Guided Cow Elk Hunt?

[Rich M]

Seems like a lot of stuff going on this year - hoping for 2021 antelope.

2022 was gonna go to CO for muley so buddy could get one. During course of discussing antelope adventure, he says he'd rather skip antelope/muley and do elk or caribou. Thing is we both have budgets and he doesn't want to shell out for bull elk or AK caribou trip. But can stomach a cow elk hunt. I never really wanted to hunt elk but also can stomach a cow elk hunt. I'm early 50s, he's early 60s.

So, starting to shop guided elk hunts for 2022 with no idea of what's best. Still trying to feel thru this one.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

What state is the best?

Do they taste better in early season or later when its cold? Seen some guys offering August cow elk hunts and others offering January hunts.

Freezing cold seems like more fun than summer heat. But we can go trout fishing once we shoot these things in summer.

 

[mallardsx2]

I used to know a guy who did Cow hunts for $500 in NM. I will see if I can scrounge up his info but that was many years back. They are likely more expensive now.

No promises.

 

[JimP]

Some of the cheapest ones that I have seen in New Mexico are round $2500 for a late season private land cow hunt.

As for how they taste, you take a gamble when you pull the trigger. One of the worst tasting elk I have ever shot was a 1 or 2 year old cow and I shot her the first of November.

 

[Hilltop]

I would look at area 6 in Wyoming. Pretty cheap cow elk hunts and guaranteed draw in recent years. It's a mainly private area so not much competition for the tags. You might take a look at Bar-Nunn. They aren't the cheapest but JT is a good guy. You would also have decent odds of drawing in area 7 which would open up some options for outfitters. Many of the outfitters in the region guide in area 6 and 7. Good luck.

 

[kidoggy]

I killed a young cow last year towards the end of november . snow on the ground and probly around 40 for the highs mid 20s at night .
it tastes ok but it is tougher then chewin an old leather boot.

don't know why , I HAVe only had one other elk out of maybe 30 or so that was tough like that.
the other was on old bull that I figured probly got beat up in the rut. but the cow this year seemed healthy. she was nice and fat. feed was good , plenty of water. sometimes you just get a bad one I guess.

 

[wy-tex]

If you look into area 6 also check out Iron Mountain Outfitters.
Draw tags over near Saratoga would put you in some neat country and right by some great fishing. However, area 6 and then a drive to Saratoga is just a couple or 3 hours.
Lots of elk in area 6 but access is the issue. They are known to herd up after rifle season opens and you may find hundreds together or none on any given property.
I know a bit about area 6 if you need some info.

 

[Rich M]

Great info. Thanks, guys. I'm going to keep at it til we figure something out. Questions to come, I'm sure.

 

[mallardsx2]

This is all I could come up with for you. The $500 deal was for friends and family only. They dont offer it to outside company.

I found this for you.

UT Grouse Creek Cow Elk Landowner Tag on Private (Tag Only)
[email protected]
(415) 706-1204

~$1600 for a three day DIY private land hunt.

 

[Rich M]

Thanks Mallards - will check into it.

 

[ScottR]

No matter what, this will just be a plain fun hunt. Having the guide available to help take care of the animal will be great! Enjoy the hunt and I have never had a bad tasting elk. Only mistake that I have made with elk is not letting it thaw on it's own, that is the only time it gets tough.

 

[tim]

tag and drag has some cow hunts near jackson. don't know anything about cost or getting a tag.