First Elk Hunt

[Justinmennenger]

If you had one state to choose from to go on your first elk hunting trip where would you go? Not looking for a trophy just looking for a good learning experience that can be forgiving for a greenhorn like me.

Probably a pretty generalized question but I’m not looking for specific units.


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[Jacobo2012]

Pick a state with otc and go for it. No better learning experience than doin it



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[idahohikker]

Colorado. Lots of public land, lots of elk, easy to get a tag, and you’re not limited to a specific unit or zone. Idaho is another option but you have way less elk and not way less hunters and the significant limitation of hunting only 1-3 units in a single zone. Utah is just bad in general tags so forget that.

You could also get a point or two and hunt Montana or Wyoming which would be good experiences but might be best to do after you’ve wet your feet in an OTC state.

 

[juan trueno]

You so far have been able to hunt Montana for elk every year and might be able to next year with no points. Montana’s elk combo tag is really expensive compared to the big game combo tag (big game combo is only about $175 more) which allows you an elk and a deer in addition to small game- so the elk combo (only allows elk and small game), is perceived as less value for the dollar- is “always” available- so far. So while it’s a pricy tag- if you can take the time off to explore and hunt having 5 weeks of general statewide rifle is kind of cool. Especially after you’ve hunted it a few years- a few different districts- a few different mountain ranges.

Idaho is fine too- nice having a couple weeks on most rifle tags. The funny thing about Idaho’s “limited OTC” tags is that for the most part they are limited in an effort to revive populations that are below objective. They are not limited in order to provide a better hunt or higher trophy quality. They are limited because they are more or less in trouble- Or otherwise cant support true otc pressure.

Colorado has shorter seasons but way more plentiful elk and I honestly wouldn’t care if the season was only 3 days as long as I was able to take to the woods 3-4 days prior to the season to make sure I had them on opening morning and had a solid idea of where they’d go once the shooting started.

If I’m in Utah it’s to play in a Jeep or catch a connection at SLC

It’s going to take you a couple maybe even 3 years to hunt Wyoming but by then if you’ve broken yourself in on a couple other hunts you might be ready to do that or might put it off a year again.

 

[Justinmennenger]

You so far have been able to hunt Montana for elk every year and might be able to next year with no points. Montana’s elk combo tag is really expensive compared to the big game combo tag (big game combo is only about $175 more) which allows you an elk and a deer in addition to small game- so the elk combo (only allows elk and small game), is perceived as less value for the dollar- is “always” available- so far. So while it’s a pricy tag- if you can take the time off to explore and hunt having 5 weeks of general statewide rifle is kind of cool. Especially after you’ve hunted it a few years- a few different districts- a few different mountain ranges.

Idaho is fine too- nice having a couple weeks on most rifle tags. The funny thing about Idaho’s “limited OTC” tags is that for the most part they are limited in an effort to revive populations that are below objective. They are not limited in order to provide a better hunt or higher trophy quality. They are limited because they are more or less in trouble- Or otherwise cant support true otc pressure.

Colorado has shorter seasons but way more plentiful elk and I honestly wouldn’t care if the season was only 3 days as long as I was able to take to the woods 3-4 days prior to the season to make sure I had them on opening morning and had a solid idea of where they’d go once the shooting started.

If I’m in Utah it’s to play in a Jeep or catch a connection at SLC

It’s going to take you a couple maybe even 3 years to hunt Wyoming but by then if you’ve broken yourself in on a couple other hunts you might be ready to do that or might put it off a year again.

Isn’t there a time period this year for Wyoming you can just purchase a preference point? I thought I had read that somewhere but can’t find anything on there website. I’ve really been looking at Going to Montana but the price of the tag is what’s holding me back for the combo. It’s hard to try to find and purchase gear you think you might need and add a tag on top of that, but I told myself this is a 3-5 year plan so I can save and slowly purchase the right gear.


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[juan trueno]

Preference points are available now For purchase in Wyoming.

The Montana tag being valid statewide and either sex makes it less of a roll of the dice than the other states- but honestly you should be able to fill pretty much any tag if you put in the time and effort- and I don’t mean online asking for suggestions... not saying that’s what you are doing now. Just saying you should be able tonnage it happen anywhere they are selling tags more or less.

 

[ElkArcher918]

If you had one state to choose from to go on your first elk hunting trip where would you go? Not looking for a trophy just looking for a good learning experience that can be forgiving for a greenhorn like me.

Probably a pretty generalized question but I’m not looking for specific units.


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Colorado. OTC, lots of public land. Scout as much as possible and learn your unit, stay mobile. Before you head out make sure your archery equipment is dialed in and purchase decent camping and backpacking equipment. Don't get your expectations too high for your first trip. Enjoy the mountains and enjoy the learning process. Elk hunting will get you hooked, be patient.

 

[OFFHNTN]

Another vote for CO.

 

[splojo]

Ill be in Montana for my first elk hunt this year! Expensive nonresident and confusing online system. Im hoping the hunting is great on public land (thatll be a reason to go back), otherwise Im looking at Colorado next year.

 

[Justinmennenger]

Do you guys have buddies that get a tag with you? All of my friends that hunt aren’t really into the backcountry hunting or even hunting elk for that matter. My wife absolutely doesn’t want me to go by myself and I don’t know how I feel living close quarters for 7-10 days with a guy I don’t know at all lol.


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[splojo]

Do you guys have buddies that get a tag with you? All of my friends that hunt aren’t really into the backcountry hunting or even hunting elk for that matter. My wife absolutely doesn’t want me to go by myself and I don’t know how I feel living close quarters for 7-10 days with a guy I don’t know at all lol.


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My buddy and I each put in for Montana this year and were both fortunate enough to draw. We were going to go if only one of us drew a tag anyway. Just better luck this year!

 

[Scrappy]

I am so glad I enjoy my own company. Solo allows me do do my own thing without worrying about another person.

 

[Catahoula]

Likely Colorado for your first run. Good luck!!

 

[Justinmennenger]

I am so glad I enjoy my own company. Solo allows me do do my own thing without worrying about another person.

I feel the same way! The problem is my wife doesn’t think that way and she assumes anything bad that could happen will happen lol.


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[Scrappy]

I feel the same way! The problem is my wife doesn’t think that way and she assumes anything bad that could happen will happen lol.


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The garmin inreach has really helped put my wife at ease.

 

[Tbunao]

I went to CO for my first elk hunt. A little perseverance and a lot of adjustment lead to getting drawn back but no shot presented. The higher numbers essential should lead to more opportunities. It wall depends on the hunter.

Good luck

 

[hogcarpy]

I would agree with folks to give CO a shot. Nice to learn in a place with no grizzlies too.

 

[805Bowhunter]

Get your wifey to go with you! She doesnt need to hunt but can backpack with you. My wife is supportive of me hunting solo (which I do primarily) but I she loves to go on elk hunt when the time permits. Its been really fun hunting together.

 

[arwhntr]

CO for sure, especially if you're coming from anywhere east to cut down on drive time. OTC tags, lots of elk, tons of public land to get lost in. You'll have a blast. Enjoy.

 

[Justinmennenger]

Get your wifey to go with you! She doesnt need to hunt but can backpack with you. My wife is supportive of me hunting solo (which I do primarily) but I she loves to go on elk hunt when the time permits. Its been really fun hunting together.

I’m slowly getting her into hunting! She didn’t come from a hunting family so didn’t really know much about it. I got her to go mule deer hunting with me for a couple of days last year and I think she liked it even though she won’t admit it! Lol


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