Bunch of Old dogs learning new tricks

[WNCHunters]

Hi guys:
Just joined this forum thanks to NClonghunter and buglelk and the rest of you folks.
I was reading your post and was very impressed with the types of responses and the way most express themselves on here.  Thanks to you all.

We are a group of 3 from Western NC,  we all are avid whitetail and trout chasers from the BlueRidge and Smoky Mountain's.  We know nothing about Elk hunting, thus the title of the post. 
We are planning on a bow hunt for Sept 2015.  Yes, I know it's a bit off, but due to the cost and learning curve of such a hunt, we decided to start a bit early.  It has taken a while just to find 2 of my buddies that I know will commit to such a trip, and I don't think I could ask for better companions. 

There are a few things that we know at this point.
We are leaning toward using a guide or a semi guided trip,  we all are very self sufficent , "no maintenance types"  but as new elk hunters we are thinking this mite be the best way to go?
We have been thinking of driving,enclosed trailer with freezers in tow? 

We are still in the process of picking a state or region at this point. So would you guys pick an outfitter or a region first?  I know it may seem funny to some of you, but we are all new to this.

Have any of you wrote a "how to guide to elk hunting"? 

I would like to thank you all in advance for your comments and help in teaching "old dogs new tricks"

WNChunters 

 

[turbo1967]

well you wont find a how to book that covers it better than you can get from this site.If you havent picked your state or area I would find a good guide and then your area is already picked, A good guide guides his area because its a good area.along with finding the guide I would check out his clients success rate,the harvest is only a small part of the experience but when you are spending that much money It is nice to stand a good change of taking something home with you besides memories.A year and a half is not to far out to plan a hunt , some good guides will be booked out that far. If you find the right guide this will not be your last elk hunt, you will be hooked.

 

[WNCHunters]

Turbo1967

You are spot on with my thinking also.
I have been on this site all day going through the post.

.A year and a half is not to far out to plan a hunt , some good guides will be booked out that far. If you find the right guide this will not be your last elk hunt, you will be hooked.

Let's see, Mt.Trout, Salmon, Bear hunting, deer hunting, turkey,,,,, yea, i'm sure I could add an Elk addiction in there too. 

Where does one go to find these type of guides?

Thanks for your reply.

 

[sumnerhorses]

Not sure of the spelling, but if you want to hunt Idaho I know a guy named Chris Corel has a pretty good service. My uncle has guided for him and is featured in an article on the Winners Choice Bowstrings website.

 

[WNCHunters]

I see this site is set up for D.I.Y hunters,
and believe me if the logistics and time would allow it. We all would go that way also.
With us all three being new to elk and the area , limited time frame,
A guide looks like the way to go
Hopefully we can do a Self Hunt in the future,
Thanks again for your comments.

 

[WNCHunters]

Sumnerhorses

Thank you for the reply, I found his site Korell outfitters.
Looks like a nice place he has.
I will put him on the list to show my buddies.

Anybody else have any contacts or other ideas for us?

Thank you again for your reply.

 

[sumnerhorses]

The nice thing about it is a lot of guides have guided hunts and drop camps. You can go be guided the first year, then come back and be dropped the next. Or, you can go completely DIY if you feel comfortable after a years experience. I definitely think the sooner you have it planned the better. That gives you time to get the gear you need for the climate and terrain you will be in and also get into as good of shape as possible. Good guides are even better if you can cover more ground without getting worn out.

 

[buckykm1]

A lot of us here are DIY hunters. but being from back east myself, using a Guide or doing a Drop Camp, your first time, would be a good idea, to kind of learn the ropes.
Hunting the mountains is totally different than hunting back east.

And get in the best shape you can, the altitude change can kick your butt.

The trailer with a freezer works great, that is how I get my game back to MI.

Kevin

 

[Oldcarp]

Growing up in the rocky's and growing up hunting elk is a plus.

 

[WNCHunters]

Sumnerhorses you and Kevin talked about drop camps,  I'm guessing that is the way for us to proceed when we decide on an outfitter.  I see several have an all meals, packing, etc with a guide, then there are others where you bring your own food and keep camp your self. We all are very self sufficient and have camped, backpacked and fished 20 years together so we don't need much maintenance. This looks as though it would save us a bit of cash also.  Several of the outfitters  refer to 2/1.... 2 hunters and one guide.
This too mite work in our favor as it would allow one of us to do a solo hunt and bivy camp alone. I'm guessing this mite be more tailored to yours truly. 
This is good advice from you both in that it would allow us to "learn the ropes" and get our feet wet a bit.

"Hunting the mountains is totally different than hunting back east." 
I hope so Kevin, as this is just as exciting to me, as the hunt itself. 

"And get in the best shape you can, the altitude change can kick your butt."
yes Sumnerhorses mentioned that also.  We are only at 3000' to 6000' here so that is something that we all will work on. Besides there is no way this Marine is going to let his buddies hear him sucking air.

