WY Area 53 Type 9 - Outfitter or DIY?

[BrokenArrow]

So, After 20 years of hunting and applying, for the first time ever, I got lucky in the regular random elk draw with fewer than minimum preference points. . Feel like I won the lottery.

But considering area 53, which is more of a later season migration route for Yellowstone elk, I am very concerned about being able to find elk during archery season as a DIY NR. Especially outside of the Wilderness area. I could probably get horses, I know its big country with lots of bears.
Let me preface also by saying that I have been a deer and elk guide for 15 years and know some outfits are great and others are hobbled together.
I am ok with spending some $ and letting someone guide me for a change! I have led folks to elk that had no chance in hell without me. I consider myself that newbie guy when it concerns a new area that I've never laid eyes on. In other words, I respect and would pay for local knowledge and logistics.

So,
1. Does anyone feel that a NR DIY could pull this off?
or
2. Would you get an outfitter in wilderness based on the rarity of this tag and early season non-migration, basically focusing on resident elk?
3. If you had experience or knowledge of an outfitter, who would you book?

I'm also going to post this on other sites to increase my knowledge. You might see this somewhere else.

Thanks for any response, JW

 

[Indian Summer]

I’m confused. Area 53 is a LQ area and didn’t have any licenses available. What license did you draw? General? If so it’s not valid in 53.

 

[BrokenArrow]

Crazy I know. I think your looking in Special draw. I got this in the general random.

 

[wannakillabigbull]

Did you apply in the regular draw with 3 points?

 

[Dos Perros]

Sending a PM.

 

[BrokenArrow]

Did you apply in the regular draw with 3 points?

Yes Sir.
I know I'm a lucky SOB. Just trying to devote all the energy I can to this hunt. which could include a guide to get knowledge and support the trade which has provided for me for so long.
Just going to say that I'm a single dad, living in todays world, and every penny counts. But, I do believe in giving back and will sell material goods to fund an experience if it does the tag justice.

 

[wannakillabigbull]

Yes Sir.
I know I'm a lucky SOB. Just trying to devote all the energy I can to this hunt. which could include a guide to get knowledge and support the trade which has provided for me for so long.
Just going to say that I'm a single dad, living in todays world, and every penny counts. But, I do believe in giving back and will sell material goods to fund an experience if it does the tag justice.

You didn't draw in the random, you drew in the preference point pass. Which is crazy since in the special, 53-9 drew out at 11 points. For hunt codes with that few tags and applicants that happens sometimes.

 

[BrokenArrow]

You didn't draw in the random, you drew in the preference point pass. Which is crazy since in the special, 53-9 drew out at 11 points. For hunt codes with that few tags and applicants that happens sometimes.

View attachment 413556

Damn, You are correct. Thank you for clarifying. I have been working 80 hour weeks and didn't have the time to look into it cause my free time was just researching the unit when I had a chance! Have you ever passed out with your phone in your hand while reading elk stories? lol

 

[Indian Summer]

After looking at the special I didn’t even bother looking at the regular. Yes you are a lucky sob! Do it justice!!!

 

[wyosteve]

Just my .02 so take it for what it's worth. Typically there are not many elk outside of the wilderness area until the weather moves them down so it would be tough to hunt it DIY and non-wilderness early in the season. The other thing you might face at this point is even if you want to do an outfitted hunt, lots of outfitters are booked several years out. Since Type 9 is archery only, you might also have a tougher time finding an outfitter who does archery hunts. Not trying to sound discouraging, just realistic. Think you'll have to decide what you priorities are for the hunt and go from there.

 

[Laramie]

So, After 20 years of hunting and applying, for the first time ever, I got lucky in the regular random elk draw with fewer than minimum preference points. . Feel like I won the lottery.

But considering area 53, which is more of a later season migration route for Yellowstone elk, I am very concerned about being able to find elk during archery season as a DIY NR. Especially outside of the Wilderness area. I could probably get horses, I know its big country with lots of bears.
Let me preface also by saying that I have been a deer and elk guide for 15 years and know some outfits are great and others are hobbled together.
I am ok with spending some $ and letting someone guide me for a change! I have led folks to elk that had no chance in hell without me. I consider myself that newbie guy when it concerns a new area that I've never laid eyes on. In other words, I respect and would pay for local knowledge and logistics.

So,
1. Does anyone feel that a NR DIY could pull this off?
or
2. Would you get an outfitter in wilderness based on the rarity of this tag and early season non-migration, basically focusing on resident elk?
3. If you had experience or knowledge of an outfitter, who would you book?

I'm also going to post this on other sites to increase my knowledge. You might see this somewhere else.

Thanks for any response, JW

I would be surprised if Boulder Basin couldn't get you in. Guessing that one or more who had spots reserved for this season didn't draw. Would at least be worth a phone call. No experience on the ground in that area but everything I have read essentially says you need to be in the wilderness during archery.

Good luck and congrats on the awesome tag!

 

[BrokenArrow]

Thanks all, I really appreciate any feedback on this situation. Just a tough one not knowing.
Either way I treat every tag like its the last one. Who knows what tomorrow might bring?