What would you do if it were your money

[Yankee]

After being unsuccessful and having not such a great time with a guided trip in Idaho in 2012, I'm wrangling with what to do this year.  I'm leery about dropping a big chunk of cash on another guided trip and getting skunked, so I'm considering using the research I've done to hit some new areas in Idaho and take a crack at DIY hunting.  The only downside is that I'd probably be hunting solo in Idaho (archery) as I'm not sure I can convince others in my usual crew to hunt out of state.  I'm a little nervous about heading out on my own, but would likely be hiking in/out from the road each day, not going too far into the back country by myself.  I'd really like a chance at a bull without waiting ages to draw a quality bull tag in WA.

[dscubame]

I would take time in the field over a one and done any day.

[grundy53]

I would head to Idaho for a DIY hunt.

[dreamunelk]

I would take time in the field over a one and done any day.

 

[Big6bull]

Neither. I would use that money to buy a high end bow. Everything kuiu makes. Couple good pairs of boots. Some premium back country camping gear. And anything left over is gas money!

[Karl Blanchard]

I'd go to Colorado 

[bobcat]

I would head to Idaho for a DIY hunt.

And you might try to partner up with someone from this site.

[Mfowl]

I'd DIY it. But I'd also recruit a partner to hunt with, especially in an out of state scenario. What kind of hunt did you already do? Elk, deer?

[Roosevelt]

Depends on the experience and quality of animal you're in it for. There are many places to hunt where they have a success rate of nearly 100% for $5000 to $6000. Northwest Colorado has some of the best elk and mule deer populations in the world with a pretty good hunting experience. The quality of elk is not super high but you can expect to shoot a nice 5 point bull or small six with an occasional bull in the low 300s.  The mule deer you would expect to shoot would be between 160 to 180 inch and you see a lot of them with potential for bigger.

On the other hand DIY hunts can be much more rewarding if you ask me. I've been fortunate enough to do both and the animals that I am most proud of are the ones I earned DIY. However, going guided is a blast as well. As long as you're hunting you can't go wrong.

[jackelope]

Why not have the best of both worlds and do a drop camp somewhere. I think Bearpaw offers elk drop camps in Idaho. I'm sure others do as well in other states.

[ghosthunter]

I'd DIY it. But I'd also recruit a partner to hunt with, especially in an out of state scenario. What kind of hunt did you already do? Elk, deer?

 

Look I have about 3-4 weeks a year and most weekends to hunt. Often my regular buddies dont have the time. So I am always looking for a hunting partner. Right now I have 15 people I hunt with some of those only couple times a year. Guys I duck hunt with and guys I Black powder elk with, and guys I deer hunt with.

My point is you should always be looking for the next hunting partner. They will not all work out but some will stick. Some will come on strong than peeder out once they figure out that I am not the hunting Messiah.
Some will come on because they think they are going to change me in some way. Sooner or later they decide it is hopeless.  And some will stay just because they like spending time with you in the mountains.

I would rather explore new country on my own with a couple buddies than have a guide.

Keep a open mind.

[huntnnw]

What you will learn about elk hunting and the areas you will hunt in 3-4 years is priceless and could be a gift that keeps giving for years to come

[huntnnw]

I have 1 buddy I hunt with and my girlfriend and thats it, the only benefit to having a buddy on a outta state hunt is splittling costs and help packing. Other than that if you are fine with packing out your own elk hit it hard and have fun

[T Pearce]

It would cost an xtra grand to hunt out of state (lic/tag + fuel) DIY?.
Myself, I would scout local and locate the elk (quality bulls) so when the tags comes I have the knowledge. Spend the time with my regular crew and spend the dollars saved on upgraded gear.

If I had to have the bone..... I would find a partner that wanted to hunt Idaho.

Every hunt I've ever been on has been a quality hunt.

[Yankee]

Thanks for the input guys.  For a little more background, I'm no hunting guru, but feel I'm reasonably proficient in the woods.  I've been hunting on and off since I was kid (rifle) but have  gotten serious about archery elk hunting for the past ~4 years.  I've managed to get two cows in that time in eastern WA and plan on continuing to hunt that area because I really enjoy having a full freezer and like the guys I hunt with in that area.

However, I would really like to take my elk hunting to the next level and have the experience of calling in a bull during rut.  I'll keep putting in for the quality bull tag in Naches, but like the idea of getting to know an area within a ~day's driving distance of Seattle, rather than waiting for my one chance every 5+ years (or whatever the current odds are for drawing).