Your input--give me your advice on picking a hunt to do

[hh76]

Another WI hunter, here. Couple of thoughts.

SD archery antelope was pretty fun and easy. Bought a tag, drove the 15ish hours and had fun learning a new animal. It was a couple years ago, but cost me about 1,500 splitting costs with another.

Just starting to look into AZ or NM javelina. January hunt, so it doesn't interfere with WI deer or bear. My initial estimate is around 2,500 for flight, tag, food and rental car.

 

[CorbLand]

Is this a one and done deal or are you going to be able to throw 5000 a year at it?

If its an every year type thing. A couple states offer OTC elk and a few offer OTC deer opportunities that can be done for well under your budget. Most of them can be done by truck camping. So unless you have absolutely nothing as far as camping gear, you could probably do a two hunts a year for your budget.

If its a one and done deal. What is the one animal that you really want to hunt?

 

[christian1]

Is this a one and done deal or are you going to be able to throw 5000 a year at it?

If its an every year type thing. A couple states offer OTC elk and a few offer OTC deer opportunities that can be done for well under your budget. Most of them can be done by truck camping. So unless you have absolutely nothing as far as camping gear, you could probably do a two hunts a year for your budget.

If its a one and done deal. What is the one animal that you really want to hunt?

Hopefully it would be 5 grand a year or maybe 7500 everyother year. I didn't mention that, but I'm glad you brought it up. Not sure if that affects peoples input.

As far as what do I want to hunt????

1. Elk/mule deer. The draw back is cost and availability of tags. I have some stuff, but I really don't think I could pull off a solo, backcountry camping type thing alone. I currently don't hunt whitetail with anyone who is interested in doing this.

2. Bear. There were some good suggestions for doing this.

3. Aoudad. Looks fun and not that expensive. I think it would check a lot of boxes.

4. Upland. I don't have a dog so that limits my opportunity to do that. I would have to do some digging though. Some of the prices for guided hunts were what I would consider very pricey (750 a day for 3 birds/guide/lodging/meals). At that price, I would rather do some of the other hunts instead. If I could find it cheaper then I think it is a viable option.

5. Blacktail off boat in Alaska. I'd definitely look into doing that.

6. Whitetail. I wouldn't mind trying someplace different just as long as it doesn't screw up my Wi bow and gun season. Maybe a blackpowder hunt or Mid-October someplace?

7. Moose. I know nothing about it. New Foundland sounds cool. I need to really research that one.

8. Antelope. I would give it a whirl. Hasn't been high on my list of desires, but I'm not opposed.

I tried keeping a running list as I went. I think that sums it up fairly well. If I missed something please chime in. I'd really like to hear more from people. You guys have given me a really nice start. Now that I have a list to work off and that you all can see I wouldn't mind hearing more specifics. If people want to recommend areas or outfitters that would help narrow down the search. For example, antelope in WY is a great start, but which unit or tag or outfitter would really help me make decisions and research much faster.

Thanks for everyone who gave me input.

chris

 

[christian1]

I did a boat based Kodiak trip a few years ago for a little under $5k total. I think the better operations are about $5k just for the boat ride, not including air fare etc.

You might have to stretch the budget a bit but Kodiak blacktails would be my suggestion.

Like others mentioned, you can do DIY trips for less.

I can't imagine being $5k into an antelope. Hah

Would you PM who you used for Blacktail?

 

[CorbLand]

Hopefully it would be 5 grand a year or maybe 7500 everyother year. I didn't mention that, but I'm glad you brought it up. Not sure if that affects peoples input.

As far as what do I want to hunt????

1. Elk/mule deer. The draw back is cost and availability of tags. I have some stuff, but I really don't think I could pull off a solo, backcountry camping type thing alone. I currently don't hunt whitetail with anyone who is interested in doing this.

2. Bear. There were some good suggestions for doing this.

3. Aoudad. Looks fun and not that expensive. I think it would check a lot of boxes.

4. Upland. I don't have a dog so that limits my opportunity to do that. I would have to do some digging though. Some of the prices for guided hunts were what I would consider very pricey (750 a day for 3 birds/guide/lodging/meals). At that price, I would rather do some of the other hunts instead. If I could find it cheaper then I think it is a viable option.

5. Blacktail off boat in Alaska. I'd definitely look into doing that.

6. Whitetail. I wouldn't mind trying someplace different just as long as it doesn't screw up my Wi bow and gun season. Maybe a blackpowder hunt or Mid-October someplace?

7. Moose. I know nothing about it. New Foundland sounds cool. I need to really research that one.

8. Antelope. I would give it a whirl. Hasn't been high on my list of desires, but I'm not opposed.

I tried keeping a running list as I went. I think that sums it up fairly well. If I missed something please chime in. I'd really like to hear more from people. You guys have given me a really nice start. Now that I have a list to work off and that you all can see I wouldn't mind hearing more specifics. If people want to recommend areas or outfitters that would help narrow down the search. For example, antelope in WY is a great start, but which unit or tag or outfitter would really help me make decisions and research much faster.

Thanks for everyone who gave me input.

chris

You dont have to do a backcountry deal to hunt elk and deer. It can be done from a base camp, next to a road. This makes a solo endeavor more doable.

People are not going to give you units. We have given you what to look into, now its your job to do the research.

 

[christian1]

1) Alaska Haul Road caribou with a buddy
2) Alaska Sitka deer hunt out of a boat
3) Kansas whitetail
4) Colorado/NM landowner tag elk/mule deer
5) Texas Nilgai and or Audad

I haven't every heard about haul road caribou. PM me if you have more info

 

[christian1]

You dont have to do a backcountry deal to hunt elk and deer. It can be done from a base camp, next to a road. This makes a solo endeavor more doable.

