Odds of success of a DIY elk hunt for first timer?

[300Shortmag]

So we've been pondering over trying a DIY elk hunt in Colorado or going with a guide. I'm still not a big fan of having someone put you on animals and tell you which one to shoot. Just wondering if we'd have any chance of success with getting a general tag for Colorado and putting our boots to the ground. Just for clarification, none of us have ever hunted elk before.

Anyone have any thoughts on it? It'd be a rifle hunt and we have no specific area as of yet. Just wondering if we'd be wandering in the dark and if our only chance of actual success would be to go with a guide. I know anyone can get lucky, but I'm wondering if there's enough out there for someone from out of the state to have a good chance of getting a bull (no need to be a monster).

From all I've read it's a lot of work to DIY, but the pride of a successful hunt would be the trophy.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

[AWHOLELOTTABULL]

LAST EDITED ON Sep-19-10 AT 05:39AM (MST)[p]Here's my thoughts: If I were you and pondering a do it yourself hunt and not knowing the area, I would hire out a drop camp. They will take you in and provide your camp for you or just pack your personal gear in. They will usually know the area and can point you in the right direction before they leave. For drop camp hunts I highly recommend nothing shorter than 7 or 8 days, preferably 10. You will need some extra time to get familiar with the area and find elk. It is very possible to find elk on your own in Colorado but during a rifle hunt on an open area you will have a lot of company that may be hard to get away from. Obviously archery hunts are going to be less populated but getting back in there on some of that Colorado country is key to having less hunters around you.

You could do it on your own but somone with some knowlege of the area can give you a head start in finding the elk. Being in the right area is 3/4 the battle.


It's always an adventure!!!

 

[mntman]

That depends on you, if you work hard and put the time into research, scouting and hunting then you can DIY. I lived out east my entire life, moved here in 2004. That first year I shot a 4x4 and a cow in 2 different units. Through 2009, I averaged 1.9 elk per year. One of those seasons I only got to hunt 1 day, so it is hard to count that one but I do.

Hard work is what counts. If you have a limited amount of vacation, use the majority of it scouting and only plan for 3 or 4 days of hunting. I'd personally rather scout for 10 days and hunt for 2 vs scouting for 2 and hunting 10.

Is it possible? YES.
Are most people willing to put in the work? NO.
Only you can answer that question honestly.

Mntman

"Hunting is where you prove yourself"

 

[JakeS]

Just got back from my first ever bull elk hunt. It was a general, over the counter tag in Wyoming in a wilderness area. None of us had EVER been to the area before. We talked to alot of people and studied topo maps. I shot a nice bull and the other guy with an elk tag missed a chip shot. We went 50% on filled tags and 100% on opportunities. It can definatley be done. especially if your willing to wear out some boot leather. (and/or horse shoes)

 

[300Shortmag]

I appreciate the responses. I recognize that it's a physically demanding hunt and we are willing to put in the work.

A drop hunt probably would be best as was described, due to having someone familiar with the area able to point us in the right general direction.

I'm gonna kick around the idea and after this season we'll figure out what were gonna do next year. Either way it'll be an adventure.