Guided hunts

[AKaviator]

I plan on going on a guided elk hunt in Wyoming in 2016, if everything falls together for me. I will have 8 pp's. I'm looking at guided since I've never hunted elk, it's tough and expensive to do much scouting from Alaska and I doubt that I'm as smart as an average bull elk!

I've sent several e-mails over the last few months to guides that I have found in the Wyoming Guide and Outfitter magazine and to some that I have found on the internet. I have only received one response back. That was from Wagonhound in unit 7. He goes to the top of the list.

Is this standard for Wyoming guides? Do they prefer phone calls? Am I planning too far out (2016)?

I'm sure not impressed at this point, What's your experience?

 

[sneakypete]

I know if you and and are successful we will get GREAT pictures! Wyoming outfitters& guides assoc. Put out a magazine may want to try and get a copy, if you want I'll send you mine just pm me your address and I'll send it to you. Here's the email address [email protected] 307-265-2376. I hope this helps.

 

[OregonJim]

Ditto..... I'm already excited about the future pics!!!!!!
That seems a little odd based on my experience.
I've yet to take a guided trip but I get bombarded with mailings just based on the draw (I think).
Could be that I am on the mailing list for the above publication.
I do think you will get plenty of good referrals on here though!

 

[AKaviator]

Thanks, I have the guide association's magazine. I'm really hoping it will work out, I'd love to hunt elk some day and you bet, I'll post plenty of photos if/when I get to go.

 

[mntnguide]

were you emailing back in sep-Nov...? If that was the case its pretty easy for outfitters to misplace future responses as they are to busy with current season. especially if you are considering a back country horseback hunt, Messages dont transfer well from civilization. But nonetheless, if you have anyone in specific you are considering Id be happy to let you know what i know about them if i know anything. Pm or whatever if youd like. Im happy to share whatever info i can. I know about plenty of good and bad outfitters in the state.

 

[NDHunter]

I've heard that Wagonhound is good. Also take a look at Trails West Outfitters. They are in the wilderness in 61 and really shoot some big ones. Don't know anybody who has personally gone there but I've always heard good things about them.

 

[Tim McCoy]

They are really all over the place on follow-up, regardless of state. The best usually are the best for a reason, good follow-up among the reasons. I experience fewer issues with phone calls being returned than emails responded to. If most emails were sent a few months ago, they were probably busy hunting. I'd try a call/email now. While a quick reply can be an indicator, a quick reply does not tell the entire tale. Make sure to get references from past clients or referrals from members that have hunted with a particular outfit. What type of hunt are you looking for? Wilderness, ranch or ? Vehicle based, horses/mules, backpack, or? Price range? Trophy expectations? You have enough points you have options. What specifically are you looking for in a guided hunt?

 

[AKaviator]

Tim,
I'd like an easy terrain hunt for a +400" bull that isn't expensive! I'd settle for a good fair chase hunt in an area that has a fair/good chance at a 320 bull or better. If it's back country, horses would be best. I'm 60 but have 80 year old knees, at least that's how they feel. I want an outfitter that doesn't expect me to shoot much over 300 yards. Most of my hunting has been done solo and all DIY, so I'm competent on my own and don't need to be catered to, too much. I'll saddle my own horse and get my own coffee.
I lean towards less real steep country these days.

The outfitters needs to be honest and legal and give a good effort at being successful.

 

[Retterath]

Check out Ross adney with beaver trap outfitter, also the Q creek ranch they have thousands of acres all private. I have heard good things about wagon hound also. I have never hunted with any of these people but have heard people say good things from what I have read.

 

[Tim McCoy]

AK, me too! Give Buck or Brandi a call, if the Elk there have not been eliminated by wolves, he runs a good outfit you may want to check out. He is honest. Camp is near Jackson. Horses to get close, it can be rough, but enough cover that 300 is reasonable. Hunted with him 2x, going back this year with a sheep tag. Successful on Moose, blanked on MD after a bad winter, saw small bucks. You can drive to his camp and access the roadless area above via horses.

http://www.hiddenbasin.com/hunting.htm

 

[luckynv]

Hi AK, a couple of others that I have heard good things about are Jake Clark with www.wyomingwilderness.com and Troy Barnett with K-Z Guest Ranch www.agoline.com/KBarZ. They have both donated many hunts to RMEF for fundraisers and the Clarks have donated many mules for auctions for RMEF. The wolves have been eating a lot of Elk though so good luck and God bless

 

[AKaviator]

Thanks, I've heard of Jake Clark but not Troy Barnett. I'll check on them both. Those wolves are eating machines 12 months a year, they don't hibernate like a bear does!

 

[pmcgovern]

Hi AK, a couple of others that I have heard good things about are Jake Clark with www.wyomingwilderness.com and Troy Barnett with K-Z Guest Ranch www.agoline.com/KBarZ. They have both donated many hunts to RMEF for fundraisers and the Clarks have donated many mules for auctions for RMEF. The wolves have been eating a lot of Elk though so good luck and God bless

Great minds think alike....... I was going to mention K-Z. My father and uncle have hunted with Troy and Dave Segal many times. I've never hunted there but I did hunt with Dave in Sonora, MX and it was one of the best hunts I've ever been on. Dave is grade AAA+ and knows elk. The last time my dad hunted with them was in 2010 or 11, I think, and they saw more wolves than elk. They did kill a bull but not a wall hanger. In previous years to that, they've harvested some great bulls. Nothing close to 400" but some 340-360" bulls. I would hunt with K-Z without reservation but I'd certainly call people who had hunted the previous year or two and see what their thoughts are on quality and quantity of elk. Wolves have certainly changed things there, that's for sure.

 

[Hilltop]

PM sent...

 

[RICMIC]

AK; ditto on the WOGA magazine. I have used one particular outfitter four times in WY and have nothing but positive experiences. But, they were all tough wilderness area hunts in a general area. I doubt that you would want to burn your points on an area that takes less than two points to draw. You will find that the good outfitters are generally booked two years in advance. The ones that contact you after you draw a tag may have openings for a reason. I don't think that you can miss with Wagonhound, but they sure make you pay for it. Good luck

 

[CrossCreeks]

AKaviator , I used a guide on a Elk hunt a couple years back, Elk Mountain Outfitters, ( Mike Wakkuri ) He was great, my brother and I both killed really nice bulls. I know part of the area he hunts can be drawn with the PPs you have. Good luck! I can give more info if you need it.

 

[AKaviator]

Thanks for all the responses. I'll be off-line for the next week, so if I don't acknowledge someone, please understand.

 

[tim]

my friend ralph greene with salt river range outfitters, seems to do a prerry good job. I have never hunted with him or the outfit though. He is still guiding for buffalo out of Jackson, so I don't know how hard he is to get ahold of. I have just snowmobiled with him.

 

[sneakypete]

AK, look up Jenkins hunting camp. They are the guide book, I've never hunted with them but had a buddy hunt with them many times, he's passed now. I met Larry Jenkins yesterday in Reno at the Wild Sheep Foundation show. Jim Burnworth from the tv show hunts with him also. Just a thought.