Thoughts on cow elk?

[Handycamp]

Been a while since I hunted out west. If I plan on hiring an outfitter for my cow hunt, does it matter which state I go to? Since trophy quality is not an issue, any state with a good elk population should suffice, right? But then you have regs to consider. The big game regs in western states are so confusing I don't know where to start. Thoughts?

 

[Indian Summer]

Go to Google and ask what state can I buy over-the-counter cow hunting licenses in? Or pick a state. For example, example go to Google and ask can I buy over-the-counter cow hunting licenses in Colorado? After that, go to the state fish and game website and start “hiking around“. Once you get the hang of it, you will find that planning your hunt is half the fun. Good luck.

 

[Eastonsgrandpa]

Is this archery or rifle?

 

[Handycamp]

I didn't know you could even hunt cows with archery, but that's something I would consider if it is practical.

 

[il_cop]

I'm not aware of a state with OTC cow tags. Cheap, easy to draw and lots of leftovers, but not OTC. Happy to be corrected, obviously.

OP, I recommend you apply for a type 6 or 7 tag in WY. Connect with an outfitter first and they can walk you through anything you need to know.

 

[Tmac]

I'm not aware of a state with OTC cow tags. Cheap, easy to draw and lots of leftovers, but not OTC. Happy to be corrected, obviously.

OP, I recommend you apply for a type 6 or 7 tag in WY. Connect with an outfitter first and they can walk you through anything you need to know.

Oregon has a general season antlerless elk damage hunt. OTC and you can buy a tag after the season opens. Two seasons, 8/1 - 11/30 or 8/1 - 3/31, depending on the area. Has large open areas on the west and north sides of the state.

Now for the bad news, it is almost all if not all private land. We have some access and usually take 1-3 cows a year in the zone. There are a few landowners that will sell trespass hunts, maybe some are guided too. If a guy poked around with ODFW biologists he may find a gem. I think your WY suggestion is a better bet and much closer for the OP.

 

[il_cop]

@Tmac thanks. I didn't know.

With theose dates, that sounds like a great opportunity to make sure the freezer gets filled.

Understood on the access issue, there's always a catch.

Might be a good choice for the OP if he's with a guide that has access to private.

 

[wildwilderness]

If you are set to go guided, then I would find the outfitter/guide first and go off what they recommend.

Any state will do, you can narrow it down by price, season, type of hunt, and terrain you prefer.

Cow elk guided should be a 99.9% opportunity hunt.

 

[Eastonsgrandpa]

I didn't know you could even hunt cows with archery, but that's something I would consider if it is practical.

I’m in Utah and during archery, you can take a cow or a bull/spike, depending on which unit you are in. On our general units, it’s any elk. On our limited entry units, it’s spike or cow unless you have drawn the limited entry tag. If unsuccessful during the regular season, you can then use your tag on what is called the Wasatch extended archery hunt which goes for a couple months. During that time, it’s any elk.

 

[mad_angler]

Base on the limited information, here is how you could approach it:
- Pick a state
- Start googling outfitters and cow hunts
- If you don't like the information, pick another state
- Pick a few outfitters and call them. Get a feel for them and their outfits. Ask them about tag availability
- Pick an outfitter
- Work with him to get the tag needed
- Go kill a cow

 

[Fireflyfishing]

You have to draw for a cow tag in MT.

 

[LostArra]

I'm not aware of a state with OTC cow tags. Cheap, easy to draw and lots of leftovers, but not OTC. Happy to be corrected, obviously.

OP, I recommend you apply for a type 6 or 7 tag in WY. Connect with an outfitter first and they can walk you through anything you need to know.

If hunting with an outfitter who has private land access then a Wyoming Type 8 is basically OTC. Not all hunt areas have Type 8 and I sure wouldn't buy one until you know you have access because during certain dates it's only good on private land.

 

[cnelk]

In Colorado, There are B List cow tags that are OTC Archery

 

[hiker270]

Have hunted cow elk the last 3 years in Montana, Wyoming and Colorado. Montana was a draw. Wyoming was OTC and Colorado was OTC. Not all that difficult to find cow elk tags with some research. Both WTA and Hunt Nation are booking agents and always have cow elk hunts available.

 

[hibernation]

If you're going guided, there's a good chance that if they advertise cow hunts it will be through a private land connection they have and either landowner tags, damage tags, or an easy draw. I would focus more on finding a guide / lodge that matches what you're looking for, rather than picking the state first. If they advertise cow hunts, they'll almost certainly walk you through how to get the tag for it.

 

[BRTreedogs]

If you don’t even understand how to get a tag id contact huntin fool or similar and pay for assistance

 

[Handycamp]

Thanks for the input, guys. I know how to get a tag. I just wondered if one state is kind of a no-brainer for cows. Sounds like the answer is not really, although getting a tag OTC is very appealing, so I'll look into that. The prospect of an archery hunt is also intriguing. I have heard that shooting a cow with a bow can be really tough, because you can't call them in like a rutting bull. I can see that becoming a frustrated hunt. But worth looking into. Again, I appreciate all the comments.

 

[hibernation]

I have heard that shooting a cow with a bow can be really tough, because you can't call them in like a rutting bull. I can see that becoming a frustrated hunt. But worth looking into.

Yeah, don't go archery hunting cows unless you just want to go archery hunting elk, and are happy taking a cow in an either-sex unit.

 

[LostArra]

I have heard that shooting a cow with a bow can be really tough, because you can't call them in like a rutting bull. I can see that becoming a frustrated hunt. But worth looking into. Again, I appreciate all the comments.

There aren't many guarantees in elk hunting but a cow tag will almost guarantee some incredible bull encounters without a taxidermy bill.

 

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

I HIGHLY recommend @wymtnpounder for the best guided cow hunt in NW WY. Horseback outside of Yellowstone and absolutely spectacular with extremely high success rate. Scott and his family are the best.
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