Guided Elk Hunt

[Forester]

So my wife has blessed the spending of a fair amount of money on a hunting trip, and Elk are at the top of the list. Budget excluding travel costs and taxidermy is $5000-6000

The likely group I have going are all spot and stalk type whitetail hunters in decent to good shape. Very proficient out to 3-400 yards, farther for me. Elk hunting experience ranges from minimal to none.

What we are looking for is this: Fair chase, reasonable chances at a good elk..does not have to be a 350 inch elk to make us happy, a good looking 5x5 for the wall with a good story would tickle me to death.. Over the counter or virtually guaranteed draw success.

For the guide service, we just want someone who knows what they are doing, has a good area and will work as hard as we will. Fancy accommodations are not necessary.

If I am looking for something unreasonable say so, if there are things I might not be considering then by all means say so too!

Thanks for any advice.

[FEENIX]

Checkout the outfitters section ... Elk - LongRangeHunting Online Magazine

Good luck!

Ed

[Forester]

I did some reading there, but was hoping for some first hand recommendations.

[FEENIX]

Originally Posted by Forester

I did some reading there, but was hoping for some first hand recommendations.

Understand, but 3 is a an excellent start ...

Shawn Carlock of Defensive Edge - Selkirk Guiding & Outfitting - Services

John Burns of Greybull Precision - New Mexico Elk Hunt, Deer, and Bear Hunts using rifle, muzzleloader and/or bow - Milligan Brand

Phylny1 - Horse Creek Ranch - Jackson Hole, Wyoming - consists of the A-OK Corral Horseback Rides and Trophy Mountain Outfitters and Horse Creek Outfitters

[buzz4me2]

4 years ago I hunted with Wapiti Ridge Outfitters and Justin Jarret. First class operation all the way. However this is not a hunt for the faint of heart. It's a 15 mile ride in and a 9 day hunt.

You will be hunting above 10,000 feet and need to be in good physical condition. The better condition you are in the chances of harvesting a bull greatly increase.

Shots can be long, mine was 525 yards. I practiced all summer putting over 300 rounds down my barrel so I was ready when the time came.

If you can shoot and are in good physical shape JJ will get you on the bulls. He did what he said he would do and that's about all you can ask for from an outfitter.

It's been 4 years so check references and I don't think wolves are a problem in his area. Bulls range from the high 290 to 370 inch class. All depending on the weather. The nastier the weather the bigger the bulls. You get them migrating out of the park.

Not sure if this is what you want or not.

If you are looking for a Roosevelt elk I just got done hunting with Spoon Creek Outfitters out of Coquile Oregon. Great guide and I have hunted with him 3 times now on 2 elk trips and a bear trip.

You stay out of his home in trailers and he has several LOP tags. Bulls aren't large and range from 220 - 280. Remember this is Roosevelt elk and a boon and crocket bull is 290 inch.

Ken Wilson is the owner and he's a man of his word, works hard, and great to be around. Hunt is easier at only 1500 feet elevation or so. Spot and stalk is the method.

PM me if you want any further details.

[Dr. Vette]

I'll be going with Milligan Brand next week, so I can let you know how that goes.

Don't forget to think about meat processing cost, hotel costs, tax, tip for the guide and license fees when you set up your budget.

Oh - one add on - think ahead of time if you do or do not want to use horses at all.
We went on a horseback trip for 3 hours in Yellowstone this summer as a "trial." Dad did not do well, so no horses for us.
There are some outfitters I'd love to try, but the horse thing....