I am very late to the game when it comes to hunting elk. (41 yrs old) Here is my question: I have been buying points to hunt in Wyoming and currently have 3 but will be 4 when I buy another point in a few months. Looking at draw results from last year I am thinking it will probably take until I have 5 points or more to have a decent chance at a tag. That being said, I don’t want to wait 2 more years to go elk hunting. To get some experience under my belt what’s everyone’s recommendation for states to try? Right now I am leaning towards Idaho, but from what I hear their process to get a tag in December is a nightmare. 2nd option is Colorado. It looks like there are some units I could draw with 0 points. Thanks in advance for the replies and advice!
Newbie Elk Hunter needing help.
- Thread starter NateW45
- Start date
huskyhunter
Member
Colorado no doubt about it if you ask me. You can draw a number of 1st or 4th season tags with 0 points, or you can hunt quite a few units on an OTC(over the counter) tag for either 2nd or 3rd season.
The info above is assuming you are planning on hunting rifle and not archery.
The info above is assuming you are planning on hunting rifle and not archery.
WildWill
Well-known member
Why not get a cow tag in WY and use it as a opportunity to scout for your type 1 tag you plan on drawing? Lots of reduced priced cow tags and some type 4 you can get as 2nd choice neither of which uses your points. I'm not sure if you've scouted the area you plan on drawing but if not I'd recommend getting some boots on the ground before using a half decade of points. The general tags are good but definitely no slam dunk especially without previous knowledge of the area.
SC Living Outdoors
Well-known member
Addicting
Well-known member
It’s too late for a WY cow tag regular draw, there will be a left over and I would absolutely put in for that.
Otherwise, just go to Colorado and cut your teeth OTC.
I also hate to inform you that by the time you have 5 it will take more than 5. You catching it on points alone is a long game with 200,000 point holders already in the system.
Otherwise, just go to Colorado and cut your teeth OTC.
I also hate to inform you that by the time you have 5 it will take more than 5. You catching it on points alone is a long game with 200,000 point holders already in the system.
Personally I’d hunt Colorado over Idaho, more elk and at least less wolves for the moment. I used to live and hunt in Colorado and now live and hunt in Wyoming. Both states are fun hunts but Wyoming has been hands down a lot better for me than Colorado was. Keep building elk points and you’ll have a fun hunt.Keep your eye on Wyomings leftover draw as well, there are always leftover cow/calf licenses.
El Jason
Well-known member
This.
Are you in shape?
I would say go CO 2nd otc this year, just for the experiance. 3rd and 4th seasons can present weather issues and you just need to focus on elk hunting and getting up the mountain. Learn from mistakes, evaluate gear and have fun.
Agree
Bullshot
Well-known member
You can certainly hunt CO this year on 0 points and an archery tag and have a good chance at killing an elk.
Yes, I’m a flat lander but I hike all I can with a weighted pack on. Focusing primarily on core strength and cardio. I am Open to advice or tips on ways to be better prepared physically though.
Check out MTNTOUGH, I just started their program a couple weeks ago and it will definitely help get you ready for mountain hunts! There are many different workout routines available- full gym, minimal gear, body weight, etc.
A lot of good advice has been given already that I’ll echo. Don’t wait on your Wyoming points as the threshold will continue to creep up. There’s ample opportunity in Colorado for archery elk, so apply in the draw. There will be elk tags turned back in Idaho as other states move forward with their draws, so that’s a possibility. Montana general elk has a system that you can essentially draw every two or three years currently, so that’s another possibility. I’d recommend not waiting for “the big hunt” to be your first time out. This is a difficult endeavor and requires a few times “at bat” to become effective.
Hammer37
New member
Recommend getting boots on the ground in WY if you can. So, the previously mentioned leftover cow tag is solid option! But if you're a rookie, any experience in any state will still help get your baseline up ability along with being in good physical shape.
Our group drew WY two years ago (4.5pts to the group) and spent much more time than we would have liked moving around between units and camp sites trying to learn the area and get on elk. We were also limited as non-residents by not being able to hunt wilderness areas. Fortunately, we bagged the biggest bull our group has gotten to date, so trip was a big success, but it was rough sledding for bulk of the trip with limited elk spotted.
Learning a new state or zone is a process that demands time, and most of us nonresidents are pretty limited on that by the time we get out there--especially when you need a few days just to adjust to altitude. WY was big and vast type of country, and a person can benefit from horses or llamas to get a spike camp (and water!) in deeper to make the daily hike a little better.
In the end, enjoy the process, everything that comes with it. Racks are great, but meat for the freezer is better, best part of getting an elk is being able to toss meat on the grill and tell the stories of the adversity you overcame to get it with friends and family while you all enjoy eating it! The cow in my pic is from our hunt this year, was a great hunt and am damn proud of it.
Our group drew WY two years ago (4.5pts to the group) and spent much more time than we would have liked moving around between units and camp sites trying to learn the area and get on elk. We were also limited as non-residents by not being able to hunt wilderness areas. Fortunately, we bagged the biggest bull our group has gotten to date, so trip was a big success, but it was rough sledding for bulk of the trip with limited elk spotted.
Learning a new state or zone is a process that demands time, and most of us nonresidents are pretty limited on that by the time we get out there--especially when you need a few days just to adjust to altitude. WY was big and vast type of country, and a person can benefit from horses or llamas to get a spike camp (and water!) in deeper to make the daily hike a little better.
In the end, enjoy the process, everything that comes with it. Racks are great, but meat for the freezer is better, best part of getting an elk is being able to toss meat on the grill and tell the stories of the adversity you overcame to get it with friends and family while you all enjoy eating it! The cow in my pic is from our hunt this year, was a great hunt and am damn proud of it.
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