Where in Wyoming to hunt Elk?

[mdslammer]

Sorry for the vague title. For a novice person like myself that has never hunted before
but wanting to hunt elk, where would you suggest I start at in Wyoming?

Any suggestions/advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

MDslammer
Las Vegas, NV

 

[Landkiller]

I would look for a good outfitter and check a bunch of references.

 

[Elkhunter1983]

Looking to DIY or guided?

 

[joshua99ta]

I'm also interested in this info. I've acquired 4 preference pts as of now.

However I'm looking to do a guided hunt in Maybe Colorado or New Mexico FIRST and then I want to try to tackle Wyoming by myself. I want to do a guided hunt first b/c
I'm a southerner and I want to know more about elk hunting before I try to get into this on my own and have to eat a tag b/c I didn't know anything about what I was doing. Its easy to watch tv shows of elk hunts but I know that's not showing half of it. It also doesn't help that I don't have a hunting partner to go with me, not one of my close friends are big into hunting(or if they are their wives wouldn't allow them to go anyway).

 

[gillettehunter]

It's a good idea to go with an outfitter first time. Elk are big critters and if your lucky enough to get one it then takes a bit to get them in the truck. Often a quarter at a time.
Get on the Wy G@F website. Get into the hunting section and look at harvest reports. That tells you what percentage of people killed an elk and what the average time it took to do so. That will help you figure out a unit to apply for. Then look at draw odds section and that will tell you what you need in the way of pref points to draw a particular unit. No pref points on elk for resident hunters. Remember if your chosen unit has Wilderness areas you need either a guide or resident hunter to be with you to legally hunt in the wilderness areas. That will get you started. Best areas are going to have large stretches of Nat forest and not a lot of roads. Good luck. Bruce

 

[mdslammer]

Yes, the more I try make sense of all the laws, rules, regs etc. for each state, it
seems overwhelming to a rookie like myself. I'm more inclined to look at an outfitter
in these other states.

Good points on the size of the animal, where to hunt, field dressing etc. This could
be a bit much for someone like myself that has never done it. But I really do want to
start hunting. Never had the opportunity in my youth.

And I was too focused on my career musically. I can't complain though. I've been
very fortunate to have made a living for over 45 years playing my drums. But I do
wish I had some guidance in my youth about firearms and hunting.

Oh well, guess hangin' out with you guys is the next best thing. A lot of nice guys
willing to help a newbie out like me. I do appreciate all the time you guys put in.

Best.

MDslammer
Las Vegas, NV

 

[TH]

Best place to hunt elk is in Yellowstone national park but they will put you in jail if you get caught. My favorite place to hunt is in the Therofare. Elk Hunting Cody Wyoming | Big Game Hunts WY | Wyoming Expeditions

 

[wyowinchester]

mdslammer
Elk in WY almost always requires prefrence points. You need to start buying them. If you want to hunt this year, I would suggest you look into buying the Goveners Tag, and book an outfitter.
You could look at CO. They have some over the counter tags. Either way, an outfitter will have a lot of benefits.
You might even take a HUNTERS SAFTEY COURSE. A great introduction to fire arms. In WY if you were born after Jan. 1966 it is required
While you wait, buy a .22 LR and start practicing.

 

[lazylabs]

I know you said elk but I would suggest mule deer first. Still experience west high country hunt with higher success and much easier to find, spot and stalk is much more work able.

 

[weslevy]

Personally (I live in SE WY) I hunt in area 7, cow elk. If you want a bull hunt, prepare for about a 3-5 year wait buying pref points.
Other great areas are in the western half of the state

 

[DanMan]

The Wyoming wilderness hunts that you can draw with 0 points are great but many 1st timers can be in for a shock dealing with the rugged terrain, horses, and grizzlies. I've seen some 1st timers all done in after only a couple days hunting. Also the best outfitters book up early.
I might recommend northwest Colo for a new hunter looking for a high opportunity hunt / easier terrain / easy tags / lower cost / no griz to worry about. Yes still go guided for best chance to fill the freezer.

 

[Topgun 30-06]

IMHO the OP needs to do quite a bit before even thinking about going elk hunting. It sounds like he's never hunted anything in his life and it appears from his age that he may to have to pass a Hunter Safety Course and even if he doesn't he should take one! He makes no mention of what, if any rifles he has to go on an elk hunt, so that is another big thing in the equation. He also makes no mention if he has all the other necessities for a hunt of any kind such as boots for various weather conditions, as well as clothes for any and all weather conditions. All those things really need to be taken care of before even thinking about going big game hunting even for antelope.

 

[mdslammer]

IMHO the OP needs to do quite a bit before even thinking about going elk hunting. It sounds like he's never hunted anything in his life and it appears from his age that he may to have to pass a Hunter Safety Course and even if he doesn't he should take one! He makes no mention of what, if any rifles he has to go on an elk hunt, so that is another big thing in the equation. He also makes no mention if he has all the other necessities for a hunt of any kind such as boots for various weather conditions, as well as clothes for any and all weather conditions. All those things really need to be taken care of before even thinking about going big game hunting even for antelope.

Topgun,
All good points and well taken.
To answer your questions.

I have hunted water foul, pheasant, chukar, quail.
I have not hunted deer, elk, moose, bear etc...yet.

I have the necessary/proper clothing for harsh weather.
I consider myself physically fit for my age. I'm 61 and hit
the gym 4-5 days a week using weights and 30 minutes of cardio.

I have taken several NRA firearm classes and am a certified NRA RSO.
I worked the Shot Show here in Las Vegas last year. Additionally, I have
taken and passsed a field trauma first aid course. My FA kit is quite
extensive and prepared for most serious accidents.

As far as weaponry goes, I'd say I'm pretty covered there as well.
Depending on the hunt I have the following:
.308, .300 Win Mag, .45-70, .375H&H and .a custom SAC .338 Lapua Magnum
of which I shoot a mile and some.

I didn't grow up hunting like most people here. But I have the desire to hunt game
and I will. Thank you for taking time to post your opinions and questions.

Regards.

MDslammer / Mark Dalzell
Las Vegas, NV

 

[Topgun 30-06]

Good for you Sir, as I'm very impressed with your credentials! It sounds like you're a lot further along than what I assumed you were from just reading a couple of your posts. Shame on me for "assuming" anything, LOL! Good luck and I'm sure you'll get more advice from the guys. I might offer one thing up and that is if you can't get on an elk hunt right away that you might even think about going to Wyoming with some cheap antelope doe tags this coming season. That is a fun big game hunt and you'd get your feet wet and see some neat country to boot. Good luck!