59 elk

grizz10 · Mar 25, 2013

59 elk

Hi. Im new to the forum. Thanks to everyone for a lot of information. Just wanted to know what peoples general opinion of Unit 59 elk was. As an non resident is it worth the price of tag and an outfitter? If anyone has any suggesttions on outfitters in that area that I'd appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

mntnguide · Mar 25, 2013

RE: 59 elk

PM sent

DryFlyGuy · Mar 25, 2013

RE: 59 elk

I think when they open up grizzly hunting, it will be one of the most sought after tags for bear for the lower 48.

If you time the migration, you'll see elk. It is some serious terrain though. You better be a good hand on a horse.

440sixpack · Mar 26, 2013

RE: 59 elk

My wife has that tag, from what I'm told you need to access the wilderness and as a NR you can't legally do that without a guide.

This is a once in a lifetime tag most likely, I'd consider getting an outfitter and making the most of it because you probably won't get another chance. you have a real chance at a 360+ bull, last year they took a bunch of 360's and a 399 on this hunt out of a total of only 10 tags.

I'm sure you were contacted by the outfitters in the area who hunt it, from my research they're all good.

Stay thirsty my friends

TOPGUN · Mar 26, 2013

RE: 59 elk

I'm not sure that the OP is saying he has drawn the tag this year, but if your wife has one she is one of only 7 NR tags issued in that unit this year and 4 of the 7 tags are for AO. Good luck and hunt it to the max for a big one!

440sixpack · Mar 26, 2013

RE: 59 elk

Maybe you're right, I took it he had a tag in his hand.

I think there are only 10 tags for 59-1, 2 are for non res hunters. one for the regular draw, one for the special draw. only max piont holders can apply.

What suprised me was the lack of interest in the new 56-1 tag, it was easier to draw than 59-1 . I would have lost a bet on that one.

Stay thirsty my friends

TOPGUN · Mar 26, 2013

RE: 59 elk

LAST EDITED ON Mar-26-13 AT 07:37PM (MST)[p]I got my information from the 2013 draw odds that are posted on the G&F website. 1 tag was available in the Reg PP Draw; 1 in the Special PP Draw; 1 in the AO Special PP Draw, and 3 in the AO PP Draw. The last one actually had 4 tags issued for the total of 7 because a party of two drew for the last one that was available and when that happens all in the party get a tag in the deer, elk, and antelope draws.

440sixpack · Mar 26, 2013

RE: 59 elk

LAST EDITED ON Mar-26-13 AT 10:04PM (MST)[p]You mean cow tags? I hope to not see them going that far in for a cow but you never know. one thing about it they should be there long.

Stay thirsty my friends

TOPGUN · Mar 27, 2013

RE: 59 elk

No, I don't mean cow tags! I'm talking about Type 59-1 and 59-9 A/O any elk tags! There are 60 Type 6 cow/calf tags available and only 10 were taken in the draw. There were 4 Type 7 cow/calf tags available and none were taken, so there should be 54 tags offered for sale just from those NR drawings alone in July.

440sixpack · Mar 27, 2013

RE: 59 elk

I don't care about the 59-9 guys they'll be gone a month before 59-1 starts.

Stay thirsty my friends

scab · Mar 27, 2013

RE: 59 elk

I am the person that drew the other NR tag for 59-1 this year with max points of 7. I was in the Special PP draw. I am from Wisconsin and will be hunting with the assistance of a local outfitter. Like 440sixpack says, you will need an outfitter (or a local) to access the wilderness area where the elk are at and to be successful. Last year was an excellent hunt with many giant bulls killed but it is a migration hunt, and unlike unit 58-1, the season does not go until the end of November. Pray for snow and cold weather. Those elk can and will travel 20+ miles a day once they decide to leave the park. In a good year, when the weather cooperates, even with the impact that wolves and grizzlies have had on the Yellowstone herd, this hunt is as good as it gets. Even in a bad (warm) year, I believe it is still worthy of the cost of the tag and an outfitter. The top end bulls will just be smaller. The other X factor here is the long-term affects of continuous predation on the herd. I am curious---how many PP's do you presently have??? Bryan-Wisconsin

TOPGUN · Mar 27, 2013

RE: 59 elk

Congratulations Bryan! That's pretty cool that the only two NR rifle tags are on this one thread! It sounds like you've either been in that area a lot or have done a lot of research, or both. I wish you both great success and hope you have an awesome time in that great country. Shoot a biggun guys!!!

440sixpack · Mar 27, 2013

RE: 59 elk

Scab are you going early waiting until later in the season? the outfitter we're going with wants to go the last 7 or 8 days. he says the bigger bulls come out at the end or even after the season, most years.

