Give me elk hunt outfitter/state recommendations !!!

[afishinman14]

Gonna book a RIFLE hunt for 4 guys for fall 2022
(I know some guys may be booked already)

We have no points in any state

2-1 hunter:guide ratio is fine.

Leaning towards Colorado because:

- close-ish drive
- easier to get tags first year
- decent chance at a good bull

If you have suggestions on other states where we can all get tags let me know!

And if you have a good experience with an outfitter let me know!

Horses/mules/UTV provided is a must as one hunter is my dad. And he can hike some but I’m not going to ask him to hike 10 miles per day for a week.

I’ve seen some outfitters advertised online in CO for the $5k/ea ballpark so that’s where I’m going to try and keep it. Sorry.. this rules out just about any Indian reservation hunt.

Not too afraid of DIY. But we’ve never been and I wanna knock it out on year 1. Outfitter preferred.



Thanks!


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[speck1]

Good luck. If you find a quality outfitter hunt in a decent unit for under 5k for the 22 season it would be a miracle. With 4 guys you may want to look at outfitter tags in Idaho or an OTC hunt in Colorado. Quality elk country comes at a pretty steep price in most states.

[Tom]

NE Utah has over the counter tags available and the elk are plentiful but odds of a really big one are not great. farm land during gun season is good odds for a bull.

[KUJays]

Broken Arrow outfitters in New Mexico. Chad is a tbh member

[wytex]

Haven't hunted with them but have dealt with the outfitter and they are good folks.
A little above your budget but they have ranch or high country hunts.

Silver Spur Outfitters: https://www.huntsilverspuroutfitters.com/hunt-pricing/

[Dave W]

Lee Livingston, Cody Wyoming, next to Yellowstone
https://wyomingadventures.com/
he does a horeback pack in trip, awesome
it is $7200 though

[deano70]

Horned fork outfitter out of Buena Vista Co. Joe Boucher is the outfitter. Had a great trip with them. Horseback and all.

[afishinman14]

Originally Posted by Dave W

Lee Livingston, Cody Wyoming, next to Yellowstone
https://wyomingadventures.com/
he does a horeback pack in trip, awesome
it is $7200 though

Think you have to draw in WY right? I want to make sure we have a OTC backup option if needed. I don’t want to wait another year.


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[wytex]

Wyoming is a draw.

[ColinR]

Not to be a Debbie downer but that's a super tall order to fill. If you do find one please let me know. I have been doing a little research on this exact thing and what I'm finding is to get all those things you have listed your going to spend at least double what you are shooting for. The areas that have almost guaranteed odds of a good bull elk with no preference points your going to need an outfitter tag which is big money. There are a couple places in Idaho that have guaranteed tag with 100% kill rate the past few years with rifle for a 300+" bull but they start at $10K and go up to $14K.

[HOOKNBULLET2]

Three of us went up to NM and hunted public land with these guys in October 2019.
We came home with three bulls in 2 days. Back then they were within your budget. Don’t know what current cost is.

http://newmexicoelkhuntingguides.com/

[Mike D]

Following for the results.


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[speck1]

Originally Posted by HOOKNBULLET2

Three of us went up to NM and hunted public land with these guys in October 2019.
We came home with three bulls in 2 days. Back then they were within your budget. Don’t know what current cost is.

http://newmexicoelkhuntingguides.com/

Pretty sure you still have to draw tags in NM for public land. Going through an outfitter helps but odds still aren’t good. Landowner tags can be bought but they aren’t cheap.

[Arrowsmith]

Bear Mountain Outfitters

OTC yad. Bear Mountain is between Kremmeling and Steamboat Springs.

https://m.facebook.com/pages/categor...8785770871138/

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[afishinman14]

Originally Posted by Arrowsmith

Bear Mountain Outfitters

OTC yad. Bear Mountain is between Kremmeling and Steamboat Springs.

https://m.facebook.com/pages/categor...8785770871138/

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You’ve gone out with these guys before?


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[afishinman14]

Originally Posted by ColinR

Not to be a Debbie downer but that's a super tall order to fill. If you do find one please let me know. I have been doing a little research on this exact thing and what I'm finding is to get all those things you have listed your going to spend at least double what you are shooting for. The areas that have almost guaranteed odds of a good bull elk with no preference points your going to need an outfitter tag which is big money. There are a couple places in Idaho that have guaranteed tag with 100% kill rate the past few years with rifle for a 300+" bull but they start at $10K and go up to $14K.

