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Elk Outfitter Advice/Recommendations #6924075 10/17/17 11:09 PM
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My dad is retiring at the end of this year, and I want to take him on a guided elk hunt in 2018 as a gift. I've been elk hunting once and it was a DIY. I'd appreciate any advice/recommendations the group has. Here is some more info:

- I think we'd prefer NM or CO due to driving distance, but I guess we could do the 4-corners area of AZ/UT.
- Rifle only
- My dad is 65, but in decent shape for 65 (no physical disabilities). However, I'm not looking to physically stress the old man out on the top of some mountain.
- 2x1 guided hunt is fine. There will be 4 of us total going.
- Him having a legitimate chance at a trophy (hang over the fireplace) bull is important to me.

Again, any advice or recommendations is more than appreciated. Also, how much should I expect this to set me back?

Thank you.

Re: Elk Outfitter Advice/Recommendations [Re: J Bays] #6924079 10/17/17 11:11 PM
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BOBO the Clown Offline
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Private land NM.

But really comes down to budget


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Re: Elk Outfitter Advice/Recommendations [Re: J Bays] #6924268 10/18/17 02:30 AM
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Re: Elk Outfitter Advice/Recommendations [Re: BOBO the Clown] #6924345 10/18/17 03:50 AM
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Originally Posted By: BOBO the Clown
Private land NM.

But really comes down to budget


This for sure.



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Re: Elk Outfitter Advice/Recommendations [Re: J Bays] #6924399 10/18/17 09:58 AM
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Following


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Re: Elk Outfitter Advice/Recommendations [Re: J Bays] #6924524 10/18/17 12:59 PM
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I don't know what your budget is, but I've heard good things about New Mexico Trophy Hunt. It would be close too.

Re: Elk Outfitter Advice/Recommendations [Re: J Bays] #6924547 10/18/17 01:13 PM
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Is it the quality of animals that has people recommending NM?

Regarding budget, I'll spend whatever the market rate is to have a legitimate chance at a decent bull. What should I expect?

Re: Elk Outfitter Advice/Recommendations [Re: J Bays] #6924625 10/18/17 02:09 PM
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As BoBo mentioned, budget. Lonestar Outfitters is a Texas based outfit but they hunt the southern part of Colorado. They book pretty quickly and I know a hunter that has been with them before. If you don't mind the drive to Utah, I can recommend Broadmouth Canyon Ranch. If your dad is not up to much of a walk then they can work with that. My guide and I were on horses for my hunt.

Re: Elk Outfitter Advice/Recommendations [Re: J Bays] #6925054 10/18/17 08:51 PM
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What is a reasonable expectation for cost? $5,000? $7,500? $10,000? $12,500?

Re: Elk Outfitter Advice/Recommendations [Re: J Bays] #6925058 10/18/17 08:59 PM
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Originally Posted By: J Bays
What is a reasonable expectation for cost? $5,000? $7,500? $10,000? $12,500?


I believe that Lonestar Outfitters is over $7,000.00 now. Zane Streater hunts in NM and he is around that now. Broadmouth Canyon prices will depend on what you want. Go to their website and the prices are there.
With Lonestar or Streater there is no guarantee but when I hunted with Zane there was a herd of around 120 I was looking at one morning.
With Broadmouth I was on their Preserve (5,000 acres). I saw plenty of elk and the folks there were great. Kind of went over my budget with a 374 inch bull.

Re: Elk Outfitter Advice/Recommendations [Re: J Bays] #6925090 10/18/17 09:25 PM
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Originally Posted By: J Bays
What is a reasonable expectation for cost? $5,000? $7,500? $10,000? $12,500?


That's a loaded question. The higher the outfitter cost the larger the animal size is in general, as size increases "overall" bull opportunity increases also.

Example, book a hunt with an outfitter that runs a 330 average and 90% success. You will, with an extremely high probability, have shot opportunities at 260-300 bulls, and a very good opportunity at a 330 or better.

If they average 360 and 90%, it's pretty much a gaurenteed(99%) opportunity at a legal bull,


Most outfitters will be very upfront, I highly suggest you also be upfront with physical abilities and expectations


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Re: Elk Outfitter Advice/Recommendations [Re: J Bays] #6925097 10/18/17 09:27 PM
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Originally Posted By: J Bays
Is it the quality of animals that has people recommending NM?

Regarding budget, I'll spend whatever the market rate is to have a legitimate chance at a decent bull. What should I expect?


Physical ability... mild mild terrain by majority. Still a few hell holes in a few units like 45 but in general less physical demanding hunts then say Colorado.

Quality and experience is also really good in NM. Highly restricted tag numbers

Montana and Wyoming have some less physical country also.


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Re: Elk Outfitter Advice/Recommendations [Re: J Bays] #6925157 10/18/17 10:26 PM
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Bobo has more experience than I do on this subject.

