UK Hunter planning trip of lifetime 2024/2025

[UK_hunter]

Hi all,

I am an experienced hunter from the UK, bored of what the UK hunting has to offer. So I am researching/planning a once in a lifetime unguided trip on public land in the US for a Bull Elk. Why an Elk? Something about that majestic bugle! I have been looking mostly at Utah, Idaho, Montana or Wyoming. Only reason I have picked those states, is I visited when I was a teen on a road trip from Denver up through Yellowstone down to the Canyonlands. Always wanted to come back and to pair it with my passion for Hunting.

Originally, I was thinking a solo hunt but my relative in Denver isn’t keen on game meat thinks it’s cruel etc even though they eat meat! So I would rather see if I can find someone to buddy up with so they can make use of any meat from a successful hunt. Another reason frankly is Bears mainly as far as I can tell the ATF permit for a non immigrant visitor wouldn’t cover a pistol for protection. Is bear spray efficient? Looks a bit gimmicky.

Hoping for a 7 day expedition type trip to remote country. Perhaps I am being naive, is this too short for a true hunt/packing out? I am used to multi day trips/camping out up the hills in Scotland/Wales with a heavy pack and relatively fit. We just don’t pack out like you guys do and our biggest deer are Red stags which max I have had was about 250lbs. That was extracted with an Argo. Will be buying a kifaru, stone glacier or Kuiu pack so I can help with the extraction. I want the full experience and not shy of hard graft!

Will be bringing my .308 for the trip and homeloaded ammo probably 165gr plus of some sort. Maybe my 6.5 creedmoor with 140gr. Have the usual kit, mostly decent quality equipment such as garmin inreach, mountaineering tent, lightweight cold weather sleeping bag, optics, shooting sticks etc.

So any tips or views, good or bad on my grand plans. Am I being naive? Is buddying up with other hunters a done thing in the US?

Thanks

Tom

 

[HornPorn]

First post huh, just joined today.....OK, I'll bite.

Do you have a hunter's safety certificate issued by a US state? If not I don't see how you can get a hunting license. If that is the case you will likely need to go guided, and you may also need to go to British Columbia. They have good elk populations there.

If you are not a troll AND you are able to get a hunting license and do a DIY elk hunt, Id give yourself 3 weeks if you really want to be successful and check it off your list. 90% of Americans who try this over the course of 1 week are unsuccessful.

 

[30338]

Some of our elk seasons only last 5-9 days in Colorado. Guided in Canada may be a better idea.

 

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

Welcome to the site! Other than the legalities of getting over here and getting a license and tag, I'd say you have most of the boxes checked. I do agree that to maximize success for a once in a lifetime hunt on public you should plan on spending as much time as posible. As @HornPorn mentioned, the public land success rate is low regardless of where you go. However, if you can plan on 3-4 weeks, stay nimble, and have several areas in the hopper for plans A, B, C, D, E, etc..., this will increase your odds.

@Indian Summer is a great resource on the site for planning Western hunts, and he may be able to help provide suggestions/recommendations regarding potential strategies.

Good luck!

 

[UK_hunter]

First post huh, just joined today.....OK, I'll bite.

Do you have a hunter's safety certificate issued by a US state? If not I don't see how you can get a hunting license. If that is the case you will likely need to go guided, and you may also need to go to British Columbia. They have good elk populations there.

If you are not a troll AND you are able to get a hunting license and do a DIY elk hunt, Id give yourself 3 weeks if you really want to be successful and check it off your list. 90% of Americans who try this over the course of 1 week are unsuccessful.

Not a troll, joined today as starting to get serious on my planning/research for this trip. Minimal info on the UK stalking forum. This trip may or may not ever happen, hence the research.

I don’t have a hunters certificate, but have the UK equivalent which is the DSC 2 which I understand some states accept. But failing that I did see a forum post somewhere that said there’s an online Texas one that fits the bill. Something I need to research more.