I know kills aren’t guaranteed. And OTC tags are more pressured areas.

But I’ve found 20+ outfitters online for Colorado elk hunts that include lodging/meals/horses, and 2-1 guide. All for $5000-$6000 per hunter


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[wytex]

Yes hunts are out there for his budget but many will be booked for a years out at those prices or if not I would sure call some references, successful and not.

[Arrowsmith]

Originally Posted by afishinman14

You’ve gone out with these guys before?


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Yes. Awesome guides, camp, food.

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[afishinman14]

TTT


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[trophy8]

Originally Posted by Arrowsmith

Yes. Awesome guides, camp, food.

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Did you kill a bull? How many in camp and how many killed?

[speck1]

Originally Posted by afishinman14

I know kills aren’t guaranteed. And OTC tags are more pressured areas.

But I’ve found 20+ outfitters online for Colorado elk hunts that include lodging/meals/horses, and 2-1 guide. All for $5000-$6000 per hunter


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You are gonna be close to a grand on license/tag fees in most states as well. Elk hunting seems to get expensive in a hurry. I have a couple friends that did budget outfitter OTC hunts in Colorado. They saw way more people than elk.

[JTeLarkin08]

I wouldnt pay $20 to hunt public land with a guide in Colorado

[afishinman14]

Originally Posted by JTeLarkin08

I wouldnt pay $20 to hunt public land with a guide in Colorado

Can you elaborate on this? What would your choice be instead?

Just trying to hear some good advice and experiences.


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[afishinman14]

Originally Posted by speck1

You are gonna be close to a grand on license/tag fees in most states as well. Elk hunting seems to get expensive in a hurry. I have a couple friends that did budget outfitter OTC hunts in Colorado. They saw way more people than elk.

Yeah I’m looking at $5k and up just for the outfitter. I know the license/tag fee and am not including that in my estimate


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[JTeLarkin08]

Originally Posted by afishinman14

Can you elaborate on this? What would your choice be instead?

Just trying to hear some good advice and experiences.


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Go diy for $1200..VERY few places in Colorado that you cant hike into.. This means it doesnt matter your on horses.. Your gonna have people on top of you.. Those drop camp outfitters hunt the same areas every year no matter the pressure and In my opinion it just isnt worth it..

New Mexico I wouldnt hesitate to hunt public with a outfitter on a LO tag or even through the draw..

[Arrowsmith]

Originally Posted by trophy8

Did you kill a bull? How many in camp and how many killed?

I shot a bull the first day evening hunt. We did not recover the bull. I was pretty much devastated. The guide offered me to shoot a cow which was very generous. I told him I didn't want it to interfere with my hunting partners hunt. The next evening I ended up killing a cow and my buddy killed a bull within 100 yards of each other. 6 hunters in camp. My buddy killed a bull, I did not recover my bull, but killed a cow. A girl in camp hit a 6x6 but did not recover. All six of us had shot opportunities. It's all spectacular place to hunt. Look thru their Facebook page. I killed my cow at this lake called Langhoff pond. The second pic is the view from camp. The sloping mountain is Bear Mountain.

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[samson33]

Originally Posted by Arrowsmith

I shot a bull the first day evening hunt. We did not recover the bull. I was pretty much devastated. The guide offered me to shoot a cow which was very generous. I told him I didn't want it to interfere with my hunting partners hunt. The next evening I ended up killing a cow and my buddy killed a bull within 100 yards of each other. 6 hunters in camp. My buddy killed a bull, I did not recover my bull, but killed a cow. A girl in camp hit a 6x6 but did not recover. All six of us had shot opportunities. It's all spectacular place to hunt. Look thru their Facebook page. I killed my cow at this lake called Langhoff pond. The second pic is the view from camp. The sloping mountain is Bear Mountain.

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They have raised the number of hunters in camp to 10-12 at a time. There’s been a significant decrease in animal quality.

[afishinman14]

Originally Posted by JTeLarkin08

Go diy for $1200..VERY few places in Colorado that you cant hike into.. This means it doesnt matter your on horses.. Your gonna have people on top of you.. Those drop camp outfitters hunt the same areas every year no matter the pressure and In my opinion it just isnt worth it..

New Mexico I wouldnt hesitate to hunt public with a outfitter on a LO tag or even through the draw..

Good to know. I’m trying my best to get my dad on a bull ASAP. He’s getting older. Can’t really handle 3-4 years of DIY to learn the terrain and get him a bull. Willing to spend some money to get her done year 1.

