If you were going to do one (antelope, elk, or mule deer) which would be the best bet for a budget-conscious hunt?

I would say antelope is your cheapest route. A buddy and I did a DIY hunt in eastern Wyoming last fall for antelope and had a blast. Really cheap for the amount of hunting we did. We didn't pay any trespass fees either, just used public land and knocked on doors. Hard to beat a buck for a $300 license and $50 a doe. If you want some more info just pm me.

quote:

Originally posted by kala_azar:
If you were going to do one (antelope, elk, or mule deer) which would be the best bet for a budget-conscious hunt?

Early-season Wyoming antelope often has pretty nice weather, too. Montana antelope is later in the year and can get chilly. I've not hunted Arizona or New Mexico, can't be of much help there.

For a non-resident, I'd say it'd be pretty hard to beat a Wyoming or Montana pronghorn hunt. I've had really good times chasing those buggers in Wyoming. In some units you can apply for three tags and have a great time hunting for several days. If you're in the right area, you can also apply for a deer tag and bank on a whole week chasing goats and deer around. That's a load of fun for the relatively low price of admission.

If you just want a good hunt and meat, don't overlook a cow elk hunt. Several western states have relatively easy to draw cow tags, especially if you're up for hunting with a bow or muzzleloader.

for the money i'd have to agree with the above advice for antelope.

i've hunted SE Wy a couple of times now all on public land spot and stalk with my rifle in early october and was able to take a couple of decent bucks. no monsters, although we did spot a couple of really nice bucks (esp for public dirt).

the most fun i've ever had on a hunt was a DIY mule deer hunt in SW CO in the San Juan forest. i drew a third season rifle tag on my first try. it was very tough, i took off work the entire 9 day season, and got my buck on day 8. it was the most rewarding hunt i've ever done, but it was a little more expensive and required more time and effort, especially the getting in shape part to tackle the mountains.

I will add a small bit of info not covered

Most Pronghorn buck tags cost about the same as a buck deer tag for us non residents

Antelope in Wyoming

They are easy to hunt and most likely, you will take home a nice buck.

I would still rather hunt deer or elk but its hard to go wrong with an antelope hunt IMO.

how much do you want to spend? Antelope hunt in WY is definitely a good one. Could also buy some landowner tags for elk in NM. top units will cost you in the thousands, but some of the other units can offer great DIY public hunts for very reasonable prices.

That's a good one too bobby. NM landowner certificates for elk can be had for reasonable prices if you don't need big bulls and lots of services. There are also some private land mule deer hunts here in NM that aren't terribly expensive. That could be another option.

Don't overlook bears. I've seen pretty decent prices for bear hunts in NM, MT, and ID. That could be fun if you're interested in something a little different.

As much as I have enjoyed hunting and fishing in a number of parts of the world, with 5 star guides and service, 4 star guides and service, and sometimes less , this is something that I want to get back to.

Just to go hunt with my son or with my bud or two . Just us, no guides, just hunting and seeing what you see. Of course I would prefer it to be in a area where we would have a better chance of seeing animals and filling a tag or two.

For my purposes the price does not have to be super low or budget, nor full on high either. The primary thing would be to just hunt and have fun and have a chance to fill a tag.

I would be more than grateful if someone would point me in that direction, whether in New Mexico or up in Wyoming.

Coop, I hunted the San Juan area up there a couple of times in my younger days. Tough up there. I thought I was ready - the second year I really was.

One of the hunts was really not so good. We had an outfitter but as it turned out most of his total land was public land, even though his land was adjacent to the public land. On the opening morning we could count orange dots out there LOL.

Very good info, thanks guys!

Anyone use or recommend a service, like TAGS or the others?

I don't mind doing the research myself, but with small ones running about the house and a full-time job my internet time is limited at best!

There's a good option for cow elk right here on AR.

The NM Game and Fish routinely posts the names and contact information for ranches that have either elk or antelope certificates available.

Ranches with elk certificates

Ranches with antelope certificates

Of course, these were for this hunting year, but ranches often participate year after year. Check back on the NMDGF page in early August, which is when they usually post the current year's lists.

kala, I too have three little curtain climbers, but have never used one of those services. I have easily completed the WY applications myself each year since 2006 (excluding 2013).

Wyoming even has a "Plan your hunt" section on their webpage to help you get it sorted out.

If you opt for NM, it it also pretty easy. Both application systems are online and accessible. If you have NM questions, I'd be happy to assist via PM or email.

I knew I'd get the straight dope here. Looks like I need to do some more reading and send some PMS!

Thanks to all

You could always put in the for NM Draw and see if you get lucky (no point system, so you're in the same boat as all non-residents). If no luck there then pull up those landowner lists like DesertRam posted and start making phone calls.

If you want a simple way of knowing what units are best, and the odds, etc... I would buy a subscription to the Hunting Fool. I don't agree with 100% of what they say, but it does give you a nice over view of the states, and what units are going to be long shots to draw, etc... This might also be valuable because it can show you what units you can easily draw. For example some good units in WY, especially when putting in the $pecial draw.

Back to NM: There are also people who specifically deal in landowner tags, and that might be another option to keep in mind. Of course they make a little money from the tag, but they also can pass on a good bit of info on what unit you might want to hunt in depending on what you are looking for.

I've dealt with one in NM that I would recommend. If you want a contact for that shoot me a PM.

quote:

As much as I have enjoyed hunting and fishing in a number of parts of the world, with 5 star guides and service, 4 star guides and service, and sometimes less , this is something that I want to get back to.

Just to go hunt with my son or with my bud or two . Just us, no guides, just hunting and seeing what you see. Of course I would prefer it to be in a area where we would have a better chance of seeing animals and filling a tag or two

TexKD:

I like guided and self guided hunts.

I really like your train of thought. I couldn't agree more. I have thought the same as my kids are getting older.

Send me a PM and I would be glad to help you out on a self guided hunt in my home area (Utah or Wyoming)!

Thank you Jason. A PM is headed to you tomorrow .

I got side swiped by the flu. Not me, but instead worse - my daughter .

Thanks again .

if pronghorn aren't on the menu there's some great public land whitetail hunting in Northern Idaho. Rut rifle tags OTC, plenty of public land, good chance on a decent 100+ inch buck, nice scenery to boot. PM for more info.