Wyoming Elk areas 7 and 45 guides

[Tony S]

Hello Everyone,
I am looking for outfitter recommendations for a guided, rifle Elk hunt in areas 7 or 45 of Wyoming. I have 5 points and have applied for a special Elk license with a preference point. Hopefully that will be enough to draw this year. I do have a couple of guides in mind but would like options.This will most likely be a one time deal for me so I would like a chance at a 330+ bull.(I know, so would everybody else). Cabin, tent or hotel unimportant. 4X4, horseback also unimportant. Just looking for the best chance at a good bull.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Tony

 

[Elkoholic307]

Deer Forks Ranch for 7. Paintrock Adventures for 45.

 

[minn elk chaser]

What unit did you apply for?

Can't be both.

It looks like you are not goint to get a tag for sure in either of those units. I have 8 pp and will apply for either 45 or 61 so any thoughts on those. I have looked at Paintrock outfitters as a possible outfitter in unit 45.

 

[wapiti66]

Unit 45- Big Horn Outfitters, formerly A Double J Outfitters...went on a archery elk hunt with those guys last fall in 45, had a good time and saw plenty of good bulls.

 

[Topgun 30-06]

Any of the outfitters mentioned so far are good reputable people. However, you're not going to draw either of those units as a first choice even in the Special Draw with the 5PPs you have. The PP you're buying will not be good to give you 6 in the draw until 2015. Unless you luck out like a Powerball winner and happen to draw a random tag, I'd suggest if you're set on hunting this year that you find a unit that you can draw in the special draw this year and change your choice to that unit or withdraw completely. You can modify or withdraw, but if you already put in for the special you'll have to stay with that or withdraw completely and start over. Doing that you'll have to wait until after the draw for a money refund for what it sounds like you have already put on your credit card. If I had the PPs to draw, it would be 45 for my first choice of the two listed mainly because I know a lot about that unit.

 

[Tony S]

I applied for area 7 as my first choice, area 45 for my second... I am no expert, but area 7 seems as though it will require more points than I have, but one of the outfitters I researched said you can draw in area 45 with 5 points. I also spoke with a Huntin Fool consultant that reinforced those views. You won't draw if you don't apply right. If not, try again till it pans out.
Thanks for the feedback.

 

[buckbull]

Unit 45- Big Horn Outfitters, formerly A Double J Outfitters...went on a archery elk hunt with those guys last fall in 45, had a good time and saw plenty of good bulls.

I hunted with A double J for a elk rifle hunt in 2010. Myself and my partner both came home with bulls. Rich was our guide and it appears he bought out Rusty. I know he will do all he can to get you on a good bull.

 

[Musket Man]

You would have a chance of drawing 45 but 7 you could only draw in the random draw according to last years draw stats. You will have no chance of drawing 45 2nd choice. There have to be tags leftover after all first choices are drawn to have a chance at drawing 2nd choice but if you do find a unit you can draw 2nd choice and draw it you will get the 2nd choice tag and gain another point.

 

[wapiti66]

I hunted with A double J for a elk rifle hunt in 2010. Myself and my partner both came home with bulls. Rich was our guide and it appears he bought out Rusty. I know he will do all he can to get you on a good bull.[/QUOTE

Buckbull you are right, Rich and Dustin bought out Rusty, I'd feel confident with them. Rich guided me also, we had a good time and put on some miles in the backcountry. Fun hunt. I drew this year with 5 points on a special tag but it was type 9. I don't think you will draw a type 1 with 5 points this year...unless you are really lucky. The guy in camp behind us drew with 0 points, so it does happen.

 

[NE69]

Eastman's MRS moved 45 to a blue chip unit this year so I would expect an increase in # of pp to draw. I drew with 6 last year but wasn't expecting it. My neighbor has drawn in 2 of 3 years in random draw. Told him he should have bought a lottery ticket. 3% chance in random.

 

[Tony S]

Thanks for the info Musket Man. I was not aware that your second choice was only good for leftover tags. Sounds like I should be looking into a plan B for this year... It is difficult trying to keep up with each states regulations. This is my first attempt at an elk tag.

 

[Musket Man]

The guy in camp behind us drew with 0 points, so it does happen.

It can happen but be careful using up all your luck! 2 years ago I drew an antelope in the random draw with single digit odds and a deer tag in Idaho with single digit odds (killed my biggest mule deer and antelope on those 2 tags!) and last year I couldnt draw tags that should of been a sure thing! LOL

 

[minn elk chaser]

NE69;

Did you DIY hunt or with a guide? What was the results of your hunt and your friend?

 

[NE69]

Diy. I shot a 5 point on next to last day of season. I bow-hunted late in Sept. Hunted first few days of rifle and went back 3rd time for end of season. Friend shot a cow on his first tag. Didn't draw one year and drew next year with 1 pp. He missed a bull then shot a cow on 3rd day. He was so worried he wouldn't fill his tag he shot the cow even though he was seeing bulls every day.

 

[minn elk chaser]

I am hoping for a chance at a 340+ type bull. Did you see anything like that or hear of anyone else seeing them?
With 8pp this will be a one chance thing so hope to do it right.

 

[Topgun 30-06]

You would have a chance of drawing 45 but 7 you could only draw in the random draw according to last years draw stats. You will have no chance of drawing 45 2nd choice. There have to be tags leftover after all first choices are drawn to have a chance at drawing 2nd choice but if you do find a unit you can draw 2nd choice and draw it you will get the 2nd choice tag and gain another point.

***How do you figure he would have a chance in 45 this year when <6 PPs was 100% and it went down to only a 28.57% chance with 5PPs last year. This year the max is 8PPs, so with him only having 5 I don't see any way he'll draw if things stay the way they have been.

 

[ssliger]

***How do you figure he would have a chance in 45 this year when <6 PPs was 100% and it went down to only a 28.57% chance with 5PPs last year. This year the max is 8PPs, so with him only having 5 I don't see any way he'll draw if things stay the way they have been.

They gave out 8 tags in the random draw last year. There was a 2.9% chance. Not much but a chance.

 

[clbrown23]

7J Outfitters! Area 45

 

[jenbickel]

Great Plains Outfitters!!! He is a great friend of mine and will make sure you get the trophy that you want!

 

[NE69]

I am hoping for a chance at a 340+ type bull. Did you see anything like that or hear of anyone else seeing them?
With 8pp this will be a one chance thing so hope to do it right.

minn elk chaser, sent you a pm.