Best first elk hunt for newbies, non-resident Wyoming.

[nashian76]

I’m new to elk hunting and my long-term goal is to build skills and knowledge to become confident enough to go DIY public land archery bull hunt. I would be coming from Michigan so scouting months or weeks in advance isn’t in the cards at this time. I’m trying to decide the best first step to actually learn the skills, as well as get a lay of the land. I’m looking at two main options, but open to any suggestions as well.

Option one: Pick up a cow elk tag for a few years to learn the skills and land while building more points for a decent bull tag.

Option two: Go fully guided and try to learn for their experiences.


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[NDHUNTER24]

From my experience the only way I've learned is to go. Cow hunts are fun and generally more laid back. I say option 1. But if you can hunt the same time frame as your "bull" tag would be.

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[Indian Summer]

The only way you will build confidence is by doing it. And if you’re serious about it, you better rethink things. Saying you can’t go out there to scout is something to reconsider. Would you rather go out there with a tag in your pocket and no experience and waste your time and money?

Before you learn how to hunt you need to learn how to camp and hike in the mountains. Easily done during the summer. Pick your area and go out there for one week. It would be the best investment in your elk hunting career. Elk hunting licenses are getting so difficult to draw that you should invest your time wisely prior to being lucky enough to draw one.

 

[Teaman1]

I’ve always thought that fully guided hunts were for the old or the lazy, unless you’re only gunna hunt elk a few times in your life.
As a DIY hunter that grew up outside of elk country, I learn something every fall and have a long way to go before I can call myself a good elk hunter.
If I was a new hunter, I’d do a guided hunt for my first year and learn all you can. Then I would try to get in the elk woods every fall and really learn a unit DIY.
DIY elk hunting can break people. Get in shape, get good gear, and keep expectations realistic.
Success on a low odds DIY hunts gives me more excitement than about anything else in life.

 

[rookieforever33]

Outfitters can be spotty on teaching you. Many of them are concentrating on getting you on animals that they have been following for a while. They do not always want to take time out to show you how to do it without them, at the same time making it look much easier than it will be for you. If you really want to learn start by just taking scouting trips off season. No tags needed. Then be prepared to not fill tags for a few years when you go unless you are lucky. Enjoy the process.

 

[nashian76]

The only way you will build confidence is by doing it. And if you’re serious about it, you better rethink things. Saying you can’t go out there to scout is something to reconsider. Would you rather go out there with a tag in your pocket and no experience and waste your time and money?

Before you learn how to hunt you need to learn how to camp and hike in the mountains. Easily done during the summer. Pick your area and go out there for one week. It would be the best investment in your elk hunting career. Elk hunting licenses are getting so difficult to draw that you should invest your time wisely prior to being lucky enough to draw one.

I appreciate the advice.


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