First time elk hunt for military retirement

[jdub77]

Hello all,
I am retiring from the Marine Corps this fall and it has always been a desire of mine to hunt elk with a bow. I have decided that I have waitied long enough. After I retire in Sept I would really like to go on a hunt but I don't know where to begin. I figured everyone on here at ELK101 could give me the most reliable information. I would appreciate any help at all. Are there any outfitters that any of you recommend? I welcome any comments and thank you all in advance for your advice.
God Bless,
Joshua

 

[Pat]

Get on the Colorado Division of Wildlife and connect with one of their hunt planners.  They will find out what kind of areas you want to hunt, how many people you wanta to put up with, your capabilities and guide you in the right direction from there.  We started with them, got some good info, led me to other sources and a very informative Conservation Officer who actually gave me an Outfitters name.  Although we chose the self guided hunt vs. the outfitter, the outfitter was helpful as well.  We were all good whitetail and turkey hunters but never did elk.  The info we received and the homework we did allowed us to take three 5x5 bulls out of four hunters.  The fourth missed.

 

[Oldcarp]

welcome, I havent  hunted Colorado. I live and hunt in Utah. It is easier to get a tag in Colorado then Utah.

 

[cowboystl1]

Hey brother thanks for your service now is the time to decide and if your going to use an outfitter get it  booked! if your DIY, its application time Arizona is already closed others will be closing soon i will tell you this, once you do it you will be hooked so you might want to start buying points and getting applications in even in states you dont plan to hunt this year that way you will be ready for your next hunt. This is an Awesome resource there are plenty of people to help. Have you chosen a state yet? I still use A lot of my old military gear on my hunts but some can be heavy and cumbersome as you know. get your budget lined out asap too guided hunts arent cheap but first time DIY can be hefty too if you dont have the right gear and have to suit up. any thing i can do to help just ask.