TAKE DAD ON A ELK HUNT??

[otis32]

Hi, I was just wondering if anybody could give me some info on a elk hunt. My brother and I would like to take our Dad on a elk hunt some where. Not looking to spend a lot of money on a guided hunt, and it would be nice to get DAD a bull tag! Not sure what state has the best luck for that??? ANY INFO WOULD BE GREAT!!! THANKS!!!

[Basseyes]

Colorado.

Lots of elk.

Lots and lots of public land with easy access and plenty of elk. Reminds me of hunting for grouse in Minnesota or turkeys in Missouri. Find the habitat and you'll find them. Get away from the crowds and things get alot easier.

Lots of tags. Over the counter or draw. You can apply for a limited draw and if you don't get it you can go for an over the counter tag. Elk are in all kinds of habitat. Some what flat or stuff that will make you question your sanity.

I'd suggest the north west or the south west zones. The Rout NF or The White River NF. They get hunted hard but have a ton of elk in them. Colorado has so many tools to help you pick areas. The kind of hunt you want is up to you. Plus they have a later application date than most western states in early April. Biggest things in elk hunting on your own is getting into good shape, getting away from the crowds, getting away from the roads and being where the elk are the first and last hour of legal shooting light. It isn't easy but isn't as hard if your prepared as some lead you to believe it is. My first elk I shot with my 70 y/o dad at dark and we didn't get out of the woods that night till about 2 am and got it out the next day. The 2nd one I shot with my 12 y/o from our spike camp 3 miles back in right after day break in Wyoming. We had it out of the woods right at dark after a non stop quatering and packing it out adventure. I wouldn't trade those two trips for anything.

[bhuntr]

Idaho, has over the counter tags for elk and mule deer, both reasonably priced. I have been there once in the salmon river area, saw some really nice mulies, and a few elk, but we went early bow season it was very hot. A friend has been there multiple times and has scored each time, he went late bow season, and better temps. Good thing with Idaho is no draw for tags, tuns of good public land (VERY ROUGH), it makes a very good choice for a back up hunt if you do not draw in another state.

Montana would be my first choice western area, aplication deadline is march 16th,I have been there twice, and have scored both times unguided with archery, first year spike bull, second year 6x6. Both on public land. In Montana you will have to work a little harder to get away from other hunters if you go during the bugle season, at least we did. I have also had other friends go during the rifle season and they had fair luck, they were not picky and all the years they went they at a minimum got cows. Only thing was alot more people. Then again I would rather deal with other hunters and have a chance at a elk than to be sitting on my couch wishing I went elk hunting. oh and as far as taking your dad, DONT PUT IT OFF, mine passed last year at 56 and I never got to take him!! Even if you went and didn't score at least you would have the memory. By the way Idaho tags are mid 300s, and Montana tags are 643 ish.

[jerkin'm]

I took my dad on our first elk hunt last year..We did a drop camp hunt as we wanted to get in to the mountains away from the masses but didn't want to drop huge coin on a guided hunt either..It was a great time...We went to Colorado and saw elk but no good opportunities...My dad was 70 and in fairly good shape. I can't imagine packing in a camp with him but the way we did it worked out great..We also did a wilderness area hunt as the sound or sight of ATV's buzzing around was not what we wanted.. http:// http://

[otis32]

THANKS A LOT GUYS!!! I HOPE I CAN PUT SOME THING TOGETHER. THANKS AGAIN!!!!!!!!