I want to get into elk hunting... and know nothing about it

[joshua99ta]

hey guys I have been doing a little bit of research on elk hunting over the last few months and I'de like to get into it pretty hard.

BUT I don't know how to get into the points drawings or anything else. Nor do I know anything about the public units in CO.... I have read sooo much about this stuff it has pretty much just confused me! I don't want to pay $8K just for a guided hunt and not be gauranteed an animal(I dont just have that much money to throw away). I have met a few people from my area that do go up just about every year for elk hunting but no information was shared.

If you guys give me ANY information it is MUCH appreciated.

BTW I'm in Mississippi so its a long ride up there.

[mtelkhntr78]

Joshua, Heres what I would recomend.

First start researching all the states for special draw hunts. Eastmans hunting journal usually has a members research section once a year that really explains each state and how they conduct hunts. For example KY now has an elk hunt every year and you can apply online for $10 and it take all of 5 minutes. Those special draw hunts are where you will make big money if you get drawn,, but are hard to get drawn.

In the meantime though I would start planning a trip to Colorado. They have the largest Elk population and are the most friendly towards non-resident hunters(ie some of the hunts do not require special draw for non-res). then start doing some homework on good areas of national forest that you can hunt. Wildreness areas and Roadless areas are a good start.
Next step is to take a vacation. I would recomend going to that area in the summer and having a little camping trip. Check the area out, look for sign, get comfortable with the lay of the land. if it doesnt look promising pack up and head to a back-up location you have selected. You can do a little trip like this fairly cheap if you drive and it is a hell of alot of fun to get out in the hills and camp for a few days. It will sure pay off to when season rolls around.
Once you have an area selected get a map. I get the topo kind with an overlay of picture, you can find them at mytopo.com. the maps arent cheap but so worth it. when you get your map you can use state websites to determine location of private land, roads, streams,etc, etc. I draw all that stuff in on my map.
After that, mark some time off and just go! I think alot of folks think you need to have an outfitter to elk hunt. absolutely not! the trade off is two fold though. first you need to do a ton of homework(great way to kill time in the off season) by prepping maps, getting the right gear, etc.
The second thing is get ready to work your ass off. Not having horses that an outfitter provides sucks but it just means you need to put boots to ground. So get in shape and be ready to walk a long ways and ready to pack an Elk out on your back if you get one.
Its all very doable just means you have to work a good deal to make it happen. tons of guys on here do this very thing and are every bit as successful as outfitted hunts. Personally i get a great deal of satisfaction out pulling off this kind of hunt, even if i dont get something. Its nothing against guides or taking guided hunts but I just love the acomplishment of going and surviving out in the mountains without any assistance.
I hope this helped a bit and let me know if you have any questions, i know i was pretty broad with what I wrote.
Get ready to be addicted to Elk hunting!

[mtelkhntr78]

One thing I forgot that might help.
Find your local Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. There will be a ton of folks that love to elk hunt. Now their primary mission is not to help hook-up hunter with hunts but to conserve land for elk and other animals. So dont walk in the door expecting them to take you hunting or anything like that, but I am willing to bet if you come and donate some of your time to this great cause you will make some good friends in the RMEF and you will start getting all kinds of connection into the Elk hunting brotherhood. And who knows, you may have fun doing it to! the Big game banquets are a blast.
I just had to throw my plug in for the RMEF as I am the Chapter chair here in town. Not speaking for any other chapters or members, but anybody that helps/volunteers with us is welcome in my Elk camp. If you want more info let me know and I will be glad to give you some contact info.

8 days and counting until I am in Elk camp-provided I dont get swine flu!!!