I would like to get some recommendations for a 2004 elk hunt. Any information on an outfitter which offers a reasonably priced elk hunt with a good chance of success would be appreciated. Also would like some information on a particular area that you would recommend.

Thanks,

X

Have you reviewed the web sites for Elk Hunting?

you have the option of paying someone to guide you and then pay a trophy fee [big bucks] or go for a canned hunt [nodda]

Have you call the state you are thinking about hunting in to get maps or info?

it is cheaper to buddy up and go on your own
ie: cost of trip, eats, equipment, tags, etc
read article in hunting mag. Elk Hunt for less then $1000 [everything included]- cost of trip, tags, food etc.- but you and your partner do all the work- but isn't that what it is all about

drop camps are another option. they can range from a tent set up in the woods and you furnish everything else to all of the amenities except for the guides. Don't expect the outfitter to drop you in his very best spots (he's gonna save those for his high dollar, cost is no object hunters) But he should put you in an area where you have a good chance of connecting. You can also pick his brain on the way in.

X-Caliber, everyone has his own opinion, but mine is, you're doing the right thing by booking with a good outfitter. Reason being, you're a looooonnnnnggg way from the "elk hunting mountains," and you have no experience hunting elk.

It is extremely difficult to "scout out" a hunting area when you're 2,000 miles from it, and you've never hunted there before, nor, do you have a hunting buddy who HAS hunted a specific area and knows it is productive. At least that's the idea I gleaned from your message.

I live in one of the premier elk hunting states, Idaho, and can (and do) scout all the time. It's STILL tough to find a good place to hunt elk. Also, it's often not that easy to find a good place to camp, in likely elk country.

Obviously, if you had a friend in an "elk State" who could show you where to hunt and camp, even hunting with you, that's a different story. I did not get the idea you were that fortunate.

I don't know about "canned" hunts here in Idaho, but I do know that most of the good outfitters do not charge a "trophy fee," if you kill a good bull. A few do, but there are those who do not, with whom you might book a hunt.

My suggestion is this: select a State with good elk numbers and kills (F&G departments post those stats on the Internet), then call various outfitters in that State.

If Idaho strikes your fancy, go to www.ioga.org. That's the Idaho Outfitters & Guides Association. They'll have the names and numbers of Idaho outfitters. Also, you can get a free hard copy directory by calling 800-494-3240.

You can get the idaho F&G regs at www2.state.id.us/fishgame/common/licensing/licenses.htm

Or, you can get a free hard copy of the F&G regs, and non-resident apps at 800-635-7820.

Or, you might contact Ray Atkinson, a profesional booking agent, who lives in southeast Idaho, and knows a great deal more about Idaho outfitters, than I do. He can probably turn you on to a very good, honest outfitter, who hunts in a productive elk area.

Also, with a professional outfitter, you will learn a LOT about elk hunting, and "elk camping" so that perhaps, on a future hunt, you might do-it-yourself, in the same general area.

I no longer book elk hunts with an outfitter, as I'm living where I can scout and hunt on my own. But while living in Los Angeles for 35 years, I booked hunts in four states, Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana, and they were very productive and great enjoyment. No way could I and my hunting buds have taken the time to "scout" those areas and States.

No matter what you do, BE IN GOOD SHAPE when you come out to the western States to seek the Wily Wapiti!!!!

Just my personal opinion and suggestion.

Good luck no matter what decision you make.

L.W

I would recommend Horse Creek Outfitters in Challis, ID. Good, honest, friendly, competent service- which is about all that you can ask for......AND, they kill elk. www.hcoutfiters.com

x

Sent you an e-mail. I may have something in CO or NM that you might find interesting.

Thanks for all of the replies and emails that you fine folks have sent with your recommendations. I've got lot's of data to sort through now.

Thanks again guys...
X