First archery elk hunt...

I haven’t for my first 8 or so, but I think it’s not a bad idea at all…. There’s a lot of Sh!t sandwiches to eat while you learn for years… Or maybe I’m just slow
 
A limited entry hunt or general? What unit? And I believe your coming from California? Going to be hard to scout.
 
BIGJOHNT said:
A limited entry hunt or general? What unit? And I believe your coming from California? Going to be hard to scout.
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It would be a general tag....nothing special. I don't have a tag but am thinking of burning some points in Colorado next year. I was just getting opinions on the idea. Could learn a ton on one trip with a guide but I am not the "guide" type so there's that. I don't even know what it would cost to have a guide for a week.
 
It’s a long learning curve. Going guided would likely help you have a more productive week. I have found that the amount of days really needed for a DIY archery Elk hunt, is more than I can usually take in one shot. I don’t think a week is nearly enough. I really think 2 weeks is ideal.

Realistically it takes guys several years, of dedicated trial and error to even begin to get proficient at it.

So, IMO, productive archery hunting takes a high level of dedication, and a ton of time, and willingness to get your butt handed to you.
 
I get it.....I don't have the time year after year to get THAT proficient at it anyway. I am late to the elk game as I am 50 already. I'll never have more than 1 elk tag in my pocket a year like a lot of other guys get. I'll be lucky to hunt elk every other year or 3rd year unless I do OTC Colorado elk. Was never interested in elk hunting and then lucked out and drew a good Utah tag. Hunted 4 days and loved every second of it. I appreciate the info guys.
 
One thing I have personally learned, specifically hunting bulls in Colorado, and doing my own calling, is how amazing those bastards are at circling downwind and coming in quiet…..

There’s so many variable to learn.
 
El Gringo said:
One thing I have personally learned, specifically hunting bulls in Colorado, and doing my own calling, is how amazing those bastards are at circling downwind and coming in quiet…..

There’s so many variable to learn.
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Another reason to have a guide...to call...but you hear guys that are successful calling themselves so it can be done.
 
Wiszard said:
It would be a general tag....nothing special. I don't have a tag but am thinking of burning some points in Colorado next year. I was just getting opinions on the idea. Could learn a ton on one trip with a guide but I am not the "guide" type so there's that. I don't even know what it would cost to have a guide for a week.
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A general spike bull tag or a any bull tag? Some of the any bull unit can be tough to find bulls. A spike unit you generally find elk. But sometimes big bulls and cows. But it still a great time getting into elk. Some of the any bull units can get discouraging.
 
I would do a guide if you don't have someone who is well versed in bow hunting elk to go with you. I think you would probably have a better time with a friend who knows his way around bow hunting elk rather than a guide IMO. There is nothing better in hunting than calling in a bull even though something goes south 98% of the time lol.
 
Elk hunting is hard but it is really hard when you get a elk down and need to pack it out. Having a guide to help you get it out is huge when you get older.
 
Wiszard said:
Your family going with you on that hunt? An AZ elk tag isn't easy to get. I hope you are successful.
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One of my boys and buddy are planning on coming down for a few days. I am planning on hunting the full 13 days so a few with and few with out.
 
I am pro-solo and thats all I’ve ever done, but its probably true that if you want to have a good time and not JUST a “learning experience”, a first archery hunt in your 50’s would be pretty sweet with a guide even though its not cheap. Soak up everything, ask everything, try everything. After that, decide if you can handle it (or want to handle it) solo. Alternatively, a good buddy along or linking up with a like-minded new friend instead of a guide would also be good. If you do go solo, expect literally everything to go wrong, except when it goes right. No predicting when or where either will happen. Have fun and good luck.
 
I’ve been hunting elk for a long time and never imagined hiring a guide or an outfitter and it never even crossed my mind because I’ve always been a DIYer and the thought of having to pay someone to help me hunt elk was absurd. This year is different, though. I applied for New Mexico as a non-resident and it’s extremely difficult to get drawn, unless you apply with an outfitter and your odds increase substantially. I do very well financially, so I said screw it and applied with an outfitter and got drawn. If I’m not getting drawn here in AZ, I’m willing to pay if it means I get to go on a high-quality elk hunt. For your first hunt, I would recommend scouring forums and trying to learn as much information as possible and just get out there and learn as you go. Nothing can take the place of real-world experience.
 
