Looking for 2014 Hunt

firemarshalRod · Dec 19, 2013

Hi all, I have been with MM for a couple of years now but have not had much opportunity to contribute. Not much to offer from Michigan.
I have an opportunity to finally get out west for an elk hunt, but I need to go in 2014. Since this is probably a once in a lifetime chance, I am obviously wanting a great (and successful) hunt.

Could some of you provide suggestions for outfitters in nondraw areas where you have had good experiences?

Any help would be great.

mntman · Dec 19, 2013

If you have zero points, first thing you need to do is filter them out down to the ones that offer vouchers, general tags, 2nd choice tags or OTC tags...

If you are that concerned about filling your tag on one trip, you may want to lean towards an outfitter that has 10's of thousands of acres of private land with vouchers. Not saying there isn't outfitters that don't get it done on public land with large numbers of tags, but your odds are definitely lower...

Mntman

"Hunting is where you prove yourself"

Let me guess, you drive a 1 ton with oak trees for smoke stacks, 12" lift kit and 40" tires to pull a single place lawn mower trailer?

Cam@strawberry · Dec 20, 2013

Hey Rod I sent ya a PM feel free to give me a call and i'll see if I know of anything that fits the bill for you or if we can work something out!

https://www.facebook.com/strawberrybayoutfitters

sjhgraysage · Dec 20, 2013

Something to consider as a possibility:
Apply in January for a general license for elk in Wyoming.
You will know if you draw by the end of February.
There is some decent hunting to be had in Wyoming in the wilderness areas on the general license if you go with an outfitter.

If you don't draw you will still have options that can be considered after the Wyoming results are out in February.

You could also look into the Ranching for Wildlife program in Colorado. If you book with one of the ranches they will have your license for you.

Another option is Southern British Columbia, plenty of elk and some decent outfits that hunt them.

sagebrush · Dec 20, 2013

LAST EDITED ON Dec-20-13 AT 04:56PM (MST)[p]There is tons of opportunity for what you want in New Mexico. Do some research and find an outfitter you like. Most outfitters have a program where you apply for a tag in the special outfitters draw and if you don't draw, you can buy a landowner voucher from your outfitter. That way you know for sure you are hunting in 2014 and NM has great opportunity to fill your tag and possibly take the bull of a lifetime. No bonus point system in NM, so everyone has an equal chance in the draw and 12% of the tags are reserved for applicants that apply in the outfitter draw. I think its the perfect solution for what you described. Any of the early season hunts in the Gila will be the chance at a great experience.

I would heartily recommend Jim Welles at JFW Ranch Consulting. The wife and I used him for an antelope hunt several years ago and had a great experience from start to finish. He is also a sponsor of this site.

http://www.newmexicobiggamehunting.com/

Beamerfish · Dec 20, 2013

If you have the coins, cooperative wildlife management unit hunts in Utah are virtually a sure bet for a great once-in-a-lifetime hunt to take home a trophy bull.

toughelmer · Dec 20, 2013

Sent PM

firemarshalRod · Dec 21, 2013

Thank you for the great information. This is what has kept me reading MM for the last couple years, good people willing to help each other out.

Applying to Wyoming sounds like a great idea and will give me an opportunity to look at other options while waiting to hear the draw results. I spent quite a bit of time looking at the Colorado Ranching for Wildlife Program last night. It appears that most of the participating ranches are around Meeker, which from what I have heard is pretty heavily hunted. Of course that may or not effect the quality of the hunting on the private ranches and I know ghat area has a large elk population. I will have to look into that some more.

New Mexico has always been an area of interest burk had largely ruled it out due to travel distance. British Columbia would be awesome but is a bit pricey. Still the area offers numerous combination hunts that could justify the additional cost. I hadn't really considered BC will do a little more research.

I also was not aware of the programs in Utah. You have all gave me plenty to research. There are so many great opportunities out there.

I must also appologize for my ignorance in checking the PM that were sent to me. I am not sure where to find them.

Again, thank you tor the help and if you have anymore advice, I look forward to hearing from you.

firemarshalRod · Dec 21, 2013

I'm not sure how to check my PMs.

bgh7404jas · Dec 21, 2013

LAST EDITED ON Dec-21-13 AT 03:38PM (MST)[p]To check PMs go back to the conferences page and click inbox. You may have to set up a password. For an over the counter hunt Montana is a good choice. I've hunted there several times with Centennial Outfitters. This is a bull I took with them. Jerad

firemarshalRod · Dec 21, 2013

Dang nice bull! He's a brute.

big6 · Dec 30, 2013

FiremarshalRod, if you would like give me a call at 435-979-7227. I am in southern Utah and I can give you some details on the CWMU (cooperative wildlife management units) programs. I can also give you some other options that are available in Utah.

Taylor Albrecht
www.hightopoutfitters.com

cmbbulldog · Dec 30, 2013

What are you willing to spend? Big difference between 4-5K and 8K+.

firemarshalRod · Dec 31, 2013

Thank you all for the advice and interest in helping out a fellow hunter. I will be following up on the phone calls after the New Year. Looking forward to a great year.