My sweetheart told me yesterday that she would
give me a elk/deer hunt for my birthday present.
I have not been out West in 5 years and want to
book a really good combo hunt in Idaho, Montana,
or New Mexico. I would like Wy but dont want to
deal with the draw because I do plan to do this hunt in '04. Looking for a nice mature elk with
either whitetail or muley. We can spend maybe 5-6k
on the hunt. I dont want to go to an area as rugged as the Frank Church Wilderness as I am
not as young as I use to be.

Thanks for any help!

I would look to Montana unless you're willing to hunt only one species or stay longer. The seasons in NM are such that elk/deer combo hunts are tough to arrange in the same area, especially on public ground. In addition, you'll face the same problems with the draw. All public elk (and the better public deer) hunts are draw only. Private landowner tags are not draw, but they usually come at a premium. Perhaps some landowner/outfitter tags are more conducive to a combo hunt, but I'm not familiar with that side of hunting in this state. You might touch base with Ray Atkinson or Wendell Reich here on AR to see what they can set up. I believe they both have access to private land in NM and might be able to set up what you need.

trailblazerltz
Don't discount Northern BC.
To me elk hunting is best,wilderness style,bugle
season,limited access.Either by draw,private land
or remoteness.
As posted above,NM combo's are hard to arrange for
same area/same time.
Wyoming is draw,and the wolf in some areas has been an issue.
Montana public land,I think there are better options.Just my opinion.

I also suggest using a good booking agent.

I hope you have the hunt of your life.

Regards
Jeff

Trailblazer,

Sent you an e-mail on your combo hunt. Perhaps I can help.

Idaho is a very good bet for a non-resident combo elk/deer hunt. Also, there are outfitters booking in good areas less "invigorating" than the River of No Return Wilderness (Frank Church).

I imagine Ray Atkinson can help you out, too.

L.W.

I have an excellent Idaho outfitter. He will take care of you and you'll have a great experience. You are welcome to email me for more info about him.

aspehill@triton.net