Just not $15k a man…


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[Eat’em Up]

The public land pack hunts are really more about the experience. If you want to kill an elk find an outfitter with private land. If your dad is anything like mine his days of sitting on a horse in the rain are passed. QRS outdoors has some acreage in northwest Colorado with good numbers but nothing real big. If I was trying to get my dad a Colorado elk that would be my first call.

[afishinman14]

Originally Posted by Eat’em Up

The public land pack hunts are really more about the experience. If you want to kill an elk find an outfitter with private land. If your dad is anything like mine his days of sitting on a horse in the rain are passed. QRS outdoors has some acreage in northwest Colorado with good numbers but nothing real big. If I was trying to get my dad a Colorado elk that would be my first call.

Thanks for the word. I’ll check em out


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[Killer]

Enjoying reading the good info on this thread.

[trophy8]

Originally Posted by Arrowsmith

I shot a bull the first day evening hunt. We did not recover the bull. I was pretty much devastated. The guide offered me to shoot a cow which was very generous. I told him I didn't want it to interfere with my hunting partners hunt. The next evening I ended up killing a cow and my buddy killed a bull within 100 yards of each other. 6 hunters in camp. My buddy killed a bull, I did not recover my bull, but killed a cow. A girl in camp hit a 6x6 but did not recover. All six of us had shot opportunities. It's all spectacular place to hunt. Look thru their Facebook page. I killed my cow at this lake called Langhoff pond. The second pic is the view from camp. The sloping mountain is Bear Mountain.

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I looked at em and why I asked. Is it private land? They kill a LOT of elk. Nothing huge but lots of respectable bulls. The comment below yours scares me.



OP stay away from C Bar Z outfitters out of Trinidad. Unit 85. Not worth it.

Colorado OTC units get hammered. I feel your pain. I’m searching hard for a great high success outfitter that’s reasonably priced. I’m not sure one exists at this point lol

[LAW]

Kenny Burton , Burton Hunting Service stay in Texas hunt West Texas free range elk, google it.

[Arrowsmith]

Originally Posted by trophy8

I looked at em and why I asked. Is it private land? They kill a LOT of elk. Nothing huge but lots of respectable bulls. The comment below yours scares me.







OP stay away from C Bar Z outfitters out of Trinidad. Unit 85. Not worth it.



Colorado OTC units get hammered. I feel your pain. I’m searching hard for a great high success outfitter that’s reasonably priced. I’m not sure one exists at this point lol

Bear Mountain is 10,000 acres private. They do four 5 day archery hunts with 6 hunters on each hunt on Bear Mountain Ranch. 24 hunters total for the archery season. One guide for 2 hunters. They only have 3 cabins that accommodate two people each at the Bear Mountain Camp. I guess if they are hunting 10-12 the others guys are sleeping in their trucks....smdh.

In the picture below you will see 3 sleeping cabins (2 people each). One shower house, one outhouse, and the kitchen/dining area. The guides and cook sleep in the loft above the kitchen.

The owners did aquire the adjoining Double X Ranch this past summer. The Double X is an additional 10,000+ acres. If they are booking additional hunts that is where the additional hunters are hunting.

There is an incredible migration of elk each spring into Bear Mountain that come out of the Kremmeling valley and Steamboat Springs Valley.

I would say the quality of elk killed has done nothing but go up over the last few years.

Rather than take my word.....I have hunted there.....or someone else's word that has not hunted there call Brad Probst (ranch manager) or Kelly Baum Probst (Brad's wife). Either one of them will get you all the info you need.

970-485-9246

Also look at Brad's Facebook page for more pictures and videos from this past season. You can PM me for more info.

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[trophy8]

Originally Posted by Arrowsmith

Bear Mountain is 10,000 acres private. They do four 5 day archery hunts with 6 hunters on each hunt on Bear Mountain Ranch. 24 hunters total for the archery season. One guide for 2 hunters. They only have 3 cabins that accommodate two people each at the Bear Mountain Camp. I guess if they are hunting 10-12 the others guys are sleeping in their trucks....smdh.

In the picture below you will see 3 sleeping cabins (2 people each). One shower house, one outhouse, and the kitchen/dining area. The guides and cook sleep in the loft above the kitchen.

The owners did aquire the adjoining Double X Ranch this past summer. The Double X is an additional 10,000+ acres. If they are booking additional hunts that is where the additional hunters are hunting.

There is an incredible migration of elk each spring into Bear Mountain that come out of the Kremmeling valley and Steamboat Springs Valley.

I would say the quality of elk killed has done nothing but go up over the last few years.

