350"+ elk odds

[lostriverproductions]

So as I continue to build my points for elk, I am trying to come up with a rational plan. I am sitting on 6 points going into this years draw and don't plan on elk hunting this year or next. So as I am cheap and have a hard time justifying going through an outfitter. I start to wonder what my odds of a 350" bull in WY really are? How much would those odds increase if I went through an outfitter? How much would I be willing to spend if I did go through an outfitter 3K, 5k, 7K? Are the odds even in my favor for a 350" WY elk?

So I have come up with this plan. Pick a unit I would plan to hunt DIY and do a cow hunt two years in a row before I pull the trigger on a bull tag. But we all know a lot can happen to a unit in that amount of time. Or if I can get a really good recommendation to a great outfitter that isn't ridiculously priced I may go that option. I would really like to do the DIY though.

 

[HiMtnHnter]

The odds aren't very good. The fact that you're willing to to go with an outfitter may bump the odds a bit depending on which outfit. There are some areas that are privately controlled that pump out some decent bulls. Some on here will know more about those hunts.

 

[kidoggy]

if you don't live in that area and are unable to do a lot of scouting a diy 350 is probably a longshot especially if you haven't hunted elk much. your idea of hunting unit for couple years for cow prior to attempting bull is wise , if you go DIY. it'll give you a feel for unit and what is there.
not saying it is impossible or anything but there are folks who hunt elk all there lives and never pull the trigger on a 350 bull. hell, I never have, though I have been involved with a few that were killed,(I bugled em in)by hunting partners. some hunters never even see one,(350) in a lifetime of hunting.

the right outfitter,guide, would greatly improve your odds, and really ,if you consider the cost of three different years hunts into it, the cost may not be so outragous.

 

[BDean]

Also dependent on how much time you would have to hunt. If you've got a week to hunt DIY there are so many factors against you and potentially out of your control. But if you have 2, 3 or 4 weeks to dedicate to it, the odds would start tilting the right direction.


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[BDean]

Another thought, which I've used before when hunting a LE units I'd never stepped foot in was to reach out to locals outfitters and find one that you can contract to help you scout the unit or to take you out and show you the unit before the season, access points, water sources, where elk might be, etc. Someone reputable to do this can be hard to find, but for a day rate in the hundreds of dollars versus thousands of dollars it was money well spent.


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[mntnguide]

Outfitters greatly increase your chances because they know the area like the back of their hand, and they know how the elk move depending on conditions etc....something you will not be able to figure out even in 3 different trips of hunting a unit. Doubtful you will find a good outfitter with 350+ chances under $5k...also no outfitter will guarantee you a chance at a 350 bull either obviously...are you dead set on you need a 350+ bull to be happy? Or is it about the hunt and experience?....if you put a number on what would make you happy like that, your setting yourself up for disappointment. . You have no chance at drawing the top tier type tags..I personally hunt general units and see 350+ bulls every year, but that's because my time and energy spent in these mountains produces. ..units 61-62 may be in your grasp of points, if they are you might want to seriously consider forking up the money to go with Trails West Outfitters...but that being said, it's still no slam dunk hunt for a 350 bull..

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[kidoggy]

Outfitters greatly increase your chances because they know the area like the back of their hand, and they know how the elk move depending on conditions etc....something you will not be able to figure out even in 3 different trips of hunting a unit. Doubtful you will find a good outfitter with 350+ chances under $5k...also no outfitter will guarantee you a chance at a 350 bull either obviously...are you dead set on you need a 350+ bull to be happy? Or is it about the hunt and experience?....if you put a number on what would make you happy like that, your setting yourself up for disappointment. . You have no chance at drawing the top tier type tags..I personally hunt general units and see 350+ bulls every year, but that's because my time and energy spent in these mountains produces. ..units 61-62 may be in your grasp of points, if they are you might want to seriously consider forking up the money to go with Trails West Outfitters...but that being said, it's still no slam dunk hunt for a 350 bull..

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have you used trails west outfitters?if so how do you rate them?

 

[JimP]

Going after a 350+ bull even with a outfitter is hard to do. You can go into a area that might hold a lot of 350-360 inch animals but are you willing to not pull the trigger on one of them hoping for a better animal? You also might not even see a 300" bull during the hunt even with a outfitter.

I went into a LE hunt in Utah with the expectations of shooting a 350+ bull during my hunt. Scouting we had seen a couple of bulls that would push 400 but when it came down to it I shot a 343" bull on the opening day of the hunt. But if you put that bull next to a actual 350 bull he looks small but he makes up for it in his mass and longer tines. He has a small spread but long main beams.

But in the long run it is all that you want to hold out for and if you do truly want that 350+ bull you better be ready to go home with tag soup.

 

[mntnguide]

have you used trails west outfitters?if so how do you rate them?

I have never gone guided..I was a guide for 9 years, so I know about them plenty. They are a highly respected outfit in that region. The ownership just changed this winter from Bob Sundeen to Josh Martoglio...josh is a very highly respected guide and outfitter already for sheep and big bulls...and I think he will easily keep up the great reputation that outfit has

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[30Hart]

Most people don't realize how hard it is to get an actual 350 bull. I know two separate guys that have been on over a dozen guided elk hunts and still haven't got a 350 bull. Even with the best tag...weather, fires, overharvesting/selling of tags, things can just happen. Now w/ some of the best tags in the country and with the right guide it can almost be a guarantee, but that's a rich man's sport. For us normal guys, we need opportunity. The more years you can hunt an area and learn it the better your chances at a whopper bull. I took a 347 bull as a Wyoming resident years ago hunting the same area year in and out...still needed some luck to get it done and feel very grateful and fortunate. I think guys need to lower their expectations. Two seasons ago I hunted on one of best ranches in all of Wyoming. Saw over 1100 elk and had the place to myself as the only hunter for the time I was there. I gladly shot a nice 320 bull with 51 inch beams and thanked the outfitter. I'm very pleased with the bull and glad I got to harvest another big bull. We get caught up on score too much I think...go hunt as much as you can while you still can as no one knows what tomorrow might bring.

