Out of State Elk- Opinions Please

[Timberstalker]

Good thread!

[deerslyr]

If looking for quanity for 5. Hands down colorado!

[cbond3318]

If looking for quanity for 5. Hands down colorado!

Would you use a guide? Taking in account that is on the farther reaches of travel time.

[deerslyr]

If you use a guide your probability of success goes up greatly. If you have the money go with a guide. Also if your going guided I'd go to Montana with an outfitter that operates on private land. I can recommend a few if u decide to go that route

[cbond3318]

If you use a guide your probability of success goes up greatly. If you have the money go with a guide. Also if your going guided I'd go to Montana with an outfitter that operates on private land. I can recommend a few if u decide to go that route

I would love to hear guide options. Right now budget is based on guided.

[deerslyr]

Whats your budget?

[deerslyr]

My first suggestion would be Montana Hunt and Fish. I used to guide for them and they have awesome leases. Although quite pricey.

[cbond3318]

Whats your budget?

Don't necessarily have a budgeted amount but an option to find the best hunts guided or not.

[cbond3318]

My first suggestion would be Montana Hunt and Fish. I used to guide for them and they have awesome leases. Although quite pricey.

I will check them out and get back with you. Thanks!

[zike]

Just a thought, the Canadian dollar is worth $.75 on a US dollar. I wonder if it would be worth it to hunt Canada? I may have to look into a buck buck hunt in Canada.

[Bean Counter]

Just a thought, the Canadian dollar is worth $.75 on a US dollar. I wonder if it would be worth it to hunt Canada? I may have to look into a buck buck hunt in Canada.

The U.S. Dollar is strong against most EVERY currency in the world right now. This is why gas is cheap right now and it made sense to buy my most recent camera from a Japanese importer. Why stop at Canada? Go to Canada, New Zealand, AND Africa! 

[cbond3318]

My first suggestion would be Montana Hunt and Fish. I used to guide for them and they have awesome leases. Although quite pricey.

Boy you aren't kidding there! looks like a great outfitter but holy smokes!

[cbond3318]

Anyone familiar with ranches that will charge a trespass fee to allow access?

[Stalker]

I would look to CO based on what you have listed so far since tags are relatively easy to get. Take a look at the success rates for various GMUs. CO has leftover tags that go on sale in early Aug that are 1st come 1st serve and they have good OTC access. CO has the largest elk heard in the country and does produce some quality bulls. One thing you may consider since you state that you are probably looking to make this an annual trip is to not get hung up on bulls for the entire group. You can purchase cow tags for about 1/2 the cost of a bull. So if 2 guys in the group get bull tags and the rest go for cows you are probably bringing home meat. I have hunted GMUs 421, 22, 511, 82, 86 and 12. Never had a problem finding animals if you are willing to hunt. Guide may be a good way to go for a season or two until you get to know an area. ATVs can be used in most areas just cannot use them off trails and other areas like wilderness.  Hope this helps some. 

[cbond3318]

I would look to CO based on what you have listed so far since tags are relatively easy to get. Take a look at the success rates for various GMUs. CO has leftover tags that go on sale in early Aug that are 1st come 1st serve and they have good OTC access. CO has the largest elk heard in the country and does produce some quality bulls. One thing you may consider since you state that you are probably looking to make this an annual trip is to not get hung up on bulls for the entire group. You can purchase cow tags for about 1/2 the cost of a bull. So if 2 guys in the group get bull tags and the rest go for cows you are probably bringing home meat. I have hunted GMUs 421, 22, 511, 82, 86 and 12. Never had a problem finding animals if you are willing to hunt. Guide may be a good way to go for a season or two until you get to know an area. ATVs can be used in most areas just cannot use them off trails and other areas like wilderness.  Hope this helps some.

Great info ! Thanks. I like the idea of getting a couple cow tags mixed in with the group. hadn't thought of that outlook before! I think I am leaning towards unguided but maybe a drop style hunt or even purchase of Guide maps if that's an option. I feel like with some intel , we shouldn't have an issue finding animals within a given area....