Q creek or guide in Unit 56,54,59

Craig · Feb 27, 2019

Didn't draw this year but have max points and looking for next year. What hunt do you think would be a better hunt for a nice bull? Hopefully 340+ type bull. Would need a guide to hunt 56,59 and probably 54. The tags are harder to draw in those units then in 16. For the same price could probably draw 16 and hunt a lot sooner.

Thanks for any input.

Would like to hunt without a guide but units like 30,31,100 are hard to draw and the bulls sound like they are a little smaller on average.

30Hart · Feb 27, 2019

Depends on your goals...I have hunted on Q Creek and it was the best elk hunt I've ever been on. I took a very nice 320 bull...aged at 7 years old. Q kills a few great ones every year and everyone gets a good bull, but you shouldn't pass a 330 bull on the Q. Clients there have passed a 330 bull on opening day and never got a chance at another one as good. So if your heart is set at a 340+ the Q isn't it and I'd look at the other areas you mentioned. But if you are happy with a good chance at a 340-350 bull, but wouldn't be heartbroken if you go home with a 320 then the Q is it.

heywouldya · Feb 27, 2019

Both great units for solid bulls. I'd make that decision on the type of hunt I wanted.
Either a lodge hunt, in a warm pick-up and warm bed. Or, a more adventurous horse back trip back into the Wilderness, tent camp.
I personally love them both, depending on who I'm hunting with.

hwy

BuzzH · Feb 27, 2019

If I paid Q creek and shot a 320 bull...I'd take my rifle to the nearest rock, grab it by the barrel, and smash it into pieces.

jm77 · Feb 27, 2019

>If I paid Q creek and
>shot a 320 bull...I'd take
>my rifle to the nearest
>rock, grab it by the
>barrel, and smash it into
>pieces.

^^^^+1

30Hart · Feb 27, 2019

Well ##### guys guess I'm glad I didnt have to pay, but seriously I sat on a hill while I was there looking over 900 head of elk and we didnt see anything over 320. I've probably seen pictures of 60 bulls taken on the Q with the biggest one going 380 and plenty of 340-360 bulls, but my point was not everyone that does pay gets a bull bigger then 320. For every 350 bull I saw harvested, I saw plenty of 280 to 300 bulls harvested by clients too. But the biggest bulls are usually taken right out of the gate in the first season.

WapitiBob · Feb 27, 2019

Could have shot a 340 bull from Q?s front porch last year.

nfh · Feb 27, 2019

If i had a choice i would do a wilderness hunt. I would even look into a therofare hunt..yes a 28 mile ride on horses can be rough for someone that doesnt ride but the country you see is worth it.. have you thought about area 55?

My reason is from looking at the q ranch rate of 7 grand and road hunting dont seem like a good time unless your 70 to 80 years.

mulecreek · Feb 27, 2019

>
>My reason is from looking at
>the q ranch rate of
>7 grand and road hunting
>dont seem like a good
>time unless your 70 to
>80 years.

^This x10000.

mntnguide · Feb 27, 2019

I personally have little desire for the ranch type hunt. But if that would be enjoyable for you, then it might be the choice you want to make. I love being in the wilderness on the back of a horse far from cell service searching for elk. . There are a few other units you might want to consider that could be easier for you to draw than the late 59,56 hunts. Id highly suggest you at least give a phone call or look up; Trails West Outfitters, Washakie Outfitters, and Wood River Ranch Outfitters if you really are interested in a true backcountry hunt with the potential for a great bull those should be in your sights. But if all that matters to you is leaving with a bull and score is of upmost importance, maybe private land is more what you are looking for. Depends on what hunt would be more fulfilling to YOU.

bingo · Feb 28, 2019

I had the same dilemma between the Cody units and 16. I ended going with 16-2 and drew it so ready or not here I go! I'm hoping to get it done self guided on public but the Q sure does sound like a neat option if willing to pay.

30Hart · Feb 28, 2019

You will have no problem getting a 300+ bull just make sure you have plenty of time off as big snowstorms can stop you in your tracks there during that time.