Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Elk Hunting Elk Camp/Land

Really practical advise there. Especially the part about checking your frozen elk meat in single "bag" on an airplane.

Yes, BLM land is public land. Whether or not it's open to hunting is mostly up to that state fish and game. Camping allowances are managed by the pertinent BLM office, but for the most part camping is allowed most everywhere.

No, the grazing permittee/leasee may not prevent you from using that land for any purpose. It's a "prohibitive act" per the terms and conditions of their grazing permit/lease.

the meat on the plane is a good idea, but think through based on baggage limits/costs. Flying coach, you can't go over 50lbs, and if you go over 2 bags, you get an additional fee. If a bag goes over BOTH weight and is the 3rd bag, you get BOTH fees. Do the math out and see which way works better, you are talking 150-200lbs of meat.

Good info, thanks. Maybe I should be looking into BLM land instead of the National Forest land.

I own a small property in elk country, three hours from here. I can see the attraction. I did see it.

The reality is that its a lot of work and expense. We do use it for much more than hunting. But still, I can't imagine owning property 30 hours from home for such a purpose. Just for example, squatters are real. Our only neighbors out there had squatters for months, they didn't check on their place and who are we to assume that someone isn't supposed to be there? Weeds, mowing, taxes, upkeep, insurance and the list goes on. In my case its ok, I knew what I was getting into and we visit frequently year round. Just for elk season, no way. Spend that on outfitters and gear, you'll be way ahead.

Meat processors can freeze your processed big game and ship via provided cooler. Or waxed cardboard boxes designed specifically to ship meat or fish. Alaska hunters have been doing it for years. Co. is much shorter. You notify your airline and they will ship in the freezer. If dry ice is used, you must notify them but can still be shipped. All airports have commercial cargo shipping, including frozen food. Do your homework and you will find a solution. Keep attention to weight and be smart how you ship. Get the shipping schedule and plan accordingly.
There are commercial cargo shippers that will deliver to your home.
When you think about gas, motel and time on the road, never mind weather conditions, you are miles ahead.

Are you only looking in Colorado or are you ok with other areas out west? In western MT you could probably buy 20 acres off grid for 20 to 30K and put up a small pole barn structure on a concrete slab for another 20K and if you wanted to develop it with power, water septic etc. , probably another 15-20K and be all in for less than 75K.

Sure as hell wish I could buy vacant land in SW MT for $1000/acre!!!

No, Montana might be even better. I mentioned Colorado only because the tags are readily available. I think I am going to wait a few years when I hopefully have more free time. I did something similar in New England where I bought a plot of forest and built a small cabin with no electric or water. I use it as a hunting/recreational property. It's 6.5 hours from home, though, so I don't get up there nearly as much as I would like. I was there this past weekend.