I want to hunt elk!

[RiverRat1]

One thing I have wondered... is it harder to hunt cows than bulls? With my first elk hunt, I'd have no problems killing just a cow. I understand that the either-sex tag is great because then you are not limited, but I already have it in my mind, that I would not pass up a cow that got within bow range for my first elk hunt. But every time I see elk hunts, I see folks going after the bulls and bugling, etc. How hard is it to hunt the cows? Seems I could save a lot of $$ that way.

They're big stupid animals. Bulls are not that much harder if any than cows IMO. All 3 that were shot when I was there either ran right to us or we walked right into a group of them.

The problem is finding them on a mountain or two. And they may decide to move a few miles because they feel like it and be gone in 30 seconds. Also it's extremely hard to get away from other hunters or get to a spot where hunters have not pushed them out of.

[popup_menace]

One thing I like about preparing for an elk hunt is getting into shape in order to climb those mountains! I want to be a better athlete at 25 than I've ever been. Gonna try and go all Cam Hanes on them mountains!

[Cold 1]

For all the guys that are students or on a tight budget here is what I did when I started and still do. Save all your change from every day when you get home in the evening in a safe place. Then take it to the bank and cash it in before you leave on your hunt. You will be surprised how much is there in a year. I buy my tag and a good part of the groceries with it every time I went.

[Brian243]

I would be interested if I don't draw again next year in Montana (area I hunt is a special permit area and you usually get drawn every two). Heck I am looking at a second or third season bull elk rifle tag option for this year.

Ryan,
Let me know next time you put in. I want to put in as well. Or give me some tips on what to do and where to go.

[TWP]

One thing I have wondered... is it harder to hunt cows than bulls? With my first elk hunt, I'd have no problems killing just a cow. I understand that the either-sex tag is great because then you are not limited, but I already have it in my mind, that I would not pass up a cow that got within bow range for my first elk hunt. But every time I see elk hunts, I see folks going after the bulls and bugling, etc. How hard is it to hunt the cows? Seems I could save a lot of $$ that way.

Depends on the time of year. Cows will be by themselves early season with only young bulls and spikes close by. It's a lot like mule deer hunting, boys and girls are separate early season until the rut hits. Lots of folks can't/don't want to chase elk and hunt water.

As for saving money, an extra $200 with a year to save isn't worth having to make a choice. IMO, be able to take advantage of any opportunity you can. Most matriarchal cows can live into the teens while bulls usually don't live past 10 outside of NM or AZ.

[Limbwalker]

My buddy thought about buying a cow tag, but his logic was that if a raghorn or a spike offered the first shot, he sure didn't want to have to pass on it. So he's getting an ES tag.

[drube75]

Anybody that is interested please shoot me a PM. If we want to do a group next year I am ALL IN!!! I am not expert, but I've killed a couple and am headed to Idaho in two days to try again. I can do several trips to scout during next summer if we want to.

We can make it as roughing it as we want or not, up to yall. I have always hunted off my back in Colorado because I hunt wilderness areas, but I'll do whatever.

Swamprabbit, we can try to get some Trad guys/gals also.

Quit talking and start hunting folks, you don't need KUIU, Sitka, Swaro, etc just be in shape and go at it with a great attitude. ;-)

Spot on!

[SwampRabbit]

Depends on the time of year. Cows will be by themselves early season with only young bulls and spikes close by. It's a lot like mule deer hunting, boys and girls are separate early season until the rut hits. Lots of folks can't/don't want to chase elk and hunt water.

As for saving money, an extra $200 with a year to save isn't worth having to make a choice. IMO, be able to take advantage of any opportunity you can. Most matriarchal cows can live into the teens while bulls usually don't live past 10 outside of NM or AZ.

My buddy thought about buying a cow tag, but his logic was that if a raghorn or a spike offered the first shot, he sure didn't want to have to pass on it. So he's getting an ES tag.

That is what I would have thought... having no experience whatsoever. 20% overall increase in cost is probably worth giving yourself more options. What I wasn't sure is: how much better does it increase my options/odds. Sounds like that is not the place to shave some cost.

[krtnorris]

I would go!

[IowaHunter]

I'll join the list of those wanting to hunt elk.

[Limbwalker]

That is what I would have thought... having no experience whatsoever. 20% overall increase in cost is probably worth giving yourself more options. What I wasn't sure is: how much better does it increase my options/odds. Sounds like that is not the place to shave some cost.

I would agree. I mean, if you're going to go through all that trouble and devote that much time to a hunt, I'd hate for $200 to be the difference between tagging out and not. At least, that was our logic and I supported my buddy's decision 100% because I want the same option next year!

Guys, if you just get together and go, and then draw straws for who gets the tag once you get there, 2 or 3 of you could really save $ and still get 90% of the experience anyway.

I don't have to put an arrow through an elk to 1) learn a lot, and 2) really enjoy myself.

The way I see it, once I do pay "full price" or get drawn (and pay full price) I will be an experienced elk hunter. I'm not a gambling man, but if I were, I'd never wager $600 that I could take an elk with my bow the first year I try.

[TWP]

I would agree. I mean, if you're going to go through all that trouble and devote that much time to a hunt, I'd hate for $200 to be the difference between tagging out and not. At least, that was our logic and I supported my buddy's decision 100% because I want the same option next year!



Guys, if you just get together and go, and then draw straws for who gets the tag once you get there, 2 or 3 of you could really save $ and still get 90% of the experience anyway.



I don't have to put an arrow through an elk to 1) learn a lot, and 2) really enjoy myself.



The way I see it, once I do pay "full price" or get drawn (and pay full price) I will be an experienced elk hunter. I'm not a gambling man, but if I were, I'd never wager $600 that I could take an elk with my bow the first year I try.

Not a bad plan, but you won't get the same adrenalin rush or practice. Or least it didn't for me. Nothing wrong with tagging along, but we only have so many times around this sun of ours, especially elk hunting. You've got 12 months to save $1000, anybody who actually wants to go can get that done.

To each their own, but I'm afflicted with western hunting and make enough coin I can go every year, so I'm biased as heck! Ha ha ha

[Sticks&Strings]

Where do yall put in to draw for? State, unit, reservation, wildlife area??

[Limbwalker]

Not a bad plan, but you won't get the same adrenalin rush or practice. Or least it didn't for me. Nothing wrong with tagging along, but we only have so many times around this sun of ours, especially elk hunting. You've got 12 months to save $1000, anybody who actually wants to go can get that done.

To each their own, but I'm afflicted with western hunting and make enough coin I can go every year, so I'm biased as heck! Ha ha ha

We'll see. I take a lot of friends fishing. I get as much of a rush putting them on fish (or more) than if I caught them myself.

Again, I don't need to put an arrow through an elk to call a trip a success. Different strokes.

I'll get my elk eventually. And I'll be darn happy to have my buddy there when it happens.

[wanderin39]

Came down from Wy. and go back most years to hunt. Another TBHer and I are going up to chase pronghorn and deer this coming year. Have the canvas tents and gear so we are only looking at less than $1000 each for everything.