Why did you pick that state to Elk hunt?

[badgerboy]

Hey all, Very first post on the site, very glad i found it. Seems like a lot of great info.

My brother, father, and I have decided on going archery Elk hunting out west in 2016. We are from Wisconsin. Next decision to make is where. This one seems daunting and we would like to go to either Colorado, Montana, Utah, or Wyoming. My father has elk hunted once in Montana YEARS ago and things have changed a lot. I am looking for some guidance in how you all decided what state to go to. Price matters but we are going to go public land and are willing to spend a little more on licenses. Some of the state's websites are awesome and some not so much so just looking for a little guidance. Thanks for taking the time to read.

 

[drrice]

I chose Colorado because it was close and the ease of getting a OTC tag...if you put in for preference for Wyoming yet this year you might be able to draw a general tag with 1 year preference and I hear there are some really general tag units.

 

[bpctcb]

I started in Colorado in 2009 because of the OTC tags. Last year I went to NM because it was spur of the moment and I could get a land owner tag. I've been building points in WY for a few years now in anticipation of a future hunt.

I suggest looking at the immediate future and then on down the road for future hunts. Options are good!

BP

 

[freebird134]

I go to Idaho because it's where I'm from. It's home. If I wasn't originally from Idaho, I'd probably hunt other states.

Where in Wisc are you guys? I've been in the Madison area for the last 5 years. It's a long drive from Madison to Idaho!

 

[badgerboy]

Thanks guys! Appreciate the info. Getting excited here. And I grew up in the appleton area but am a student now at uw madison

 

[Big Lefty]

It's not too late to buy a preference point for Wyoming. Then you should be able to draw general tags next year. I'm planning my first hunt for 2016 also. The planning is fun, but it can be overwhelming at times.

 

[dreamingbig]

Not to sidetrack but I have two preference points for archery general now. Would I have fairly decent odds of drawing next year?

 

[bobhunts]

If you go to the Wyoming fish and Game web page you will see what is awarded by the PP method. There web-site has improved..just look at it.

 

[dreamingbig]

Ok. Thanks for the tip.

 

[krossh]

I'll have to throw in my 2 cents. Montana has plenty availability for OTC tags in some good areas. I'm assuming you guys are rifle hunting? We run into a group from Wisconson where we go annually. Last year, those guys shot a nice bull less than 100 yds from camp. I know, because I jumped the bull right to them. haha.. I think MT is also pretty reasonably priced for Non resident hunters. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the states you mentioned.

 

[7stw]

Montana and colorado are great options for otc non resident tags. You can drive to either and buy a tag. Or get it ahead of time. Wyoming has the general units some you can draw with one point. (Not sure about general tags in Utah ) we go to colorado every year and have learned the unit we hunt pretty well. Pick a unit and give it hell. Have hunted Montana in years past but for us the drive from Oklahoma is quite a bit farther and allowed less time to hunt. It's 15 hours from here to where we camp in colorado. Leave after work drive it through. Get to our area make camp (stop in Laramie wy and shoot our rifles on drive in ) and have 1.5 days to scout before season opens. Works for our group of four hunters pretty well.

 

[danarnold]

I hunted Wyoming and 12 and 13 without any preference points, hundred Montana in 14 with $1000 tag. We are going to Colorado this year for over-the-counter because I didn't get drawn and Wyoming for a general tag with one preference point. Hopefully Wyoming for 16, it's my favorite

 

[badlands]

Montana for me. I can be to my elk area in around 6.5 hours driving from my house. Have yet to connect with a bull there, but did bring home a cow last year in November. Closer to home trumps the high tag price for me. Less driving = more hunting!

 

[badgerboy]

Thanks for all the info, We are looking at Colorado as for now. Couldn't be more excited as this will be my first time.

 

[JG358]

Was an easy choice... I live here.

I'd probably still hunt here if I lived else ware just because of the high elk population in CO.

 

[ben h]

Utah is pretty much spike or cow units unless you have points (or are extremely lucky); there are a few "open bull" units though. It also has terrible dates for Archery; started Aug 15th this year. Dates might be good if you're still in school though.