Good to know one week isn’t enough, I had initially though 2 weeks but thought perhaps buddying up with a stranger that timeframe may deter some. I was hoping to come over to the US for a month either side of what ever date the season is and/or lucky enough to draw tags for.

Perhaps I should look at guided, but for me I just don’t get the same enjoyment out of it. I’d rather go unguided and not get an elk have the experience and say I tried. It’s the overall experience I am after.

Thanks for the help/reality check. Attached a photo of my latest red stags and my 6.5 creed rig to show I’m not an anti hunter/troll!

 

[5MilesBack]

If you want the real elk bugling hunting experience, you'll be better off bringing a bow and going during archery season.

 

[Mojave]

First post huh, just joined today.....OK, I'll bite.

Do you have a hunter's safety certificate issued by a US state? If not I don't see how you can get a hunting license. If that is the case you will likely need to go guided, and you may also need to go to British Columbia. They have good elk populations there.

If you are not a troll AND you are able to get a hunting license and do a DIY elk hunt, Id give yourself 3 weeks if you really want to be successful and check it off your list. 90% of Americans who try this over the course of 1 week are unsuccessful.

Bullpucky!

I just spoke to Wyoming game and fish, you can get some sort of reasonable accomidation for your British BASC hunting certification or something like a German Jagdschein.

It does not have to be from a US State, it can be an international equivillent. The lady told me this was a common question.

Wilderness areas in Wyoming require a guide. Top end units will require something like 12 preference points, average general tags will require 3-6 preference points in 2024 or 2025. There will be some heavily private land units where you could kill a bull on private land as an outfitted hunt for $10,000-18,000 USD. The price is going up every year.

Feel free to send a PM, I have lived and hunted on 4 continents.

 

[UK_hunter]

If you want the real elk bugling hunting experience, you'll be better off bringing a bow and going during archery season.

I’d love to have a go bow hunting, it’s illegal to hunt here with a bow and ironically not many places you can even practice. Typical bureaucracy and red tape.

Will look into possible practice locations as I’d rather experience the rut.

 

[wind gypsy]

Lots of thoughts.

Are you familiar with what it takes to get a license in the states you're looking into? If you haven't been purchasing points, odds of getting a wyoming bull tag short of shelling out $20k for a commissioner tag are very low. Similar situation for Utah for a desirable tag. Odds of getting a DIY tag in ID are a little better but unless things change you wont be able to plan on getting a certain tag or plan on having a hunting partner that gets the same tag. Odds of getting a general elk tag in MT for '25 are fair if you start buying points next summer.

Unless you're good with a pistol and experienced drawing from holster and firing, you're at least as well off with bear spray.

7 days of actual hunting isn't a bad plan but you'd want time on the front and back end of that to get your shit together and also not be rushed off the mountain to leave the last day. Getting meat and gear taken care of at the end of the trip can take some time.

There are some rifle seasons in earlier Oct where there's a fair chance at bugling action but odds would be better in archery or CO muzzleloader season.

 

[Mojave]

Elk are cool, but honestly pronghorn is the most American of all of our Western Species. That and it is a heck of a lot easier hunt to put together from the other side of the planet.

Same points problem in Wyoming. 3-6 points for an ok unit, 10 plus for a good one.

 

[UK_hunter]

Bullpucky!

I just spoke to Wyoming game and fish, you can get some sort of reasonable accomidation for your British BASC hunting certification or something like a German Jagdschein.

It does not have to be from a US State, it can be an international equivillent. The lady told me this was a common question.

Wilderness areas in Wyoming require a guide. Top end units will require something like 12 preference points, average general tags will require 3-6 preference points in 2024 or 2025. There will be some heavily private land units where you could kill a bull on private land as an outfitted hunt for $10,000-18,000 USD. The price is going up every year.

Feel free to send a PM, I have lived and hunted on 4 continents.

