elk hunters I need some opinions or suggestions

[waknstak IL]

I really want to try elk hunting this year and have looked at a lot of info online. I am wondering if over the counter tags are worth it or should I wait till next year? I'm thinking Colorado or possibly Oregon but have no idea where or what to expect. Would a total greenhorn have any chance of success? I've hunted whitetails for 20 years but I know this is a whole different ballgame. Any advice or recomendations is appreciated.

[overbo]

First time,I would suggest a reptable outfitter in your desired area if you want the best chance for 1st year success.

[wapiti792]

I did the greenhorn thing 12 years ago. I was lucky enough to have a older hunter help me with gear selection, camping/hunting tips, and he guided me. If I had not had Jack for help an outfitter would have been next up. If you can afford it an OTC outfitted hunt or drop camp hunt would be not only doable, it would be fun. PM me or ask for respected outfitters here. GOOD LUCK!

[waknstak IL]

Unfortunately It will have to be a DIY trip if I go this year no money in the budget for a guided hunt. :(

[don kauss]

waknstak;
success is measured in many different ways...if hiring a guide to tip the scales your way makes you feel good about your hunting experience, then by all means, get out the checkbook...

but in my humble opinion, you'd do well to speak with anyone (with REAL experience) you can about the area you'd choose to hunt, and any advice about Elk hunting they can help you with...
yes, a total greenhorn can have success, and it might take some time (years), but when success finally comes, it'll be that much sweeter going through the total experience on your own...

[IdahoCurt]

It's all OTC here where I live and the Elk hunting is good.I would pick an area and maybe go over to the Bowsite and go to that state and ask for help.I'm sure you will get a response.

[Ragnarok Forge]

DIY trips are doable in Oregon. the hard part can be finding the elk. Packing them out once you kill one is even harder if your by yourself. If your set on Oregon get ahold of Papa Bear on Trad Gang. He puts up a camp for Trad Gang members to come and hunt out of.  He has hunters flying in from all over the place to hunt out of the camp.  He does a lot of the scouting and will put you in an area with plenty of elk to hunt.  

Washington state is another great option.  Over the counter tags for archery.  The coastal units, and areas around Mt. Adams hold lots of elk.  I hunt within 45 miles of my Vancouver, Wa. home and get on elk almost every day out.  

Pick either state, do your research and if you hunt the west side be ready for hunting in fairly thick wooded areas with significant brush.  The east sides of both states are more open with pine forest instead of fir.  On another note, our elevations are a lot lower than colorado's so if your not a mountain goat they may be the choice for you.

[Whip]

There is another thread going here about CO and arky714 mentioned something about having room for one or two hunters on a trip in SW CO.  Sure worth checking with him if you're interested, and it is a wonderful part of the state.

Here is the link to the thread
 http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=090429;p=2

[IdahoCurt]

I would offer to take you but my schedule for this season is full.

[wahoo]

It will be all about how much time you have. Elk tags are lots of $$$$$. So if you only have a week it my be fun to go real cheap and ck regs get a bird tag hike and camp kill some chickens and just have some fun. Better yet figure where you are going and see if you can get hooked up with a trad ganger. Good luck

[Outwest]

I say no time like the present.
If you have the time and the cash go for it.
You will not learn anything staying home.
You cannot measure your success by the animals you kill when elk hunting.
You need to get some experience somehow and actual elk hunting is the best way.
If you want to come to the Washington coast I will help you with the area.

John

[mobiltoy]

I may have room for one more going to central colorado for two weeks leaving around labor day. I am leaving out of st louis area.  We have a base camp and spike in for 2 or more days. 3 of us so far. pm me for more info if you are interested. bill

[waknstak IL]

Thanks for the ideas and generous offers everyone, I have shed over 50lbs since Feb and plan on dropping another 20 before Sept. I have been working hard to get ready. I just gotta figure out the where.

[don kauss]

Originally posted by Outwest:

You will not learn anything staying home.
You cannot measure your success by the animals you kill when elk hunting.
You need to get some experience somehow and actual elk hunting is the best way.
John [/QB]

       

[swamp donkey]

Amen outwest!!

[tim roberts]

Try the trade a hunt, you could be surprised on what you might come up with?