Less strenuous Elk Hunt

[Healthy Scratch]

I hunt elk with (2) buddies on a 3-4 year basis. 2-of us have done very well. The 3rd guy is physically limited and has not gotten an elk (yet). Are there any hunts that are less physically taxing? He would need flatter ground. I've heard that late season cow hunts might work for him. Any suggestions? (We are just trying to get him on the scoreboard.)

 

[voltage]

He sounds like an ideal client for a ranch hunt.

 

[TradLife406]

Friggin I want a less strenuous elk hunt too!!!

 

[Trumpkin The Dwarf]

Barring a physical disability... generally the response I have to rough hunting conditions is to work harder in the offseason. I'd rather help my friend get healthier than lower the bar. But if it's an insurmountable health obstacle you're gonna have to think outside the box. Everyone wants an easier hunt, so anything that looks like it's good elk habitat and easy hunting is gonna get hit hard.

Instead look for unorthodox territory and scout hard. First thing that comes to mind is I've cut big elk tracks in sasgebrush country while hunting an area mostly known for mule deer.

 

[Steve300xcw]

An actual hunt or a meat shoot?

 

[Ross]

Unless there is a physical limitation or disability, elk hunting is supposed to be work. As noted above, there are options for meat shoots, otherwise there is 9 months to get prepared and work for it. As with many strenuous endeavors, effort = reward, in some form or another.

 

[Scottf270]

There are several ranch hunts in New Mexico I've seen advertised as flat terrain and less strenuous. Just gotta search and be honest with the outfitter.

 

[Healthy Scratch]

An actual hunt or a meat shoot?

An actual hunt. I have nothing against high-fence stuff but, that's not what we are into. Our past hunts were more on the 'hilly' side and my friend has pretty bad knees. He would take a day off after a strenuous day and toward the end of the hunts, his pace would be markedly slower. He does walks quite a bit but, we are from Michigan so, it's pretty level ground stuff and he's in his late 60's (definitely not running any marathons). I think I'm going to look into a ranch hunt thru an outfitter. I'd really like to see him get one before he gives up on it. Thank you everyone for your input.

 

[Ryan Avery]

Selway.. easy breezy....

 

[willfrye027]

I’m 34 and I want an easier elk hunt too.

Currently saving my points in a few states to cash in someday on a really good road hunt for rag horns. Maybe if he’s got some points saved up somewhere for a limited entry hunt?

 

[WeiserBucks]

Selway.. easy breezy....

Loading my wheelchair for 2026

 

[TaperPin]

An actual hunt. I have nothing against high-fence stuff but, that's not what we are into. Our past hunts were more on the 'hilly' side and my friend has pretty bad knees. He would take a day off after a strenuous day and toward the end of the hunts, his pace would be markedly slower. He does walks quite a bit but, we are from Michigan so, it's pretty level ground stuff and he's in his late 60's (definitely not running any marathons). I think I'm going to look into a ranch hunt thru an outfitter. I'd really like to see him get one before he gives up on it. Thank you everyone for your input.

Private ranch guided hunts sound like what you want. You can hike over a hill, trot around on a hay burner, drive around on a sxs, or if all that’s too much work there’s always elk hanging around outside the hay stacks.

 

[Steve300xcw]

An actual hunt. I have nothing against high-fence stuff but, that's not what we are into.

You can sometimes get a damage tag if you know people..

I am waiting for a guy to call me and tell me the elk are in his field. I bet if I bring him a 6pack, he'll load the thing in my truck with his tractor. Far from a high fence delio, but it also isnt anything more than a grocery run...I'm ok with that