Best place to have first elk hunt?

[julietactual]

I am heading west in 2017 for my first elk hunt barring a health issue or my Guard unit getting called up. I am going to try a DIY on public land. Cost really is not an issue and I would like the challenge of doing it on my own rather than letting a guide take care of everything. I will use whatever weapon I can to get an elk on the ground. I bow hunt, going to buy a muzzle loader, and can shoot a rifle long range. I am physically fit and will buy all of the gear that is needed(What you folks tell me to get). I am planning on taking off a week before archery and planning on staying until I get an elk. I do not care if it is a cow or bull. My first concern is where(second will be getting a new pair of boots). I will buy points in CO,WY,UT and MT this year which will put me at 1 pp in 2017. From research so far I am thinking that I will go to CO and get an either sex archery tag for an OTC unit(possibly 43, where the beer flows like wine) and pick up a B rifle tag for a cow if needed. With the OTC CO tag I could jump units if I get there and find that I cannot handle it or there are to many hunters/no elk. Is this a good plan? If it were you what would you differently? Different state, draw unit with 1 pt or different weapon? My main goal is to head west and have an adventure. Here in SC I can kill all the deer I want from a stand, instead I want to camp in beautiful country and harvest an elk.

 

[Slugz]

JT,
CO in my opinion is one of your best options for the OTC archery or rifle hunt. I'd recommend for a first hunt west go OTC 2nd season rifle in an area you can also grab a leftover cow B tag. (bull and cow tag in hand) That way regardless of what walks by "brown goes down". You can do that and still build points pretty much any year.

Just my two sense.....I don't like hunting in many GMUs that have a big time ski name in it. Lots of pressure and people paying for quiet areas to hunt. I've never hunted 43 but I spend a fair amount of time in 421/42.

The family mainly focuses on archery, muzzleloader and 1st rifle then we go back in for 4th season or a late cow hunt. Welcome to the forum and pm me with any questions you may have. All the best.

 

[joens]

don't overlook Montana . A lot of the state can be hunted with a general tag not requiring any points. Last few years non resident general tags had leftovers . they are a bit expensive a grand for a combination deer and elk . a little cheaper if you only get elk. about a 5 week main rifle season.

 

[Tim McCoy]

Not sure you'd need to worry about points in MT, unless demand really spikes, or you have a special unit you are targeting. The cost for the general season licenses seems to have resulted in left over tags the past few years, including last year I believe. Someone correct me if I am wrong, operating off memory here.

 

[joens]

Tim is right. I would not buy points in Montana unless you have a specific area in mind . If you want to hunt Montana just go . There is a draw for the non- Resident deer and elk license but the last few years they have not sold out leaving the remainder sold over the counter . The general license is all you need in many areas

Not sure you'd need to worry about points in MT, unless demand really spikes, or you have a special unit you are targeting. The cost for the general season licenses seems to have resulted in left over tags the past few years, including last year I believe. Someone correct me if I am wrong, operating off memory here.

 

[Jlrineer1]

I am kind of in the same boat as you, I am planning an elk hunt for 2017 in Idaho. If you haven't already I'd strongly recommend buying eastmans MRS book. I got it a few days ago and it's packed with tons of great info for beginners.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

 

[NHK9]

I hit up CO this year and connected on a nice bull. I would suggest being able to change you plans on the fly. Backpack hunting was a huge draw for me, I was romanced by it. HOWEVER I didn't get my mtn legs until 4 days in. I run adventure races and consider myself a bit of a stallion at 42. Elevation doesn't care she will smack you down just to say she told you so. I had better luck setting up a main camo and then hunting into a different area every day. If you want anymore info just hmu.

 

[Micah S]

Check out idaho cow hunts very high success and easy to draw tags.

 

[Rooster410]

Definitely Colorado, you can't beat the numbers and opportunity