Looking for recommendations on a outfitter for Elk in Wyoming in next couple of years.
I have 8 pref pts.
Fair chase rifle hunt.
Horseback into canvas tent camp, then horseback around to hunt.
6'2" 190 lb 5o+yo flat lander farmboy construction worker with no lung capacity anymore, but not lazy.
Hunted out west before diy numerous times.
Don't want/need to hold hands with a guide, unless she wants to.
Looking for decent bull, with the odd chance of a 380+ around.
Under/around $7500.00 without tags/locker/travel fees.
Any recommendations would be great.
Thank you
My fathers first elk hunt was with triangle x in 1976 he still talk about it !
My two sons and I had great hunts with Wolverine Creek Outfitters but it has been many years since we hunted with them and some changes have been made in their operation, which may be for the good or bad.
You won't find a hunt for a 380" bull for $7500.
Big changes coming to our NR draw also so get those PPs and decide of you want to go the Special draw route, more expensive.
They are going to NR Regions on the General tags and the Special price increase will affect draw odds for regular draw.
Not sure how it will affect the LQ tags though.
Next year will be telling on the draw odds going forward.
How do you feel about hunting in grizz country? If no concerns then the whole state is open.
NW part and Bighorns may be your best bet for a tent camp hunt with horses. Wyoming Range, Pinedale areas are good ones too.
I should clarify, big bulls can be found all over the state but if you want a good chance at a 380" bull it won't be for $7500 probably. Those areas take more PPs and the outfitters charge accordingly, however the right General tag in the NW part or Bighorns may well get you that chance.
Some ranches also will have big bulls and some are in General areas but will not be a horseback , backcountry type of hunt for the most part.
Thanks for the input.
My 380" is probably an exaggeration if you will.
I am a Midwest whitetail hunter, so Elk and inches do not register very well to me.
I understand completely, the vast majority of elk are younger smaller bulls.
I would say I am looking for the equivalent of a 120" to 130" 21/2-year-old whitetail with a chance there are 160" 31/2- to 41/2-year-old whitetails around, albeit in Elk form.
So maybe a should say with an chance at the odd 330" 3 1/2-year-old + bull?
Anyways
Thanks for all replies.
Anybody else?
Thanks
I can’t believe I’m about to do this, and my friends and family would chastise me for suggesting it to a nonresident, but:
If it were me and I was planning on coming here for the type of experience you’re looking for, I would look for an outfitter that would take me into the Thorofare.
Not sure what that costs outsiders, but that’s what I’d do.
Couple friends outfit in the Thorofare region and this year those hunts are running $8 to 8.5K. Will likely go up if NR's get more restricted on licenses imo. Bulls in there I'd say generally average 270-300 with the occasional 330 plus thrown in.
My vote would b the Thorofare. Hunted it few years ago and was a blast.I'M 76 now and would not dare try it again. Used my 13 points for a easy hunt and now out of the points game.
Martin outfitters. The closest town would be Moran Wyoming. Dan is a top notch guy. His guides are awesome as well. Is in the Thorofare region. 8 points should be more then enough to get you a tag in those units. You can PM me for more info if you would like.
Martin outfitters. The closest town would be Moran Wyoming. Dan is a top notch guy. His guides are awesome as well. Is in the Thorofare region. 8 points should be more then enough to get you a tag in those units. You can PM me for more info if you would like.
Welcome to the Fire
Several good outfitters in the Pinedale area also and they are wilderness type hunts too. Might be a few less grizz over that way.
I'd sure have a chat with some outfitters about the Regular and Special draw prices and how that and the new Regions are going to affect draw odds, whole new ball game next year. 8 PPs should be plenty for a General though.
I don't think your 330" goal is way out there, that's a nice sized bull but more like say 6 yrs not 3 1/2 year old.
There is no secret about hunting the Yellowstone thorofare. It’s been a very productive area for many many years depending on weather and season. My late Brother was a guide for fifteen years in Western Wyoming and Eastern Idaho but pulled away from the thorofare when it got too crowded
Rick
My two sons and I had great hunts with Wolverine Creek Outfitters but it has been many years since we hunted with them and some changes have been made in their operation, which may be for the good or bad.
My son was the wrangler for this outfit a while back. My brother hunted with them last fall. They are still a first rate outfit and offer a quality hunt. Ryan is still involved and his new partner, Chris Watters, is very conscientious, hard working and knows his stuff.