People are not going to give you units. We have given you what to look into, now its your job to do the research.

Ok, but many people are throwing out things like, "Africa". I'm just asking to narrow it down bit. I'm not asking for your secret hunting spot

 

[christian1]

Reviving this after some research into suggestions. Several people said, "Africa". I want to know if you have truly researched this and done it or are you just throwing it out there???? I had a budget of around 5000 dollars. I starting looking at some Africa hunts and got kind of excited when I saw prices. Then I dug deeper. Holy smokes!!!! At the end of the day most of those 5000 dollar hunts are gonna cost you 7-8000 when you figure airfaire, tax, license, fees, tips, staying over a day because of location or flights, etc. I was shocked to run some of the final numbers. Yes, you can take more than one animal in comparison to an elk hunt, but I don't know if you are going to do it cheaper. Maybe I am missing something or just not looking at the right outfitters.

chris

 

[christian1]

Just saw a post on an African forum where the guy said he factors in 40 percent more than what the listed cost is in order to cover the "incidentals" of the hunt.

 

[HornPorn]

Just saw a post on an African forum where the guy said he factors in 40 percent more than what the listed cost is in order to cover the "incidentals" of the hunt.

I have a couple of friends who have been to hunt in Africa. Both said the same things.... You go over planning on shooting animals A, B, C, and D. You get there and see all this other stuff and realize the value of killing E, F, G, and H since you are already there, and before you know it you just spent double, etc. what you planned. Never mind taxidermy....they both also said the level of service from the staff when you are not hunting is second to none. That's not what either of them went there for, but you get it regardless because that's just the way things are over there.

 

[HoneyDew]

I don’t remember how I got on their mailing list but check out Hunt Nation. I get a weekly email from them with outfitted/guided hunts and prices. Have never booked one but it gives me inspiration and a price reference point if I’m curious what the current market is.

 

[wesfromky]

Another lowerer-ish cost option that I didn't see would be an early season bowhunt for whitetail in velvet. Kentucky is one of a few states that start early enough for a solid chance at a nice velvet buck, and probably can find a few options within your price range.

 

[dreamingbig]

You could do a guided elk hunt every other year if you roll over the $5k.


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[TheGrayRider]

Hunt Africa. I paid less for the following 15 day hunt last year including airfare and tips than a premium guided elk hunt out West. Note: taxidermy and trophy shipping excluded. Africa is still your best value in hunting but keep that confidential and secret.

 

[christian1]

Hunt Africa. I paid less for the following 15 day hunt last year including airfare and tips than a premium guided elk hunt out West. Note: taxidermy and trophy shipping excluded. Africa is still your best value in hunting but keep that confidential and secret.

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I get that people say that, but when you put the pencil and paper together it isn't exactly true. Many starter plains game safari advertise 5500ish for package. By the time you pay plane fair, tips, taxes, hotels, taxidermy, incidentals you are going to be looking at WELL over that. It still be a lot of value for what you are getting, but it certainly isn't as good as it starts out being.

 

[Kilboars]

Ibex hunting in the Gredos Mountains in Spain.


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[Roughout]

I'd highly suggest Africa, South Africa or Namibia, as best place to start. You may need to look at expanding your budget 25% or so, but it will be worth it in the long run. Fly Delta to Minn>Atlanta> JoBurg, likely outfitter will pick you up there. You will see more game species in 5 days there than you'll likely see your whole life in wild North America. Africa will broaden your spectrum of what your hunting desires are and will help shape your future trips in NA. IF budget is biggest factor, think about not doing any taxidermy. Take great photos or due Euro mounts only. If you do any shipping those costs are deferred until drying period etc. so have time to set $ aside for getting them back. You will not shoot a buffalo for $5k, but you can shoot multiple dream species (kudu, oryx, zebra, warthog, impala, etc.) and prob kill an animal or more a day of hunting. You'll eat wild game and great meals whole time you're there, very little preparation is needed.. shoot your rifle and hike. They say when once you board your return flight from Africa, you start planning your next hunt there.. be prepared. Something to take into consideration if Africa is hunting free range or fences properties. You'll need to understand what you're okay with before going. To each, their own. Not suggesting one is better or worse. But know what you're signing up for.

If Africa is a no go, next suggestion would be chasing a mountain lion with proper houndsman (UT). Will fit your budget, its a 180* from whitetail hunt.

Frankly, if you're serious about annual destination trips you probably should work with a broker. Takes all your research/time out of the equation.

PM me if you need any referrals.

 

[Jtd432]

Nilgai are a blast to hunt and probably my favorite critter to eat. If ya go to book a nilgai hunt be sure to question the outfitter. Guys hunt them two ways, spot and stock or run them down in a jeep/ truck. Be prepared for ticks!

 

[HandgunHTR]

Here are some of my ideas based on your budget and other criteria you posted:4

1. Manitoba or Saskatchewan black bear
2. West Texas, Colorado, or Nebraska Mule Deer
3. Wyoming or NM pronghorn
4. Texas free range Axis or Aoudad or high fence Oryx (pick a big ranch and it definitely won't feel like hunting inside a fence)
5. Saskatchewan or Alberta whitetails

 

[Fitzwho]

Texas Aoudad
British Columbia Black Bear
Alberta Moose
Mountain Lion or bear hunt (with Hounds)