Illinois Noob - Why Is It So Hard to Go Hunting?

[nialltom]

I've been reading through these forums for a few months now, and learning a lot. All of the information here is great. I've learned enough to know what to expect on a hunt, and how I should prepare. Now I just need to go on a hunt...

I did not apply in time for any of the draws in the western states so I am looking at surplus/leftover tags for a late season cow elk rifle hunt this November. I figure a good way to learn a lot in a short amount of time is to go with an outfitter. This will speed up the learning curve and put me at better odds of bringing home some meat to justify these trips to the wife. Plus, due to work constraints this year, I can only get away for about 5 days so pre-hunt scouting, etc. becomes difficult.

HOWEVER, I never realized how hard it would be to book a trip with an outfitter. Or even find a reliable one that comes recommended. I have called probably a dozen or more Wyoming, Montana, and Colorado guides. A good majority of them didn't even return my messages. Of those that did, they are booked. One said he has dates available that work for both of us, and now can't get a hold of him. On top of that, piecing together who guides out of the small pool of available units that have leftover tags has been another hurdle.

I am a new guy trying to go on my first western hunt. I am fine with a cow elk hunt in ANY western state this year. But can't find anybody to take my money. Sorry for the rant, but this has been a frustrating process so far. I thought going on the actual hunt was supposed to be the hardest part, not booking the hunt!

Maybe this is normal...but if not, any advice is appreciated!

 

[Alaskabound2016]

I have never been on a guided hunt so I can not lend any expertise. Sorry about that buddy. But welcome to the forum! Lots of great dudes and gals on here with a plethora of knowledge.

 

[Horsenhike]

Maybe just use this next year to study and plan. Get all your ducks in a row for next application season and work on fitness goals/map skills.

That is what we did. The two seasons coming up were 18 months in the planning stage.

 

[Dark Mavis]

Guides are setting up camps and hunting right now and phone service sucks in the mountains. They don't have time to do a lot of hunter contacts. Once the main hunting seasons start winding down, I'm sure some of the guys you have called will get back in touch with you.

 

[hoshour]

Mavis is right. I went on a guided hunt last year and it often took a few days to get hold of someone in when I was calling back and forth in the summer. My guide was out for weeks at a time.

Why don't you just get an over the counter elk tag in Colorado? There are still tons left, including, cow, either-sex and bull tags. http://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/Leftover.pdf

There's no sense in paying a guide big money to shoot a cow. You should be able to find plenty on your own.

I would also give the Colorado hunt planners a call to help you narrow down your choices - 303-291-7526

 

[Tim McCoy]

You can go through a hunting consultant, hopefully they help vet the outfitter/guides. Huntin Fool, Steve West, etc. You can also buy points now in WY.

 

[Slugz]

Mavis is right. I went on a guided hunt last year and it often took a few days to get hold of someone in when I was calling back and forth in the summer. My guide was out for weeks at a time.

Why don't you just get an over the counter elk tag in Colorado? There are still tons left, including, cow, either-sex and bull tags. http://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/Leftover.pdf

There's no sense in paying a guide big money to shoot a cow. You should be able to find plenty on your own.

I would also give the Colorado hunt planners a call to help you narrow down your choices - 303-291-7526

x2 on that. You got the right idea, just go hunting and learn. Plenty of Colorado options for a DIY cow hunt .

 

[nialltom]

Thanks guys. What you are saying makes sense, since when I have received call backs, they have been delayed, and I know that the season is getting into gear right now. As well, it sounds like my timeline for planning this is not as long as others who have had experience and know how far out it needs to be planned. This combo is what has led to my frustration.

Going out on a DIY hunt is something I'll definitely consider since it sounds like finding a cow may be easier than a bull. I'll need to research the costs of getting my own gear and shipping it out there vs having something there like a drop camp set up since I would be coming from out of state. Or getting as far in as possible with a truck, and hiking in from the trail head.

 

[buckbull]

If you're hell bent on going this year I'd do as Dave suggested and go to Colorado. If you decide to go with an outfitter I highly recommend picking a place that you want to hunt in the future and then pick a guide for that GMU. Use the guide to get the lay of the land and where he takes you to find elk. Then, if you decide to go DIY the following years you already know the lay of the land and where to find elk.

 

[Manualman]

You have until Oct31 to buy points in Wyoming so do that. It will put you in a better position to get tags next year or years after. Cow/Calf tags don't use preference points so you can learn an area before burning your points.

 

[JimP]

One problem with the left over cow licenses in Colorado is that the ones that are left over now can be a very tough hunt with lots of private property that they elk head onto once the seasons start, and getting access to these private lands could be tough.

If you are dead set on hunting a DIY hunt might work if you are in better than average shape and willing to do a lot of foot work once you arrive here. If you do show up expect to see lots of orange jacketed hunters where ever you go on the hill.

But if I was you I would start planning on a hunt for next year even if you decided to hunt a bull OTC unit. This way you can talk to a hunt planner and get their recommendations and if you do want to hire a outfitter you can start checking them out NOW and be ready to sign a contract with them early next year.