OldCarp:  My growing up days have passed long ago. hahahahaha

If you guys had a choice to pick your week of  bow hunting ELK.  Would you pick the first week or a time later?

Thank you all for your great comments.

 

[sumnerhorses]

Drop camp is where they pack you in and out of your camp, but you hunt unguided from there. I think you would need to talk to your guide service about one guy heading out alone though. I personally prefer to hunt somewhere between the second week of the season and a week before it closes. September 8-25 are when I have the best luck.

 

[buckykm1]

If your already at 3000' to 6000' of elevation, that will help you a lot.
Where I live in MI, I am only at 850'.
for bow hunting I agree with the last 1/2 of the season, that seems to be the best time most years. from what others say.
I would concentrate on the western 1/2 of Colorado, if that is the State you pick.

Warning, if you go Elk hunting, you will be hooked for life. lol
I made my first Elk hunt in 1986, and that is all it took. I go every year now, but with my Business, I have to gun hunt.

The thing with a Drop Camp, the guide packs you in, has your camp all setup in a good area, and you hunt on your own, do your own cooking, and then they pack you and your elk out at the end of your hunt.
it is a lot cheaper than a guided hunt, if you are OK hunting on your own.

WY and MT, are both good Elk hunting States too.
I have hunted MT the last 5 years, and love it.

Kevin

 

[ElkManDan]

Whether you go guided or drop camp I would start now with learning all you can about elk calling and habits.  Corey has a video out "The University of Elk hunting"  I haven't watched it but if it is anything like the seminars he puts on it is priceless information.  Also pick up some calls and learn how to speak elk   You'll be hooked in no time. 

 

[Oldcarp]

I think Colorado, Wyoming, Montana are going to be easier tags to get. Here in Utah most are archery OTC areas are spike/cow. Unless you draw a big bull tag but that can take a few years. I have never been on a guided hunt so my knowledge on how all that works is limited

 

 

[cowboystl1]

THIS IS HOW IT STARTS. Welcome to the addiction first pick your state and times of year and its never to early to start im planning the next five hunts every time i plan one. A lot of places in Colorado that offer elk hunts also offer summer family camping trips this would be a great time to investigate the area this year and hunt it next. id do a semi guided or drop camp and start reading like crazy on tactics i read every thing icould get my hands on and it paid in full if you have any direct questions ask here its a great help IM some of these guys or me if you want im no expert but i and most here would be happy to help but for the money a drop camp semi guided is worth it beats going in blind which can be fun but is a ton of work and can tough if you pick a bad spot with little elk. 

 

[WNCHunters]

Wow guys, can't thank you all enuf  for such a warm welcome to this site and the great advice I'm getting here.  I'm sharing all your comments with the other 2.
So you guys would recommend the 2nd week of bow season?

"for bow hunting I agree with the last 1/2 of the season, that seems to be the best time most years. from what others say.
I would concentrate on the western 1/2 of Colorado, if that is the State you pick."

"Warning, if you go Elk hunting, you will be hooked for life. lol"
Thanks Kevin  I all ready have a Betsie River Salmon addiction from your state.  Go every year.

"I personally prefer to hunt somewhere between the second week of the season and a week before it closes. September 8-25 are when I have the best luck."
What state do you hunt Sumnerhorses?

"Whether you go guided or drop camp I would start now with learning all you can about elk calling and habits.  Corey has a video out "The University of Elk hunting"  I haven't watched it but if it is anything like the seminars he puts on it is priceless information.  Also pick up some calls and learn how to speak elk   You'll be hooked in no time."

ElkmanDan  I'm ordering the dvd this week and will gather additional advice from you guys on the calls to use after we watch it.

"I think Colorado, Wyoming, Montana are going to be easier tags to get."
Thank you oldcarp

  "i and most here would be happy to help but for the money a drop camp semi guided is worth it beats going in blind which can be fun but is a ton of work and can tough if you pick a bad spot with little elk." 
Thanks CowBoy I will take you up on that offer.

Thanks again guys to you all.
As soon as we decide on the outfitter / state  I'll let you guys know, then I'm sure I'll be slamming you all with gear and tactical questions. 

Man, I'm excited and so thank full that I'm getting to do this with 2 of my best life long friends.

 

[sumnerhorses]

I hunt Oregon. My hunting partner moved to Idaho and has told me he really likes the hunting opportunities there. Most western states have over the counter tags and guides that will take you into those areas. Make sure to ask them about any trophy fees just in case you were to bag a monster. It could be pretty painful to shoot one and then find out you owe another $1500.00 or more.

 

[Bryan]

WNCHunter - Welcome aboard!  I would agree that the drop camp might be a good option for you as it's your first experience.  If you have a chance to visit any outdoors-related shows or seminars (we have several here in Wisconsin) many guides will be there.  This will give you the opportunity to feel the guides out and get a sense of their operations.  Will also let you know who NOT to go with! Personally, I have done the drop camp hunt twice and it paid dividends both times!  Good Luck!