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Where to Elk Hunt - 2015
#5481581
12/16/14 10:11 PM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 50
J Bays
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 50 |
I'm looking for a hunt for four guys total. Due to work vacation schedules, one of the guys is restricted to hunt between the dates of October 17-23 (happens to coincide with CO 2nd rifle season).
Ideally, we'd have 2x1 guide as we want a good chance at a good bull (I don't trust our ability to DIY).
We are thinking NM/CO/WY. I'm familiar with CO, but I believe we'd only be able to hunt private land in the other location due to no preference points, correct?
Has anybody found a good outfitter at the Dallas Safari Club convention?
Any thoughts are appreciated.
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Re: Where to Elk Hunt - 2015
[Re: J Bays]
#5482069
12/17/14 01:20 AM
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 833
Sq2 hunter
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 833 |
A lot of colorado is over the counter for the 2nd rifle season
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Re: Where to Elk Hunt - 2015
[Re: J Bays]
#5482246
12/17/14 02:24 AM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,083
Branden
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,083 |
Most outfitters have Private land tags or you can buy one with out preference points. Not sure what your budget is but most my family guides in colorado on private land $7,500 100% success rate in last 4yrs 340-390" bulls.
TNT is another recommended one, never hunted with them but lots have on here with success
Last edited by Branden; 12/17/14 02:26 AM.
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Re: Where to Elk Hunt - 2015
[Re: Branden]
#5482417
12/17/14 03:25 AM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,414
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,414 |
Most outfitters have Private land tags or you can buy one with out preference points. Not sure what your budget is but most my family guides in colorado on private land $7,500 100% success rate in last 4yrs 340-390" bulls.
TNT is another recommended one, never hunted with them but lots have on here with success Tnt is just doing season leases now. You best bet at high success high quality is NM or Utah. CO is always a good choice...if you don't draw one of those. DSC is not best place of an ELK hunt. Everyone I talked to last year was two year waiting list but most are pushing 350 plus private land Bulls
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Re: Where to Elk Hunt - 2015
[Re: J Bays]
#5482439
12/17/14 03:29 AM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296
stxranchman
Obie Juan Kenobi
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Obie Juan Kenobi
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296 |
I would not over look Texas Elk hunting. Free range in West Texas and no season dates. Some big bulls out West.
Are idiots multiplying faster than normal people?
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Re: Where to Elk Hunt - 2015
[Re: J Bays]
#5482920
12/17/14 02:06 PM
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 672
glb1955
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 672 |
What kind of budget are you looking at? Do you want to hunt on public land or private? g
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Re: Where to Elk Hunt - 2015
[Re: J Bays]
#5483020
12/17/14 02:42 PM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 50
J Bays
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 50 |
I'm under the impression that unless I'm hunting an OTC unit in CO, we'll be hunting private land. None of us have ever tried to draw for tags in any state. Therefore, I don't think we'd get drawn for public land. I need to look into that more...
In addition to CO, I really like the idea of NM, UT, AZ but I have no idea how it works.
A few more details... It will be myself, my BIL, my dad, and dad's best friend. The older two are in great shape for being in their 60's, but they aren't going to be sprinting up mountains like they could 15 years ago.
In my mind, this hunt is really for my dad. He's done 10+ DIY trips to CO, but never come back with anything other than a few modest mule deer. He is the type of guy who enjoys hanging around camp, cooking meals, etc., so I suspect his effort towards "hunting" was real half-hearted. I'd like him to get a good bull while he is still in "fighting shape".
I'm footing the bill for us two as a gift so I'm a little more cost conscious. I had a budget of $5k/per person in my head, but it would be good to not spend all of it. I'd even entertain a scenario where the other three are hunting elk and I'm tagging along for mule deer if that cuts down cost. I have the rest of my life to kill a good bull...
The comments are very much appreciated.
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Re: Where to Elk Hunt - 2015
[Re: J Bays]
#5483029
12/17/14 02:46 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 29,024
Western
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 29,024 |
I'm looking for a hunt for four guys total. Due to work vacation schedules, one of the guys is restricted to hunt between the dates of October 17-23 (happens to coincide with CO 2nd rifle season).
Ideally, we'd have 2x1 guide as we want a good chance at a good bull (I don't trust our ability to DIY).
We are thinking NM/CO/WY. I'm familiar with CO, but I believe we'd only be able to hunt private land in the other location due to no preference points, correct?
Has anybody found a good outfitter at the Dallas Safari Club convention?
Any thoughts are appreciated. From the few times I have attended that, you are shopping the higher end (price) There are many many other outfitters with great rates and great hunting opportunity. You would probably even be cheaper going the through the Cabelas service over DSC, I have a friend that strictly uses the Cabelas service and he can afford any hunt sold at the DSC convention. I could throw you a few outfitters names in SW Colorado if you want them, they have a great success rate, but don't expect 400" bulls
Last edited by Western; 12/17/14 02:47 PM.
If at first you dont succeed, then skydiving is not for you..