That being said, I'm headed to western MT in a week (driving). I know that's further north than you want to go. Outfitted/guided, short (1-1&1/2 hour) horseback in, we're in for a little under $4k each.

If you have any interest, PM me, I'll save it and reply how the outfitter was when I get back.

I've been on a couple of guided/horseback hunts in south-central MT, but it's been too long to remember, or extrapolate to today's numbers, what it cost.

Wherever you choose, you're doing a great thing for your dad and are to be commended! Good hunting.


...and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Gen. 1:28
Re: Elk Outfitter Advice/Recommendations [Re: Creekrunner] #6925167 10/18/17 10:39 PM
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Originally Posted By: Creekrunner
Bobo has more experience than I do on this subject.

That being said, I'm headed to western MT in a week (driving). I know that's further north than you want to go. Outfitted/guided, short (1-1&1/2 hour) horseback in, we're in for a little under $4k each.

If you have any interest, PM me, I'll save it and reply how the outfitter was when I get back.

I've been on a couple of guided/horseback hunts in south-central MT, but it's been too long to remember, or extrapolate to today's numbers, what it cost.

Wherever you choose, you're doing a great thing for your dad and are to be commended! Good hunting.


Hey thanks for letting me know about that outfitter months ago.....


Seriously, let me know how you do, that is a great price.

Good luck


For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
Re: Elk Outfitter Advice/Recommendations [Re: J Bays] #6925185 10/18/17 10:56 PM
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Very much appreciated, Bobo. Any pointers where to start a search (other than Google)?

Creekrunner - Best of luck! I'd love to hear how you do.

Re: Elk Outfitter Advice/Recommendations [Re: J Bays] #6926844 10/20/17 02:24 PM
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Don't do the Indian reservation hunts. They offer a cheap price then hit you with all the hidden/undisclosed fees.


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Re: Elk Outfitter Advice/Recommendations [Re: J Bays] #6930246 10/23/17 07:49 PM
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Originally Posted By: J Bays
Very much appreciated, Bobo. Any pointers where to start a search (other than Google)?

Creekrunner - Best of luck! I'd love to hear how you do.


You want the premium monster bulls? White Apache and Acoma

After those you have a handful of really good private land outfitters Etc. UUu express bar, BMO, Ridgeline, etc

I’d call a broker like Epic outdoors and see what they refer you to.

Out side of NM, I don’t know a bunch but Utah and Montana are also big private land(tag) states with great bulls.


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Re: Elk Outfitter Advice/Recommendations [Re: J Bays] #6930779 10/24/17 02:01 AM
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I forgot about sage brush outfitters on here also. Jeremy runs a very good operation and kills great bulls. The terrain he hunts is very non physical also. But he books up quick because he only takes two or three hunters a year.


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Re: Elk Outfitter Advice/Recommendations [Re: J Bays] #6931121 10/24/17 12:39 PM
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I have used All American Outfitters - Brandon Gaudelli in Reserve, NM.

http://gilaguide.com/

Keep in mind, New Mexico elk hunts are done thru their lottery, unless you book a private land hunt. If you go to the All American website, check out the gallery and you will see my elk on the 3rd row 2nd from the left! My hunt was a muzzle loader hunt and took that bull at 154 yards! I was 63 years old at that time.


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Re: Elk Outfitter Advice/Recommendations [Re: BOBO the Clown] #6931143 10/24/17 12:49 PM
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Originally Posted By: BOBO the Clown
I forgot about sage brush outfitters on here also. Jeremy runs a very good operation and kills great bulls. The terrain he hunts is very non physical also. But he books up quick because he only takes two or three hunters a year.


Money no object, this is who I would go with. Jeremy kills some monsters, and has a stellar reputation.



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Re: Elk Outfitter Advice/Recommendations [Re: GOLDSTEIN] #6931311 10/24/17 02:26 PM
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Anyone have a ballpark estimate for a Sage NM elk hunt? I'll call them, but thought someone on here might know.

Re: Elk Outfitter Advice/Recommendations [Re: Grosvenor] #6931326 10/24/17 02:35 PM
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Originally Posted By: Grosvenor
Anyone have a ballpark estimate for a Sage NM elk hunt? I'll call them, but thought someone on here might know.



I’d call, or just PM jeremyks


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Re: Elk Outfitter Advice/Recommendations [Re: J Bays] #6931364 10/24/17 02:59 PM
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Gohunt.com


Originally Posted by unclebubba
Just to make sure that it is done thoroughly, I go both ways.

Re: Elk Outfitter Advice/Recommendations [Re: TexFlip] #6931411 10/24/17 03:36 PM
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Originally Posted By: TexFlip
Gohunt.com


Great resource especially draw odds.


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Re: Elk Outfitter Advice/Recommendations [Re: J Bays] #6931439 10/24/17 03:53 PM
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You guys are great... much appreciated, amigos. I’ll reach out to those recommendations this week.

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