Guns, Bows, Shooting Sports, and Hunting Elk hunting

[AHofner]

A buddy and I want to go elk hunting next year and are starting to plan for it now. We are thinking either Wyoming or Washington, but aren't sure. If anyone could chime in with suggestions on where to go, that would be awesome. Also; ideally, we would like to go somewhere that we could get a mule deer permit in case the elk thing doesn't work out.

I don't think we are interested in a guided hunt, we were thinking of backpacking in and doing it ourselves, although I realize that prolly first time out, having a guide who knows where to go and what to look for would be advantageous.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.



Andrew

 

[WStrmiska]

Andrew, if you backpack into the wilderness you will need a guide if you hunt Wyoming, stay out of the wilderness you will not need one. Don't know anything about Washington. I'm sure someone will chim in and give you the information you want.

 

[AMink]

I know in Nevada, we already had to put in for tags. Not all states run that way. You might want to consider Idaho too. I believe you can go over the counter there but I don't know the cost for out-of-staters. If you haven't already, take a look at the Department of Wildlife sites. Good luck and start getting in shape now. It hurts otherwise. :-laf

 

[BIGNASTY]

I dont know for sure but I think you might be late for hunting in 2011, You could look into MT if you get a guided hunt the tags are guaranteed for both Elk and Mule deer. Its kind of costly but everything is done for you. Something to think about is if you should down an Elk getting it out of the mountains even if your lucky enough to down one a couple of hundred yards from a road is still a daunting task. The guided way they pack your prize out and you dont have to brake you hinny doing it. I have mules when we go hunting and its still an A** kicker getting that much meat out on 3 of them I either borrow a mule or two from my BIL and ride out or pack my 3 and walk out but at 58 years old the 17 mile hike is no longer a option for me. I can sit a saddle for a long way but the thin air and the ups and downs are just to much. I hope this helped you in your disicision Elk hunting is one of my loves of life Mule deer makes GREAT sasuage but there is NOTHING better than an Elk steak on the fire in camp after a lucky hunt.

 

[AMink]

If you're going to shoot an elk, it doesn't get much better than this. This was a cow that I took last fall. I could have backed the truck right up to her, but that would take ALL the fun out of it! The bull I got two years ago was only a mile or so into the wilderness area and it took two of us two trips each to get it out. Brutally hard work.

 

[AHofner]

Thanks guys for all of the advice.

PT has already started, I've been running as time allows and am up to 3 miles now (5K race on saturday). Also, target practice started back in January; I'm going to the range once a week with the . 22 to make sure a really expensive hunt isn't botched by poor marksmanship.

I will start checking the DNR sites, I had thought about Idaho after an article I read in Fur Fish & Game about backpacking for elk in Idaho.

It sounds like I really can't go wrong in any state hunting for elk, I just need to make sure the tags and other stuff are lined up well in advance.

If I have any more specific questions, I'll be sure to ask.

 

[BIGNASTY]

WOW backpack hunting for Elk ya it must be nice to be young. I couldnt even imagine trying to pack out an Elk on my back. Good luck in your plans. Ya just might want to shoot more with what your going to shoot than a . 22 BTJMO

 

[GHarman]

Trigger time is always GOOD! Learn range estimation or carry a range finder. The air is drier out here(in the Rocky Mountains) and it does effect the appearence of the distance to your target. You may get lucky and find your trophy bull at less than 200 yards. However, there is just as much chance at having that once in a life time trophy lookin at you from a quarter to 1/2 mile away! Have the proper rifle and know how to use it. Be prepared to rezero your rifle, out here. (I usually take two rifles, as much for having a spare as well as more flexibility in different terrain) The atmospheric density changes your point of impact, considerably with changes in altitude and humidity!
Know your hold overs or "come ups" for all the distances you are comfortable shooting. Remember, the target is NOT the elk. It is the central nervous system or that organ or bone structure that will eliminate the animals mobility. You can heart shoot an elk and he can still run for a quarter mile. That is never a good thing. A wild animal is far tougher than you are. An elk carries more oxygenated blood than a Himilayan Gurka. Pumped up on adrenalin, they can run, even though their heart is shot to shreds. A double lungshot bleeds 'em out and a spine shot will drop 'em in their tracks!
I would recommend Colorado, but for the hugely complicated and restricted hunt times. We have huge herds of Elk on the Western slope. I have elk right here in our neighborhood. Trouble with that is all the private property and again, the restricted hunt times. By the time you locate the herd, your season is over!!!! Not Good!!!
Your running will help with the lower oxygen at altitude, but work in a pack with weight to get used to carrying a load under physical stress.
I used to back pack in when I was young. Humped out a few elk in my time. Used a Mule in later hunts, but those days are over, for me. I have to hunt them close to home, these days. Good LUCKOo. ! GregH

 

[AH64ID]

Not sure on Wyoming, but I grew up in Washington and never hunted elk there for a reason! I have been hunting in Idaho for 20+ years for Elk and it's always been good to me.

Boots, boots, and boots should be at the top of your list.

Here is my bull from '10.

#ad

#ad

 

[GHarman]

OUTSTANDING BULL, AH64ID!!!!!!! GregH

 

[AMink]

Here's the one I got to carry down the mountain. He wasn't huge, but Nevada does harbor some awesome bulls now.

 

[GHarman]

Very NICE BULL, AMink! GregH

 

[AH64ID]

Very nice bull. . The one I shot last season is my biggest, and also the biggest one I have seen in that area, ever!

 

[AHofner]

Those are what I'm talking about!! Nice bulls right there. I got on the Idaho fish and game website last nite and started looking at seasons and information on there. It's a slow start, but I'm sure I will kick into gear once spring planting is done.

BigNasty, I totally agree, but I haven't bought my elk rifle yet and I just want to work on the basics of breathing, sight picture and trigger control. I figure if I master those things then caliber of rifle really won't matter. I am planning on purchasing a savage 30-06 as my elk rifle. I really like the accu-trigger and savage makes a pretty good barrel too.

 

[Superglide]

Just a word of caution but I don't know if it applies down in Washington/Idaho/Montana. In BC I always hunt with at least two other friends. Main reason are the grizzlies. In the Kootenays and other areas of BC, it is proven they have become conditioned to the sound of a rifle. When they hear it, it means dinner is served. We always have two or three guys gutting while one stands guard with a minimum . 300 Win mag. Pick up the books by Jack Gary Shelton and have a read. Quite interesting. Good luck with your hunt. As far as I'm concerned, elk is the best wild game.

 

[Steve Robinson]

Andrew, I've had the pleasure to hunt elk in Utah, California, British Columbia, and Oregon and what I wanted to share with you is, if you strike out on getting elk tags elsewhere, look at the Oregon northeastern general rifle (guys refer to as 2nd season) season. You can buy your tags and license over the counter even as a non-resident. There is private land in that area of course, but there is plenty of public land as well and the elk hunting can be very good. Look at a map of that area just south and east of Pendleton, scout the National forest a few days before opener and you will have a good time no matter if you kill one or not. I like horns as much as the next guy but keep in mind, the season I'm suggesting is spike bull only. They are Rocky Mountain Elk and even the spikes will give you a great deal of meat to enjoy through the winter. If you are only looking for horns this won't work for you. Good luck.