Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Elk Hunting First Time Elk Hunt Recommendation

I'm wanting to go elk hunting in 2009 or 2010. I have never hunted elk before. Hiddencreek outfitters of Cody Wyoming are awesome guides for the wilderness pack trips but I have my father who will be going with me and he's not able to do this type of hunt. Where should I go and what outfitting service should I do where I can get guarantee tags and costs between 4000-6000 dollars. I would like to be able to see 300-350 class bulls. I would like to hear your recommendations from the experiences you've had. A ranch style hunt would the best type.

New Mexico landowner tags would be your best bet. I don't have any recommendations but there are a lot of different options, do a google search. You and your father will have a great time hunting elk where ever you go.

Kent

New Mexico would work for ya , but I think your costs are going to run $6000 and up.......

Look at some of the hunts offered in Montana especially in the SW corner of the state. A lot of 4x4 type hunts, and they can get into some nice bulls. Cost about 4500-6000.00 depending on what you want, and such.

A couple of Colorado Ranching for Wildlife ranches that come to my mind are Cross Mountain, close to Craig or Hayden and Bear Mountain Ranch, which is in somewhat the same area.

My buddy just hunted Cross Mountain in September. He called this his best trip ever and he has hunted Colorado for about 20 years. He did not get a big bull because he could not shoot. He did get a small bull elk. You can go there without having to worry about drawing or the season.

Colorao Ranching for Wildlife does not permit nonresidents to apply

I know a fellow from Kentucky who hunted Cross Mountain last year and he got permits. His photo is on their web site with a nice antelope he shot with his pistol.

Saddlesore, you are talking about drawing tags for Ranching for wildlife. However, only 10 % of the bull tags go to the drawings. The other 90% of the tags belong to the ranch to sell to anyone at whatever price they can get.

I am a D-I-Y hunter so can't help you with specifics for what you desire. Just a thought. Consider joining Huntin'Fool to get access to their connections. Annual cost is $100 but the monthly stories are educational and enjoyable. The member resources have been very helpful to me as well. Be sure to get multiple references to get the most bang for your buck but do go. Hope you have the trip of a lifetime with your dad.