Need help : planning someones last elk hunt with terminal illness

[krapmit]

Hunt WA, I appreciate any insight on one hell of an over the counter bull hunt anywhere in the U.S.  Planning on getting a guide and getting a good shot at a bull over 300" for someone with a terminal illness. Planning for next season 2015.

 Overall cost plays a big factor, we're not rich but willing to find the "BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK" anywhere in the U.S. for a guide and otc bull tag. Want to create a memory to last a lifetime and a story for many generations to come.

Lets get this topic going, would love some advice from older, wiser folks.

[krapmit]

Also, keep in mind, this individual can not scale mountains, but can get around in medium terrain, but just not possible to cover over a few miles of ground each day.

[coachcw]

I would concider a sw ranch type hunt in new mexico or possibly one of the tribal hunts where a 300 bull dosnt get throphy fee'd . your friend should see plenty of good animals and enjoy there stay.

[bobcat]

I know of a great outfitter in eastern Oregon if you're interested in that. They hunt private land that nobody else hunts, and very little hiking is necessary. They have the same clients every year so you need to book your hunt well in advance. For the 2015 season you might be okay. It's nice that it's only a six hour drive (from where I live) and their success rate is really high. We hunted cow elk with them a few years ago and had our four cows harvested by the second day of our hunt. We saw some great bulls as well.

[usmc74]

Just found out a co-worker has stage 4 colon cancer......this may be his last year hunting.  Trying to think along the same lines, but he hunts eastern and me west.  He does have a large hunting group/camp so he won't be hunting alone.

[jason stevens]

Rocky mountain elk ranch in idaho if accesabilty and comfort are a big seller go there . Wish I was aguide I'd take em for free.

[trophyhunt]

Rocky mountain elk ranch in idaho if accesabilty and comfort are a big seller go there . Wish I was aguide I'd take em for free.

me too, if I won the lottery I'd guide people with disabilities and last wishes for free also!  This thread reminds me why my favorite charity is make a wish foundation, I hope he finds the hunt and animal he's looking for!

[Jingles]

There are a couple of elk ranches in the Missoula /Hamilton area that would probably fit the bill if you don't mind shooting fish in a barrel.

[RadSav]

Call and talk with Bearpaw.  If he doesn't have a suitable hunt I'm sure he knows other guides and outfitters who do. 

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Safari Club International would also be good sources of knowledge base for such a situation.  Though it might get hard to get in contact with the right people after next week as many will be busy hunting themselves.

[krapmit]

Appreciate all of the insight guys.  I was thinking of reaching out to bear paw for some advice.  There are a couple other stipulations..

1) I don't mind if its a private land hunt, that would be great.  But I don't want a small-area high fence hunt where you're paying to walk out for 2 hrs and pick the one out that you want.

Can I get some more insight on the tribal hunts?

[Netminder01]

Tag.

I'm interested in helping; not sure how at this point... but interested.

[bobcat]

The eastern Oregon outfitter I mentioned previously hunts WILD elk. No high fences. If it was my last elk hunt, I sure wouldn't want to be "hunting" a domesticated elk inside a fence. Maybe if that were the only option, but it's not.

[krapmit]

Thanks Bobcat, appreciate it! CAn you give me the name of the outfitter you're speaking of?

 Thanks everyone else.  I'm excited to plan this and make it happen. The trip planning is an open book at this point and just need to do my research with the help of everyone's insight on Hunt WA.

[bearpaw]

Generally speaking there is no such a thing as a cheap high success, over the counter tag area, elk hunt that actually results in most hunters killing 300+ bulls. Normally you will need to draw a tag or buy a private ranch or reservation hunt for the kind of odds and size of bull that you desire. I'm not saying you can't get a big bull in an over the counter area, we've killed many 300-350's class bulls in over-the-counter areas and so have other hunters, but most hunters don't get that big of bull in those type of areas on a one time hunt.

We offer elk hunts for a very reasonable fee in over-the-counter areas or for the same price in draw areas. In the draw areas I will guarantee a shot at a 300+ bull, I am confident I can get your dad on a 300+ bull, every hunter I've taken in those draw areas has shot at 325+ bulls. If he doesn't draw a tag there is the option to buy a landowner tag, but they are not cheap, the cost of those varies by area.

If the outfitter that bobcat recommended is booked, feel free to give me a call.

Good Luck 

[krapmit]

Bearpaw thanks a ton for joining the thread.  I pm'd you and would love to chat more in depth about options and maybe finding 2-3 hunts to narrow down to as possibilities.  Can you or anyone else speak to how hard it is to draw a bull tag in a quality area in Idaho, MT, OR or other areas you hunt?

We would have 0 point and have it be our first year putting in.

Appreciate it!

[krapmit]

I would really like to keep this thread alive.  We've had over 600 views and only a few responding posts.  Surely, some of you have some experience in out of state bull elk hunting, in which I do not.

Still a couple really big questions I hope to get answers to.

1)  Are there any Western States where you have a decent chance to draw a quality bull hunt with 0 points built up?  Obviously Washington might be the worse for this....We would have 0 points, so I'm not sure if it would be more economical and possible to try and hunt a private ranch who sells tags, an otc Bull area in another state or tribal land

2) SPeaking of Tribal land, I have no idea what this consists of....can someone point me in the right direction to some native american tribal land that sells bull elk hunts in the u.s.. 

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WERE IN MY SHOES?