Thanks for confirming, I have DSC1 and DSC2 which is quite an extensive programme. That’s why I’m wearing blue gloves in one my photos above, part of the dsc 2 assessment is showing meat/food hygiene.

It seems my biggest obstacle will actually be the tag system and getting points. Will have a more through look into the tag system and give you a message when I know a bit more about it.

 

[HornPorn]

I don’t have a hunters certificate, but have the UK equivalent which is the DSC 2 which I understand some states accept. But failing that I did see a forum post somewhere that said there’s an online Texas one that fits the bill. Something I need to research more.

Perhaps I should look at guided, but for me I just don’t get the same enjoyment out of it. I’d rather go unguided and not get an elk have the experience and say I tried. It’s the overall experience I am after.

Hopefully your DSC 2 will work.

I hear what you are saying on the experience vs being guided, but if you choose an outfitter that will take you into the backcountry on horseback or backpack, I think you will find it to be quite the adventure...one that you will never forget. As men, I'm sure we would all obviously rather do everything ourselves vs being guided, and with a spear or even our bare hands. But there is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of by increasing your odds via rifle, guide, etc. if it is truly "once in a lifetime" hunt for you. I for one would like to see you have a 6x6 bull to take back with you to the UK. If you can afford it, go guided in Northern BC. Much more wilderness up there and less hunters (better overall experience).

Good luck

 

[UK_hunter]

Lots of thoughts.

Are you familiar with what it takes to get a license in the states you're looking into? If you haven't been purchasing points, odds of getting a wyoming bull tag short of shelling out $20k for a commissioner tag are very low. Similar situation for Utah for a desirable tag. Odds of getting a DIY tag in ID are a little better but unless things change you wont be able to plan on getting a certain tag or plan on having a hunting partner that gets the same tag. Odds of getting a general elk tag in MT for '25 are fair if you start buying points next summer.

Unless you're good with a pistol and experienced drawing from holster and firing, you're at least as well off with bear spray.

7 days of actual hunting isn't a bad plan but you'd want time on the front and back end of that to get your shit together and also not be rushed off the mountain to leave the last day. Getting meat and gear taken care of at the end of the trip can take some time.

There are some rifle seasons in earlier Oct where there's a fair chance at bugling action but odds would be better in archery or CO muzzleloader season.

The hunters licence part and ATF permits I get, but clearly haven’t quite grasped how complicated your tag system is. Essentially I need to get registered asap and start applying for tags to build up points.

That’s a valid point on pistols, I’ve shot them a few times when in the US and a good shot but never drawn one from a holster never mind with an angry bear charging. So perhaps bear spray is the more sensible and certainly cheaper option.

Time frame I was hoping to be over in the US for a month, with a few days before and at least a week after the hunt.

 

[LongWayAround]

Buying a landowner tag in New Mexico is probably your shortest route to the end game.

Over the counter or a one/two points tag in Colorado is next.

Depending on your time and budget, you might be able to string both together.

 

[Mt Al]

I don't know the points/years/etc on elk in each state but agree with the guided suggestions for a first hunt. You can't lose either way, will save a pile of $ or GBPs if you go DIY but very unlikely to get a bull that way - but people do it! If you have the $$/GBPs for a guided hunt, you'll really enjoy yourself, will definitely still have an adventure and much more likely to come home with a rack in your baggage.

If it's elk you're after, go for it, but per the suggestion above antelope are a blast to hunt, unique and much easier DIY at least in Montana or Wyoming. it's a way to dip your toe in the water, see some great country and come home with a cool critter.

Good luck, been poking around for a fallow/roe/red deer hunt in the UK and was foiled by Covid but hope to hunt your way some day.

 

[PRC_GUY]

get you a 300 WM or 7 MM rifle and have a good time!

 

[Hydro557]

I only hunt whitetail in the Midwest, so can't really help you, but I hope you're able to work it out. The American west is a absolute gift from God that most take for granted.

I hope you're able to experience it properly.

