DIY Elk Hunt?

[Lone archer]

How many are planning their first DIY elk hunt this year. Where,When,Why, and How (trailhead basecamp, hike in basecamp etc.. Alone or with others? I'm just starting to do the research and I know the dead line for applications is nearing and I'm trying to get all the info I can before applying. Or maybe find someone else to go west with.

Rob

[steadman]

Rob
If I could make a suggestion, that is find someone who has been before or might be willing to let you tag along. You will learn a lot more than going it alone or with other first timers. Your learning curve will be a lot better. Also don't rule out a drop camp. I would let you tag along this year, but I have a full camp. However next year is a possibility.
Get in real good shape, be prepared too cover a lot of ground, and get in good shape. Good luck and feel free to pm me any other questions you might have.

[Matty]

rob hit me up I "do it myself" every year, I dont know where you are planning to go But I can help you with figuring things out and tell you what I do and Bring etc. you have a few months before apps are due.

[Richie Nell]

Rob,
You may want to call traditional bowhunter and guide Mike Murphy with TBarM Outfitters in Durango, CO. 907 259-5469. I went last September and plan to go this September.  Bulls everywhere.  He does drop camps.  Great guys, plenty of elk and no other hunters anywhere.

Also 200 inch Mule deer available for bowhunting. NO JOKE...big muleys.

[Bucksnort101]

Bring a compass and don't forget it in camp!!! I speak from experience on this. 10 hours of wandering in the mountains is not fun.

When my buddies and I were planning our first do-it-yourself Colorado hunt, we picked out a promising area in a Topographic map book and then drove out there on a Memorial Day weekend and looked the area over. Went into the nearest town and spoke with a couple owners of little sporting goods stores to get better ideas on where to hunt and set up camp.
2200 mile round trip in three days was pretty hectic, but learned a lot in the little bit of time we spent talking to the locals. That may not be an option for you, but you can still do a lot of research on the internet of prosepcitve areas.
Colorado puts out a book with success rates for different hunting areas and future hunting outlooks so you may want to contact the Dept. of Natural Resources for the state you are considering hunting in and see if they have somethign similar.

[Adirondackman]

Rob - Where are you at in NY? I have gone out to Colorado to Elk hunt the last 3 years. I'am planning to go again this year.I could help you out.

[John Scifres]

I'm doing my 5th DIY elk hunt this year.  I've yet to kill an elk but I always learn a lot.  The biggest thing you need to understand about elk and elk country is to get in shape and move until you find them.  My goal for this year is to be able to pack 50 pounds 5 miles in less than 1 hour over the hills of Indiana.  That should allow me to run maybe a mile in the mountains before I die  

Always remember this:  ELK ARE NOT WHITETAILS

[Steertalker]

Rob,

I would like to reiterate some of the advice previously given.  It is adviseable to go with someone that has some elk hunting experience.  Unless you are a gorilla, I wouldn't advise backpacking in because if you are fortunate enough to tag an elk, getting it out is a killer.  I would highly recommend doing a drop camp so that you have a way to get your animal out.

Personally, the best thing I ever did was start going with an experienced elk hunting guide.  It will shorten your learning curve exponentially.

Be in as good a shape as possible.  Elk hunting is hard, hard work.  And a guide can save you alot of wasted time by putting you where the elk are.  

Brett

[Lone archer]

Thanks for the info so far and keep it coming!

I'm working on finding someone with experience with a DIY or that maybe will take me along this year.

The drop camp does sound like a nice way to go.

I will be PM most of you as I go along and narrow things down.

Is it me or are some state regs confusing as all hell?

Thanks again

Rob

[Nate Fikkert]

Rob,

Yes, the regulations are very confusing.  I have spent hours studying Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, and Colorado and still am confused by some of the information.  Most game and fish departments have receptionists that are very helpful and knowledgable about that states regs.  Don't be afraid to call and ask them or ask here.

With the distance you are from elk country hiring a drop camp or getting in with an experienced crew would be best.  Lot of good information here already, not much else I can add.  It is hard, but it can be the most exciting hunt in the west, in my opinion.

Nathan

[Nate Fikkert]

By the way,

I think John's last sentence is some of the best elk advice anyone can give.

Nathan

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Remember...95% of the country you are looking at does not contain elk.  Keep moving until you find them.

Bob