I just want an elk

[BurleyDog]

I am originally from Kentucky so elk hold a certain exotic appeal for me. I have never gotten one and am frustrated about Eastern WA elk hunting.

I am thinking about an out of state hunt.
I work 60 hrs a week spring-middle October so it would have to be after that.  I would love to find a place where my brother and I could have a week long hunt with good odds at seeing and bagging an elk.  Honestly any elk (even a cow) would be awesome for my first elk. Since I am a rookie I think rifle would be best.

I know this group has tons of expertise and experience in out of state hunting.  Does anyone have any ideas for me?

Thank you very much!

[bobcat]

Go to Colorado and shoot a cow elk. The cow tags are cheaper- I think they're $250. Colorado has more elk than any other state.

[Labs07]

You could go to Wyoming and buy a cow/calf tag for 275.  I have been going there for 3 years and bagged a cow every year.

[BOWHUNTER45]

Go to Colorado and shoot a cow elk. The cow tags are cheaper- I think they're $250. Colorado has more elk than any other state.

That is what I would do to if I was going out of state for elk 

[bobcat]

Also take a look at Bearpaw Outfitter's website. He has guided and do it yourself cow elk hunts in Idaho and Utah.

[sirmissalot]

You could go to Wyoming and buy a cow/calf tag for 275.  I have been going there for 3 years and bagged a cow every year.

That's what I would do too you can go hunt cows in November when they are pretty bunched up. Not gonna say its easy but shouldn't be a problem to fill the tag with a little bit of research.

[BurleyDog]

Thank you guys.  I am leaning towards WY because it is closer and honestly I like the area more then CO.

If I go I will start a thread on it.

Thanks!

[dkecoleman]

Hey Burly, what part of KY are you from. I'm in the same boat with the Elk, I grew up Western KY.

[Bob33]

First, let me applaud you on your passion. To me, any elk is a trophy.

Anyone that tells you there is an "easy" place to get an elk is either (a) hunting private land, (b) very lucky, or(c) blowing smoke. Elk are trophies because they are smart, challenging, and difficult to hunt. I would venture a complete guess that in Washington probably close to half of all elk hunters have never killed more than one or two elk in their lives, if even one.

If you truly want a very high probability of killing an elk, by all means consider getting an outfitter like Bearpaw to help. On the other hand, if you want a do it yourself "hunt" more than a "kill", I would choose Wyoming.   

[BurleyDog]

Thank you Bob33.  We are on the same page and I agree with you.

[packmule]

Have you looked into antlerless opportunities in Washington?  There are some units where draw odds aren't bad and your chances of killing a cow elk are relatively high.

[trophyhunt]

Have you looked into antlerless opportunities in Washington?  There are some units where draw odds aren't bad and your chances of killing a cow elk are relatively high.

:yeah:I aslo don't think I would go out of state to kill a cow, I think it can be done here much cheaper. There are lots of cow tags out there to draw and plenty of people on here to help. Put in for our draws and if you need help picking a certain tag to apply for just ask.

[PlateauNDN]

Have you looked into antlerless opportunities in Washington?  There are some units where draw odds aren't bad and your chances of killing a cow elk are relatively high.

:yeah:I aslo don't think I would go out of state to kill a cow, I think it can be done here much cheaper. There are lots of cow tags out there to draw and plenty of people on here to help. Put in for our draws and if you need help picking a certain tag to apply for just ask.

   Plenty of folks on here willing to help.  Lot of areas near you and not far from your location to get an elk.  why not save the money from going out of state and invest in scouting and learning the areas closer to increase your odds of getting an elk?   Just some ideas best of luck on whatever you decide.

[Bigshooter]

I would look at an out of state cow hunt this year as a scouting trip to hunt for a bull in the future.