Non-trophy Elk Hunting - worth it?

[Portabeardo]

Correct. I am definitely not going to get into the points game.

My current inclination is to keep doing what I have been doing.

I guess what I am really trying to find out - before I get too much older - is “what is it that makes hunting elk such a special thing that tens of thousands of my fellow hunters seem to build their lives around it?” Why do people spend years building points and planning to do this? Or spend $10,000+ for five days of hunting? That’s not a judgement on those who like it, I’m really looking for what about it hooks you. If it is something that I have to experience to understand it, then I guess I just have to try it out.


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“Keep on keepin’ on…”

I come from a background of hunting whitetails in the Midwest. Been hunting for over 35 years. It is my happy place to be in the woods. I moved to TX and don’t hunt here because everyone just puts feed out and shoots. I will travel back north to hunt with family but mostly just to be with family. The reason I say that is that I took the jump several years ago to try my luck on an elk DIY. Half the fun is learning the great animals; how they act, what they eat, where they live. Similar to whitetails back home. It is fun. But…

The first time you have a slobbering bull with a bad attitude toward you within bow range (regardless of rack size) bugling so loud you can almost feel the earth vibrating below your feet, that is the moment you realize you’re hooked and you may never find something that penetrates your soul like it again. I’m not against guides by any means. But you need one that gets you close. I hunt whitetails from tree stands. Elk I hike miles just to get close. I’ve even changed all my workouts to make sure it is something useful in the mountains. It is the reason I work out. My wife and daughter hate it because I use bugle tubes in the house… all year long it is about elk.

So, is it worth it… yes. I’m 46 and plan to do it for another 30 years. You can always hunt your home woods. But you won’t remember every encounter like you do with elk.


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[Fowl Play]

Correct. I am definitely not going to get into the points game.

My current inclination is to keep doing what I have been doing.

I guess what I am really trying to find out - before I get too much older - is “what is it that makes hunting elk such a special thing that tens of thousands of my fellow hunters seem to build their lives around it?” Why do people spend years building points and planning to do this? Or spend $10,000+ for five days of hunting? That’s not a judgement on those who like it, I’m really looking for what about it hooks you. If it is something that I have to experience to understand it, then I guess I just have to try it out.


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“Keep on keepin’ on…”

Archery elk hunting during the rut is like nothing you’ve experienced whitetail hunting. Walking a ridge line at daybreak, throwing out a bugle and getting a reply. Doing a dance all day with that animal, to have it end with a close encounter at sub 40 yards with a screaming bull, is pretty incredible and rewarding. That’s why I do it and many others. Elk also tastes way better than whitetail. If you don’t pick up a bow you will not get what you want out of it I bet. The rifle options that fit into your no waiting period will land you solidly with 300 other hunters in the same small area.

 

[ChrisAU]

If the only thing that lived in the mountains were opossums, I would probably go on an opossum hunt every year.

I think that mountain range is where I had my first OTC tag

 

[CMF]

At one point on that trip, we were hiking a trail and came upon a yearling moose. She was maybe ten yards away. Quite an impressive animal, but I didn't get the sense that I would want to hunt her. I also didn't get that feeling from watching the herds of elk in the distance in the Tetons. And the bison were basically big cows.

I suspect that could change if I hunted them once. And that's part of the reason I am trying to get a sense for what it is that attracts non-local people to it.

I definitely think it would change when you hunt them. Those elk and bison in the NP are just like suburban whitetails, where they can't be hunted, and are habituated to people.
Get out on the National Forest, and you can bet those elk won't look at you the same.
A few thousand bucks and a week off work isn't a huge investment to know if it's something you'd like to do every year. Well worth it if you end up hooked and wanting to go every year for the rest of your life.

 

[hoosierhunter11]

Fellow flatlander here but from the midwest. I too have hunted whitetails for years in similar fashion to you on both public and private. If you like getting out in the woods, hiking, still hunting, and using your woodsmanship - I can't recommend going enough. You don't need a guide. Sounds like you'd really enjoy a muzzy september hunt or early October rifle hunt. Both tags can be had for 0-2 points in CO. I wouldn't be hesitant to get into the points game if this is something you really want to do - it's just how the process works man. If you really don't want to get into points, look into draw odds and find a unit that draws out at 0 points. Might be a tough hunt but you can still get the experience.

I went out last year on my first elk hunt. I used 3 points to draw an archery tag that drew out at 2 points. We did it DIY on National Forest and Wilderness lands and over the course of 9 hunt days had several good encounters. Heck, I had a cow and calf 15 feet from me within my first 20 minutes of hunting! On day 8 everything came together and I shot a 5x6 at 16 yards with my bow.

Do it for the landscapes, adventure, mental and physical challenge, and you'll come out with a different perspective.

