Western WY Elk-DIY or Outfitter?

[section8mainiac]

Hey guys, I am looking for some feedback here. 3 of us are planning to head to west-central WY for a rifle elk hunt in October. We found out our draw was successful and are now getting deeper into the planning stages.

I am somewhat of a research junkie and have talked to forest rangers, lodge/hotel owners, and some recommend outfitters in the area. I have an idea of where I would hunt if DIY, but wondering if gaining wilderness access through a guide/outfitter makes a hunt “that much better”

The 3 of us have been out western DIY hunting multiple times with mule deer success in the bighorns and ate tag soup on elk in northern CO with a rifle in 17. We got into some, but I was picky on opening day, which came back to bite me in the A$$, then tag soup again with OTC bow last year in central CO.

All that said, we are contemplating an outfitter. As I was calling round a month ago, I spoke to a recommended outfitter that was full. I liked what he had to say so I got on his waiting list.

He called yesterday and had a group that did not draw.

Now the big question- Is it worth $5-6,000?

Factors for:

We have not hunted in grizzly country before
We have never punched an elk tag before
Use the guide to pick up more strategies for future DIY hunts
Horses are good for packing and save your legs

Factors against:

More grateful/sense of accomplishment for an animal harvested DIY
I enjoy planning camp site and/or lodging, meals, etc. At an outfitter, all is taken care of
Money. For what we pay we could do 2 or 3 DIY hunts
We like backpack style hunting

Any feedback would be appreciated!

Thanks, Matt

 

[tyeager2964]

Honestly I think it only comes down to money. You may appreciate an animal DIY more but I doubt you wouldn't appreciate an animal on an outfitted hunt. Since it is wyoming and I'm assuming you are all non resident (although I could be wrong) you will get to hunt areas you can only legally hike in.

I have never looked at outfitter hunts being an easy way out (I have not been on one before though) and I think any good outfitter that you are comfortable with should let you dictate what you want. Maybe a private land ranch hunt could be considered easy.

Bottom line of you can swing it financially and your group wants to go then go.

Have fun and enjoy the experience.

 

[BackCountryMulies]

I wouldn't hesitate going outfitted if it was an LE hunt that took more than a few points to draw. Is your area a potential trophy area?

We do have a serious issue with grizzlies in the units bordering Yellowstone and that is something a guy should not take lightly especially when factoring in the outfitter. Every year myself or a buddy has a close call or loses an animal to a griz. Last year was the first year in a long time I didnt have a run in, but i also limited the amount of time I spent in grizzly country due to not drawing the tags I normally do.

Just because you go outfitted doesn't mean your not going to earn that elk nor does it mean your going to punch that elk tag. One of the hardest hunts I have been on was outfitted in Alberta and I ate a moose tag.
Communicate to your outfitter what you want to do as far as hunting style, Im sure the camp jack and cook will let you jump in and make him dinner .

 

[wyosteve]

Given what you've described, I'd say go with the outfitter. I understand the DIY satisfaction, but you've spent a fair amount on the tag already and I think you can/will enjoy the hunt as much or more with an outfitter where you don't have to worry about all the little details like meals, getting meat out, etc.

 

[neil.hansford]

If you can swing it financially, there's nothing wrong with an outfitted hunt. I've done outfitted and DIY, and have enjoyed every minute of both. I learned a lot on the outfitted hunts, and have met some really great people. Neither decision will be wrong, but don't let people convince you that going outfitted is less rewarding. When you're too old to hunt anymore, I promise you won't miss that extra money you spent on a great outfitted hunt.

 

[LaHunter]

A few things I would consider:
Is the price within the group's budget?
Packing in and packing out, horses are worth their wt in gold. Dealing with 1 down elk is a project. Dealing with multiple down elk would be really tough., without horses. Consider what renting horses would cost you for a week and the outfitted cost looks better
I would not hunt in grizzly country without a guide or a friend with a good bit of experience and know how in dealing with them.

 

[wytx]

Just because it's wilderness doesn't mean less people.
Lots of great elk hunting in spots with no grizz so don't think western side is where all the big elk are.
An outfitted pack in trip is really a neat experience but for that money I would ask lots of questions and call some unsuccessful hunters from his camps. The outfitter should give you references for both successful and un.

 

[Jimi Nugent]

Hey Section8, if you are still thinking about going the outfitted route, check out http://www.starvalleyoutfitterswy.com/ I guide for them and they provide an awesome, first class hunting experience. We were booked solid going into the draw, but I heard that an archery group and a rifle group didn't draw, so there are a couple slots open. Feel free to pm me if you have any questions and best of luck to you and your group this fall!

 

[section8mainiac]

Thanks for all the replies. Great people here on Rokslide!!

 

[Btaylor]

More so than the money for me would be the Grizz component. I have zero desire to ever hunt with an outfitter with the one exception of if it were a hunt in a grizz area. Dont think I would do a hunt in that type area without an outfitter or at least be hunting with someone with plenty of experience hunting around Grizz.