Guided elk hunt questions

[yorketransport]

Here's the short version of the story. My dad (58) is not in great health. After skin cancer, emphysema, a car wreck, and a lifetime of hard physical work he's just not up for the hardcore back country elk hunt that we all would love to have. Due to a car accident about 7 years ago my mom was left paralyzed from the neck down and my dad stopped hunting so that he was never far from her.

As my folks begin to accept the reality of their physical conditions they have been working hard on their "bucket lists". One of the last things on my dad's list is to harvest an elk. He didn't have the time or money to do it when we were all younger, and after the accident it's been difficult to get him into the woods.  Because of my work schedule I only hunt 3-5 total days every year for both deer and elk. I just don't have the time or honestly the skill to get him on an animal given our limitations.

The question now is what's the best way to proceed? I'm not fond of high fence hunts for all of the obvious reasons. I'm beginning to think that this may be the best option at this point though. If money were not an issue that would be one thing. The reality is that I'm going to pay for both of us (and likely my son as a non-hunting guest) so a $10K per person hunt just isn't in the books. My dad was always a meat hunter, so he'd be happy just to shoot a cow. A canned hunt seems like the easiest, most cost effective way handle this. He gets to go a guided "hunt", harvest an animal, and likely do it with my son (9) there too.

So if anyone has recommendations of private ranches, alternate solutions, or just insight on the matter please let me know.

Andrew

[ckr]

There is a place in Idaho that is a high fence type hunt.  They were at last years sportsman show.   I think it was $4500 per person for 3-4 days hunting and a bull up to 360in.  I think that also included lodging.  I can't remember their name right now but I will try and find their brochure.  I am sure a quick google search would give you some options.  Our group was looking at this option because 4 out of our 6 hunters are 65 or older and it gets harder every year to move about those hills

[6x6in6]

You should call Bearpaw (Dale) and see if he has anything that fits for you guys. 

[Bob33]

Andrew,

I applaud you and wish you well.

I believe you can find a hunt for a very reasonable price if he is not set on shooting a trophy bull. I just did a quick check of Dale's site. You might want to look at some of his hunts. For example he has a Utah cow elk hunt for the mid teens price range.

You'll create some memories than none of you will forget.

http://bearpawoutfitters.com/utah_cow_elk_hunting.html

[Hawgdawg]

Good Luck. Hat's off to you as a son, father and goo do's for Dad starting it all! Keep us posted!

[bobcat]

No need to go on a high fenced shoot. I'm sure your dad would cherish an actual hunt for wild elk much more than shooting a domestic elk inside a fence.

I can give you the name of an outfitter in eastern Oregon who offers cow elk hunts on private property for a reasonable price ($1500). This is not a guaranteed hunt but success rates are near 100%.

They have a nice camp at 6,000 feet with cabins for sleeping and eating, and great meals. I really liked that it's only a six hour drive. Four of us did a cow elk hunt with them a few years ago in August. Three of the four tags were filled the first day and the fourth tag the second day.

These are fully guided hunts and a long walk on this hunt would be a quarter mile.

Let me know if you're interested and I'll PM you the contact info for this outfitter.

[carpsniperg2]

I have a couple I can talk to if you are interested. I have done both styles which most people have not. I can tell you a good high fence operation is still a enjoyable hunt and would be even more so with your father. There are some that are really bad and really canned, like 50 acre pens. They are what we call harvests. Others are on thousands of acres of land and provide a enjoyable time in the field and often some challenge as well.   

[cryder]

hey bobcat I was wondering if you would mind shooting me a email on that Oregon deal I've heard of this but had no info on it I as well am a cancer survivor and this sounds like my kind of deal, also is bow method allowed ?thanks so much !!

[Killmore]

Do talk to Dale at bearpaw outfitters,easy to talk to and a real nice guy, I would bet he has something that would work .

[vandeman17]

Another option, depending on the extent of your dad's health, is to maybe talk to a packer. There are good ones out there that will pack you and your gear into a spot and drop you off. You dad would be able to hunt right from camp and then call the packer if you guys get an elk. I have done both guided and drop camps. The one really nice thing about drop camps is that you get to enjoy the solitude of just you and the family. You also can make it more of a "family outing" versus a serious hunt and not feel as bad since you didn't pay the larger amount for a guided hunt. You would be able to sleep in if you wanted, come back to camp as often as you want and enjoy spending time with your loved ones.

[Moose Master]

Ellis ranch out of Oregon also has some hunts that might fit your needs.

[jason stevens]

If dale doesn't know try rocky mountain elk ranch. Last year it was 2000 for a cow and guest stay free they have lots of hunt options from cheap to refinance the house I'm sure it would fit the bill. Call and talk to them there 100 percent 3 day hunts.

[WSU]

I sent a message to a guy I know that guides down in Oregon.  I'll let you know what he says.

[yorketransport]

Thank you everyone for all of the input so far! I'm going to get to work making phone calls in the next few days. I'll be sure and keep everyone posted as this progresses.

The best part about his whole thing will be building him (me ) the perfect rifle for the trip. That's where I really shine! This whole hunting thing is too much work!

Andrew

[bearpaw]

Andrew, We've taken lots of hunters with various disabilities. I'd enjoy taking you and your dad on a guided cow elk hunt in Utah with no extra charge for your son to come along. I'll give you a good discount and we usually have 100% shooting opportunity. If you want bulls I can find you a hunt that will work for him too, but it will cost more. These cow hunts are pretty easy and fun, we just stay at a motel in town, it's a decent place and comfortable, and we eat in restaurants. The hunt usually takes from 1 to 4 days. If interested send me a pm, email dale@bearpawoutfitters.com, or call me 208-852-6494.

Good luck wherever you decide to go.