I told him the only way I'd go for that is if we could go early on IF the conditions warranted it and he agreed that was plan he could make happen. I guess it's all about the weather. but isn't it always.

If she can get a 350 class bull she'll be happy as hell, anything bigger is just a bonus. sounds like last year that was no problem, but this is this year. I hope my luck doesn't rub off.

Stay thirsty my friends

scab · Mar 28, 2013

RE: 59 elk

440sixpack

I am hunting opening day with extra days, if necessary, should the weather not cooperate. The same as you but opposite ends of the season. Are you hunting with Wapiti Ridge or Boulder Basin or someone else? I am hunting with Justin.

I am kind of holding out for something north of 370. I already have a 350 rifle and 360 archery bull.

Bryan

scab · Mar 28, 2013

RE: 59 elk

Thank you, TOPGUN. I appreciate the kind words. I am pretty excited about this hunt.

Bryan

TOPGUN · Mar 28, 2013

RE: 59 elk

Bryan---I'm sure you realize you will be waiting on something that may not happen, as that's a tall order to fill on any hunt no matter what unit it is. That said, with the unit you'll be hunting and if you have bulls on the wall like you mentioned, that is exactly what I'd be doing too and I'd decide late in the hunt to drop that down some if necessary or eat the tag. It sounds like you both have great plans to try for the best days depending on the weather and that can sure make the difference from one year to the next on when those biggest bull move down.

440sixpack · Mar 28, 2013

RE: 59 elk

I'm hunting with Justin too, or should I say my wife is. I'm surprised he didn't want to hunt both of you at the same time he has a big camp and it's not like there isn't enough country for two hunters.

I'm 90% sure I'll be sheep hunting with JJ this year in September so I'm sure we'll have time to talk it over and figure it out.

I've taken a 382 bull so I'm like you, but my wife will be thrilled if she can connect with anything 350 or better. it sounds like most years you don't slow up for anything under 350, that's as good as it gets in WY. since her hunt dates are open if the weather hits early we might see you there.

Stay thirsty my friends

mntnguide · Mar 28, 2013

RE: 59 elk

Justin is a great outfitter and downright good hardworking guy. You both should have an awesome hunt with him.

scab · Mar 28, 2013

RE: 59 elk

Yaah, TOPGUN. I'll probably eat tag soup if I stay too steady at the 370 mark. Truth is once you shoot a 350 bull, you want to shoot another one. I am sure that at some point I will drop my standards should it become necessary. I do have a lot of points built up for elk in Arizona, Nevada and Utah so I still have those hunts to look forward to, as well. I am really looking forward to a late season horseback hunt in the wilderness.

440sixpack · Mar 28, 2013

RE: 59 elk

That's good to hear. in searching for a sheep outfittter I didn't talk to any I didn't like, well maybe one, but Justin seemed like he was more concerned about the hunt that the business details.

It is their business I understand that and respect it, but some guys can make you feel like your hunt is as important to them as their bottom line and I like that.

In any case it should be a great hunt, maybe a really great one if we have some luck.

Stay thirsty my friends

scab · Mar 28, 2013

RE: 59 elk

Wow, a sheep hunt---nice. You must have north of 15 points or so to be in the running for that tag. Yes, I do hope that our paths cross during our hunt---perhaps we will be able to stay in the same camp together. I am pretty stoked about hunting with Justin. He sure seems like the real deal. Congratulations to your wife (and you) on the tag.

scab · Mar 28, 2013

RE: 59 elk

I agree, that is good to hear. I feel totally comfortable with Justin.

440sixpack · Mar 28, 2013

RE: 59 elk

Yes I have 15 points and I'm pretty confident that will draw the unit Justin wanted me in, last year some guys with 14 drew out. but you know how it goes coulda shoulda woulda. but I think my chances are good.

I don't know if you've been to Cody before or not, but you absolutely have to spend at least one day at the Buffalo Bill Center.

I bet we spend at least a few days in camp together. I look forward to it.

Stay thirsty my friends

TOPGUN · Mar 28, 2013

RE: 59 elk

Man I sure envy you guys getting to go on that huntand 440 is right. The Buffalo Bill Museum is a two day ticket and you can easily spend that much time with all there is to see. Cripes, just the firearm section alone is over a half day to do it justice!

mntnguide · Mar 28, 2013

RE: 59 elk

A friend of both mine and Justin's drew the tag last year and inbetween guiding some Moose hunters for his own outfit, made it over there and only had a couple days to hunt. He went into Justin's camp because Justin did not have his hunter in camp yet for the hunt, and managed to take an awesome heavy bull on his first morning of hunting. Probably around 365 if he hadnt been broken on one Royal, but still in the 350 range and a great looking bull with character. Im sure you both will have a great hunt and chose a great camp to be doing it out of.