 

[Nwihunter]

Being a new elk hunter myself with only 5 years experience I would recommend a guided hunt in your situation. With only a week to hunt an animal you’ve never hunted before, in an area you’ve never hunted, there is a definitely a possibility that you don’t even see an elk. I’m not saying you don’t have chance to get one DIY, it’s just a lot to figure out in a short amount of time. On my second elk season I hunted for 11 days and saw one cow elk on day 2 and that was it. No regrets though, saw a lot of beautiful country and learned a heck of a lot that season. Ended up taking elk DIY on seasons 4 and 5 so it’s not impossible. If you’re satisfied with just a kick ass adventure and fine with not punching a tag go the DIY route.

 

[Ucsdryder]

The obvious answer is a guided hunt. I’m a diy guy but this is a once in a lifetime deal. Go with a reputable outfitter in a rifle hunt as close to September as you can get. I’d go either back country on horses (doesn’t get much more western) or a guided hunt on private land (you’ll see what elk act like when being pressured). Spend the money, and have a memory of a lifetime.

A diy hunt could easily turn into a 7 day backpacking trip.

 

[Mojave]

Points program primer:

Watch all the strategy videos from Randy Newberg

and others. Even if not everything they say is 100% perfect, there will be tons of information to suck in.

Wyoming Game and Fish has a very informative hunting website. The hunt planner is without peer among Western Wildlife Management agencies.

We have free ranging wild elk in:
Wyoming
Montana
Idaho
Colorado
California
Washington
Oregon
Utah
Oklahoma
North Dakota
South Dakota
New Mexico
Texas (in the Davis mountains and in the Hill Country)
Pennsylvania
Michigan
Kentucky
Nebraska
Minnesota
Maybe 1 or 2 others.


Other than Wyoming's Wilderness Areas you can hunt elk without a guide in all of them, provided that you can get a tag.

Some of them do not have public land elk hunts and you must pay an outfitter. Texas is a good example, but there are a ton of other ones.

They are called different things in different states, but there are programs in California, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, Idaho and New Mexico where you can buy a tag from an outfitter for a private land hunt. These are called landowner tags or landowner vouchers or ranching for wildlife. There are also units in Montana and Wyoming that have very limited public land and a higher draw odds, as you would be paying an outfitter to hunt private land. These hunts are $8000-18,000.

All of these have wild huntable elk programs. Not all of them are open to non-residents of those states. Maybe 2-3 are not, but I don't know for sure. North Dakota is the only one I know is not open to non-residents.

Some states have over the counter OTC elk tags for private land hunts (called different things in different states), and true OTC elk tags for public lands (Idaho and Colorado) of questionable quality.

Some states and Canadian provinces have high-fenced ranches that have elk. They range from the 20,000 or so acres of the Jicarilla game park to ranches that have elk on 30 acres. There are some really good value elk hunts in Saskatchewan and the Jicarilla. Some huge bulls for $7000 or so.

We also have the independently managed elk programs on American Indian Reservations. There are like 30 of them, but the famous ones are the Jicarilla, Mescalero Apache, White Mountain in Arizona and New Mexico. There are also some in Montana and other places. The better elk programs have what they call "management" bull hunts. This would equal a bull that most people will crawl through hell for. Prices on reservations are really high $15,000-30,000 for the better ones. The management hunts are under $10,000.

The Canadians have huntable elk programs in Alberta, British Columbia and the Yukon that they offer guided hunts on. Some on "indigenous peoples tribal lands" (Canadians are very politically correct), and some on National Forest type lands (I don't know if this called Crown Land like it is in New Zealand or not).

Canadian elk hunts in BC and Alberta are horseback and in wilderness areas, are a very good value, often under $10,000 and I have seen them for $8,000. Many can combine hunts for moose, mule deer, white-tailed deer, and black bears. Everything in the Yukon is expensive.

There are also ranch based elk hunts in Saskatchewan and Quebec, these can be a good value for huge bulls.