Unit 38 Elk Tag

[Frog Lips]

I’d like to hear some of your thoughts on the unit 38 rifle elk tag. A buddy and I are planning to hunt in 2018 and are considering using Beaver Trap Outfitters in unit 38. I’ll have 6 points going into next year’s draw and my buddy will have 5 points…so we’ll probably end up doing the special tag to play it safe. We’re from the east coast, so scouting beforehand will not be an option. The type of hunt doesn’t matter too much; we’ve done drop camps and horseback hunts in the past. We just don’t want to be standing within site of the vehicle when/if we shoot. Antler size does make a difference for us; we’re looking for 300-330 class. We don’t want to spend much more than $5k/each on an outfitter.

My question to you: Is there another unit that you would recommend over unit 38 for the amount of points we have and what we’re looking for? Unit 6 is another area we were looking into, but we couldn’t find an outfitter there that we liked as much as Beaver Trap.

I appreciate any input you have.

 

[johnsd16]

Is this a type 9 tag or type 1?

 

[Manualman]

I would think Type1 since he said rifle elk tag

 

[Frog Lips]

It would be a type 1 tag.

 

[Hilltop]

300-330 class bulls can be had but it would be hard for any outfitter to guarantee one. In my opinion, your best bet with your points are to find a private land guided hunt or hunt grizzly country with an outfitter.

 

[wy-tex]

Area 6 has great elk hunting but hard to find access, Table Mountain outfits, but doubtful they can get you a big bull. Otherwise it would be ranchers doing their own outfitting in 6. It is an early season opener, Oct. 1. If you could find a landowner outfitting in 6 it would be a good area but not a wilderness type hunt, ranch accommodations probably. Rugged terrain but no dark timber. Sleeper for deer though.

 

[buckbull]

Unit 38 has a shitload of elk tags. Also pay attention to when deer season is, my elk hunt in the bighorns years ago overlapped with the deer season so there were lots of hunters to compete with. If I were in your shoes I'd take Hilltop's advice and look for a private land hunt. You spend more than the $5000 you have budgeted (probably around $2000 more each) but you'll have a better hunt and a much better chance at a 300+ bull. I know its easy for me to spend your money, but from someone who has been in your shoes before and chose the cheaper route I wish I would have done things differently.

 

[Hilltop]

May have to wait a couple more years but a guided hunt in area 108 will produce what you are looking for. Mntnguide will likely have a couple NW Wyoming outfitters for you to consider as well. Your guy in area 38 may be able to deliver what you want? I honestly have no idea though... lots of research is in need before you spend you hard earned money and points.

 

[jimss]

I would agree with the guys above that mentioned to look into a guided hunt on private land. Another option with less hunting pressure would be to hunt with guide in a wilderness area where you eliminate all the nonguided Wyo nonres. Which ever route you go make sure to check out a complete reference list of successful and unsuccessful clients.

As mentioned above, there are a lot of type 9 archery hunters in 38 that often push elk around...and often onto private land before rifle season even starts. After the first fairly deep snow the elk in 38 also migrate a heck of a lot from their summer towards their winter range. This can happen as early as archery season. There are some roadless areas in 38 that can be pretty good during archery season.

 

[Frog Lips]

Thank you for the replies. I certainly like the idea of a private ranch hunt...the price is the only thing that makes that a hard choice. I've talked with Timberline Outfitters in unit 6; does anyone have experience with them? I was told they outfit on private ranches.

 

[buckbull]

I think you'll find that most outfitters guide on both public and leased private land

 

[mcseal2]

I’d like to hear some of your thoughts on the unit 38 rifle elk tag. A buddy and I are planning to hunt in 2018 and are considering using Beaver Trap Outfitters in unit 38. I’ll have 6 points going into next year’s draw and my buddy will have 5 points…so we’ll probably end up doing the special tag to play it safe. We’re from the east coast, so scouting beforehand will not be an option. The type of hunt doesn’t matter too much; we’ve done drop camps and horseback hunts in the past. We just don’t want to be standing within site of the vehicle when/if we shoot. Antler size does make a difference for us; we’re looking for 300-330 class. We don’t want to spend much more than $5k/each on an outfitter.

My question to you: Is there another unit that you would recommend over unit 38 for the amount of points we have and what we’re looking for? Unit 6 is another area we were looking into, but we couldn’t find an outfitter there that we liked as much as Beaver Trap.

I appreciate any input you have.

I know Ross, he will work his tail off for you. He is a great guy and very knowledgeable hunter. I would hunt with him if I was looking for a guided hunt.

 

[brooks]

I had that tag a few years ago and it was the most crowded elk hunt I have ever been on !! Trucks, roads, 2 tracks, horses, ATV's everywhere. Not the hunt I thought it would be at all. Elk hunters, Deer hunters, Lion hunters, Campers all at the same time. Opening morning was unreal, head lights everywhere. I would look hard at other units or private land before I blew all my points on a 38 rifle tag. Beautiful country but just crowded with people and vehicles !! Not my kind of elk hunt !

 

[480/277]

If $2000 is the difference between a hunt you will regret and one you will cherish, I'd wait until I had the coin.

 

[Frog Lips]

Thank you all for the input. We want to stay away from the crowds in 38, so I think we're going to try 51 instead.

Good hunting.