Which of the 3 would you pick to hunt elk?

[busterbrown]

Hunted Idaho,MT, CO, WY,OR.

Here's my opinion for what it is worth.

Each has it pros and cons. Colorado has lots of elk, but a long drive. Wyoming has good bulls, but got to know the right spot to get away from bears and wolves. Lots of country is off limits to out of state hunter without a guide. Oregon has good spots for archery, close to hunt, but you got to know the spots, some areas are real steep to hunt.Montana has nice bulls, some areas have bear problems, other wolves.Idaho has many options, close to hunt, wolves are really changing things, lots of country is either real steep or real brushy.

Taken in all the factors, if you want to get into elk, opportunity to kill a elk, not a head hunter, then colorado. If you want a nice bull, willing to see a few less elk, then montana.If traveling far is a problem, then idaho or oregon.

[carpsniperg2]

I have no problem with travel or travel costs. It's all part of the game. I travel a ton to hunt each year. I am really thinking colorado. I would love to shoot a bull, don't care how big but I am due one. I have a calf,yearling and cow under my belt in 6 years. I need some horns, but they don't have to be big. I would love to be able to scout but that is a bit of a drive for a scouting trip I will probably plan on just getting there early to learn the country. If anyone knows a good unit. I don't need spots but would not mind them for archery. Could you send me a pm or post if it's just general unit info. I want to start figuing things out now before next year gets close.

Thanks guys

[Bean Counter]

If you really don't care about the travel, I'd consider New Mexico. The fires from this year in the Gila should be putting out some nice grasslands in the spring. Hard to draw a tag but you have as good of odds as someone who has put in for X years--no preference or bonus points here. If you don't get drawn you're only out $20.

[carpsniperg2]

If you really don't care about the travel, I'd consider New Mexico. The fires from this year in the Gila should be putting out some nice grasslands in the spring. Hard to draw a tag but you have as good of odds as someone who has put in for X years--no preference or bonus points here. If you don't get drawn you're only out $20.

Yeah I have thought about that as well. I plan to start putting in for new mexico and AZ.

[Button Nubbs]

does it have to be out of state? since you dont care about a masher bull why not just come kill one of our westside baby raghorns?   you could get more scouting in that way also

[Skyvalhunter]

You do realize how long it will take you to draw one of the decent permits for Az don't you? It averages about 14 + points now and when 14 comes around for you it will be up to 20+. Then the fact you have to buy a hunting lisc every year for 20 yrs at about $151 costing you about $3020.
Last year New Mexico lowered the number of special permits given to Non Residents and it is very few. But hey good luck!!

[deerslyr]

Ive hunted the last 2 years in MT, my experience is limited to the beartooths, crazies and little belts. It can be really good hunting. I have yet to connect, but its been a fun season.
The one thing that really surprised me were the number of hunters even during archery season. Where theres good numbers of elk theres good numbers of hunters. I back packed into 2 different spots in the crazies (4-7 miles in) and was into elk, only to have locals come in on horse back or hiking in. I couldnt believe how hard montanans hunt. The WA rule of get a mile off the road and you wont see anyone doesnt hold true here in my experience.

[Kola16]

In 2006, The estimated elk populations are as follows:

Montana - 100,000

Wyoming - 110,000

Colorado - 220,000

 Does that help

Washington - 60,000 

[carpsniperg2]

You do realize how long it will take you to draw one of the decent permits for Az don't you? It averages about 14 + points now and when 14 comes around for you it will be up to 20+. Then the fact you have to buy a hunting lisc every year for 20 yrs at about $151 costing you about $3020.
Last year New Mexico lowered the number of special permits given to Non Residents and it is very few. But hey good luck!!

Not worried about that. I am still young 3k for a killer elk tag? HELL YEAH!!!! I can live with that.

[Austrian Hunter]

What about New Mexico?

[carpsniperg2]

Yeah I am going to start pointing in new mexico and az. I might start up in MT and Wy as well. I am just thinking for a general non draw tag.

[turkeyfeather]

For me it would be Colorado. That would be a dream hunt.

[Bean Counter]

Carp,
PM 

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

Yeah I am going to start pointing in new mexico and az. I might start up in MT and Wy as well. I am just thinking for a general non draw tag.

I have been planning on doing the same.  I can probably pay the bill in the next few years.  I can only dream of one of these hunts.

[carpsniperg2]

Ok so I started yesterday, I bought a point for wy for elk/deer/lopes.

I have been looking to try to find if I can buy a point still in new mexico and colorado. I cant seem to find them. I will call tomorrow but thought I would ask on here first. Does anyone know the deadline on these two states?