Getting started on booking an Elk trip for 2022 for the wife and I. Can't do it this year. Either semi-guided or guided.
Looking for recommendations on outfitters, states, etc.
We don't need record bulls or want to do any draws. Also don't need luxury and backcountry roughing it is actually preferred. Want the true experience.

Any help is appreciated.

When I say affordable...I know that is subjective. In my mind I am thinking like $5000. Don't know if that is doable or not though.

Well after googling "elk outfitters" and checking the first page, $5000 probably isn't doable.
We just want an affordable adventure type big game hunt of some kind.

I think you could get a pretty good mule deer/pronghorn combo in Wyoming for $5000. You might check that; I think that might be my next hunt.

Look for landowner tags online and see if someone is willing to sell theirs and put you up..

There are also some outfitters who will set you up in public land areas OTC tags for around $3500 with a camp and horses, but its public land and success usually runs about 25%. Normally they exist to service hunters who draw tags in limited units.

Look in New Mexico, Arizona, Wyoming and Colorado.

It’s been awhile but there are some pretty decent general tag outfitted hunts in WY for 5-6K. A general tag takes a point or two I think. WYTEX will know the up-to-date scoop.

A real “backcountry experience” hunt packing in with horses can be had in MT on a general tag but it’s going to cost quite a bit more than 5K.

Prices all across the board have really gotten crazy over the past decade.

The mule deer/pronghorn combo is a good idea too.

This may turn in to a DIY thing lol!

PM me Chris

Read my signature.

Whatever state you decide on......research the Fish and Game website to make sure they are a legal/legitimate outfitter!!!

You'll need some PP for a Wyoming hunt.

Colorado OTC might fit your bill but price will be more than $5,000.

Lobo Outfitters run a good operation. Have not hunted elk with them but did an unguided turkey hunt and Dick Ray was great to deal with.
Other good outfitters out there for Colorado pack in hunts. Public land will have mixed results for success though.

My daughter-in-laws uncle runs a pretty good outfit here locally, but I don't know what they charge anymore. Fly into Idaho Falls easily, short drive to Swan Valley. Beautiful mountain country, 2 hour horse ride into a tented camp, but still close to towns. No roads, so a lot less pressure from local hunters. You might give them a shout out for a 2022 hunt. OTC license and deer/elk tags, good bear, lion, wolf country (can exchange a tag for one of these

http://www.swanvalleyoutfitters.net

cbump,
many units in Colorado have over the counter tags for 2nd and 3rd rifle season. Bull Tags for non-residents are $688. There are many reputable outfitters who will pack you into a drop-camp where they have wall tents, stoves, cots etc set up for you in a productive area. Depending on the size of your group, they typically charge $2000-$2500 per person. Some of these units can definitely be crowded, so the further in you are willing to ride, the better. As someone already said, success rates will be lower and 25% is probably not unreasonable. One more note, I know you said you didnt want to draw, but many units have a very high draw percentage for first rifle season (Oct 16-20 this year). I would always rather hunt these dates, than later in the year and the cost is the same...

hope that helps.

Lou

oh yeah, one more thing...demand for drop camps in colorado has gone crazy since covid hit. all reputable outfitters are completely booked for 2021 and most are almost booked for 2022 so now is the time to commit...

5 k is doable, but is the low end of the going rate for guided hunts.

Since you have lots of time before your hunt I'd go the DIY route. Start applying NOW for points in some states. The deadline in Colorado and Montana is closing fast so get in the game. You have time to get gear/equipment and if you "want the true experience". Go DIY

Might google Danny Price out of Lindreth, New Mexico. Private land hunt with land owner tags. Ask a lot of questions. Daniel

If you're the lucky type try getting a tag to hunt one of the elk herds now dotting a few states east of the Mississippi. My last Kentucky elk hunt cost me far less than any elk hunt I've been on in the rockies. The tag draw was $10, and after drawing, the permit was $60.

Kentucky uses a pure lottery system with no preference points. A guy applying for the first time is on the same footing as a guy applying for his 20th time.

Without knowing the area or having some local insight/connections I would recommend using a guide if you're after a bull, but guides in the Appalachian Mountains are much cheaper than those in the Rockies.

Check this outfit out , he is a member over on Bowsite : https://www.shadedtimberoutfitters.com/rates

Here's a thread he started : https://forums.bowsite.com/tf/bgforums/thread.cfm?threadid=492578&messages=16&forum=5

Chump.. when you decide on a outfitter ping me and I’ll help you with gear list for both you

Alright will do! Appreciate everyone. I have a lot to look into.