SepulgaMan
FNG
- Joined
- Jan 30, 2020
- Messages
- 5
I just recently won the WWF raffle for a commissioner’s tag. Not for one second did I think I would win this raffle. I have only been applying for elk in WY over the last two years and used the WWF site as a guide while filling it out, so buying the raffle ticket the last two years was more for support than any chance at winning.
I’m 41 yrs old, and live in the panhandle of Florida. I am an avid fisherman and spearfisherman, but over the past 4 years, I have gotten into whitetail hunting and some land management. Many of my great/grandfathers were hunters and my dad grew up hunting in West Virginia, but I was consumed with sports as a kid and only hunted a handful of times – never really having a chance to catch the bug. I’ve since found a passion for hunting and spend as much time as I can during hunting season in South Alabama. My father and I get to hunt together quite a bit. He’s like a kid again when we get in the woods (he’s in his mid 70’s).
With that being said, I’ve never hunted out west, never even seen an elk in the wild. I know this is a once in a lifetime hunt and I don’t want to screw it up. After giving it a few weeks to research (Elk101, difference in costs, scouring all the forums and outfitters, researching units and listening to Jaden Bales podcast with one of the previous winners), it’s becoming a bit overwhelming and I could really use some suggestions. This is what I’ve come up with to this point.
1 – Go unguided Unit 100 and bring along my dad. Plan would be to drive up, rent a house for 2 weeks possibly around Rock Springs. I would need to purchase, rent, or borrow much of the gear. I know this would be more drive and hunt option bringing my dad, but from what I’ve read 100 should give us a good opportunity to find some bulls. My dad can handle 2-4 mile hikes at a time. I’ve considered flying up during bow season, renting a car, and scouting the area with maybe a shot at filling the tag with the bow. Having my own vehicle would also likely save quite a bit on transporting the meat and gear home.
2 – Go guided and most likely by myself possibly Unit 59/61 with horseback experience and opportunity to see Wyoming countryside and potential for large bull. Not sure if my dad could handle the long horseback rides if I brought him along. This would most likely be a bit less stressful. I could fly up and go straight to camp based on available hunting dates. I know the guided hunts will have a higher cost but it may not be as big of a difference considering the logistics and gear needed for the unguided option. My other concern, I have looked at South Fork and Shoshone Outfitters sites but they are taking reservations years out. I’m not even sure if I could get a spot. I have not called on any as I wanted to be sure on what I want to do and not take up anyone’s time.
So what do you guys think, am I even on the right track? Guided or Unguided - is there a better choice when having the commissioners tag? I would greatly appreciate any suggestions or details I should be considering and would be happy to help any of you that come down my way for some offshore fishing. - Thanks
I’m 41 yrs old, and live in the panhandle of Florida. I am an avid fisherman and spearfisherman, but over the past 4 years, I have gotten into whitetail hunting and some land management. Many of my great/grandfathers were hunters and my dad grew up hunting in West Virginia, but I was consumed with sports as a kid and only hunted a handful of times – never really having a chance to catch the bug. I’ve since found a passion for hunting and spend as much time as I can during hunting season in South Alabama. My father and I get to hunt together quite a bit. He’s like a kid again when we get in the woods (he’s in his mid 70’s).
With that being said, I’ve never hunted out west, never even seen an elk in the wild. I know this is a once in a lifetime hunt and I don’t want to screw it up. After giving it a few weeks to research (Elk101, difference in costs, scouring all the forums and outfitters, researching units and listening to Jaden Bales podcast with one of the previous winners), it’s becoming a bit overwhelming and I could really use some suggestions. This is what I’ve come up with to this point.
1 – Go unguided Unit 100 and bring along my dad. Plan would be to drive up, rent a house for 2 weeks possibly around Rock Springs. I would need to purchase, rent, or borrow much of the gear. I know this would be more drive and hunt option bringing my dad, but from what I’ve read 100 should give us a good opportunity to find some bulls. My dad can handle 2-4 mile hikes at a time. I’ve considered flying up during bow season, renting a car, and scouting the area with maybe a shot at filling the tag with the bow. Having my own vehicle would also likely save quite a bit on transporting the meat and gear home.
2 – Go guided and most likely by myself possibly Unit 59/61 with horseback experience and opportunity to see Wyoming countryside and potential for large bull. Not sure if my dad could handle the long horseback rides if I brought him along. This would most likely be a bit less stressful. I could fly up and go straight to camp based on available hunting dates. I know the guided hunts will have a higher cost but it may not be as big of a difference considering the logistics and gear needed for the unguided option. My other concern, I have looked at South Fork and Shoshone Outfitters sites but they are taking reservations years out. I’m not even sure if I could get a spot. I have not called on any as I wanted to be sure on what I want to do and not take up anyone’s time.
So what do you guys think, am I even on the right track? Guided or Unguided - is there a better choice when having the commissioners tag? I would greatly appreciate any suggestions or details I should be considering and would be happy to help any of you that come down my way for some offshore fishing. - Thanks
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