Late Season NW elk units

[Grandstream]

Curious about some of the late hunts yet truly know very little about them other than what I've dug up on this site and others and the MRS section...for a shot at a truly giant bull, is there a better NW unit to apply for than others? Really pondering applying for a central WY unit as another option but the NW seems to be a consistent producer of big bulls. Hunting in cold weather and deeper snow seems like a great adventure and seeing that it might be a one time hunt opp with the draw system, I hate to waste points on a unit that does not have the big bull potential plus the adventure of a late season hunt almost seems unbeatable. I'm really looking for some advice from people that have experience hunting some of these units/late hunts? This is all part of the fun of applying and being a student of the game and I appreciate an honest assessment...

 

[Hilltop]

I haven't personally done the hunts up there but have researched and talked to several people who have. Those hunts are a gamble but do produce giant bulls at times. If the region gets snow at the right times you can really pick and choose what bull you want. If you hit a dry year you might go home empty handed.

 

[Grandstream]

I know, weather is a gamble on most hunts. That's what's hard to figure on these 1 in every 10 to 20 year hunts...you want to pick a good unit, go kill a big bull, have fun, and make some great memories. Hoping some more people can enlighten this discussion. For those who don't know, NM is the best option for big elk...if you can draw a tag...I've hunted antelope and deer in WY for 30+ years but never hunted elk there. Now that I have played the points game for a while, I'd like a shot in WY - love the hunting there and love the state - hell, I might live there if I could find a job.

 

[mntnguide]

Not exactly "easy" hunts if you dont know the areas at all. If you are going to go guided..then much better chance at success. The country in most the last season hunts is very rugged and its not like driving around and big bulls are hanging out on public land everywhere...also have to be away of the wilderness as a NR.. The private land covers the bottom areas of most the places with late hunts, so if you plan on DIY public, I would highly suggest horses and extensive scouting. Just cause they are late season hunts known for big bulls, doesnt mean they are easy hunts.

 

[Grandstream]

No I figured some of the units up there would be best served by going guided. That's fine. Maybe it would be best to contact some of the outfitters up there for information? I don't have horses and I figured that would be the best way to access some of the remote country. Sounds like a kick in the pants...

 

[mntnguide]

If your willing to guided, then you need to figure out what units you can draw. How many points do you have? I will be happy to point you toward the couple outfitters in that area that I believe will be your best bet depending on the units you could draw

 

[Grandstream]

Max points, great attitude, a lifetime of experience, and willing to chop wood...killed a lot of big rams in my day but looking to kill the next best thang...

 

[mntnguide]

Then you have a lot of options i guess to consider with max points...2 of the best late season hunts are 56 and 59. Now they are heavily dependent on snow, the 59 one especially. The 56 one is in december so there is more time for the bulls to get pushed down. Neither one of those is a guaranteed draw even with your max points. . Another good unit, especially with an outfitter who has access to the Hoodoo ranch is unit 58. . 53 is a november hunt that can produce great bulls if you hit it right, but it is by no means an easy hunt, lots of time in the saddle is usually needed to harvest a good bull in there. .You also could consider 62/63 which with an outfitter can be a great hunt as it would be backcountry horseback and can produce good bulls. For the late season hunts I would suggest giving a call to Justin Jarrett of Wapiti Ridge Outfitters. Justin is a top notch guy and a great outfitter who works hard as can be to get it done. For 58 Dominick Meade I know takes some dandy bulls out of there. . and for 62/63 Bob Sundeen of Trails West Outfitters is the go to guy for those areas. . . Other people to talk to about the late hunts is Boulder Basin Outfitters(carl Sauerwein) ; and Lost Creek Outfitters (Griz Turner). . I just have met Justin personally and know plenty of people who have hunted with him and have nothing but the highest remarks to say about him and I agree.

 

[Grandstream]

Thank you, that's a great summary!