what would you fellows consider to be the best elk hunt for an old man with a bad knee . etc?. I never could go because of work and obligations in my younger years ,and now I just could not walk the walk of a traditional elk hunt. I don't want high fence or exotic ranch experience. Is there an outfitter that offers a physically easier hunt?

Look into a West Texas, New Mexico or Arizona elk hunt.

Much gentler terrain

I would either call Jim Welles with JFW Ranch Consulting or Kiowa Outfitters (both in New Mexico) to see about a guided elk hunt. I have hunted with both of them and they both will answer your questions honestly. It will not be cheap but you will have a good hunt. Good luck to you.

You might check with Mulie_Mike at WTHO, on their free range elk hunts. I have seen pics and several write-ups of good hunts with them!

Arizona for sure

Check into the handicap permits also out of state.

Check with Wildlife Systems, Desert Safaris, CF Ranch or the Longfellow(not sure if they still do hunts) for a Trans Pecos elk hunt. He has several really large ranches to hunt on and you will see numerous bulls per day. You have a hunting license and you can hunt them anytime of the year. They hunt them in the rut.

This^^^. No special permitting and all those ranches have zero access or vehicle restrictions

I haven't been but there is the Elk Ranch in Jacksboro. It's high fence but pretty much guaranteed if you can shoot.

Oh and no season restrictions so you can rifle hunt bugling bulls in sept and early oct. Not uncommon to call in 4-6 bulls a day

You will be hard pressed to find a less restrictive and better experience

Larry Osborn out of Craig Co used to do stand hunts. I went with my dad when he was in his late 70s. He drove him to the stand and picked him up. Last time I talked to him he was still doing late season cow hunts. Low fence, private.

Triple O outfitters.

He's getting up there in age but I think his son helps out. His place has good grass so depending on the season, will hold elk.

Longfellow had been leased by one company for the past several years. I don't know if he is offering hunts but I can find out.

Beaverhead Outfitters in the Gila of New Mexico. Have hunted with them 7 times. Have seen at least a 300" bull every year I hunted with them, and most years several.

Whats your age and knee issues? I tore my left knee in 2003 playing with my kids in street football. We had no insurance so I just let it heal up best it could. I have to baby it while getting in shape but I have always been able to lightly jog...not so this year. Frustrated with the pain and swelling in May I went to a doctor to get a steroid shot. He said my running days and walking up/down stairs for training are over if I was smart. Hills....thats where its at for me now. I can still do hills (he explained the difference between a stair and hill and why one is better than the other). So I'm 53, and I'm just about in the best shape I can get in for this years elk hunt. My legs, core and weight are in great shape....cardio not as good since I cannot run but elk hunting is not a sprint, its a marathon.

The steroid shot in the knee has taken most of the pain away. I still feel some slight pain time to time though. if you can get into somewhat decent shape you might look into a shot for the pain, and plan for next year. Its a little late trying to find an elk hunt thats not high fence etc.

The Mescalero reservation is another one to look at if they have availability. Friend of mines entire family went up there every year and they always got a bull.

Grandma and grandpa were 80 years old on their last hunt

My buddy runs Split Hoof Outfitters out in the Trans Pecos. They kill massive bulls and since Elk are considered an exotic you can hunt them from a buggy etc. If your interested let me know and I can send you his contact info

With my group, most of my SW Colorodo group's afternoon hunts are getting dropped off or short walks/hikes to an area to sit and wait. Mornings involve a lot more walking, but those can be tailored to less walking, as well. I'm sure most outfitters have plans for people not willing to hike long distances. Of course, your success rate chances will likely take a hit, but a buddy of mine shot a 300+ bull after a long night of drinking, waking up very late, and driving within 200 yards of where he took the shot.

wow thanks for so much response and help.. some fellows ask so a little more info on me. I am 69 and I had a tractor accident while fueling.( I inverted my knee). It has heeled pretty well but it has become clear it is never going to be the same. I also re injured it duck hunting . I am overweight as well. working on that.. I also have asthma. I am not quite the basket case i sound I have worked all my life . Thanks again Old ducker

Longfellow had been leased by one company for the past several years. I don't know if he is offering hunts but I can find out.[/quote]

Still leased to the same groups

I do not know if Mulie Mike has the same ranch, think that one changed hands or something but it was an easy elk hunt as far as elk hunts go. Hunting them over alfalfa and cotton fields much like hunting deer on wheat fields. Got my bull from sitting behind a Round bail of hay rested across the top of it for a shot of about 225 yards. I had had stents put in my illiac arteries about 6 weeks before that labor day weekend hunt. He wasn't the biggest bull I have killed but was the oldest and a nice 4X5 with some interesting character and was the best eating of the 5 elk bulls I have brought to the house. The others were from Montana.

I would call Greg at Wildlife systems and Desert Safaris as soon as you can. Texas free range elk hunts will be the best choice since there are no restriction on means of take. You can hunt free range 300-400” bulls depending on what you want to spend.

Also one of the few states where you can rifle hunt bugling bulls.