Guided or DIY

[Western Skies]

Is there ever a time you would say hiring a guide is the way to go?

 

[Bullhunter]

I dont think so, i think doing a DIY hunt is more satisfying and if i dont get anything then i know i didnt waste thousands on a guide.

 

[Western Skies]

I ask the question as we get close to putting in for draws in the many surrounding states.  I have a close friend with 18 points for elk in Utah.  He would like to draw the San Juan unit.  With busy schedules and a desire to take a trophy worth the 18 years waiting, we have discussed at length hiring a guide.

 

[Kmbingham92]

Both ways for me. It depends on the time you have to scout the area you are hunting and what your goals are for the hunt. If you just enjoy being out and enjoying the mountains with the chance to fill a tag then DIY is the way to go. If you want to increase your chances of filling a tag they go up substantially because you hire someone who has the people available to scout and hunt the same area each year. If you can afford it a guide is the way to go. I still enjoy going it on my own and yes I get satisfaction when doing it all on my own but at the end of the day I still have just as much fun on either type of hunt and I usually see way more game when hunting with a guide.

 

[buckykm1]

In a case like your friends, after 18 years of waiting, and if you guys don't have the time to scout, it may be a good idea.

Or for first timers from back East, I think it is a good idea to get a guide or go with a experienced Elk hunter, to  kind of learn the basics. before you just go DIY.

But for me, DIY is the only way to go. IMHO

Kevin

 

[Fullabull]

Sounds like your buddy is looking to hunt for a trophy animal in Utah. If so, I would probably go with a guide so as not to waste all those years of saving points.


If you are experienced elk hunters and go every year with decent success  no reason for guided hunts every year. If you need experience on how to hunt elk, it might be a good idea to go with a guide the first time and then work on developing you own skills.

 

[ELK ASSASIN]

If you've got time to do your homework and scout, by all means DIY is my personal choice. But reality of time is out a state and years to draw a tag!  Help is welcomed, whether fully guided or local game and fish info, or some good scout maps?? Budgets help determine that for us all.

 

[Wapiti1]

I have been lucky to live in a State that I can hunt elk every year, and could not imagine hunting with a guide. To me that is the whole point of hunting. Learning the area, elk behavior and camping with friends. Does not get any better than that. If at all possible, try to hook up with some one you know or have a local show you around a bit. Also learn about the area with maps, Internet  ect during the year before. Try, if possible to get a few more days off before opening to scout, you will be surprise how much you can learn about a place in a short amount of time.
JMHO

 

[Jimbow65]

Not for me, too expensive, I have seen it is possible without a guide. A guide is not a guarantee.

 

[beran_10]

DIY...To me that's what HUNTING is all about. Nothing against guides but I fell that guided hunts are for the inexperienced, unprepared, and/or lazy hunters. Don't get me wrong that have their purpose, but any dedicated hunter knows how to study maps, read terrain, andput forth the effort to be successful. I don't care if people use guides. But its not for me. I have too much pride as a hunter. Good luck regardless of which route you decide go. Post some pics!!!

 

[indianw]

DIY for me I have had a great time so far in my three years of Elk hunting I have got 2 nice bulls seen lots of Elk. I would like to go on a trip up in to the Wyoming wilderness 20+ miles there you need a guide if your Non resident.