Low down on elk on public land

[glen]

I’m 47 two back surgeries, shoulder surgery, and I go

[basschump]

I’ve hunted both Colorado OtC and New Mexico mule deer and cow elk.

If you’ve never been and don’t have local support- it’s a daunting task. Elk country is big and unforgiving. I love google earth, watching YouTube, and listening to Randy Newberg etc. Nothing compares to physically being in the mountains.

I’m not trying to discourage you in any way. Public land westen hunting, especially OTC, is difficult. The first few times is a learning experience.

I’ve hunted around Taos with a local that has incredible knowledge of units. Every hunt has been a challenge. It’s rewarding, but hard work. Without him- I wouldn’t have been successful. After three seasons- I’m not sure I wouldn’t be able to find elk on my own.

Start walking now. I’m not a gym rat but love to walk and hike. It helps me immensely.

Good luck!


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[JustinJ]

Depending on gear you already own, an elk hunt can be done for close to 1k. Biggest expense is tag and gas. Food doesn't count as you're gonna spend money on food no matter if you're hunting or not, as long as you aren't buying a lot of junk you wouldn't eat at home.

If you've got camping gear, an elk hunt doesn't need to be expensive. I would spend money on a GOOD pair of boots, but other than that cheap used stuff will work for the most part.

Finding elk and getting one out if you're lucky is the hard part.

No better time to do it than now! And ain't a dang thing wrong with OTC units, I hunt one every year while saving up points. Theres plenty of room for everyone out there.

[chuckc.]

This is just a suggestion, but when we were much younger my brother and I packed a couple of elk out of the West Elk Wilderness in Colorado. What we did was rent two horses, pack saddles and panniers to keep in camp. They’re a pain to take care of but invaluable if you get an elk on the ground. It’s much cheaper than hiring an outfitter our paying someone to pack your meat out. Anyway you do it it’s a lot of work but the experience is well worth it. Good luck to anyone who takes on the challenge!

[KactusKiller]

Me and a buddy are discussing this very thing. I don't need a trophy just a high chance at a respectable bull 250-300 would be perfectly fine with me for archery.

I don't plan to go many times so I don't mind spending some money on a guide but would be curious as well on a good outfitter preferably in NM. I just want to elk hunt, my buddy wants to do full on chase and do little to no sitting and waiting.

(Not trying to hijack but maybe some more questions to get answers on)

[JTeLarkin08]

In my opinion if your 50/50 on if you can do it mentally and physically you might as well stay at the house...

Im 32 and I worked my *** off for my bull last year and I pushed myself way past what I thought possible. Also if you think your just gonna show up to public land and find elk.. It can happen, but highly unlikely..

[JTeLarkin08]

At 48 and haven't gone yet. Its the packing out that has me stumped.

Reading Cmeron Hanes - Backcountry Bowhunting right now.

http://www.cameronhanes.com/shop/cameron-hanes-books-videos/backcountry-bowhunting-book/

I think on the Elk thread I'm on page 22 or 25.

But interested in following this one for what folks have to say.

The pack out is the best part.. It hurts but its the best pain you have ever felt.

[Pedernal]

In for the info. I am at the ripe old age of 47 and had planned on going for the first time this past year. Harvey blew in and I volunteered to go assist with whatever our agency could do. I missed out as Harvey occurred on my scheduled leave. Planning on going this year and wanting to do a 2-3 week trip. As of now I plan on going solo as nobody I know is willing to commit to a trip. I know that the odds are stacked against me but I am determined to learn and don't want to give up any more time to Mother Nature before I get to learning.

[NoFence]

If anyone does a backpack hunt for under $1000, please share how.

Tag: 650
Fuel: 300-400 (more if hauling trailer)
Pack: 300-600 depending on the quality you're looking for.
Boots: 150-300 (don't skimp)
Tent: 150-300+
Plus all the extras that add up.

Now if you have some of that stuff then obviously that helps. And every trip after the first one can probably be done for $1000-1100 if you don't buy anything else. Truck hunting would significantly reduce cost. But the first trip for backpack hunting isn't cheap. You don't have to buy all the fancy gear either, but I'm definitely taking some different clothes this year. It's a different animal than treestand hunting.

I agree that being in shape comes in handy most when packing meat, we spent 17 hours last year. But even just walking up a small hill at 10k had me sucking wind lol. There were a couple times we jogged up and over ridges chasing elk. It'll take some pounds off by the end of the week.

Last thing... take some good rain gear. Nothing worse than getting soaked by one of those rain storms that come thru everyday.

[lovemylegacy]

Maybe you should go with a guide first and get an idea what it takes, then go on a DIY

[ckamp52]

I don't have personal experience yet but plan on making a trip with a coworker in the near future. They hunt OTC with success every year and although he is younger he is not in shape by any means. He says it is tough on him and he wishes every year he woulda got his butt in shape but he makes it happen. As mentioned, it wont get any easier if you wait so make the decision to get in decent enough shape and make it happen before it is too late

[huntingfanatic]

Do some research and go !!! You won't regret it. Tons of info out there. Check out the elk thread on here, Rokslide, Elk 101 etc. The research is a lot of the fun. Get a decent pack and some good boots and you can get by with a lot of stuff you probably already have and then just get better stuff a little at a time. Try to find a good partner. Definitely safer when your in the back country and helps if ya get an elk down. We got an old non working chest freezer we put in back of truck and fill it with frozen milk jugs and block ice. When we get an elk down we just pack some out put it in freezer and go back for another load. Slow and steady wins the race !! You want to be in the best physical shape you can be for you. If that's walking on incline tread mill for your training and that's what your back is capable of then do that. I haven't had back surgery( probably should) but I certainly got issues with it but I still go. I am soon to be 59 and we are planning a 7 day backpack hunt in Idaho then swinging down through Colorado to our usual spot to finish out the season. If I can do it, so can anyone else. Once you do it you will hate having to wait a year to do it again. Here is my ragged old self

[WRasco]

Start waling now. Just a backpack with 10 pounds in it. Couple of miles every night adding weigh every couple of weeks.
Buy the boots first and break them in during this time.
Pack is second, by June, you can start loading it our and learning to adjust it for comfort.
By September you wont be ready but you will be in better shape and more prepared for what you will face. Plus spread the cost out over the months.
Good Luck

[Still Hunter]

Gone the last 4 yrs DIY, public with a partner averages 1200-1600 depending upon gas cost and processing fees if you get one. Also we have aquired the gear we need. Last year was 1300. We cook and freeze all evening meals pretrip. Hunt out of a campsite and generally do 8-10 miles a day. I am 58. You have to get in shape period. If you smoke cigarettes forget about it. Was doing 4 miles a night 5 nites a week with 54 lb pack the last two months before the trip. Takes want to and comittment. If you are out of shape you let your hunting partners down. Do it!! I plan to go every year from now on as long as I can do it

[danbow]

I’ll be heading to pagosa springs this opening season for otc.
So far going solo.