Retirement Elk State

[Bean Counter]

If you want to get acreage, have you considered New Mexico? To heck with draw odds and points--they'll now give you landowner tags that you can kill or sell off

[ipkus]

Butte/Dillon/Whitehall/Hamilton area puts you smack in the middle with elk in every direction.  Avoids the ever more expensive Montana OOS costs, and some of the topography is not as steep as much of East/Central Idaho is.   

[bowtechian]

I'd go with Mt but close to the idaho border keep yourself close to the salmon r. Idaho out of state tags are not as bad as Mt so you can still hunt both good luck on your next venture

[Karl Blanchard]

Idaho all day long!  Besides all the stuff already mentioned, Montana is quickly becoming a money grubbing state like Washington.  Better odds at oil tags in Idaho as well as deer trophy potential that absolutely, positively, 100% blows Montana out of the water.  All that being said, I vote Colorado

[buglebrush]

Really can't go wrong with either, but I would go Montana.  The hunting in the NW corner of the state is some of the most underhunted elk IME.  I would be looking at the greater Libby area to buy a place.   

[DOUBLELUNG]

As nonresidents, we salute Idaho's liberal opportunities for nonresidents.  That is why I'd pick Montana to be a resident!  Lower population density, nonresidents much more restricted - and much easier to hunt ID as a nonresident than MT as a nonresident.  All that being said, I vote Wyoming

[WapitiTalk1]

Idaho all day long!  Besides all the stuff already mentioned, Montana is quickly becoming a money grubbing state like Washington.  Better odds at oil tags in Idaho as well as deer trophy potential that absolutely, positively, 100% blows Montana out of the water.  All that being said, I vote Colorado

BLR, I mentioned I wanted to move to a more "conservative" part of the country, CO don't fit the bill anymore    I do agree with you about a good portion of W MT, the money started moving in close to 20 years ago and it's just plain ridiculous now around certain areas to buy anything.  That said, it's still not too bad in the outlying areas. 

[Karl Blanchard]

Idaho all day long!  Besides all the stuff already mentioned, Montana is quickly becoming a money grubbing state like Washington.  Better odds at oil tags in Idaho as well as deer trophy potential that absolutely, positively, 100% blows Montana out of the water.  All that being said, I vote Colorado

BLR, I mentioned I wanted to move to a more "conservative" part of the country, CO don't fit the bill anymore    I do agree with you about a good portion of W MT, the money started moving in close to 20 years ago and it's just plain ridiculous now around certain areas to buy anything.  That said, it's still not too bad in the outlying areas.

Valid point about all the sandal wearing hippies, but man oh man the hunting!!!!!!!!   I guess as a resident montana would be good, I just hate how they continue to rape non residents.  They have officially priced me out this year, and thats saying a lot because I put in for most states and spend some coin every fall.  I have a soft spot for country around Eureka though.  The breaks aren't bad either   Honestly, any choice you make is gonna be a good one because there are no bad choices in this scenario.

[ipkus]

Idaho all day long!  Besides all the stuff already mentioned, Montana is quickly becoming a money grubbing state like Washington.  Better odds at oil tags in Idaho as well as deer trophy potential that absolutely, positively, 100% blows Montana out of the water.  All that being said, I vote Colorado

While your points are all valid, he did say "Retirement Elk State"   

[nalley112]

Salmon Idaho would be my first choice.. Steep country but keeps people out if you like to hunt away from others..   
Ennis Mt. and near alder Mt. is also great country that hold awsome Bulls!! i lived east of alder 25 miles while guiding there and absolutely loved the country..

[CAMPMEAT]

Did you know Mt taxes your SSI ? Idaho doesn't. I'm going to Idaho, elk, wolves and no state taxes on my SSI.

[Little Dave]

If you don't like taxes, try Delta Junction, Alaska.  No state income tax, no sales tax, no property tax.

[JimmyHoffa]

If you don't like taxes, try Delta Junction, Alaska.  No state income tax, no sales tax, no property tax.

And there's an Elk Ranch for sale near there too.

[Little Dave]

Near has a different meaning in Alaska.  True, you'd have to be careful not to hit a moose on the drive to the elk hunt.  Could be worse.

[pianoman9701]

ID. MT will be a blue state soon with all of the rich buying up land and influence.