Wyoming conundrum

[TimberDoodle]

My dad has 13 elk & deer preference points in Wyoming. We've always put off Wyoming because we've been going on other hunts, but he's into his mid 70s now, so I'm thinking he should burn his points while he's still fairly fit and mobile. He's been on a number of elk hunts, but still probably defaults to whitetail mode a little too often to consistently put himself in opportunities for success with full rut pandemonium with a bow, but he's happy to sit a blind over a wallow for days on end and see what comes in. While he prefers bow hunting, his archery skills are getting a bit shaky beyond 50 yards, and he's getting more ok using a rifle. I think quality of experience is most important to him than absolute size of animal, so combat hunting for a chance at a 350 bull would rank lower than a less pressured hunt with more 280-300" bulls acting more naturally.

With the points he has, I was thinking I could probably force a draw in a few of the limited entry elk units that have a bow hunt followed by a rifle hunt, and try to help him get an elk with a bow for a week, then take out the boom stick if necessary, with my brother & I acting as sherpas/scouts.

Another option I've been considering is to have him split his elk points with my brother (who has zero preference points) and try for a general draw unit to have a maybe slightly more meaningful experience between my brother & dad, with me acting as a scout/sherpa for the other two.

With the condition of many of the deer herds in the state, I was thinking that I would just have him split his deer points with my brother (who has zero points), to try for an opportunity muley hunt to hopefully find a nice 4pt buck, probably following the elk hunt (unless I could find a unit where we could do both). What say you, internet? What would you do in my position? Any particular options that stand out as winners?

 

[LFC911]

Is a guided hunt an option? If so I would call some guides and see if they have any openings for rifle elk/deer in 2025. In his 70's I'm guessing this will be one of his last hunts and worth the extra cost to have someone worry about the logistics and camp life while he enjoys the hunt.

 

[WI Shedhead]

Good advice. I’m taking my 76 year old dad on his last elk hunt this year. It’s alot of extra extras

 

[High Climber]

My vote would be to put him in for a limited entry tag. Not sure if you're aware, but your Dad could use a crossbow during archery season, and there is good chance he would have an opportunity at a mature herd bull at some point if you guys found a good spot with lots of sign to post up for a few days. Good luck I hope it works out for you guys

 

[ScreamingPotato]

I wouldn't split points, I'd go with your brother and put 100% of your effort into getting your dad on game in the best LE unit he can get with his points. He'll appreciate y'all busting ass for him more than paying for an outfitter. I hope my son's do that for me one day because I've done that for them all their lives.