BlacktailMaster
Active member
- Joined
- Sep 8, 2023
- Messages
- 41
I recently purchased a Non-Res Elk City Zone B Tag for 2023. Never hunted Idaho before. I am an experienced hunter but in Washington State for Blacktails and Muleys mainly. Have hunted Roosevelt Elk in Coastal Western Washington but Idaho Elk is obviously a different challenge.
I have been studying OnX, Go Hunt, Google Earth, etc. to plan my hunt but have been thinking that a guide might be wise if I can afford it. I have the opportunity to make a scouting trip over a weekend between now and October 10 (opening day). Did a google search for Outfitters/guides but have had a hard time finding ones that specifically are for Units 14, 15 or 16 (Elk City Zone).
My son is going to join me...25 years old and in extremely good shape...recently finished his college football career as a MLB at a big school and has been bouncing around NFL teams but not made any money yet lol so I have a great packer!
I have never used a guide before so I thought I would come here to get some advice and possibly a good contact or two.
Here's what I have learned so far:
1. Many guide services seem to have specific areas, which makes sense, however I am having a hard time finding one for my area/zone.
2. It seems as though many of these guide services include the price of the tag, etc as they have an allocation? I have already spent around $900+ on tag/license. Not trying to go too cheap here but just trying to understand this space.
3. I have seen the fully guided, semi guided and drop/spike camps options...would love to get input on folks experience with each.
4. My son and I are very capable back country folk with good gear (done many wilderness deer hunts in Washington over the years), have the atvs/truck to get to a trailhead so I have wondered if there is an alternative style of guiding that is just a guide that joins someone without all of the fancy tents, food etc. I am very willing to pack in all my food, tent, etc. What I really need is just the guide portion...and I am willing to pay for it.
So, any advice you might have I would love it. Thanks in advance.
I have been studying OnX, Go Hunt, Google Earth, etc. to plan my hunt but have been thinking that a guide might be wise if I can afford it. I have the opportunity to make a scouting trip over a weekend between now and October 10 (opening day). Did a google search for Outfitters/guides but have had a hard time finding ones that specifically are for Units 14, 15 or 16 (Elk City Zone).
My son is going to join me...25 years old and in extremely good shape...recently finished his college football career as a MLB at a big school and has been bouncing around NFL teams but not made any money yet lol so I have a great packer!
I have never used a guide before so I thought I would come here to get some advice and possibly a good contact or two.
Here's what I have learned so far:
1. Many guide services seem to have specific areas, which makes sense, however I am having a hard time finding one for my area/zone.
2. It seems as though many of these guide services include the price of the tag, etc as they have an allocation? I have already spent around $900+ on tag/license. Not trying to go too cheap here but just trying to understand this space.
3. I have seen the fully guided, semi guided and drop/spike camps options...would love to get input on folks experience with each.
4. My son and I are very capable back country folk with good gear (done many wilderness deer hunts in Washington over the years), have the atvs/truck to get to a trailhead so I have wondered if there is an alternative style of guiding that is just a guide that joins someone without all of the fancy tents, food etc. I am very willing to pack in all my food, tent, etc. What I really need is just the guide portion...and I am willing to pay for it.
So, any advice you might have I would love it. Thanks in advance.
