New to this site and new to chasing big game out west. Went Elk hunting with a good friend in CO, who does some guiding, 2 years ago and I was just mesmerized...I would classify myself as a diehard bowhunter and chase deer and turkey back home. Very intrigued with the mountains and learning new ways to hunt and grow. I wasn't able to harvest an animal a couple years ago, but some of the most awesome encounters I've ever had. Would of been back this past fall but my wife gave birth to our first, a little baby boy.
With all this being said, I really have no idea how to start researching good units in all the western states and how to manage putting in all the applications. It's not my intention to offend anyone by making this statement, but I'm not opposed to going through reputable guides on all if not most all of the hunts. I only have so many weeks of vaca every year and to travel those distances, time, effort, resources already spent, again I'm not opposed to putting in extra hrs to pay a guide to help in the process. I would like to put in for Elk, and Mule deer. I know this is a very broad question, but if any insight could be shared to point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated. I've just been researching the state DNR sites and keeping logs of good units, guides, probability of getting drawn, etc. Just wasn't sure if there is an easier way to do this and keep it all organized and managed.
Thanks again and look forward to future communications with many of you.
With all this being said, I really have no idea how to start researching good units in all the western states and how to manage putting in all the applications. It's not my intention to offend anyone by making this statement, but I'm not opposed to going through reputable guides on all if not most all of the hunts. I only have so many weeks of vaca every year and to travel those distances, time, effort, resources already spent, again I'm not opposed to putting in extra hrs to pay a guide to help in the process. I would like to put in for Elk, and Mule deer. I know this is a very broad question, but if any insight could be shared to point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated. I've just been researching the state DNR sites and keeping logs of good units, guides, probability of getting drawn, etc. Just wasn't sure if there is an easier way to do this and keep it all organized and managed.
Thanks again and look forward to future communications with many of you.