I've hunted whitetail deer for many years and have always dreamed of hunting elk out west. Can anyone out there help me decide which state is best and any planning details? Should I use an outfitter and if so which one(s)? What should I expect to pay?

Thanks in advance,

Bobster

Since you have never hunted out West, and since you have not hunted elk, I can only suggest you hire an outfitter, and be carefull because their are few "real" outfitters around these days....

A good outfitter today will run you about $5500.00 and some can be found for $3500. but be real carefull of the less expensive hunts, as a lot of guides these days are dance hall cowboys with a license, and the states do little regulation...

I have several good outfitters, but none of them are cheap....but they produce.

Bobster,
Bow or Rifle?
I have gone out twice over the past 12 years. Bow both times. Once a public land hunt outfitted in Montana that was GREAT. The outfitter is no longer in business or I'd give you his contact info. The second in Colorado on a private ranch in which the outfitter and I had a different definition of "Resident Herd". It was hot and the "herd" that was resident was in fact transitory and since it wasn't gun season yet, they were still in the high country.

I havn't hunted or booked a hunt with Ray but there are several threads on this foreum from folks that have. All good.

The only other outfitter I have had experience talking to several times is Billy Stockton in Western Montana. He is also not the cheapist but has taken the time to talk with me everytime I called just to ask some Elk hunting questions.

Good Luck
Greg

Bobster,

I used to work for Rich LaRocco at Associated Hunting Consultants. He has some great elk hunts, and is easy to talk to.

http://www.hunts.net

I recommend you visit the site, check out some of the elk hunts and then give Rich a call. Tell him I sent you.

jim dodd