 

[rayporter]

attitude
attitude
attitude

hunting is hard
the mountains are steep
there is a lot to not go right
it is a long drive

you wont enjoy the hunt with your attitude

 

[Weldor]

You could contact some outfitters and watch for cancelled discounted Elk hunts. I see a few after the draws are over and usually when it gets close to the opener's. Short notice but the discounts are usually good. Plus you can watch New Mexico with all their Landowners tags. Don't forget the reservation's, sometimes they offer management bulls or spikes.

 

[5MilesBack]

I’m not — and never will be — a bow hunter. I don’t have time in my life for that level of dedication to another perishable skill. I also have a bad shoulder that was made worse by a Navy surgeon.

The next best thing to a September elk rut bow hunt, would be a Sept muzzleloader hunt. For me, there's nothing like hunting the elk rut in Sept in the high country. Beyond that, my advice would be to just stay home based on everything you've said.

 

[KHNC]

Correct. I am definitely not going to get into the points game.

My current inclination is to keep doing what I have been doing.

I guess what I am really trying to find out - before I get too much older - is “what is it that makes hunting elk such a special thing that tens of thousands of my fellow hunters seem to build their lives around it?” Why do people spend years building points and planning to do this? Or spend $10,000+ for five days of hunting? That’s not a judgement on those who like it, I’m really looking for what about it hooks you. If it is something that I have to experience to understand it, then I guess I just have to try it out.


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“Keep on keepin’ on…”

Elk is probably too hard for you

 

[Q_Sertorius]

Elk is probably too hard for you

You really know how to motivate someone to try it out.


____________________
“Keep on keepin’ on…”

 

[Pafarm]

I think personally for you sir do a DIY mule deer or Elk hunt. You will find much more satisfaction in it. You can get away from pressure and the people. I will probable never do another guided hunt as I felt the same as you. You're not after the animal your after the adventure. The animals the bonus. i think beating a public land mature mule deer or elk is truly unbeatable. Especially when you don't have immediate success it keeps you coming back. Plus you learn a lot and get the adventure you're after.

 

[wapitibob]

You really know how to motivate someone to try it out.

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“Keep on keepin’ on…”

You don't want motivation; you've shot down every attempt and suggestion to get you in the woods out west.

 

[Q_Sertorius]

You don't want motivation; you've shot down every attempt and suggestion to get you in the woods out west.

No, I haven’t. I have interrogated the responses. That’s not the same thing.


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“Keep on keepin’ on…”

 

[Pafarm]

No, I haven’t. I have interrogated the responses. That’s not the same thing.


____________________
“Keep on keepin’ on…”

I think from what you've said western hunting just isn't for you. Let someone else have the tag that will really enjoy it. Not shooting you down but the whitetail woods might just be the best for you. I grew up in Pennsylvania and learned mountain bucks in and out. I have killed many very nice bucks, but it doesn't get me as excited as a western adventure. Like I said above I'm chasing adventure. Just remember most people dying regret the chances/adventure they didn't take. I know I don't want to be that guy.

 

[Danny Hoey]

No, I haven’t. I have interrogated the responses. That’s not the same thing.


____________________
“Keep on keepin’ on…”

Take a drive, lace up your boots and check it out. You don't need a tag for the experience of elk in the rut.

Then you can decide if it gets you going or not.

 

[Ross]

Nothing like the scent and smells of September. Grabbing some fresh bull urine and rubbing it all over clothes

 

[KurtR]

Crowding is so subjective. I hunted two of the "most crowded" units in Idaho and i never once thought it was crowded. The process was fun getting gear learning new stuff living out of a pack renting lamas. It took five times going out till i finally killed a bull. With that said that goal was accomplished and now I dont know if I will ever do it again. Its was fun and worth all the time effort and investment just not as fun as watching mallards locking up in the decoys and running the dog on a 200 yard blind at this point in my life

 

[flyfisher117]

Why not just do an OTC and try it out? Worst case you’re out of a little money. You’ll either love it or hate it.

Personally I get more enjoyment chasing speed goats. I also think they taste better.

 

[wytx]

Almost sounds to me like you would be perfectly happy tagging along on someone else's hunt ; do some bird hunting, help around camp, scout close to camp, do some fishing and help pack out any animal taken.
Leave the license you would have taken for someone that really, really wants to come hunt out West.
Lots of fun hunts that can be had without do the big game thing too. Some interesting game birds are available in the rocky mountain region.

However any elk is a trophy so yes, find an elk license you could draw and try if you want to.
I think you would find any animal taken would be very satisfying if taken on a DIY hunt.

 

[Packer9037]

My only add to the below would be elk meat is better than any other game meat. Period. Full Stop.

The country. The comraderie of a select few very close friends. The sunrises. The sunsets. The drive down a new road. The new trailhead. The old ones you remember well. The majestic nature of the quarry. The sweat and pain of packing one out. The feeling of relief at the end of the last load. The campfire. The moonrises.

But for real, you're good...keep hunting whitetails. It's a long drive for you and a lot of money it sounds like. It'll be a drag of a trip if you're not all in.