Elkoholic87 said:
I’ve been hunting elk for a long time and never imagined hiring a guide or an outfitter and it never even crossed my mind because I’ve always been a DIYer and the thought of having to pay someone to help me hunt elk was absurd. This year is different, though. I applied for New Mexico as a non-resident and it’s extremely difficult to get drawn, unless you apply with an outfitter and your odds increase substantially. I do very well financially, so I said screw it and applied with an outfitter and got drawn. If I’m not getting drawn here in AZ, I’m willing to pay if it means I get to go on a high-quality elk hunt. For your first hunt, I would recommend scouring forums and trying to learn as much information as possible and just get out there and learn as you go. Nothing can take the place of real-world experience.
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The deal here is… do you want to go to have a good experience and potentially kill an elk? Go with a reputable outfitter. Do you want to become a good archery elk hunter starting from square one? Buckle up your chin strap and prepare to be the under-sized freshman in Oklahoma drill during 2 days all summer long.
 
Generally I hunt on my own or with family are a couple select friends. I usually hold my on own most hunts and actually spend more time taking others than having my own tag. However this year with gas at over $5.00 on a new unit that I've never stepped foot on, I decided I still wanted to spend the full 13 days of the hunt chasing big bulls rather than trying to learn the unit. The research and talking with guides wasn't a lot different than preparing for most of my hunts. Ive still spent hours talking to other hunters that have hunted the unit, studying OnX and Google earth. Practicing shooting, calling and prepping my gear. I'm as excited to load up in Sept and head to AZ as I have been on hunts that I have put in over 50 days scouting for. I guess in the end I just love to hunt and most of the aspects surrounding it. Guided or DIY, Solo or with friends and family.

Steve having had the pleasure of hunting elk with you before I am sure you will enjoy the adventure either way!!!
 
I have used guides on a couple of occasions.
But mostly Hunt on my own or with friends.
I got a question for ya though.
How many people pay to go to college or a trade school?
If you do go with a guide, pay attention and learn something.
Then call it paying for some education.
 
For those of you who have hunted with guides, did you have to kind of pester the guide around this time to try and set up your hunt?

I'm trying to set up a guided hunt and the 3 guides I'm emailing are being a little tough to chat with. Should I just wait for them to get the free time and hope they get back to me again or should I keep on them until they reply?
 
MountainSqwabler said:
For those of you who have hunted with guides, did you have to kind of pester the guide around this time to try and set up your hunt?

I'm trying to set up a guided hunt and the 3 guides I'm emailing are being a little tough to chat with. Should I just wait for them to get the free time and hope they get back to me again or should I keep on them until they reply?
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I would continue to reach out. There’s no reason they shouldn’t at least be getting back to you. The guide I’m using for New Mexico has been great to communicate with. I’m actually meeting with him this weekend to do some scouting and check out the area for the weekend.
 
MountainSqwabler said:
For those of you who have hunted with guides, did you have to kind of pester the guide around this time to try and set up your hunt?

I'm trying to set up a guided hunt and the 3 guides I'm emailing are being a little tough to chat with. Should I just wait for them to get the free time and hope they get back to me again or should I keep on them until they reply?
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I'd figure most guides are working these days on the clients they currently have booked. I may be wrong but it would make sense.
 
Wiszard said:
I'd figure most guides are working these days on the clients they currently have booked. I may be wrong but it would make sense.
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Yeah that's what I'm guessing. They talked to me for a little bit, stopped over the weekend and haven't heard from them since like Friday. Kinda figured that's what was up.
 
Muley_73 said:
Generally I hunt on my own or with family are a couple select friends. I usually hold my on own most hunts and actually spend more time taking others than having my own tag. However this year with gas at over $5.00 on a new unit that I've never stepped foot on, I decided I still wanted to spend the full 13 days of the hunt chasing big bulls rather than trying to learn the unit. The research and talking with guides wasn't a lot different than preparing for most of my hunts. Ive still spent hours talking to other hunters that have hunted the unit, studying OnX and Google earth. Practicing shooting, calling and prepping my gear. I'm as excited to load up in Sept and head to AZ as I have been on hunts that I have put in over 50 days scouting for. I guess in the end I just love to hunt and most of the aspects surrounding it. Guided or DIY, Solo or with friends and family.

Steve having had the pleasure of hunting elk with you before I am sure you will enjoy the adventure either way!!!
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I enjoyed hunting with you and your family. I hope to do it again in the near future. I owe you a pack out. :) Keep me in the loop on your AZ elk hunt. I'll be calling your Dad at some point this week to check in with him. I hope you guys are doing well.
 
Personally I don't ever want to be guided. I want the success to be my accomplishment. I understand why others do it but I'm not interested. out of about 15 bulls harvested I called 3 in by myself.
one I shot with longbow at 10 yards the others at 20 yards compound. while Ive only hunted solo a few times I think there is an advantage. less scent and less movement. ratio wise I've had better success solo:LOL: good luck whatever you choose!
 

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