Any suggestions for an elk hunt?

[AtTheMurph]

Hidden gem elk state is Arizona. No one thinks of it and most people would have no idea that it is loaded with elk. And the hunting is generally easier than in other places like CO or WY.

Can not comment on the tag situation however. Like most places I assume you need to be drawn.

 

[fullmetaljesus]

I just had to run that through an internet search to get the joke and now I think I have to fire myself for computer misconduct.

Tactical fat owes you an apology.

 

[BigRed]

Lol eww. I hate that fact I know what a waifu pillow is.

Ah crap.....now I have to get that **** out of my search history

 

[fullmetaljesus]

Ah crap.....now I have to get that **** out of my search history

Ban tactical fat!

 

[DoggyDaddy]

Ah crap.....now I have to get that **** out of my search history

Not even gonna look. I will bask in my ignorance of such a thing.

 

[two70]

Hidden gem elk state is Arizona. No one thinks of it and most people would have no idea that it is loaded with elk. And the hunting is generally easier than in other places like CO or WY.

Can not comment on the tag situation however. Like most places I assume you need to be drawn.

Arizona has one of the worst draw systems I've looked at in my opinion. It's been a long time since I looked so I don't remember if you even have a theoretical chance of drawing without maximum points but I do remember that it took more than 10 preference points to have any realistic chance of drawing in a decent area. That was 10 years ago. I also remember that you had to buy a hunting license (~$150, IRC) before you could even apply for a point. They have some huge bulls and apparently great hunting but you better start applying while you're still young and you better be lucky.

 

[AtTheMurph]

Arizona has one of the worst draw systems I've looked at in my opinion. It's been a long time since I looked so I don't remember if you even have a theoretical chance of drawing without maximum points but I do remember that it took more than 10 preference points to have any realistic chance of drawing in a decent area. That was 10 years ago. I also remember that you had to buy a hunting license (~$150, IRC) before you could even apply for a point. They have some huge bulls and apparently great hunting but you better start applying while you're still young and you better be lucky.

Not sure on the point/draw system. I do know that they have tons of elk and have been talking about increased hunting permits for at least several years.

Even with the hunting they do the herd size has grown and they are getting complaints from ranchers about competition for food with their cattle.

And AZ does probably have more trophy bulls than anywhere else. Probably because it at least used to be so tough to hunt there.

For me, I'd like to hunt Wisconsin or Kentucky. Friend hunted KY two years ago and bagged a cow. That would be a cool experience.

 

[Tactically Fat]

Ban tactical fat!

Bring it!

 

[fullmetaljesus]

Bring it!

Reported!

 

[Scenarfan]

I’m not much a an elk hunting veteran with only 2 cows and 2 bulls to my credit, but I’ll throw another option at you for your first elk hunt. Find an outfitter that does a 2-3 day cow elk hunt where they have OTC cow tags. That will be much less expensive, and you can spend a couple days hunting elk, watching them, and learning how to hunt them. plus cow elk meat is fricking fantastic!
Then build points for a bull hunt 3 years from now.

 

[fullmetaljesus]

I’m not much a an elk hunting veteran with only 2 cows and 2 bulls to my credit, but I’ll throw another option at you for your first elk hunt. Find an outfitter that does a 2-3 day cow elk hunt where they have OTC cow tags. That will be much less expensive, and you can spend a couple days hunting elk, watching them, and learning how to hunt them. plus cow elk meat is fricking fantastic!
Then build points for a bull hunt 3 years from now.

Any suggestions?

 

[Scenarfan]

Any suggestions?

I’ve gone with Bear Track Outfitters in Buffalo WY and enjoyed many successful hunts with them.

 

[fullmetaljesus]

I’ve gone with Bear Track Outfitters in Buffalo WY and enjoyed many successful hunts with them.

Thanks

 

[Gingerbeardman]

There's a guy named Ralph Wachle (sp?) outside Ridgway Colorado that guides hunts on his own property. I've never hunted with him but I've seen his operation and would vouch he's a good dude. He used to also have a realty business up by Montrose that could assist an internet search if you're interested.

 

[phatgemi]

I’m not much a an elk hunting veteran with only 2 cows and 2 bulls to my credit, but I’ll throw another option at you for your first elk hunt. Find an outfitter that does a 2-3 day cow elk hunt where they have OTC cow tags. That will be much less expensive, and you can spend a couple days hunting elk, watching them, and learning how to hunt them. plus cow elk meat is fricking fantastic!
Then build points for a bull hunt 3 years from now.

This is exactly the type of hunt my son, I and a couple of his buddies are doing next fall. We are going to New Mexico for 3 day cow hunt with OTC tags and will be on private property. For first time elk guys I think it should be good. We'll see.

 

[Gingerbeardman]

I also found out a very good friend of mine is a guide on the Buffalo Creek Ranch up by Walden. I could get you in touch if you like.