First time elk hunter questions?

[BrianfromTulsa]

Been hitting the books lately but not too supprisingly, I find myself confused.  Planning an elk hunt for this year/ DIY.  

I don't want to bother with building preference points or wait for exclusive tags.  Going for the experience, so I just need an over the counter tag which limits me to Colorado and if I'm not mistaken maybe Utah and/or Idaho.  

Any locals or old salts willing to share some general over the counter type info?  What would be my best bet State to concentrate my efforts to have a good hunt experience with at least an elk or two in the same unit?

[Steve71]

I know several good places to go in Co I use to be an outfitter in unit 80 and 81 .Do you want to truck camp or pack in.

[Steve71]

Also you will be hog hunting with 3 people from Co.

[BTH]

Oregon and Washington have over the counter tags too.

[Steve71]

Is there good elk populations in Oregon and Washington.I have always wanted to hunt up there.Even more since I read Glen S.Charles stories of Olympic elk

[just_a_hunter]

I typed   this info  last year. I'm working on refining it this year provided I get a little more time.

Hope it helps some,

Todd

[BTH]

Steve,
Probabaly a better question for an Oregon or Washington trad ganger. I do know guys who are successful every year in Oregon. This is my first time back elk hunting later this year in Washington since I hunted Colorado about 15 years ago. I have a friend who knows the area I'm hunting with so I'm hoping every thing he says his true!

[Whitetail Chaser]

I live in central Washington, and I would NOT consider it a good option for an out of state hunt.  Tags are expensive for non-residents, and there are few really good archery areas.

I do not have experience hunting the Roosevelt elk in Western Washington, but elk populations are not that great on the east side of the state.

Most guys up here who get their elk were able to scout most of the summer before the season opens.

Brett

[tyee]

Well as far as Washington you could do okay hunting the coast for a out of stater I would say Long island would be a good choice but logstics of this hunt would be a nightmare I think you need a solid two weeks for any washington hunt Oregon a good choice maybe the murders creek area call and order somrthing for Dave Doran at archery past ask him a few questions but remember he is a business man buy some broadheads or something

[tim roberts]

Brian,  PM sent!
Thanks,

[elkbreath]

Colorado,  A lot of areas to choose from, can shoot mature bulls if you run across one.  Tons of country to hunt and look over.  Huge herd of elk in nearly every area of the state.   For your logistics, can't beat Colorado.

[BrianfromTulsa]

Thank you for all the input, it's going to be a long wait till September.

[PAPA BEAR]

oregon is loaded with elk on both sides of the state.i hunt the coast range and east side but the best place to go in my opinion is the eagle caps...there's room in mine and bens camp if you want to go