Do It Yourself Elk Hunt

[Inhimwelive]

Most of the guys that are saying they dont spend that much are not in the northeast.. The biggest expense from here is the gas. I know a local kid who before he was 25 did it twice and took a small bull both years...I have a ? for those who are mentioning flying in..How much does it cost to get all that meat processed and flown back home?

[Jeff Holchin]

Inhimwelive has a good point about gas costs becoming a big portion of the overall cost, especially for those of us driving from the east, but really only in the last year or two.  This fall will mark my 8th drive in a row from the east to the rocky mountains, and flying is not really an option because of my equipment and the meat issue.  I only had help with the drive out and back on 2 of those trips, and my total cost for the DIY elk hunt averaged around $1000, more or less depending on the tag cost.  Best thing you can do is hook up with a SERIOUS bowhunting friend to split the driving time and expenses, next best thing is look for offers of help from the state you are hunting.

[Dannon]

i've done probably six do-it-yourself hunts in Colorado. I've had opportunities on every hunt, but for whatever reason didn't always get a shot. I've taken two elk, both with compound though. I havn't been elk hunting in probably 4 or 5 years. Now that gas has gone up I can see it costing around 1200-1500 bucks. But back when I was going every year it only cost me around 800.00 for the whole trip. Be prepared to do alot of leg work finding the elk. I miss the mountians and cant wait to get back out there. Some of the most beautiful country in the world lies in and around the Rocky Mountains.
Dannon

[Overspined]

I have gone several times on DIY, in fact, I would go no other way. There are a ton of horror stories about bad outfitters. The cost of one trip with an outfitter equals two without in my opinion. I have had opportunities at elk every time, many bulls. I have done nothing unusual. I find likely roadless areas as best as I can, and even mark some likely roaded areas (within reason), and then pack VERY lightly and go after it with speed scouting missions starting early and ending late. Go from location to location and just wear out some boots. BUT, when you find sign that is FRESH, or you see them etc, begin hunting and make plans to pack in more if necessary. If you are not finding FRESH sign, move on. They really stink and make a lot of sign. GET OFF the PATHS. Areas where I saw other hunters were still really good, but you will find very few elk (or elk sign) on foot paths. Just dig deep and cross terrain you would never dream you should have to. You will eventually compile many areas of promise for hunting, including on future trips. The reason the success rate is low IMO is lazy hunters. They just walk the trails and call for elk. I have called these hunters in too. Most hunters will not travel more than about 100 yds from a trail/path as they are lazy or scared to get lost. Of course, those with disabilities not included in that statement. I commonly hunt a herd of elk that hang out all day at an elevation just below a commonly used walk path, and most never even have a clue they exist...Go for it. It is physically demanding, but soooo rewarding and beautiful.