Idaho or Utah for bow elk

[Moneyranch]

I'm trying to line up another hunt but I don't know anything about Utah or Idaho or if it's good or not. Wondering how many points you need, how expensive the tags are or if there are any good reasonably priced outfitters.

 

[mtnrunner260]

I can speak for Utah.
OTC tags. Can hunt any bull units or spike units.
Most tags can be used on a cow as well. The any bull units will have less elk but can shoot a branch antlered bull.
The spike units are LE units that a few of are the best in the world for big bulls. So if you'll alright with looking at the menu but not ordering it can be a fun experience.
The LE units can be out of this world but unless you are 10 years old you will likely never draw a tag in your life. Some lesser units can be had for less points but still several years.
No idea on outfitters but there are a ton of them and I've never heard one say they wont get you want you want.
Hopefully someone else can help you with Idaho.

 

[Duramax_Diesel1]

You're looking at $600 for Idaho. Every unit but 5 or 6 are OTC for bull elk. Your tag is also good for a mtn lion, bear, or wolf if you decide not to punch it on an elk. That's pretty much the entire state...don't know what else you're looking for but good luck. Some units have a quota. If you have your heart set on an area I'd look into that. If it does you better be on their site on dec 1st ready to buy!!

 

[Donny Land]

You're looking at $600 for Idaho. Every unit but 5 or 6 are OTC for bull elk. Your tag is also good for a mtn lion, bear, or wolf if you decide not to punch it on an elk. That's pretty much the entire state...don't know what else you're looking for but good luck. Some units have a quota. If you have your heart set on an area I'd look into that. If it does you better be on their site on dec 1st ready to buy!!

Problem with this is, there are no Elk in Idaho, better stick with Utah.......Joking!

What Duramax said!

 

[sk1]

if your goal is to take a branch antlered bull in utah, it can be done, but it's challenging unless you really know where you're going. i would say more challenging than most states at least until you're truly familiar with the pressures of the units and where to get away from hikers. there are plenty of pockets that hold branch antlered bulls in the few any bull units in utah to be hunted, but i think unless you have someone willing to share these areas with you, they'd be awful hard to find without a decent amount of time to scout around.

your best bet is the uintas IMO rather than trying to find these small pockets of elk on other any bull units. your biggest challenge in the uintas is the hikers. its gorgeous up there and hikers all over the place, but again secluded pockets can be found. the other challenge is the season in utah ends somewhere around sept 10. so often times the rut isn't going crazy yet and they are often call shy. also the distance to pack in can be significant. im sure elk can be found closer but i would say most of your better country that early is at the higher elevations. i would pack 4 to 7 miles in without horses, so if you get an elk like that be ready for some serious work.

anyways, utah is a fantastic LE state, or if you dont mind hunting cows/spikes on an LE unit, there are many to be had. if you want to shoot a branch antlered bull, it is often times far from your typical elk hunting experience. not that it cant be good, but uh....well its interesting.