Just to hunt.

[BigAl85]

Likely been asked here a million times but I’ll ask anyways. For some context.
Been spending a lot of time the last few years in Wyoming. Have some family there and I take full advantage of that. All the hiking and fly fishing a man could ask for. Love it. Started down the points game about 4 years ago. Not sure where I’m even headed with those points. Might burn them might keep collecting. So here is my actual question.

If a guy just wanted to GO elk hunting. Any elk hunting. Be it a spike or cow or anything else that looks like a elk. Heck I’d likely settle for doing my best mule impression for a group of guys just to be able to go. Where do you think would be the cheapest area and state to do that in? DIY or outfitted I don’t care. Though an outfitter might be the only choice Unfortantly for me cause I’m one guy and most of my hunting is solo. Which isn’t a giant issue here back east shooting whitetails.

 

[mad_angler]

Well...

Unfortunately, you are a few days too late... The 2026 Wyoming application deadline was Feb 2.

Now, you have a year to start researching Rokslide to answer your question...

As a start, I am also a nonresident.

First, keep collecting Wyoming preference points. Do not spend them until you know how to kill an elk (see below)

Second, start researching cow elk tags for Wyoming. You might even be able to still get one for 2026.

Third, get a cow tag somewhere. I would actually say that unit doesn't really matter. I would recommend a unit near the land that you have actually explored/hiked. I say the unit doesn't matter because you are not actually trying to kill an elk., You are trying to learn to elk hunt (where to camp, how to camp, how to use OnX, how to get in the woods in the dark in the morning, how to stay out in the woods all day, how to get back to camp in the dark, etc, etc). It will take quite a while to learn all that stuff. And you might even kill an elk while doing it...

 

[bz_711]

If you are coming from the East...CO and WY are the two closest and prob two easiest to get get just any tag. I wouldn't use points on my first hunt, you need to just get out and go once to up the learning curve big time before using your points. CO and WY offer low end or cow/spike tags that are easy to get. Might try to match that up with an area you'd want to hunt or use points on in the future for a bull.

Here's some info to help that learning curve as well:

Thread 'Let's help some guys/gals get their first archery elk!'

May 14, 2024

I'm addicted to archery elk hunting.
I want more hunters to know the same...which equals more support for hunting and elk habitat. Yes I know tags are already hard to get...but that's a better problem than no elk hunters to fight on my side!

Who has already hunted 2+ seasons and still looking to bag their first archery elk (my only experience is archery so that's what I'm sticking to)...and is planning to hunt elk again this fall?
Do you think you're getting close or still a ways off?
What are your biggest questions or shortfalls as far as you're concerned?

I didn't punch my first tag...

• bz_711
• Replies: 191
• Forum: Elk

• 
• 

Good Luck!

 

[WoolyBugger]

Colorado otc would be the easy option to get you hunting. Or pick a tag off the leftover list later this summer

 

[MuleyFever]

Hunt Planner | Wyoming Game & Fish Department

Welcome to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department's Hunt Planner. In the sections that follow you will find interactive maps, species-specific hunt information, drawing odds, harvest information, public access and much more.

wgfd.wyo.gov

Hunting Elk

Hunting elk in Colorado is a popular activity among sportspeople. We’re here to help make sure you do your research, plan carefully, and stay safe while enjoying the outdoors.

cpw.state.co.us

 

[TreeDux]

The two previous responses have everything you need to just go hunting for elk. Buried in those weeds is also your cheapest option. It’s not high success on public but it’s there.