[h20hunter]

I'll admit I've clicked on this thread numerous times to follow along. Wish I had more to add. What would I do? Same thing as you. Ask ask ask, research, explore all options, high fence w/large area, tribal, private land, etc. I wish you and the hunter the best and hope to see a follow up with success story.

[bobcat]

You should let us know what the budget is. $5,000? $10,000?  $20,000?

Also, can this person ride a horse? If so, that opens up a lot more options.

Have you contacted the outfitter I suggested yet?

[birddogdad]

if money isnt an issue and they are horse friendly, i would recommend this in BC. Call and explain your situation, see if they can help you achieve goal.  expect around 20K for 2 round trip with trophy back home.


http://tuchodiriveroutfitters.com/elk-hunts/

[bobcat]

This is a good site to look at:

http://www.hunts.net/elk.html

[Curly]

I wonder if NM would be a good place to check out for a hunt on an indian reservation?  I remember seeing some indian guides on TV getting their clients onto some monster bulls.

All of our Bull Elk licenses are issued in May by random draw, with no preference point system. All clients are guided by experienced Jicarilla tribal member guides. Permit numbers are determined annually, based on the availability of trophy bulls and previous year's hunter success. We strive to provide each client the opportunity to harvest a great bull. Check the proclamation for season dates, permit numbers and prices.

Sounds like no guarantee to be drawn, but at least there is a chance to be drawn since they have no preference point system.

http://www.jicarillahunt.com/elk_hunting

BTW - I have no idea on price or chances of drawing, or experience with the hunting there.  Just throwing it out there. 

The Jicarilla represents a unique opportunity for wildlife management, since the Nation has jurisdiction over both habitat and wildlife, which is an uncommon situation in the west. This allows the Game and Fish Department to coordinate big game habitat and herd management strategies, resulting in spectacular hunting opportunities for sportsman seeking quality hunting experiences and trophy-class animals.

[BULLBLASTER]

Idaho has a no points system with outfitter allocation tags in the draw. Maybe start talking to some outfitters in idaho for nextyear.

[300wsm]

Have you looked into or called WDFW and asked about their program where they will issue a tag for terminally ill hunters?  I know nothing about it but have seen/heard of this program.  It would be worth checking into.
From the website:
Is there a special hunt for the terminally ill?
Yes, if you have been diagonosed with a terminal illness and are within 6-9 months of entering hospice, please call the Wildlife Customer Service Specialist at 360 902-2477 or email Wildthing@dfw.wa.gov.

If you are talking about 2015, it sounds like he may not qualify as it say 6-9 months but still worth looking into.

[MtnMuley]

As stated before, you really need to post your budget.  I have a lot of 300"+ bull options that are not high fence, but need to know your budget.

[kycarsydad]

My brother in law was able to do 2 special hunts as a result of his childhood leukemia. 

He hunted Alaska with hunt of a lifetime http://www.huntofalifetime.org/  This is a great organization, they benefit under 21 with life threatening illness.

Also, buckmasters has a great hunts for people in the situation of your friend.  My brother in law and nephew both were able to participate and harvest nice animals.  David Sullivan runs the program for Buckmasters.  His contact info is: 
David Sullivan
BADF Director of Disabled Services
10540 Daystar Drive
Tuscaloosa, AL 35405
(205) 366-8415
email: dsullivan@buckmasters.com

I hope your friend can have a great memorable hunt

[krapmit]

Thanks guys for all of your help and insight, really appreciate it.  I don't have a dollar amount exactly lined out, but I would hope for it to not be near $10,000, like someone mentioned.  For tag/liscense/guide and any trophy fee the may be assessed, I was thinking somewhere around $5,000..

Is that doable?

[MtnMuley]

Rifle hunt, or is he open to muzzy and or bow?

[krapmit]

MTN. Muley, hes a disabled hunter in WA, so he hunts with a cross bow.  but would be open to rifle or muzzy, depending on what the best opportunity could be.

[krapmit]

keeping this thing going...

[MtnMuley]

I'll make a couple calls and see if I can get good unit wide tag in NM still.

[bigtex]

WDFW offers tags for those with terminal illness

[krapmit]

Thanks for all the help.

Mtn. Muley appreciate it.

Bobcat- thanks for your insight, looking in to it

Bearpaw - Appreciate you insight.  Hope to hear back from you and some others who hunt ID. It sounds like a good option to put in for a good draw tag there and get a guide.  I just need to know what my draw odds are with one shot, one year, one point.  There may be otc bull tags in CO or UT or NM, that wiht a good local guide can get us on a good bull..But I'm not sure, still trying to see what my best odds are with one shot at this and a budget that's not massive.

Guys, again.  Planning this hunt for 2015.  Can't spend over $5,000.  Looking for anywhere in the country we can get a bull tag and a VERY good opportunity at a good bull. Preferably in an area the elk are talking and we will need a guide.

Sleeping arrangements/food etc. are the very last priority. We're not paying for camp or a 5 star lodge, we're paying for knowledgeable guide who can call us in a good bull and get a shot. We can eat mtn. house and granola bars for a week.

Looking for just one tag and I would be there as support, extra caller, video guy whatever.

Also, we can't climb mountains, but can move around at a medium pace through medium terrain for 2-4 miles/day.

No high fence hunts but private property, ranched, public all sounds great.

[bear nature]

I dont know the age of the person you are trying to help, but there is a guy in athol Idaho that gives out free trophy bull elk hunts in situations of terminally ill people, Ive heard of a couple of kids that they have givin the trophy elk hunt for free, might look them up they post adds in the nickels worth frequently about it