Elk Outfitter Recommendation Idaho/Colorado?

rweaver9

FNG
Joined
Jul 15, 2026
Messages
4
Good morning all, I live in Georgia and have been an avid bowhunter for years. Like many others, my bucket list hunt is to take a bull elk with a bow. Due to living where I live and other reasons, I have decided to go the outfitter route. I have been making phone calls to different wildlife biologists in Idaho and I have considered Colorado, but I know they have switched to a draw. The convenience of going with an Idaho guide service is guaranteed tags, so I can plan effectively.

I have looked at Rawhide Outfitters and McGowan Outfitters, both seem to be reputable. Has anyone used either of these?

My buddy also looked into Rocky Mountain Outfitters of Colorado, but again there isn't a guarantee of getting a tag for 2028.

Hunting is hunting, and archery is a mental game of inches, so I know there are no guarantees, but I would like to give us the best possible chance. Any advice , counsel, or outfitter recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
 
And be a member for 7 days.
But yes, I would absolutely consider Montana, I have just always understood it to be difficult to secure a tag. I have no points.
 
Not sure if these are public or private land, but I would be real careful paying an outfitter for a fully guided hunt to take you elk hunting on public land. Some questions I would ask:

Public or private land?
Which dates do you have available?
What tactics are most common during these dates? (sitting wallows, watering holes, spot and stalk, driving roads)
How many camps do you operate at once?
How many hunters in each camp at once?
How many hunters do you take per year in this camp I will be in?
Shot opportunity %?
What kind of bull is realistic (ie: 250, 270, etc.)?
How many full days of hunting?
Is guided 2x1 or 1x1?
Who will my guide be?
How long have they been with you?
Do you have any recommendations I can call?
 
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