Did not draw an elk tag, now what?

[Dan-o]

Hi everyone,

I didn't draw any Elk tags this year, yet I'm not sure I can allow myself to sit a season out! I am exploring options and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions.

I'm not looking for any secret honey holes. I can't stress that enough. I enjoy doing the research, scouting, and finding the elk. I'm just looking for general information or suggestions that folks might be willing to share.

Right now, I'm considering a few options.

1. New Mexico landowner tag/DIY. Thinking of picking a non-trophy unit and going at it alone. Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions on where to track down landowner tags? I've seen HuntersDomain and gohunt, but there isn't much listed there yet. I've hunted the Gila, and hope to draw there again someday, but I'm not sure I'll spend 6-8 grand on a landowner tag. I was thinking of trying 51, 52, or something like that. Anyone have any suggestions?
2. OTC in Colorado, Montana, or Idaho. Colorado 55 is a unit I've hunted before. It's a tough but fun hunt, and I'm thinking of giving that one a whirl again. I also have a buddy in the Eastern Plains that can put me on bulls, and that option is on the table as well, but I really enjoy working hard in the mountains. Any pointers on what to look into?
3. Private land/ranch/indian reservation hunts? Never done one, but willing to experience new things and places.

What about BC? Anyone ever hunt elk up there? Necessary to draw a tag?

Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks in advance!

 

[SwampGhost]

I hunt OTC in Colorado
Plenty of public land and lots of elk

 

[archer wapiti]

I don't blame you. Life's too short to sit out a year of elk hunting! I didn't draw last year, but picked up a late season APRE tag in unit 12. Didn't tag out, but had a ball nonetheless. I've seen landowner tags advertised on Craigslist Albuquerque before. Not sure what month I saw those ads, or if they were available for nonresidents. Good luck!

 

[Schnagelbagel]

Montana general?
Wyoming general, not sure if they sell out!
Co otc

 

[wapitibob]

Wyoming is draw only

Call Marc at the archery shoppe in Albq for lo tags.

 

[Dan-o]

Wyoming is draw only

Call Marc at the archery shoppe in Albq for lo tags.

Thanks! I'll contact Marc. I'm currently falling in love with the idea of a return to Colorado OTC, but still looking hard at all options.

 

[elkguide]

You have outlined some great options. I think that it really comes down to what kind of a hunt and where you want to hunt. I'm heading back to South Eastern Idaho this fall since I haven't done that kind of a hunt in several years.

 

[realunlucky]

Eastern plains elk would be different and with some inside help like you have would definitely add some wieght to that choice

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[AdamW]

Eastern plains elk would be different and with some inside help like you have would definitely add some wieght to that choice

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My thought as well. A plains elk hunt sounds pretty cool to me.

 

[b0nes]

Idaho elk controlled hunt app period doesnt end untill the end of May. Throw your name in the hat.

 

[Dan-o]

Idaho elk controlled hunt app period doesnt end untill the end of May. Throw your name in the hat.

Thanks! I'll look into it!

 

[b0nes]

I can point you in the right direction as far as units for elk and deer in the draw if you'd like. I'm not familiar with s. Idaho though and I don't know what location your coming from but if you need a place to start I'm more than happy to help.

 

[ben h]

Utah is another option, but the vast majority is spike or cow (or completely limited entry). I believe the tags go on sale in July and there's no limit for Archery, so you "always" have that option.....till they change it. They have open bull too, but the regions are small in comparison.

 

[Duramax_Diesel1]

Oregon is another option. Lots of OTC

 

[swmoelk]

Heads up 55 in CO is draw for archery now.

 

[sodaksooner]

Heads up 55 in CO is draw for archery now.

Beat me to it. Lots of good otc units in that area though.

 

[oct71]

Wyoming leftover tags will be for sale in July. Usually some decent tags left. Think the list comes out June 22.

 

[Dan-o]

Thanks for all the suggestions. At this point, the leading option is an OTC unit in Idaho on a combination of private/public. I've changed my mind so many times recently though that I'm not really sure where I'll end up! So many good options!