"Don't trust everything you read on the Internet"- Abraham Lincoln Dennis
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Re: Where to Elk Hunt - 2015
[Re: Western]
#5483045
12/17/14 02:55 PM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 50
J Bays
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 50 |
I'm looking for a hunt for four guys total. Due to work vacation schedules, one of the guys is restricted to hunt between the dates of October 17-23 (happens to coincide with CO 2nd rifle season).
Ideally, we'd have 2x1 guide as we want a good chance at a good bull (I don't trust our ability to DIY).
We are thinking NM/CO/WY. I'm familiar with CO, but I believe we'd only be able to hunt private land in the other location due to no preference points, correct?
Has anybody found a good outfitter at the Dallas Safari Club convention?
Any thoughts are appreciated. From the few times I have attended that, you are shopping the higher end (price) There are many many other outfitters with great rates and great hunting opportunity. You would probably even be cheaper going the through the Cabelas service over DSC, I have a friend that strictly uses the Cabelas service and he can afford any hunt sold at the DSC convention. I could throw you a few outfitters names in SW Colorado if you want them, they have a great success rate, but don't expect 400" bulls I'd appreciate any outfitter recommendations you have. I'd like for us to have the opportunity to hit the 300"+ mark if at all possible.
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Re: Where to Elk Hunt - 2015
[Re: J Bays]
#5483103
12/17/14 03:13 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 29,024
Western
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 29,024 |
OK let me do some looking so I can get you links to their web pages, 300" is very possible, I have personally seen many over 340", but that is on the high average and over the last 30+ years hunting there. Elk get thicker in numbers every year I believe as well
If at first you dont succeed, then skydiving is not for you..
"Don't trust everything you read on the Internet"- Abraham Lincoln Dennis
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Re: Where to Elk Hunt - 2015
[Re: J Bays]
#5483130
12/17/14 03:25 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 29,024
Western
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 29,024 |
Having trouble find all their sites? But here are a couple of great guys, they have alllooot of land available. I have friends that hunt with them all the time and do damn good. They are based in Norwood/Redvale CO. They are good people Lance & Zandon Bray http://www.brayranches.com/
If at first you dont succeed, then skydiving is not for you..
"Don't trust everything you read on the Internet"- Abraham Lincoln Dennis
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Re: Where to Elk Hunt - 2015
[Re: J Bays]
#5483136
12/17/14 03:27 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 29,024
Western
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 29,024 |
Here is another good guy, Tom and his wife are top notch and also has allot of land available. Has a great "lodge" overlooking Gurley lake close to hunting and lives by a friend of mine, good people as well. http://www.coloradotrophies.com/
If at first you dont succeed, then skydiving is not for you..
"Don't trust everything you read on the Internet"- Abraham Lincoln Dennis
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Re: Where to Elk Hunt - 2015
[Re: J Bays]
#5483174
12/17/14 03:40 PM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 29,024
Western
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 29,024 |
Here is another great family, have had dinner, birthday parties with them years ago, just plain down to earth working folks and they have some awesome land, one of the biggest bulls I have seen came off their Elk range. They live right there and put hunters up in a cabin about 70 yards from the house, they also have a eating cabin out front. It is a working ranch/farm and you will have deer and elk in the alfalfa fields around the house that come out of the surrounding "woods". Probably one of the best value hunts you will find. Griffiths are gold https://es-es.facebook.com/pages/North-Mountain-Hunting-Camp/243974612420141
If at first you dont succeed, then skydiving is not for you..
"Don't trust everything you read on the Internet"- Abraham Lincoln Dennis
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Re: Where to Elk Hunt - 2015
[Re: J Bays]
#5483357
12/17/14 04:38 PM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 5,080
Elkhunter49
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 5,080 |
Check out Tim Matschee Guide service near Leadville, Colorado. He guides in GMU49 where I used to elk hunt every year. I've never used him but used to hunt some of the same public land and he's an honest man who works hard for his customers as well. Area 49 takes about 9/10 points to draw into these days. The points creep is making it very tough to draw a decent tag but Matschee might have some contacts to help pick up some landowner tags. Good Luck with your choice. Baker http://www.matscheeguide.com/
A true friend reaches for your hand but touches your heart.
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Re: Where to Elk Hunt - 2015
[Re: J Bays]
#5483518
12/17/14 05:40 PM
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 131
Hymer
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 131 |
If your thinking new Mexico I would look at trifecta outdoors! Jared is a forum member.
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Re: Where to Elk Hunt - 2015
[Re: J Bays]
#5483996
12/17/14 09:34 PM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 50
J Bays
OP
Outdoorsman
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OP
Outdoorsman
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 50 |
Thanks for the recommendations guys. I'll look into them.
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Re: Where to Elk Hunt - 2015
[Re: J Bays]
#5492655
12/22/14 03:53 PM
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Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 128
GotMyTag
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 128 |
I would apply for the best tags. Someone has to draw. over the years you will get the good hunts. If you can afford it buy the tags and/or go outfitted now but apply for the draws anyway.
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