I want to hunt elk!

[JayKen86]

All of these elk threads popping up really have me itching to give it a shot next year. I really wouldn't be able to afford a guided hunt, but an OTC diy hunt would be do-able. Are there any other elk newbies that would be interested in maybe getting a small group together to figure this stuff out?

[justintyme8303]

I was thinking the same thing my cousins went to NM a few years back DIY archery had a great time. I want to go next year.

[B Littleton]

My brother and I are planning our first hunt for next fall. Probably doing GMU 78 or 80 near south fork/ pagosa springs Colorado.

[SwampRabbit]

Yeah, me too!!! I've been wanting to do one since reading these threads 3 years ago. But I have it set in my mind that I needed to learn to crawl before I walked. I'm getting the real itch now though...

The only thing is that I'd like to go with some experienced folks to learn from. I remember my first Javi/Hog spot and stalk hunting trip. I learned a lot from an experienced hunting partner.

[JayKen86]

Yeah, me too!!! I've been wanting to do one since reading these threads 3 years ago. But I have it set in my mind that I needed to learn to crawl before I walked. I'm getting the real itch now though...

The only thing is that I'd like to go with some experienced folks to learn from. I remember my first Javi/Hog spot and stalk hunting trip. I learned a lot from an experienced hunting partner.

Would be ideal to go with someone that's has at least a little experience. Kinda show the ropes. But it seems hard to join an existing group. Almost as hard as finding a good lease. That's why I've considered trying to start a new group that can learn from others experiences on a hunt. Of course I would want it to be an archery hunt, and the 1st week of September would work best for my schedule. If anyone is interested send me a pm and maybe we can get something in the works.

[Limbwalker]

Guys, here is what my buddy and I are doing...

After years of wishing, he and I both realized we're not getting any younger and we need to "just go."

I read an article written by Randy Newberg that finally pushed me over the top:

http://www.rmef.org/TheHunt/Before/PlanforGrand.aspx

So I decided to stop wishing and start planning. Since we're both complete elk rookies, the strategy my buddy and I came up with was to hunt together and split the cost of an elk tag. We flipped a coin and he won. He's going to buy an OTC Colorado either-sex tag (about $600) and I'm going to pay half this year. Then I'm going to help him pack in/out and call for him.

Next year, I'll get the tag and he will help me buy it and he will call for me.

The way I see it, we're going to get 2 years worth of elk hunting experience, plus 2 years to learn an area, for about $300/year "tuition." That's how I'm viewing the license fee, as tuition for an "elk hunting 101" class. If we stumble into one and kill it, great. If not, neither of us are out a ton of cash.

Since he lives in AZ, I'm flying to PHX ($200 round trip with today's air fare) and he's picking me up. Next year, he will probably fly to ABQ and I'll pick him up.

Total cost of this trip to me will be well less than $1K. More like about $750. I am stoked and can't wait to board the plane for a week in the mountains with my friend chasing elk - finally.

I honestly don't know why we didn't think of this sooner. He and I both have been talking about going for at least 4 years now. If we had just "done it" we could both have 4 years worth of elk hunting experience by now, and we would know the area we're going to very well already.

[TWP]

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. ;-)

[OleTomTalker]

Same boat here. Been talking about for years, but for whatever reason this year something snapped and I can barely think straight! I was starting to save for 2017 but if it's something within reason I am definitely interested in next year.

Just throwing this out there: What if get a group of 4 or 5 newbies that would be willing to split cost of a tag for someone experienced that could go and help show the ropes? or something to that affect?

[salth2o]

Guys, here is what my buddy and I are doing...

After years of wishing, he and I both realized we're not getting any younger and we need to "just go."

I read an article written by Randy Newberg that finally pushed me over the top:

http://www.rmef.org/TheHunt/Before/PlanforGrand.aspx

So I decided to stop wishing and start planning. Since we're both complete elk rookies, the strategy my buddy and I came up with was to hunt together and split the cost of an elk tag. We flipped a coin and he won. He's going to buy an OTC Colorado either-sex tag (about $600) and I'm going to pay half this year. Then I'm going to help him pack in/out and call for him.

Next year, I'll get the tag and he will help me buy it and he will call for me.

The way I see it, we're going to get 2 years worth of elk hunting experience, plus 2 years to learn an area, for about $300/year "tuition." That's how I'm viewing the license fee, as tuition for an "elk hunting 101" class. If we stumble into one and kill it, great. If not, neither of us are out a ton of cash.

Since he lives in AZ, I'm flying to PHX ($200 round trip with today's air fare) and he's picking me up. Next year, he will probably fly to ABQ and I'll pick him up.

Total cost of this trip to me will be well less than $1K. More like about $750. I am stoked and can't wait to board the plane for a week in the mountains with my friend chasing elk - finally.

I honestly don't know why we didn't think of this sooner. He and I both have been talking about going for at least 4 years now. If we had just "done it" we could both have 4 years worth of elk hunting experience by now, and we would know the area we're going to very well already.

Thats a handy link. Thanks!

[LuBowhunter]

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.

[popup_menace]

I will be saving up to do a DIY elk hunt in the future. Definitely a challenge, and if you walk away empty handed, you still have great memories to take with you

[88 Bound]

This is my second year going to Colorado DIY and I won't ever miss a season again. It gets in your blood. Definitely go with a buddy or group if you can. As posted above, the trip is amazing whether you kill or not.

[SwampRabbit]

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.

[Limbwalker]

I had the same question Swamp. I'll get my answer in a few weeks. I've never eaten antlers, and never plan to, so in the future I may just get a cow tag for myself.

[Brian243]

I've been having the same thoughts run through my head. My buddy finally drew a tag this year and is headed out tomorrow. I am down to figure it out and take a trip.