 

[Joe Schmo]

You need to do some soul searching. What is so special about a 350" bull? It's a GIANT bull for sure...so is a 330" bull. Here's the soul searching part. Would you be more proud of a 350" bull that you were guided on or a 325" bull that you apprehended all by yourself?

 

[Gr8bawana]

You need to do some soul searching. What is so special about a 350" bull? It's a GIANT bull for sure...so is a 330" bull. Here's the soul searching part. Would you be more proud of a 350" bull that you were guided on or a 325" bull that you apprehended all by yourself?

I agree with this 100%.
For the OP the question I have is have you ever taken a bull of any kind yet? Maybe you've taken several bulls in the 320-340 range and can't quite break the 350 mark. I think too much emphasis is placed on score.
For some reason many people set the 350 mark as a goal for a bull just like they set the mark on a mule deer at 30" which is quite unrealistic.
I have never looked at an animal and wondered what it would score, if it looks good to me I take it not caring what someone else will think.
If you won't be happy with anything under 350, you may never be happy.

 

[kidoggy]

so longs we're soul searching.
there is nothing wrong with setting a goal and trying to achieve it.chances are if you don't pass on the smaller ones you will never get the bigger one. just don't pass on one if you are going to be upset about going home empty handed.

I don't use guides for exactly the reason JOE SCHMO pointed out. just wouldn't get satisfaction if I DIDN'T DO IT MYSELF. that said, some don't have the access to elk that I do so I see nothing wrong ,if they wish to use a guide.

nor do I find issue or fault with those who trophy hunt. it is their right and choice to do so.heck , articles about trophy hunting is what made eastmans mag popular and successful.

those who don't like that choice and demean those who choose to do it are welcome to ,pound sand.

so what if it is unrealistic. it is not impossible. wether OP achieves his goal or spends entire life trying, KUDOS to him for trying!

I WOULD LOVE TO READ AN ARTICLE ABOUT HIS SUCCESS ONE DAY!

if anything ,I could do to help helped someone achieve that goal, I would get great satisfaction from that! more in fact then had I been the shooter myself.

 

[WapitiBob]

350 bulls turn into 320 bulls when the tape comes out unless the guy on the glass has years of experience.

 

[kidoggy]

350 bulls turn into 320 bulls when the tape comes out unless the guy on the glass has years of experience.

lol. yes, ground shrinkage is not uncommon

 

[Fink]

A different perspective, since we're both coming from back East.. Shooting a 350" bull would be like shooting a 160" whitetail, on public ground..
Not saying it can't be done, but how many hours did you have to put in before you killed a 160" white tail? Probably a lot more than the 2 weeks you might have to do it yourself in the mountains, or the 5 days on a guided hunt..

 

[Joe Schmo]

Just an FYI, I also plan on getting a 380" bull in WY this coming year...or 350...or 320. There's nothing wrong with shooting for the moon. Will I be able to pass on a 320 on day 1, yep...day 3, maybe not. Will I shoot a 240 on the last day...pretty good chance.

 

[JimP]

Just an FYI, I also plan on getting a 380" bull in WY this coming year...or 350...or 320. There's nothing wrong with shooting for the moon. Will I be able to pass on a 320 on day 1, yep...day 3, maybe not. Will I shoot a 240 on the last day...pretty good chance.

I tried that philosophy one year and came home with tag soup.

I saw all kinds of elk the fist few days of the hunt but when it came time to bring home some meat for the freezer they turned into crows and flew away. 4 of us didn't see a single elk, cow or bull for 4 straight days to end our hunting trip.

 

[OldGuy]

Would-be elk hunters, old and young need to read all of the above, twice. Good pointers, advice, all.
My first bull was taken in 1960, now 26 bulls later, I can tell you that many, many bulls appear very large when seen on open hillsides in hunting country, or moving thru timber. Having not used a guide/outfitter, I tell you gudging a 300 vs a 350 can really fool the novice and some successful older hunters. Width, bulkiness of mainbeam can lead you to think this is a 350 and that head, hanging on your wall at home will be impressive to all that see it.


Elk hunting, its the best, ment to be enjoyed by old and young, but be ready to go again next year for that 350 bull.

Jim

 

[lostriverproductions]

All great responses, to answer a few questions.

I have been on one elk hunt by myself. UT DIY resulted in a 300" P&Y 6x7 bull. Was working a much larger bull across the way when the 6x7 came walking in at 10 yards.

I have been on a couple other elk hunts where I was filming. These were in CO on private land with land owner tag. Later I found out hunt was 20K.

Why 350" mark? Just seems to be that magic number that pops in my head. Now I have seen 330 bulls that look bigger then 350 and have seen 350's that look 330. I agree where looks can surpass score. I say 350" because that is a big bull. I want a bull that makes my 300 look small. But maybe a sweet looking 320-330 will fill that void. Now if I was paying an outfitter I would have a harder time passing a 330 waiting on a 350. DIY, the arrow or bullet would be flying.

One of my whitetail rules for myself is I will never pass a buck that I would shoot on the last day. But that is because I may see multiple big bucks through out the season, but only get one shot at a mature buck all season.

I would be content burning 8-10 points, spending 2 weeks on a mountain hunting DIY and eating tag soup. It would be a lot harder for me to eat tag soup if I spent 5K+ on a hunt.

Living in the midwest, I may need to make that 350" bull a lifetime goal and not the next hunts goal?