I live in the Northeast and only have experience hunting whitetails but have an Elk hunt in my bucket list. I have 6 significant challenges:
1. Time is not on my side: I am 56 and would like to to this in the next 5 to 6 years while I am still younger. I would love to do a DIY elk hunt (I love challenges), but this is not practical with my circumstances.
2. Limited Points. I only have 1 CO point and 1 WY point. Started this fantasy late in life...
3. NO EXPERIENCE with Elk hunting (I hunt whitetail).
4. Live in the Northeast -- so I will not get much opportunity to scout extensively in Elk Country.
5. Limited trips. I will only get to do one elk hunt in my life, maybe two. ( I am leaning towards and am willing to pay for a guided hunt because of this).
6. NO HUNTING PARTNER FOR THIS ELK HUNT: (My youngest son (25 years old) wants to deer and elk hunt with me, but he has not even taken the time to do a hunter's ed course yet (keeps promising). Who knows when that will happen because he is busy and has not made this a priority. (I will probably be dead when he finally gets his hunting license
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I am willing to do a guided hunt-- whatever can tilt odds of success in my favor since I have only one or two possible trips in my life, and no experience hunting elk. I really prefer to get a bull, but will settle for a cow.
If I don't have a partner for spotting, ranging, packing, etc. is this feasible in a guided hunt? I was looking at NTO outfitters as a possibility but honestly I would go with recommendations. My fantasy would be a spot and stalk hunt vs timber hunt, but I know have to be prepared to take the opportunity if it happens under any hunting scenario. (I enjoy long range shooting, but I want to be ethical in my hunting approach by making sure I set myself up for the best kill under the scenario).
Is it unrealistic to plan a hunt without a partner? Tell it to me straight. Do guided hunt arrangements allow me to get help spotting/ranging/packing out like a partner would? Forgive my dumb questions but I have never been on a guided hunt. I cannot even plan what state to hunt, where to get points etc, without knowing who my partner is an where he has points to hunt the same hunt. I am also concerned with hunting with someone I have not hunted with before ( I have read the horror stories here about hunting with a new partner on an elk trip).
I don't have a set budget yet-- I will spend some decent money if need be, but the budget is not unlimited and will vary.
PS I won't underestimate the importance of getting in shape (high altitude), having the right equipment, and being prepared. I like to do things the right way, or not at all.
I really envy you guys that live in Elk country!!
I love this website thanks in advance guys!
A few points I would like to encourage on..
1) It is definitely not too late to get started, I go to Colorado each year with my Dad who is in his late 50's and his hunting buddy who is coming up on 70. We live anywhere from 50-300 ft elevation and consistently hunt 10,000 to 11,500 elevation with no problems.
2) Speaking for my experience the trips with my Dad are all hunts of a lifetime and I would do everything you could to get your son to go with you. It gets hard to make the trips happen with families and work and careers but I have never regretted going on one.
3) Elevation can be a real problem for some people. So get with your Dr. my dads hunting buddy who goes with us gets a prescription to help with altitude sickness. My Dad likes to get there a couple days before we start hunting and have a couple days to hang out at altitude before we start walking all over the mountain. My advice do everything to give yourself the edge you possibly can and don't burn yourself out early in the hunt Pace yourself. A "good" outfitter will work at your pace and should try to make the experience as comfortable as possible.
4) I would highly recommend doing some research online to find some outfitters. Ask for references make some calls see what the hunts are like. What should your expectations be for camp? How remote is camp? (Drop camp, main camp and ride horses out, UTV access, cabin or lodge accommodations) What class of animals do you expect to see? How many animals do you expect to see? What is their success rate? Public vs private land? Many of the outfitters have access to unit wide vouchers, private land vouchers or operate on over the counter units where they have their honey holes.
5) I would definitely look to private land access or unit vouchers from landowners and guides. This could get you access to hunting that would take years of drawing with limited hunting pressure. Limited hunting pressure = better odds of success.
6) I think I saw somewhere in the thread don't wear yourself out traveling. Again my Dad leaves sometimes almost a week in front of me to get there and acclimate. For him it's the best way to get rested up and primed for a week of trekking through the mountains.
7) I am still learning all the states different draw processes NEw Mexico is more a lottery while Colorado and Wyoming have the loyalty/preference points. I know there are decent units in both states you could draw with a couple points. I would not limit yourself to draw only though. Use the over the counter options, your private lands ( typically these are a little higher price but have some of the least hunt pressure) and vouchers that can be purchased (again additional price). With that said I am most familiar with Colorado and I would encourage you to spend some time looking through some of the statistics they have available to look at success rates as well as the draw odds and over the counter units.
8.) The last point would be I had the option to jump in a drop camp with a couple guys from Kansas one time and had a blast with complete strangers hunting with a guide between the three of us, I know it may not be the case every time but just want to share a positive outcome from hunting with a guide not knowing the other hunters.
If you ever have any questions feel free to hit me up.
Hoping to get an elk before I am dead.
