In need of suggestions

[prhunter]

Currently seeking ideas for a unique guided hunt. I will be retiring soon (under 3 years) and I'm in the planning process to gift something to me.

Criteria:
-Looking for something unique I don't normally do
-Budget under 5K
-Destination: West/Midwest US, Canada? Alaska?

Considering:
-Southwestern US bear hunt with hounds
-Coastal Alaska bear hunt
-Midwest pheasant hunt
-south Texas exotic hunt
-south Texas waterfowl/gator hunt

Open to suggestions and ideas. Thank you all in advance. PR

 

[idcwby]

Some help on what you normal do might help.
If you want to do a hound hunt, chasing lions in the snow with hounds is a blast and different.

 

[Ikeepitcold]

I would think all of those are doable with the price range. Bear might be a bit more unless you go unguided.

 

[Ikeepitcold]

Florida gator rifle and maybe some night time archery fish hunting could be fun. Iguanas, pigs could all be grouped up in some fashion for that price range also.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

Do you want to do something different or something you have done before and had a blast doing? Do you have any physical limitations?

 

[prhunter]

Do you want to do something different or something you have done before and had a blast doing? Do you have any physical limitations?

either would work. no physical limitations (that I know of).

 

[prhunter]

Some help on what you normal do might help.
If you want to do a hound hunt, chasing lions in the snow with hounds is a blast and different.

Sounds interesting

 

[prhunter]

Florida gator rifle and maybe some night time archery fish hunting could be fun. Iguanas, pigs could all be grouped up in some fashion for that price range also.

I hadn't thought about gators in FL

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I have shot a lot of pigs in Texas and the helo shoot sound like a hoot.

 

[Hilltop]

Nighttime thermal hog hunt combined with shark fishing in south Texas. Maybe 2k combined for a fun 3 days.

 

[JimP]

A west Texas Aoudad hunt may fit your price frame.

 

[gonhunting247]

Gator and hog was a pretty fun day. It was very different than anything I've done. The Mt.Lion hunt in the snow with hounds sounds like a great suggestion .

 

[6mm Remington]

An antelope hunt in Montana would be a great adventure. Antelope are beautiful and amazing animals that are so much fun to hunt stalking them on foot. Rifle or bow season for them takes place when the weather is typically not too bad and enjoyable for most folks. Antelope are also excellent eating. Antelope and elk are top of my list for wild game to eat. They also make very nice looking shoulder mounts, or European mounts that take up minimal wall space. Antelope below is one I was fortunate enough to take.

I just searched guided hunts for antelope in Montana and this is the first one that popped up. Mine have all been taken unguided, but looks like these folks take some nice animals and it's in your price range. Once you hunt antelope and also get to eat some meat from an antelope you will always want to do it again. Congratulations on your retirement.

Guided Antelope Hunts — Montana Big Game Outfitters

Fully guided hunts for Antelope in Montana.

www.montanabiggameoutfitters.com

 

[hunter25]

Since it's a retirement gift and you'll obviously continue hunting like you normally do I'd look at things further from home. The only exotics in Texas that really interest me anymore that you can't get anywhere else are aoudad or nilgai. Both barely under your budget.
I've taken 2 aoudad when they were far cheaper but a great hunt.
I can find several references for nilgai if you're interested in that.

But for a memorable adventure I'd look to Canada or Alaska far more. But both push the limits of your budget.
I know a great bear guide in Alberta right at 5k for 2 bear area. All inclusive other than getting there.

I've only done caribou in Alaska so no input on bear guides. Alaska gets expensive really fast.

If fishing is an option I know a great guide on kodiak island for that.

Muzzleloader sika deer in Maryland is on my personal radar also for something different.

If open to other countries there are some great deals out there also. I'm going to romania in May for Roe deer. 2 deer all inclusive I'll be at 4k all in even with airfare.

You'll get your antelope DIY so I didn't cover those. Mt lion can be really expensive and I know guys that went 2 or even 3 times to get one.

Whatever you choose look for something that's a great adventure that you can't do under normal circumstances.

 

[CrimsonArrow]

I know a baited bear hunt isn’t for everyone, but you could do a spring bear hunt pretty much anywhere in Canada, and have a great fishing trip at the same time. Primarily hunt in the evening, and fish and relax all day in some beautiful country

 

[Maxhunter]

I’d suggest going on NM Antelope hunt or a Coues deer hunt in AZ. Steve Ward is a great outfitter in AZ. If you archery hunt you can secure a tag for OTC when they come available. Most NM antelope tags can be secured by landowners for about $1500. I know a NM who is good and within you budget. You might look into a Barbary sheep hunt my NM outfitter does them also within your budget. PM if you’d like his number.

 

[mallardsx2]

Currently seeking ideas for a unique guided hunt. I will be retiring soon (under 3 years) and I'm in the planning process to gift something to me.

Fly to main and go snowshoe hare hunting with beagles for a week. You will love it.

I don't know this guy, I just did a google search.

Maine Hunting Package Rates – Foggy Mountain Guide Service

 

[mallardsx2]

I have hunted with this guy and he is great.

Snowshoe hare, Guided rabbit hunt in Maine, beagles

 

[prhunter]

I know a baited bear hunt isn’t for everyone, but you could do a spring bear hunt pretty much anywhere in Canada, and have a great fishing trip at the same time. Primarily hunt in the evening, and fish and relax all day in some beautiful country

I have been considering what you suggested.

 

[RICMIC]

For something more exotic, but still within your budget (for the hunt, but not including travel costs), consider a caribou and/or musk ox hunt in Greenland. I did it in 2022 and it was a great experience. Prices have gone up some and the outfitter is now booked a couple years in advance, but you may want to take a look at it. Send me a PM if interested.