Best late season elk guide WY?

Craig · Nov 5, 2017

I have max elk points but still know its pretty slim draw odds for the rifle late season elk permits around Cody WY. If I ever draw who do you guys think the best guides in the area are? looking at units 54,56,58,59,66, or other good units around there.

nfh · Nov 5, 2017

They are all good with that tag. I have a few I would suggest and have some I wouldn't suggest

grosventrehunter · Nov 5, 2017

Not sure how many points it takes to draw but 16 is a great tag if going guided. Especially if you can hunt on the Q ranch.

OchocoKid · Nov 6, 2017

Who you go with depends on where you draw.

I've hunted the late hunts and have first hand accounts from hunting partners who've hunted a couple of the others. there are several great outfitters and a couple I think are decent I just personally don't like them because of stunts they pulled .

Opinions vary, but in mine 56 is the best hunt in the state. can be very cold and can be tough.

59 is my favorite but some years weather can be a problem.

54 can be a clustershag I would avoid. this is what I've heard I've never hunted it.

58 is the easiest , the gentleman's late hunt . probably not as big of bulls and you only have 1 outfitter to choose from who has access to the Hoodoo . which is not a bad thing because he's a great guy and a great outfitter.

Stay Thirsty My Friends

Wyohunter1 · Nov 6, 2017

Unit 63 or 61-2 with Wood River Ranch, I think they took all the cream of the crop in 56 within a couple years of it opening.

OchocoKid · Nov 6, 2017

A well known guide told me they see 360 bulls in 56 every year. a personal friend hunted it 2 years ago and took a 365 after missing what he figured was a 380. that works for me.

But I don't doubt quality has declined from the first years.

The late Cody hunts have the potential for a 380+ bull . I'm not sure if most of the other units can honestly say that. and what kind of experience you're looking for matters too. horseback hunts in possible sub zero weather aren't for everyone. but coming out after a week the largest road less area in the lower 48 with trophy bull packed on a mule is something I personally would never trade for the sake of easier conditions. I've taken lots of elk but the late Cody hunt will forever stand far above any other elk hunt I will ever take for total experience.

there are pros and cons to all these hunts consider them carefully before you burn max points.

Stay Thirsty My Friends

nfh · Nov 6, 2017

I had the tag in 2014. I passed on 37 bulls less than 2 hours. The hunt is unreal. Took me 12 years to draw. As said above a 380 plus bull comes to life. It's a rare chance to see these caliber of bulls. Most hunters tag out on a 350 to 370 bull cause they are not use to see these bulls and a 350 bull looks 380 to them. So that's a common mistake

jims · Nov 12, 2017

For the guys with experience in those units is it possible for nonres DIY guy to do ok without the use of horses or a guide (outside the wilderness)?

OchocoKid · Nov 12, 2017

59 , not really.

56, I suppose it depends on the year but I don't think so.

54 , yes . if you like clustershags.

58 yes, but I don't think you can hunt the Hoodoo anymore. unless you go with Meade.

Stay Thirsty My Friends