Need some elk brainstorming advice please

[h20hunter]

So.....any state that holds them, Fall of 2019 outfitted/guided elk hunt. I have no points built up in any state. Don't need to shoot a monster. Rifle is the weapon of choice. Where would you go? Do you have an outfitter you have used? Would recommend? @bearpaw Dale, if you were going to make a recommendation or if a client came to you and said where can I go, one on one guided, best chance of being able to tag a decent bull that isn't behind a fence what would you suggest? Oh....and don't say Graham,WA! 

[vandeman17]

Budget?

[h20hunter]

5k to 7k

[Eric M]

Saw a sign at the sportsmans show last time I went (2015 )for montana guaranteed guide hunt for about 6k. There were several booths if you have a cvhance to go it might be a good place to start.

[h20hunter]

Is that coming up in Feb? Trying to remember. I'd like to go down but don't want to fall for any flashy booths with photos of big bulls.

[Russ McDonald]

Is that coming up in Feb? Trying to remember. I'd like to go down but don't want to fall for any flashy booths with photos of big bulls.

End of January

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

[h20hunter]

Will have to put that on the 'ol calendar.

[Eric M]

Is that coming up in Feb? Trying to remember. I'd like to go down but don't want to fall for any flashy booths with photos of big bulls.

you could just brochure shop then get on line and check reviews of the places.

[h20hunter]

Yup!

[vandeman17]

I still recommend mills in Montana. They outfit in the bob so rifle during the rut.

[WapitiTalk1]

H2O, have you considered purchasing a hunt plan? I know a cat who does these in both MT and WY and I think folks are pretty darn successful with them (and equally important, happy with his customer service throughout the process).  Much less out of pocket than a full blown guided hunt.  He can also recommend a good outfitter in both those states if you wish to go that route.  Just another option in your tool kit sir .  RJ   

[Magnum_Willys]

H2O, have you considered purchasing a hunt plan? I know a cat who does these in both MT and WY and I think folks are pretty darn successful with them (and equally important, happy with his customer service throughout the process).  Much less out of pocket than a full blown guided hunt.  He can also recommend a good outfitter in both those states if you wish to go that route.  Just another option in your tool kit sir .  RJ

Whats that ??

[h20hunter]

 

What's a hunt plan?

[WapitiTalk1]

There are a few outfits that are now doing this.. The guy I know and endorse is a former, successful outfitting business owner (Montana) that sold his outfit a few years ago.  What he does now is sell said "hunt plans" for folks that perhaps, don't have the time or opportunity to travel to the elk states and research an elk spot (I believe he has plans for deer also).  He is not a sponsor here at this time so I won't offer his business name openly (respecting the head cook and bottle washer of Hunt WA) but will respond to your PM's if asked.  It really is a pretty damn cool deal.  RJ     

Edit:  Sorry, I'm trying to cook some chow and do some hunting forum page stuff at the same time.  The hunt plan pretty much provides you with pin point, previously productive, spots to hunt for the season/type of weapon, and, additional tips such as access points, campsites, etc. 

[Magnum_Willys]

There are a few outfits that are now doing this.. The guy I know and endorse is a former, successful outfitting business owner (Montana) that sold his outfit a few years ago.  What he does now is sell said "hunt plans" for folks that perhaps, don't have the time or opportunity to travel to the elk states and research an elk spot (I believe he has plans for deer also).  He is not a sponsor here at this time so I won't offer his business name openly (respecting the head cook and bottle washer of Hunt WA) but will respond to your PM's if asked.  It really is a pretty damn cool deal.  RJ     

So its a private, supposedly for one person, public land scouting report ?

[h20hunter]

That is pretty cool. I've never seen where Dale is opposed to sharing info like that. I'll leave it up to you if you choose to post openly and if not, I'd appreciate a PM with the details.

[bearpaw]

$$$$ is a major factor if you want a high quality high success elk hunt.

[Skyvalhunter]

I would do a Wilderness hunt in the McCall area, there is a couple excellent guides there. Remember it all about the experience.

[h20hunter]

I agree anout the experience.  Just want to do my homework to go 8n with the best odds I can.

[Biggerhammer]

Keep playing the Washington game or bust out your wallet. You need
To pay to play when it comes to Elk.

Pretty much need to pay to play for anything that's fun, that's life.

[dvolmer]

If you are willing to pay around 6 to 7 K then you should be able to go to some out of state outfitter that has landowner preference tags for those who are going to hunt with him or his outfitter.  This would solve your lack of points issue.  I think New Mexico has a lot of landowner vouchers for their guided hunts.  Wyoming and Montana have some good hunts in areas that are easy to draw.  These areas are not good for the DIY public land hunter but there are large ranches in some of these areas that are outfitter only and you can get a dandy bull with an easy tag to draw.  Once again, its just what your willing to pay for.  It also depends on what kind of shape and age you are.  If you are young and strong then I would look to Montana, Wyoming, or Idaho.  If you want a causal hunt, New Mexico is rolling hills and lots of flat land with Junipers and Cedars.

[jamesfromseattle]

If you are willing to pay around 6 to 7 K then you should be able to go to some out of state outfitter that has landowner preference tags for those who are going to hunt with him or his outfitter.  This would solve your lack of points issue.  I think New Mexico has a lot of landowner vouchers for their guided hunts.  Wyoming and Montana have some good hunts in areas that are easy to draw.  These areas are not good for the DIY public land hunter but there are large ranches in some of these areas that are outfitter only and you can get a dandy bull with an easy tag to draw.  Once again, its just what your willing to pay for.  It also depends on what kind of shape and age you are.  If you are young and strong then I would look to Montana, Wyoming, or Idaho.  If you want a causal hunt, New Mexico is rolling hills and lots of flat land with Junipers and Cedars.

