. I just let my youthful exuberance make up for that. I've already started changing my diet and exercising for next fall as I know it's on an ENTIRELY different level. I'll be 33 and in very fit shape. My brother is an highly experienced solo backpacker (non-hunter) who is coming with me. I'm working on one other non-hunter as well who's up in the air right now. I also have a very good friend who lives in Co. Springs who has expressed interest and is only a couple years out of the Marines. If the stars align, it could work out well. Otherwise, I might have to hear more about this horse renting story of yours

 

[cscott711]

Twelve miles is REALLY far to pack out a bull without horses. We packed my bull this year six miles and that is all the farther I would push on a backpack hunt.

I don't say this to discourage you, I say this to make sure you have a great hunt. Look for an area beyond 3 miles and under 6 and you shouldn't have much competition.

Thank you very much and thanks for the insight into how far to go. I would love to stay in that 3-6 mile range for sure. Perhaps if I at least mentally prepare to go further, it will help with my preparation?

 

[Bonecollector]

This is solid advice.

Twelve miles is REALLY far to pack out a bull without horses. We packed my bull this year six miles and that is all the farther I would push on a backpack hunt.

I don't say this to discourage you, I say this to make sure you have a great hunt. Look for an area beyond 3 miles and under 6 and you shouldn't have much competition.

 

[RICMIC]

I'm 36 years out of the Marines, and it's still working for me. Semper Fi

 

[cscott711]

On diyhuntingmaps.com, does anyone know the scale for the "Ruggedness" factor? My best guess is that this is a 1-10 scale with 1 being the easiest and 10 being the most difficult. Most units are somewhere between a 4 and 7 if that helps.

 

[buckykm1]

Twelve miles is REALLY far to pack out a bull without horses. We packed my bull this year six miles and that is all the farther I would push on a backpack hunt.

I don't say this to discourage you, I say this to make sure you have a great hunt. Look for an area beyond 3 miles and under 6 and you shouldn't have much competition.

This is really solid advise.
I started Elk hunting in 1986, and IMHO, there is no way in hell that your going to pack a Elk out 12 miles without horses.
it doesn't matter how good of shape you think that your in, once you get in the mountains and altitude, it is a totally different game.

Kevin

 

[laxwyo]

Is that a real 12 miles or the ultra buck hunter's 12 miles?? Lol

 

[Bonecollector]

6 miles would be my max comfort zone, but terrain may persuade me into 1 more mile for the right bull. But you better be in top physical and mental shape.