$6k to spend on elk hunt?

[Stroke]

For my 30th birthday present to myself in 2016, I want to go on my first Archery Elk hunt. My wife allowed me to spend about $6k on the hunt/tags/outfitter (travel, taxidermy, processing is not included in this budget).

My question to you is where should I go to get that full blown elk experience and have the best chances of coming home with a nice bull elk?

I want to make this a fully guided hunt, as I know nothing about elk hunting techniques/tactics. But I also want this to be an educational hunt so I can take these new skills and go hunting on my own in the future years.

[Stroke]

And No I do not want to hunt in a high fenced place.

[Mudslinger]

Might want to pm Archery1st. If I am not mistaken he has taken some great Bulls with an outfitter he uses. Russ might be one to talk to also.

[Stroke]

Thanks for the tip. I'll get with them today.

[nimrodajh]

You're on the right track so far. Hiring an outfitter is way under rated. Elk hunting is expensive no matter how you do it. DIY is really cool and doesn't cost as much up front, but the little things add up quick, and you'll enjoy it more if you are just focused on hunting instead of tending to camp stuff. That's all part of the experience too I guess but you can go camping and cook for yourself a lot cheaper and closer to home.

Some states are draw only and it never hurts to put in for a tag. You can still hire an outfitter if you get drawn. But, if you aren't too worried about only killing a giant, Colorado is a great place to go get your first bull. You can get an over the counter archery tag for around $500. I haven't been in a few years but $5,500 should cover a reputable guide/outfitter with private land access. Either way you're in for a treat! Look forward to reading about it and seeing pics!

[d_e_smith]

LO voucher for archery Colorado GMU 61 runs right around that.

[Iceman89]

Look up KMock on here. I bet he can fix you up

[rtp]

LO voucher for archery Colorado GMU 61 runs right around that.

My calendar is open this fall Mr. Smith.

[millman]

LO voucher for archery Colorado GMU 61 runs right around that.

That would be $5k plus with no outfitter to help.....

[d_e_smith]

It's a legit 320-360 hunt which is why it's a minimum 18pt draw for NR. That's the reason you get into those top tier units so you don't have to rely as heavily on outfitters.

[scubasteven25]

I'd recommend an elk hunt in the Gila's of New Mexico (All 16 units, 17, 15). Lots of good tags and reputable outfitters in that area, not to mention some great elk hunting.

[Kcwwcb]

PM sent

[Pernell]

start in NM with trying to draw a tag sometimes you can get lucky. My three choices would be 16a, 15, and 23 the second season on all 3. I can set you up with an awesome outfitter that charges around 4000. I have hunted all 3 and killed some rally good bulls in all of them. PM me if you would like to know more. My avatar pic came from unit 15, 367" public land.

[BrandonA]

I would hunt the Jicarilla Reservation . Their Archery hunts are $6000.00 . You still have to tip the guide and I cant remember about food and lodging, but you will have a high , high chance of killing a dang nice elk. Dad has been several times and I hope to go someday.

[JTeLarkin08]

Bowhunt or rifle hunt??

You can go two routes if its a bow hunt.. Go diy otc or try to draw a tag or go guided private land.

If your wanting to bow hunt get on Bow Safari Consultants website and look at their catalog.. They are who doc may books all his hunts with.. THey have a few good colorado private land hunts in your budget..