I've have no experience but have heard the same about New Mexico--apparently with the landowner tags you can get into some really great areas without playing the application game.

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

Have you thought about a diy hunt?  Or is that even an option?  You don't need to spend that much to be successful hunting elk out of Washington.  That budget will find a few years learning a new state.

[h20hunter]

I have. That being said mainly looling for outfitted. Had not looked at new mexico. Will take a look,  ty.

[Stein]

What kind of hunt, spot and stalk or ranch?  If a ranch hunt fits the bill, that is doable and much easier to line up.

[Skyvalhunter]

I would look at Dave Melton in Idaho

[White Pass Outfitters]

Dont need to go out of state, just need the right outfitter our bulls average 320 and its an over the counter tag. Every camp but 1 we put in last year got a bull. Not saying everyone in camp got there bull  But at least 1 or 2 bulls per camp. And those are just my supplied drop camps. These hunts are not canned hunts all fair chase wilderness hunts. I just don't see the excitement on hunting fenced in animals. Just my opinion   

[h20hunter]

No argument there WPO. I appreciate the input.

[2MANY]

Buyer beware.


I should clarify that this was not a comment directed at an individual.
Simply encouraging people to do their home work.
I suggest talking to past clients.

[Skyvalhunter]

Which is why I suggested Melton for a true Wilderness experience. But you better be willing to ride a horse for a while into the back country

[White Pass Outfitters]

I have wanted to try New Mexico. If you choose Montana Pm me I have taken a few Bulls over there  and they all have been fair chase public land bulls.

[sjhgraysage]

There is some pretty good elk hunting just north in British Columbia that you may look into.

[h20hunter]

Good stuff folks, ty.

[sjhgraysage]

I know nothing about this outfitter!!!!!
But here is a sample of what might be available in BC.

http://www.sawtoothbc.com/

I thought that some one on here posted a story about going to BC for elk a year or two back, might try a search for that???

[Boss .300 winmag]

I know nothing about this outfitter!!!!!
But here is a sample of what might be available in BC.

http://www.sawtoothbc.com/

I thought that some one on here posted a story about going to BC for elk a year or two back, might try a search for that???

They have taken some really nice bulls.

[h20hunter]

Very cool...bookmarked!

[jackelope]

I know nothing about this outfitter!!!!!
But here is a sample of what might be available in BC.

http://www.sawtoothbc.com/

I thought that some one on here posted a story about going to BC for elk a year or two back, might try a search for that???

@elkaholic123  maybe?

[stackemup]

 Sun canyon lodge. They guide in the Bob Marshell wilderness it's a long ride in there awesome place.

[MuzzyHunter28]

I hunted with WPO for Muzzle 16' I think the camp he is mentioning that didn't get a bull, would by my ol' man and I's!  . BUT my dad did get a shot at a herd-bull on the 4th day. (Only day it stopped monsooning). If you're looking to stay in WA, I'd say talk to Kent w/ WPO. I plan on doing a Drop Camp with him Archery next year. I had a great experience with his outfit last year. 

If you're looking to do a Archery or Rifle hunt out of state. I went with Montana Rivers & Ridges Outfitters, just south of Missoula this fall. I harvested a bull on my first day of Rifle after Hunting with him during Archery and missing a nice 6x bull...Ugh!....He hunts Public lands. I just wrote up a review about his outfit & my experience in the "Out of state section". Not sure how to link it here, but it labeled "Montana Outfitter Review A+". Take a look.



Here is that link-boneaddict
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,222019.msg2953722.html#msg2953722

[elkaholic123]

http://www.northernrockiesoutfit.com

[Karl Blanchard]

If it was me and forking out that kind of cash I'd be looking at outfitters with outfitter tags and private ground.  For 5 to 7k no way I'm beating ground with everyone else looking for a raghorn.  That being said, if they are operating in some draw only units with good top end bulls public would be fine id imagine.  Like has been stated earlier, I'd be looking at WY, CO, NM, UT, and MT.    Just do your research and you'll be fine.  Good luck in your search

[pianoman9701]

Will have to put that on the 'ol calendar.

The Portland show is February 7-11. https://www.thesportshows.com/shows/pacific-northwest/

[h20hunter]

Thanks for the continued input.

[Houndhunter]

Sun canyon lodge. They guide in the Bob Marshell wilderness it's a long ride in there awesome place.

I guided for these guys, good operation. If you have questions about this outfit feel free to pm me.

[vandeman17]

It just dawned on me that a guy I work with actually guides in Colorado for elk on his family's ranch. I think he said this season they went 17-21 on branched antler bulls. I bet they would give you a deal.

[Karl Blanchard]

Big questions you have to ask is what do you want out of the hunt?  Do you want an adventure with the chance at A bull?  Do you want to hunt the rut or late season bulls?  Is A bull acceptable or are you looking for something a bit more exceptional?

[h20hunter]

Big questions you have to ask is what do you want out of the hunt?  Do you want an adventure with the chance at A bull?  Do you want to hunt the rut or late season bulls?  Is A bull acceptable or are you looking for something a bit more exceptional?

Im looking for a good experience that won't physically break me in pieces and would like to shoot a decent bull. Id shoot a rag horn on the last day but won't be holding out for a masher. Once I hear the whisper thats a good, decent, or shooter im sending it.