First time fully guided archery elk trip?

[Deer Deleter]

Hello,

I was looking to do a drop camp elk trip with a friend but he recently backed out. I was looking into a somewhat “more affordable” fully guided elk hunt. I only have experience deer hunting with 99% being in tree stands. Any recommendations on which state and outfitters to go with or even private guides ? Looking to learn to elk hunt and then going DIY moving forward and continuing to hunt elk on my own.

 

[WeiserBucks]

Budget?

 

[Deer Deleter]

Budget?

Budget is a pretty top priority, however I know I’d like to hunt Public land with the idea of learning the area. I dont know what to expect I know CO is more expensive like 6K +. I’d be more interested in the cheaper states, but i’d like to avoid NM. Id like to be like 4000 or so range. I know it’s unlikely id probably have to go up to 5,000. However, I’m sure there are some quality cheaper outfitters/ Private guides who would be able to accommodate myself. I’m interested in Idaho, Wyoming, Montana as of right now. However, I’m early onto my research

 

[WeiserBucks]

Anything less than $6k is gonna be a camping trip 99% of the time.

 

[Maxhunter]

You have any points?

 

[Deer Deleter]

You have any points?

This is my first time being interested in an elk hunt. I have no points at this time

 

[LongWayAround]

Budget is a pretty top priority, however I know I’d like to hunt Public land with the idea of learning the area. I dont know what to expect I know CO is more expensive like 6K +. I’d be more interested in the cheaper states, but i’d like to avoid NM. Id like to be like 4000 or so range. I know it’s unlikely id probably have to go up to 5,000. However, I’m sure there are some quality cheaper outfitters/ Private guides who would be able to accommodate myself. I’m interested in Idaho, Wyoming, Montana as of right now. However, I’m early onto my research

Colorado is the cheap state. Prices that I have seen have basically doubled over the last couple of years.

You might find a trespass fee or something for your stated budget.

 

[jolemons]

With that budget, you'll be hunting a unit with a low population density or accessibility issues and likely have a guide who doesn't know much more about elk hunting than you. I'm sure there are exceptions, but that should be the expectation.

Sent from my SM-G990U using Tapatalk

 

[camelcluch]

$7500 to $10,000 is about average in Colorado. Unless you’re getting a cancellation hunt for $4000, I’d be hesitant.
Why not just go and figure it out?

 

[Wrench]

Where are you coming from?

 

[PredatoronthePrairie]

Take that money and put it towards tags and gas. You will figure it out. Maybe put aside 1000 of that to hire a packer when u get one if that is a concern.

 

[Deer Deleter]

Where are you coming from?

Long Island. The prices of 8500-10K is wild but I’m learning this is an expensive sport. Maybe I should look into a cancellation hunt

 

[Deer Deleter]

Colorado is the cheap state. Prices that I have seen have basically doubled over the last couple of years.

You might find a trespass fee or something for your stated budget.

I like the idea of hunting somewhere with a guide and going back and doing DIY in the same area

 

[BBob]

I like the idea of hunting somewhere with a guide and going back and doing DIY in the same area

Do a lot of research. There's a lot of people out there that'll take your money and will lie to you about what you may see and then fill you full of excuses as to why it didn't work out the way they said it might.

 

[longspeak74]

How do you feel about horses?

 

[Weldor]

Look into reservation hunts, sometimes they work out financially. Everyone is different in what they expect out of a Elk hunt. I agree with BBob, there are alot of Elk guides out there or? Homework and contact with prior clients is essential.

 

[NotchElk]

You could always do a cow hunt for cheaper if you wanted.

 

[High Climber]

You could always do a cow hunt for cheaper if you wanted.

This ^
You would have a great chance of filling your freezer and you could potentially learn the area and learn some valuable lessons for hunting elk

 

[NotchElk]

This ^
You would have a great chance of filling your freezer and you could potentially learn the area and learn some valuable lessons for hunting elk

I’m not sure what the going rate is for a cow hunt these days but I’ve had buddies do them in the $2500 to $3500 range.

I’ve personally never done a fully guided elk hunt but looking back on my lack of archery success on elk, I’d recommend a guided hunt to help you shorten the learning curve and learn some elk hunting basics in a quicker fashion.

Filling the freezer with a cow is a really efficient way to do so.

 

[LFC911]

$5k for fully guided is probably not realistic but you could probably do a drop camp for $3-5k plus tags and travel.