Non resident elk hunting resource.

[JBF92]

A buddy and I are flatlander Midwest whitetail hunters, looking to try a diy elk hunt out west. I have done a fair bit of research online on states, odds, etc. I have ONX elite, and have read their guides, but hand up, it is still very intimidating. Probably looking at MT or CO archery seasons. Any further info or resources to get us in the ballpark would be great.

 

[Skerhunter]

Any of the archery elk online courses would be beneficial. Most cover how to find/call elk. Beyond that you just have to go get your teeth kicked in (I mean feet wet) that first time!

If it is way too overwhelming do a guided hunt first or go with an experience person and shorten the learning curve.

 

[JBF92]

Any of the archery elk online courses would be beneficial. Most cover how to find/call elk. Beyond that you just have to go get your teeth kicked in (I mean feet wet) that first time!

If it is way too overwhelming do a guided hunt first or go with an experience person and shorten the learning curve.

I am not as much concerned (yet) of the elk hunt itself. It’s more of the navigation of state draw/ odds systems, and knowing which unit/ tag to apply for.

For example- I have 1 point in MT, he has 0. Is it best to apply as a group? Or risk it as individuals? Can I return my tag if he doesn’t draw? Best to wait? Try another state? So many questions, so few answers.

We have no contact out there as of now, but hoping to narrow down a spot if we end up drawing.

 

[Raghornklr]

You won't draw with 1 pt, he has a better shot with zero.if you apply as a group it will kill both of your chances.

 

[Calbuck]

This opinion is worth what you paid for it. Get the tag however you can, and go hunt. Learn from that hunt and apply what you learned to the next hunt. Repeat. The more years you don’t hunt are more years you aren’t gaining experience. Point chasing isn’t a very fun experience, hunting animals is. If you can scout where you want to hunt that is a good thing .

 

[JBF92]

You won't draw with 1 pt, he has a better shot with zero.if you apply as a group it will kill both of your chances.

This is kind of what I am after, and confirming my suspicions. This doesn't make total sense to me. But I have the option of applying, plus buying a point to get me to 2, and he could/ should apply with 0, correct? And are their unit specific sections to apply for?

Secondly, lets say I would draw, and he wouldn't. Can I get those points back? Can I get a refund? 80%?

This is just MT, are other states like this?

 

[bz_711]

This opinion is worth what you paid for it. Get the tag however you can, and go hunt. Learn from that hunt and apply what you learned to the next hunt. Repeat. The more years you don’t hunt are more years you aren’t gaining experience. Point chasing isn’t a very fun experience, hunting animals is. If you can scout where you want to hunt that is a good thing .

Fantastic Advice!

Are you wanting to go this year in '25? CO deadline is Tues...I think MT also.

Have you ever elk hunted or hunted anything in either state? Laying eyeballs on either state is a big plus IMO

Do you personally know someone that has elk hunted in either state? They are your best bet for getting squared away as quickly as possible - you cannot beat a solid mentor when it comes to elk hunting

Archery or Rifle?

WARNING: I came to rokslide looking for help in my first elk hunt in 2010 (super guys and gals on this site). I have now returned to elk hunt every year since - I literally will never get enough. Just be warned! I thought whitetail was cool and all...nah...it's an absolute afterthought...elk on the brain everyday.

Feel free to PM me with specific ?'s.

Good Luck!

 

[JBF92]

Fantastic Advice!

Are you wanting to go this year in '25? CO deadline is Tues...I think MT also.

Have you ever elk hunted or hunted anything in either state? Laying eyeballs on either state is a big plus IMO

Do you personally know someone that has elk hunted in either state? They are your best bet for getting squared away as quickly as possible - you cannot beat a solid mentor when it comes to elk hunting

Archery or Rifle?

WARNING: I came to rokslide looking for help in my first elk hunt in 2010 (super guys and gals on this site). I have now returned to elk hunt every year since - I literally will never get enough. Just be warned! I thought whitetail was cool and all...nah...it's an absolute afterthought...elk on the brain everyday.

Feel free to PM me with specific ?'s.

Good Luck!

I am aware we are up against some deadlines here-- we have been dragging our feet some and need to pull the trigger. Yes-- hoping to have opportunity to hunt in Fall of 25'.
I have elk hunted WY thru an outfitter and got my toes wet, but obviously its another ball game on a DIY hunt.
Looking for archery hunt primarily, yes.

 

[Netherman]

My advice:

Option A: Apply in MT separate and both go on the adventure with one or two tags (you'll have ~90% odd and he'll have ~50%) assuming you buy a point going in and he doesn't buy the point (he can buy one in after the season to build).

Option B: All archery elk in CO is a draw these days so find one that takes zero points to draw and apply as a group. You and friend both buy MT points and apply in 27 with 2.5 points and likely be 100% draw.


