Elk hunting

[jmh00043]

Just posting to see opinions:
Should I buy a PP and hunt General season in Montana or OTC in Idaho for first time elk hunting for next year. I have only mule deer hunted a couple times never elk. Won’t be picky, if legal it’s probably going down. I’m accurate to 500 yards gun and 50 yards bow. Any thoughts? Wont have time to scout, don’t mind packing in and out. In my 20s and in good shape.

 

[Deplorable77]

"Won't have time to scout"

I feel like this will be your Achilles heel no matter what type of shape your in.

 

[jmh00043]

"Won't have time to scout"

I feel like this will be your Achilles heel no matter what type of shape your in.

Always up for suggestions or ideas. I live roughly 4,300 miles round rip from those states. Hard to make 2 trips Roughly a week a piece out there in 3-4 months... and keep a job

 

[sneaky]

Always up for suggestions or ideas. I live roughly 4,300 miles round rip from those states. Hard to make 2 trips Roughly a week a piece out there in 3-4 months... and keep a job

It's definitely doable once you nail down a spot through e scouting. You wouldn't need a week to scout. 2 or 3 days would tell you if you picked the right spot. People who want to be successful make the time. The round trip distance is irrelevant because you can fly anywhere in the lower 48 in less than 6 hours.

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[jmh00043]

It's definitely doable once you nail down a spot through e scouting. You wouldn't need a week to scout. 2 or 3 days would tell you if you picked the right spot. People who want to be successful make the time. The round trip distance is irrelevant because you can fly anywhere in the lower 48 in less than 6 hours.

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So sneaky, not quite following you bc the time I spent scouting, flying, rooms, renting truck, and everything else I would might just pay for a guide... I guess I should of said DIY in first post.

 

[sneaky]

A) it's cheap to fly right now
B) renting a car for two days isn't expensive either
C) getting out and putting boots on the ground can SAVE YOU MONEY long term by not wasting valuable hunting time because you aren't in the right spot
D) it literally only takes a long weekend to make a quick scouting trip and gains you valuable Intel, on the ground, of what to expect.
E) it's your money, do whatever you want, but don't get pissy when you ask for advice on a forum and you don't agree with it.
F) you could do multiple scouting trips in multiple states and still not come close to what you'll spend on a guided hunt

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[sneaky]

Why would you be renting rooms? Bring your camping gear and stay where you want to scout

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[sneaky]

This is literally a DIY forum, the only time you need to specify anything is if you are wanting to go on a guided hunt

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[nettereo16]

So sneaky, not quite following you bc the time I spent scouting, flying, rooms, renting truck, and everything else I would might just pay for a guide... I guess I should of said DIY in first post.

Flights are $300, bring a tent, a truck for a weekend $100, take a day off work for a long weekend. That's it...
A guide is what $4k??
If you've been mule deer hunting a few times you at least know some units which will help with logistics and getting around. Did you see any elk??

 

[justinspicher]

Just go hunt, time isnt slowing down.

 

[jmh00043]

Flights are $300, bring a tent, a truck for a weekend $100, take a day off work for a long weekend. That's it...
A guide is what $4k??
If you've been mule deer hunting a few times you at least know some units which will help with logistics and getting around. Did you see any elk??

I wasn’t getting pissy. My question was to hunt Idaho or Montana? Gun or archery?
and no one has given an answer. I understand scouting plays a HUGE role in success.

 

[jmh00043]

A) it's cheap to fly right now
B) renting a car for two days isn't expensive either
C) getting out and putting boots on the ground can SAVE YOU MONEY long term by not wasting valuable hunting time because you aren't in the right spot
D) it literally only takes a long weekend to make a quick scouting trip and gains you valuable Intel, on the ground, of what to expect.
E) it's your money, do whatever you want, but don't get pissy when you ask for advice on a forum and you don't agree with it.
F) you could do multiple scouting trips in multiple states and still not come close to what you'll spend on a guided hunt

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I wasn’t getting pissy. My question was to hunt Idaho or Montana? Gun or archery?
and no one has given an answer. I understand scouting plays a HUGE role in success.

 

[87TT]

I wasn’t getting pissy. My question was to hunt Idaho or Montana? Gun or archery?
and no one has given an answer. I understand scouting plays a HUGE role in success.

Yes to your original question. You need to just go and see what works for you. It's a learning process and everyone hunts different.

 

[OkayestHNTR]

Flip a coin....(or let goHunt be your guide). Not much experience here but don’t think you could go wrong in either state with either weapon.


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[fatlander]

Pick somewhere that you think you’ll want to come back year after year. Learn the unit and how the elk behave in that unit. Idaho being first come first serve means you can hunt every year if you buy your tags diligently. MT leaves you at the mercy of the draw for the general which is steadily creeping like every other state with points.


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[jmh00043]

Pick somewhere that you think you’ll want to come back year after year. Learn the unit and how the elk behave in that unit. Idaho being first come first serve means you can hunt every year if you buy your tags diligently. MT leaves you at the mercy of the draw for the general which is steadily creeping like every other state with points.


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Thank you for actually answering the question! Much appreciated

 

[Laramie]

No wrong answer imo. Both states have a lot to offer an elk hunter and there are a lot of different types of hunts that you can do between the two states. In my opinion, you need to do more research into both states and understand the varying regulations as well as other factors. Are you willing to hunt around grizzly bears? Do you want to want to pack in a camp or truck hunt? Do you want to archery or rifle hunt? Do you plan to hunt elk every year or is this a one time deal? Do you mind shooting a cow?

Plenty of people here willing to offer help. As you narrow down what you really want, come back with more specific questions and you should start to receive more specific help.

 

[jmh00043]

No wrong answer imo. Both states have a lot to offer an elk hunter and there are a lot of different types of hunts that you can do between the two states. In my opinion, you need to do more research into both states and understand the varying regulations as well as other factors. Are you willing to hunt around grizzly bears? Do you want to want to pack in a camp or truck hunt? Do you want to archery or rifle hunt? Do you plan to hunt elk every year or is this a one time deal? Do you mind shooting a cow?

Plenty of people here willing to offer help. As you narrow down what you really want, come back with more specific questions and you should start to receive more specific help.

I would hunt around bears. I would like to pack in 4-5 miles and hunt. I would rather rifle hunt. Montana doesn’t give success rates? Can’t make it every year but probably every other. First time I don’t mind shooting a cow if I can get an either sex tag.

 

[CAElkhunter]

I personally love Montana rifle hunting. I have had great experiences and success even with the new drawing system. Do some research on good areas. I like the Southwest corner of the state personally. Several units outside of Dillon hold good elk on public land.

I don't know much about Idaho.

 

[jmh00043]

I personally love Montana rifle hunting. I have had great experiences and success even with the new drawing system. Do some research on good areas. I like the Southwest corner of the state personally. Several units outside of Dillon hold good elk on public land.

I don't know much about Idaho.

Thanks a lot! What is a rule of thumb for encountering grizzly?