Where to Elk Hunt - 2015

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.

A lot of colorado is over the counter for the 2nd rifle season

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

I would not over look Texas Elk hunting. Free range in West Texas and no season dates. Some big bulls out West.

What kind of budget are you looking at? Do you want to hunt on public land or private?
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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.

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.

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

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/

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/

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

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/

If your thinking new Mexico I would look at trifecta outdoors! Jared is a forum member.

Thanks for the recommendations guys. I'll look into them.

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.