Elk Help

[quail]

Thinking about planning a elk hunt for 2015. Would be a DIY for sure. Not asking for anyone to give up their secret spot, but some suggestions on what areas to start looking at would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[blueslfb]

Where are you looking to go?

[Whip]

Truck camp or backpack?  What is your age and physical condition?  Are you looking for a branch antlered bull or would a cow or spike only hunt be of interest?  Any limitation on how far you would travel?

[quail]

Have been to Colorado twice in the Rio Grande Nat'l Forest, south of Del Norte. Went during gun season 20 yrs ago (which I have since lost my appetite for). We will likely truck camp with the option of having rextra gear to set up a backpack camp if needed. I just turned 50 and can still get around fairly well for an old bird. I am not intimidated by the routine I will need to get my legs and lungs in mountain shape.
Colorado is closest to me, but I have a strong yearning to start trying to obtain a Utah tag.

[old_goat2]

I think Utah takes a few years to draw. I suggest a draw unit in the Flat Tops, I think there are some that you can draw with zero points. Look at a map of Colorado, the areas north of Glenwood Springs. Largest elk herd in the US!

[Whip]

Utah also has some very good spike/cow only tags.  If antlers are not the primary focus I would seriously consider that.  Arizona cow tag would be another one to look into.  

New Mexico is a good option if you can get lucky and draw a tag.  No preference points needed, but draw odds are not great.  I would probably try that as my first choice, and then look into Utah as a backup plan.  

Colorado of course has some good hunting OTC, but lots of competition.  You need to find a way to get away from the crowds in order to have a quality experience.  In my opinion, that means either packing in or having limited access from private land.

[flinter]

The coastal areas of Washington and Oregon have good elk herds. They are otc tags, no draws. You can shoot branch bulls and cows in a lot of units. Good Luck!!!

[jcar315]

[Montanawidower]

MT has some amazing hunting and the tags are relatively easy to come by.   However I would suggest an outfitter for a newbie.  Griz and Wolves have changed the hunting.  

Local knowledge is pretty key.

[DarkTimber]

I've had great hunts in CO, ID, and AZ..been putting in for NM and UT for years and have yet to draw either.  In my experience even the "worst" units in AZ are better than most other states so I'd for sure put my name in the hat there, and don't overlook the less desirable units where your odds are far better.  If you don't draw you can always go OTC.  I really like Idaho and would love to hunt Montana and Wyoming but it's an extra day driving each way which means 2 less hunting days so I usually end up in Colorado.  Like Joe said, the key is finding areas where you can get away from the crowd.  It can be done, it's just not always easy.   Good Luck!