Check out toprut (free with your onx subscription). I'm also a big fan of GoHunt to cross compare maps and odds. But I'm a degenerate and have more time to research than vacation.

 

[High Climber]

Best advice I can give is just find a way to make it happen! Gohunt, huntin fool or some other similar outfits will have state descriptions that clarify a lot of the q’s you have. If you would consider a cow hunt, it would be a great way to get your feet wet, easier to get a tag, and higher chance of success. Good luck

 

[wytx]

Look over the leftover list for Wyoming when it comes out and see if any cow tags are left over. Cow tags are a great way to learn a bit about elk hunting, an area you may want to hunt later and good meat to take home.

 

[D_wit22]

What about a cow hunt? I agree. Best way you’re gonna learn is to get on the ground and go for it. Even if it’s not successful in killing something you will gain so much knowledge spending time chasing them.

 

[Bucky]

You can go MT with an outfitter; you get a point and outfitter point so pretty good chance you would draw tag.
As above either look for areas that draw with zero points or look at 2nd draw to snatch a tag.
can apply in AZ and maybe get the lucky random draw tags
As a WI resident I like killing whitetails but elk on the mind 24/7. Addiction

 

[Erict]

My advice:

Option A: Apply in MT separate and both go on the adventure with one or two tags (you'll have ~90% odd and he'll have ~50%) assuming you buy a point going in and he doesn't buy the point (he can buy one in after the season to build).

Option B: All archery elk in CO is a draw these days so find one that takes zero points to draw and apply as a group. You and friend both buy MT points and apply in 27 with 2.5 points and likely be 100% draw.

regarding Option A - the friend can not apply for a license AND later in the year apply for a PP.

regarding Option B - you must apply this year or lose your PP. If you apply for a combo tag and a PP you will go in to the draw with 2 and may draw, last year was about 90% . If your friend applies without a PP he goes in with 0 and may draw, last year was about 57%. If you go in as a group you will have a 1.0 average and statistically are extremely unlikely to draw, last year was 0%.

 

[ScreamingPotato]

Secondly, lets say I would draw, and he wouldn't. Can I get those points back? Can I get a refund? 80%?

Then you both go and your buddy brings a 22 for grouse and y'all share the meat from any big game you kill. Next time you switch.

 

[Skerhunter]

This is kind of what I am after, and confirming my suspicions. This doesn't make total sense to me. But I have the option of applying, plus buying a point to get me to 2, and he could/ should apply with 0, correct? And are their unit specific sections to apply for?

Secondly, lets say I would draw, and he wouldn't. Can I get those points back? Can I get a refund? 80%?

This is just MT, are other states like this?

Montana you now have two options - apply with 0 points and hope to get a tag or apply with points. If apply with 0 you are stuck at 0 for the next year (can’t buy a point later).

It takes 2 points to possibly draw a gen tag. 3 points is guaranteed.

You must apply every year or you lose your points! If you return a tag you get a refund but lose points.

The main drawing is for “general tag” if you get that tag and you applied for a limited entry tag it takes you into the second draw (using bonus points). General tag offers plenty of hunting opportunities - limited entry units will possibly have lower hunting pressure and higher trophy potential.

If I was in your shoes and your buddy is a good friend. You apply and buy a second point. You should draw with two points but not guaranteed. Your buddy needs to sit out and just buy a point this year. If you don’t draw you guys would be guaranteed to draw next year as a party with 2.5 point average.

If you draw your buddy helps you and when he draws next year you help him.

 

[Netherman]

regarding Option A - the friend can not apply for a license AND later in the year apply for a PP.

regarding Option B - you must apply this year or lose your PP. If you apply for a combo tag and a PP you will go in to the draw with 2 and may draw, last year was about 90% . If your friend applies without a PP he goes in with 0 and may draw, last year was about 57%. If you go in as a group you will have a 1.0 average and statistically are extremely unlikely to draw, last year was 0%.

I wonder if there is an option in the application period to get a PP post draw vs pre. Seems silly that FWP would force people to never build points to have a chance in the draw.

Not 100% clear on this one from what I see on FWPs website. I guess worst case you would lose your point, buy a 2025 point by the end of the year, then buy a 2026 point going into the draw and have 2. (would be out $100). I'll get to the bottom of this one as I have one (2024) MT point, but have other hunts planned so am points only there in 2025.

 

[Jomann14]

I’m in your same boots. We ended up hunting northern Idaho last rifle season. Had 1 good encounter with a nice bull. My biggest piece of advice is plan a weekend scouting trip with your bud in advance of your season. The ground out there is way different than you can even imagine. Have a couple different options in mind and go put your feet on the ground. It should weed out some areas fairly quickly. We will be doing the same this summer in CO.