DIY Out Of State Hunting... Need a Mentor!

[ThePushArchery]

I got a taste of out-of-state hunting for whitetails a couple weeks ago. I traveled to Illinois for a guided hunt, and now I'm ready to go to the next step. Different species from whats available here in PA, and in a DIY format.

Me and a fellow Tradganger are planning a trip for Fall 2012. Truck camping, back packing, etc... not decided yet!

We will be tackling any one of the following species, in no particular province or area in mind.

-Pronghorn
-Mule Deer
-Black Bear
-Elk
-etc...

If you fellow DIY guru's are willing to work us through this process, equipment lists, tag issues, suggested areas, and anything else you feel we need to know... We would be so grateful!

Thanks everybody,
Matt

[Stone Sheep]

PM sent

[Outwest]

To start pick a specie,pick a state and get on their fish and wildlife website.
You can find information galore.

Good luck.
John

[illwhttail]

I would like to do the same on a elk hunt.

[sam barrett]

PM sent

[ThePushArchery]

Thanks guys for the help so far through PM's!

Damn I love this site!

[Whip]

Every one of the species you list are very doable for a DIY trip.  Very different considerations between them, so as suggested, your first step is to narrow down what you want to hunt.  

If the potential for success has anything to do with your decision I would lean toward antelope or bear.  Elk and mulies are tougher to hunt, and the learning curve is steeper, but they are both wonderful animals for a DIY hunt.  

Don't be intimidated by the unknowns.  Pick a species and dig in, starting right here.  I think you will soon find that the planning and dreaming is half the fun!

[scedvm]

Pick a species and then a state and then do your research.  Most states out here have a draw that you enter early spring.  Ample public land in many states for DIY just need to do some research and talk to as many people as you can.  Good luck...Shawn

[BlacktailBowhunter]

I plan on doing Utah again this year. It is fairly reasonable and I keep it real simple for camp.

I don't mind company if you guys want to give it a whirl.

Paul

[hardwaymike]

What states have otc bear tags? Blackies that is. I don't think I want to cross the border just yet but that is my next consideration. Although that probly wouldn't be diy. Thanks for any and all info guys and gals!

[dino]

Oregon Trout Creek Mountian unit is a super easy draw Mule Deer hunt in a tradional only bowhunt unit.  It is not a very high success area but a super easy DIY area.  Places to camp and miles an miles to hike and glass and with some time and patients you could contect with a mulie and see some awsome sheep.

Idaho has thousands of square miles up in the central part of the state Nez Perce national forest that are a great DIY elk hunting and all OTC tags.  Miles of closed roads to walk, camping, and low hunting pressure.  Again, not huge elk herds but they are there and with time and patiences they can be great hunts.  

I'm not totally familiar with Colorado but there are some great OTC tags available there if you get into national forest and get back in away from the hunters that stay within a mile or two of the road.

Whip is dead on by not being intimidated by the unknowns.  I planned a Montana elk hunt a couple of years back with little knowledge of the area but based on a few conversations with guys that had been there in past, pouring over alot of topo maps and talk to local conseration officers.  We picked a point of entry from the maps and spiked out.  Spent two weeks and had a phenominal hunt and seen some great bulls.

It can be done pretty easily if you prepare and keep an open mind. dino

[PSUBowhunter]

There really is only one way to get into DIY out of states hunts..............DO IT. As others have said, pick a species, see where you can get tags and pick a spot, then call the local game biologist and get as much info as you can. After that, just put the truck in drive and head out. You will find that these hunts are not nearly as intimdating as they originally seem.

Good Luck!!

[Autumnarcher]

Ive hunted Colorado several times, my first was a drop camp. That basically is a DIT hunt, other than we were packed in, and camp was provided. We found elk, had a good trip and learned a lot.

Next few trips were semi-guided, we hunted a ranch as well as national forest land. Sometimes with a guide, some on our own.

What I have learned is elk hunting is very much a DIY huntable animal. If you have camp gear, are comfortable navigating in wilderness areas, and like the freedom to do you own thing, go for it.

Keep in mind its big country, and you'll have to cover a lot of ground sometimes to find game. DIY hunts mean camp chores sometimes cut in to your hunting time. But the reward is, even if you dont kill anything, the enjoyment and satisfaction of doing it on your own cannot be beat.

Myt son and I are going fully DIY this year into a wilderness area, for the entire archery elk season. The overall adventure is what makes the trip. There are several websites with a ton of info on this type of hunting, gear recommendations etc.

[Rooselk]

Originally posted by hardwaymike:
What states have otc bear tags? Blackies that is. I don't think I want to cross the border just yet but that is my next consideration. Although that probly wouldn't be diy. Thanks for any and all info guys and gals!

Unless it's changed recently, Idaho had inexpensive OTC out-of-state bear tags for some units. Washington and Oregon, both of which have large black bear populations, also have OTC tags.

[Jim Wright]

Montana has over the counter Black Bear tags and a Spring and a Fall season. You do have to take a Black/Grizzly Bear I.D. test on-line. Contact Montana Division of Fish, Wildlife and Parks in Helena for info.

[JDinPA]

I am from PA as well. I've done quite a few DIY for different species in different states. Some have been successful, but all have been fun.

Pick species and a state. Buy topos and contact state game officials with questions. Some will be more helpful than others, but they all will respond.

JD

[Brian Halbleib]

North and South Dakota offer cheap over the counter NR archery tags and plenty of public land to camp and hunt on. I've been to both several times and plan to go back again as soon as possible.

-Brian