440sixpack · Mar 28, 2013

RE: 59 elk

LAST EDITED ON Mar-28-13 AT 07:56PM (MST)[p]
One thing I wonder about the hunt is since it is a migration hunt how long on the average does the migration last? the guys I talked to said they were looking at 75-100 bulls a day and usually different ones each day. ( not all big bulls ofcourse ).

So I'm not sure just how critical the timing is, the season is only 15 days so it's not just a matter of when you hunt in the season but if the season is even open during the migration. not much you can do about it but it makes you wonder.

I've never seen the area before but i'd think, or hope there are elk hang up in it for a while most years it's not just a pass through area completely.

Topgun how many points do you have? we can let you know if it's as good as the hype.

Stay thirsty my friends

TOPGUN · Mar 28, 2013

RE: 59 elk

440---I've never put in for elk PPs since that system started 7 years ago. I just get all of my kicks helping friends that draw tags get a good one every year. I'm probably good for my LQ deer tag this year and will be devoting time to some scouting in October and then hunting the entire 2 week season the first half of Novemebr to try for a good buck. Before that I'm hoping my buddy in Sheridan draws another bull tag so we can bow hunt and then fall back on the rifle season in October if he doesn't tag out. Other than that I'll shoot a couple of doe antelope for salami sticks, which I really like.

scab · Mar 29, 2013

RE: 59 elk

I bet we do spend some time in camp together. I look forward to it, as well. Good luck in the sheep draw. When do you find out the results???

scab · Mar 29, 2013

RE: 59 elk

You must be talking about Bob Barlow. I heard about Bob's success from Justin. Have you spent any time in that unit during the late season???

scab · Mar 29, 2013

RE: 59 elk

I will definitely make a point of spending some at the Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody. I have heard about it but have never been there. Good idea, 440.

440sixpack · Mar 29, 2013

RE: 59 elk

They say May 8th but it should be a little before that. We'll see, I'm not getting any younger I'd rather get my sheep hunting done sooner than later.

If for some reason I don't draw this year I should have a lock on it next year.

Stay thirsty my friends

grizz10 · Apr 11, 2013

RE: 59 elk

Thanks for all the responses. Does anyone have any information on Bliss Creek Outfitters. Im looking to book with Tim Doud and just want to get an idea of what him and his operation is like. Pm me if possible so this doesn't turn into a bash session. Thats the last thing I want. Thanks.

wyoramhunter · Apr 17, 2013

RE: 59 elk

area 59 is a great tag. they killed some very big bulls in there in 2012. you will have to be ready to work hard and ride horses but should kill a nice bull. it is worth the money and you will need to hire an outfitter. try looking into shoshone lodge outfitters.

440sixpack · Apr 17, 2013

RE: 59 elk

Weather is a factor in almost every hunt, but some more than others.

Does anyone know what this hunt is like if the snow isn't there yet? and is it a small window afterwards? I know it's a migration hunt but I don't know if the elk hang up in 59 or pass right through.

Stay thirsty my friends

sjhgraysage · Nov 29, 2013

RE: 59 elk

440sixpack or scab,
Either of you have an update to the elk area 59 hunt?
I'm curious how it went for you in that area this year.
Thanks!

mntnguide · Dec 2, 2013

RE: 59 elk

Heard of at least a few great bulls taken by resident hunters...360-380. Also heard guided hunters taking 340-350 class bulls. I dont have pictures to post, but heard that info from a knowledgable source about that hunt. Sounds like it was not necessarily an easy hunt, but with effort put in, some great bulls hit the ground.

440sixpack · Dec 2, 2013

RE: 59 elk

We took a 360 class bull, I know of some bigger and smaller.

This is a hunt that is weather dependant as you can imagine . the other thing I see is the hunt area ir rather small, not the unit, but where the elk travel. if too many commissioner tags showed up it would be a trainwreck for everyone, there is a reason there are only 10 draw tags.

I would be reluctant to say it's a great hunt because of those two factors you have no control over.

Stay thirsty my friends

scab · Dec 5, 2013

RE: 59 elk

I took a nice bull on day 4 that scored just under 350. Steep, nasty country---not for the faint of heart. Plenty of hunters, to boot. Scab

puyallupaul · Dec 6, 2013

RE: 59 elk

440SIXPACK - SCAB

Wondering which of those outfitters you did use ?
Those deep wilderness hunts can be tough.
I was very lucky in my Mont bull last year.

440sixpack · Dec 6, 2013

RE: 59 elk

JJ, Wapati Ridge Outfitters.

I will hunt JJ when I draw my sheep tag in the next year or two as well. top notch on everything.

Stay thirsty my friends