Any one know the best place for the money to hunt elk? Never purchased a non resident tag anywhere so this is new to me. I don't want to hunt a game ranch. Thanks!

Colorado would probably be the cheapest route w/ an OTC tag.

Oklahoma technically is the cheapest at $ 308 but its all private unless you win a draw hunt

Colorado would likely be your best bet but for me I'd go with the Montana draw. Deer elk combo is around $900 and that's either species deer, elk, fishing and upland bird on the lisence. I will be back in a year or two with a new plan.

If you ever find one that's cheap tell us. Wyoming was $550 a pop this year smh….

IMO, that still isn't too bad, its the trip that has become expensive anymore. Add the travel and incidentals and it can get 10 $1500 in a hurry.

I like Ok. price, if a fellas could locate a LO that despises Elk, may be able to hunt for a cheap trespass fee IDK.

Should I get a guide if I hunt Colorado or Montana or wyoming?

Look for Sneaky, OTC Elk hunt for this fall and sign up.......It is in the topic forum

http://www.texashuntingforum.com/forum/u...nt.#Post4556795

Your cost just went up times five. You can do some research and leg work and have a good chance at an animal on public land yourself. I've killed mule deer and elk without a guide on public land in Montana and Colorado just do the work and prepare yourself for realistic results, meaning, don't expect a 350" public land bull on land you don't know and an area you didn't scout.

dang android Stole my post. been hunting WMA for hogs since they opened up one close by for hogs. no disrespect ta the guides, lost my job ta high-tech. fought for it. the law won, so know something about loosing income. ta guy on American Ninja Warrior hes from Tyler good try

Yeah thats what I'm thinking. Just kinda crappy to eat all that money if I don't tag out. Then again a hunt like that would be a success regardless if I tag out or not I suppose.

$1500 lets say on the cheap to get a tag and do it yourself. $5500 for guide on the cheap, give me three tries at it on my own for close to same money and I'll succeed, plus its three trips to one.

The public land we hunt up here in WY has tons of elk. Last year at one point we were on a herd of about 400 and the week before, our manager shot a cow out of a herd of about 800 (they gave up counting after they reached that many). It is perfectly do able on your own just know how to read a map and be ready to cover lots of ground. Dress warm because around here they stay above the tree line where the wind howls at 40-50mph and the snow blows side ways. Having a horse makes things a lot easier. This will give you an idea about the conditions we hunt in keep in mind this was early in the season:

Amen.

Don't get caught in the $$ trap. Getting an animal is of course the point, but worrying about "getting your moneys worth" sure can take the fun out of a great trip. Better to look at it as a great adventure/vacation that has the potential to produce. I know what you mean though, it is allot of $$, but good for the soul and as much a guarantee as sitting in a stand waiting for a 150" deer. IMO.

Going with a group as Sneaky is doing, is a great way to get your boots wet and can help lesson the expense if you have a ride along to share fuel and the like.

I went with a outfitter in Colorado last year as it was my first time elk hunting, yes it was expensive but it was worth it to me as it was my vacation for the year. Im doing the same thing again this year with the same guys. As for next year I don't know yet, I might try Montana for elk and deer, but that's a long way off still.

Also its nice with a outfitter to have extra eyes with you in the field to spot and also to help pack the meat out.

I have never been on a "guided" elk hunt, but have friends that have been on many and went with me on DIY hunts. They say it is the difference between night and day, one your catered too and get little experience BUT have better odds. DIY requires you to stand on your own.

I guess it is a matter of preference and if I where uber rich, I wouldn't mind be taken out and catered too one bit. I do think I appreciate my Public land bulls More than I would if I was led to one.

Don't construe the above as a negative statement for guided hunting, by far not what I meant, just pointing out there is a big difference in many aspects, such as staying in a warm lodge vs in the elements in a tent. I think both would be enjoyable, just one is easier and one is cheaper.

The biggest advantage of a guided hunt is that the logistics of getting into the hunting area and getting back out hopefully with a trophy are taken care of. Getting an Elk off the mountain is a major logistics job.

Actually....TEXAS is the cheapest, since elk are a non-game animal. BUT....finding a hunting spot is the expensive part!

Yeah, if you look at for just the cost of the tag, but that isn't the "true cost". The one ranch I hunted S. of Pecos, had an Elk herd...$3,000 kill fee....I stuck with the mule deer LOL

You can get an over the counter elk tag in Utah for around $400. I do it every year with my pops. Hard hunting though. All public land but beautiful country.

Plenty of elk?

Technically since he said draw. . Texas is 3 dollars plus Licenses and Oklahoma is 8 plus licenses but
If you draw oklahoma success runs almost 100% where texas its single digits. If you already hunt okla public draw is a no brainer

otc for elk in october in colorado is 604$ and you get a fishing liscense with that..remember you have to have a hunters ed card..unless you are in your mid 60's..otc goes on sale august 5th..u have to have your hunters ed card # at time of purchase..like western said..sneaky is getting together a group to go on the 2nd season hunt in october..check out that thread..cool guys

If there are a decent number of elk, that's an interesting idea.