Archery Elk outfitter

[Bill_in_MI]

I have enough points to draw multiple Utah units now but am planning on 'trying' to draw in 24. Considering it's a once in a lifetime for me, I THINK I want to hire an outfitter to maximize my chances. Who do you recommend? I'd love to start the convo and have someone lined up. Unit choice...quandary- I want to apply where there is a bonus tag available and I can't draw the top 3 units. I'm in good shape and be 50 next year so there isn't a hunt style that I need to have. Rough country, horseback, so be it. Mature bull or bust, for me that's a 320 and up goal for me.

 

[elkhunterUT]

With so much changing in 2023 for elk in Utah (tag allocation changes, new hunt types, etc.) it is hard to say right now what it will look like in 2024. We should know a lot more through this 2023 application period.

If you are considering archery hunts only, you should be in good shape for bonus tags available on most hunts. If you were leaning early rifle, I think it is likely that there will be several units that won't have a NR bonus tag any longer starting this year now that only 10% of the rifle tags go to the early hunt.

You have set a very reasonable goal for an archery tag with a 320 bull and there are a bunch of units that can meet that, even as a DIY hunter in my opinion. If you are out of the running for the top 3 units (San Juan, Beaver, Boulder) based on your points, I would be looking hard at the Pahvant, Monroe, Mt. Dutton, Manti, Nebo, and maybe Fishlake or Wasatch.

You do have a lot of options for outfitters on those units, but some specialize in certain areas so narrowing down your unit choices would help with recommendations there. Shane Scott Outfitting guides on many of those units and would be a good one to check with to start out. Mossback (Doyle Moss) always kills some good bulls, as does David Virostko/North Rim Outfitters. I would NOT recommend Wade Lemon Hunting (WLH) but don't get me, or others here, started on that outfit

 

[Bill_in_MI]

Thank you. I’m pretty set on a bow tag. I might be tempted for a muzzy tag…

 

[middlefork]

How much time can you dedicate to the tag? Using an outfitter I'm guessing 7-10 days max so if that is all the time you have an outfitter might be the best route.

I would guess outfitter recommendations would be based on unit as not all hunt all units.

 

[littlebighorn]

I am sending you a pm on a recommendation.

 

[Bill_in_MI]

How much time can you dedicate to the tag? Using an outfitter I'm guessing 7-10 days max so if that is all the time you have an outfitter might be the best route.

I would guess outfitter recommendations would be based on unit as not all hunt all units.

I could spend up to 12 days in the unit maximum.

 

[middlefork]

Average time for successful LE archery hunters runs about 10-12 days of hunting. So either way could be doable.

https://wildlife.utah.gov/pdf/bg/2021/2021_le_oial_all.pdf

I've never used an outfitter but would imagine they should at least already know what kind of animals are available. That, I would hope helps with the number of encounters you may get.

 

[300WBYMULES]

Shane Scott Outfitting runs a good outfit. Very accommodating to what you want to set up.

 

[300WBYMULES]

Shane Scott runs a solid outfit. He is very accommodating to set up and taylor a hunt to your preferences. He has guides that are intimate with units.

 

[utarchery]

Shanescottoutfitting.com

 

[Bill_in_MI]

Thx all!

 

[Founder]

I have enough points to draw multiple Utah units now but am planning on 'trying' to draw in 24. Considering it's a once in a lifetime for me, I THINK I want to hire an outfitter to maximize my chances. Who do you recommend? I'd love to start the convo and have someone lined up. Unit choice...quandary- I want to apply where there is a bonus tag available and I can't draw the top 3 units. I'm in good shape and be 50 next year so there isn't a hunt style that I need to have. Rough country, horseback, so be it. Mature bull or bust, for me that's a 320 and up goal for me.

There are some great outfits who support the site here. Take a look at what they all offer, what units they guide in, and call a few and see how they can help you out.

Utah Guides and Outfitters, Utah Hunting

Mule Deer Hunting, Elk Hunting and Western Big Game Hunting. Forums, Articles, Photos, Tips, Information. Guides, Outfitters, Hunts, Tags.

www.monstermuleys.com

 

[Vanilla]

Which outfitter you select may depend on which unit you get. There are some that simply have certain units dialed in and would be the choice for one unit, but maybe not a different unit.

 

[Silentstalker]

Bill,

I would pick the “best” unit you can draw and go with that. Hire an outfitter that specializes in that unit.

You’re set up for an incredible hunt!

 

[Bill_in_MI]

Bill,

I would pick the “best” unit you can draw and go with that. Hire an outfitter that specializes in that unit.

You’re set up for an incredible hunt!

That is a struggle to determine. Point level demand, age class objectives give some idea no doubt. Over all success rates sure are a factor. How else would you determine best trophy quality vs quantity when choosing a unit from afar?

 

[Silentstalker]

PM me your point total and I will look it over and give you my opinion...