recommendations for guided elk hunt next year

Buglelk · Nov 7, 2018

I have been trying for 20 plus years for a really good bull.
I have been close so many times but it has never happened to me.
I have had a good year financially this year and want to go next year to hunt on some private property and be guided. I just want one 330 type class bull and the experience of seeing a lot of elk while rutting.
I am a bow hunter but at this point rifle hunt if during the rut I am good with.
If anyone knows a good place anywhere really in the west that you can recommend I check out their website or refer me I am looking for a great hunt next year.

DidIDraw · Nov 7, 2018

If you had a REALLY good year you may consider hunting one of the Indian Reservations in AZ or NM - they routinely produce 380+ bulls. These are mostly $20k+ hunts.

If you had a really good year maybe you consider one of the CWMUs in Utah or big ranches in CO. Finding a 330+ bull on one of these is very doable. These are mostly $10k+ hunts.

If you had a good year maybe a wilderness hunt on an OTC tag in WY. These are generally around $6k-$8k.

Will be a fun time deciding which works best for you.

legacy · Nov 7, 2018

PM Sent

WVHUNTER · Nov 8, 2018

Legacy gave you a good start.

Of course you know these hunts are going to be $15,000 to $25,000.

Some possibilities are:

Colorado, Raftopoulos Ranches with a landowner tag

Colorado 2V Outfitters with Ranching for Wildlife Tag

Colorado Hill Ranches with RFW Tag

New Mexico Mescalero Apache

Arizona White Mountain Apache

Utah On CWMU ranches

The top end of these is the White Mountain Apache and the Utah CWMU's. You could be hunting for a 350 to 400 on those.

The Jiarilla Apache isn't in this league, I have been there, it's a good hunt but in the 300 -320 range.

I'm excited for you, wish I was going with you but my wife would kill me.

Let us know what you find.

WVHUNTER · Nov 8, 2018

I meant DidIDraw gave you a good start.

wyomingsako · Nov 8, 2018

WY does not have OTC tags, the area's you're talking about take about 2 points. good luck finding something.

BIGJOHNT · Nov 8, 2018

Get a outfitters to bid on one of the elk tags at the banquets. Depends on what unit you want to hunt for which outfitter. If there isn't a list of what tags are for sale at what banquets. There will be soon. Some years you can get a steal. Maybe 12000 for a low to 16000 depending on the unit. Is this what you where thinking ? I am talking about Utah.

Blank · Nov 8, 2018

Consider Three Forks Ranch in NW Colorado. It's a RFW property and offers rifle hunts in the rut. Lots of animals and crazy action.

YukonDall · Nov 9, 2018

THIS IS A TIMELY THREAD FOR ME AS WELL, SOME OF THE OPTIONS I HAVE CONSIDERED. GETTING OLDER MEANS YOU HAVE TO FIND THE RIGHT TYPE OF HUNTS TO GO ON, LONG HORSE RIDES & BACKING PACKING ARE A THING OF THE PAST FOR THIS 65 YEAR OLD.

BUT I STILL WANT TO HUNT ELK, AND I HAVE A BUDGET TO PLAY WITH. IF YOU KNOW OF A GOOD RANCH/PRIVATE HUNT AND WANT TO SHARE I WILL TAKE A HARD LOOK AT THE HUNT. PM'S ARE ALSO WELCOME.

THANKS FOR YOUR TIME, AND ADVICE...........YD.

Hunt_the_West · Nov 9, 2018

Not a great chance of finding a 330 bull on three forks. It could happen but it wouldnt even be on my radar if I were looking for 330 type bulls.

wytex · Nov 11, 2018

Some general area in SC Wyoming on private that have big bulls and open Oct 1 for rifle. Look into hunts on private on the fringes of the National forest.

pm sent

slamdunk · Nov 11, 2018

Check out these guys, I guided for them for 20 year's. They are all private land (guaranteed license) free range hunts for every budget.
bucksandbulls.com