Elk Outfitter Q

[MinixJT]

Greetings everyone. My colleague and I are going to start venturing out for annual elk hunting in 2020. First few years we'd like to do it through Outfitter's. I'm writing to see if this is a decent plan logistically
-Start applying for non-res NM elk tag yearly. They're also some colorado limited entry unit's we're thinking of applying to as well.
-Colorado Outfitter services rarely mention limited draw areas (so it seems) so our likely first trip will be in CO.
-Montana has what appears to my neophyte western hunting eyes as some good outfitters, but it appears they have a non res drawing process as well (I could be wrong).

I've going to start contacting various outfitters over the summer to see if I can get some references to call. We're not looking for a trophy Bull, just a bull and learning a lot about elk hunting so we can start DIY later with a larger group (all of us are lifelong white tail hunters)

If you all have any tips, suggestions, reprimands, please by all means I'd appreciate them.

 

[wind gypsy]

I would start by getting a good feel for how the different tags work in each state. Then I would figure out what kind of experience you’re looking for. Some outfitters run on public land in easy to draw units, some run on private ranches. I’ve never hired an outfitter but to generalize, I’d guess you’ll have higher success rates on a ranch but learn what it takes to go at it alone better on public.

 

[wytx]

I would add Wyoming to your list and start getting PP here. Your DIY hunting will be less pressured in Wyoming.
You might draw a reduced price cow tag in Wyoming also to start learning on your own with less expense.
General tags can be drawn with few PP too and the hunting isn't bad in general areas.
Consider a drop camp for your group as well.

 

[@fulldraw]

Greetings everyone. My colleague and I are going to start venturing out for annual elk hunting in 2020. First few years we'd like to do it through Outfitter's. I'm writing to see if this is a decent plan logistically
-Start applying for non-res NM elk tag yearly. They're also some colorado limited entry unit's we're thinking of applying to as well.
-Colorado Outfitter services rarely mention limited draw areas (so it seems) so our likely first trip will be in CO.
-Montana has what appears to my neophyte western hunting eyes as some good outfitters, but it appears they have a non res drawing process as well (I could be wrong).

I've going to start contacting various outfitters over the summer to see if I can get some references to call. We're not looking for a trophy Bull, just a bull and learning a lot about elk hunting so we can start DIY later with a larger group (all of us are lifelong white tail hunters)

If you all have any tips, suggestions, reprimands, please by all means I'd appreciate them.

Be sure to apply through an outfitter in NM if that is the route you want to go as your odds tend to be significantly better than the general nonresident pool and you are helping me (and other non-outfitter guys) by not competing for my tag

 

[MinixJT]

Be sure to apply through an outfitter in NM if that is the route you want to go as your odds tend to be significantly better than the general nonresident pool and you are helping me (and other non-outfitter guys) by not competing for my tag

Sounds good, thank you all for the advice!

 

[wymtnpounder]

Call and talk with the outfitter see if you can get some references of successful and unsuccessful hunters make sure to call them. If not already building points, start.