Rather than take my word.....I have hunted there.....or someone else's word that has not hunted there call Brad Probst (ranch manager) or Kelly Baum Probst (Brad's wife). Either one of them will get you all the info you need.

970-485-9246

Also look at Brad's Facebook page for more pictures and videos from this past season. You can PM me for more info.

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I’ll call em after the new year. May reach out to you too. Beautiful country. Merry Christmas!

[Arrowsmith]

Originally Posted by trophy8

I’ll call em after the new year. May reach out to you too. Beautiful country. Merry Christmas!

Brad and I are friends. Tell him Mike Smith from Texas now Iowa.

Merry Christmas to you and your family !!!

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[afishinman14]

I talked to Brad last week. They do have more hunters than 6 but he said 18,000 acres which explains why he can handle more.

$7k for the elk trip. All inclusive. Said they have a “million dollar lodge” for guests. So maybe that came with the new acreage?

I’m in line if any spots open up. He offers the last year’s hunters first choice. If some don’t come back, then he opens it up to newcomers.

He said he hunts the ranch strategically so as to not push the elk herds. And all seasons are highly successful because of this.


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[MadHatter]

Originally Posted by JTeLarkin08

Go diy for $1200..VERY few places in Colorado that you cant hike into.. This means it doesnt matter your on horses.. Your gonna have people on top of you.. Those drop camp outfitters hunt the same areas every year no matter the pressure and In my opinion it just isnt worth it..

New Mexico I wouldnt hesitate to hunt public with a outfitter on a LO tag or even through the draw..

Spot on.
I've seen em pack people a 1/2 mile down a public trail, and have the tents set up 20ft off of it.
People coming and going all day outside your camp.
Unbelievable really, but their target audience doesn't know any better for the most part.

[DPElite]

Tagged


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[samson33]

Originally Posted by Arrowsmith

Bear Mountain is 10,000 acres private. They do four 5 day archery hunts with 6 hunters on each hunt on Bear Mountain Ranch. 24 hunters total for the archery season. One guide for 2 hunters. They only have 3 cabins that accommodate two people each at the Bear Mountain Camp. I guess if they are hunting 10-12 the others guys are sleeping in their trucks....smdh.

In the picture below you will see 3 sleeping cabins (2 people each). One shower house, one outhouse, and the kitchen/dining area. The guides and cook sleep in the loft above the kitchen.

The owners did aquire the adjoining Double X Ranch this past summer. The Double X is an additional 10,000+ acres. If they are booking additional hunts that is where the additional hunters are hunting.

There is an incredible migration of elk each spring into Bear Mountain that come out of the Kremmeling valley and Steamboat Springs Valley.

I would say the quality of elk killed has done nothing but go up over the last few years.

Rather than take my word.....I have hunted there.....or someone else's word that has not hunted there call Brad Probst (ranch manager) or Kelly Baum Probst (Brad's wife). Either one of them will get you all the info you need.

970-485-9246

Also look at Brad's Facebook page for more pictures and videos from this past season. You can PM me for more info.

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Mike,
Your information is outdated. They use the camp and the lodge now, so yes they do have 10-12 hunters at a time now(my last trip there were 11 hunters in camp). They acquired the ranch next door as well (to try and accommodate more hunters), but it is mostly wide open and the elk hunting on it hasn't been productive. They have a lot of elk, but the quality has really slipped. If you want to see a lot of elk, you most likely will, but you will likely not see trophy caliber elk.

[samson33]

Originally Posted by afishinman14

I talked to Brad last week. They do have more hunters than 6 but he said 18,000 acres which explains why he can handle more.

$7k for the elk trip. All inclusive. Said they have a “million dollar lodge” for guests. So maybe that came with the new acreage?

I’m in line if any spots open up. He offers the last year’s hunters first choice. If some don’t come back, then he opens it up to newcomers.

He said he hunts the ranch strategically so as to not push the elk herds. And all seasons are highly successful because of this.


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He only acquired a portion of the neighboring ranch, around 6-8k (mostly open country), not 10k+. The lodge is on the original piece of property, but they have acquired its use since Mike has been to the ranch. There are a lot of elk there, but the ranch is hunted hard. They now take 40+ archery hunters over the course of 4 weeks, and then they also heavily rifle hunt the place. They do try and hunt the ranch strategically, but when the numbers of hunters increased, the pressure was evident immediately. Also, when the previous owners ran the ranch, it had very light grazing from a small herd of buffalo. Since the sell of the ranch, it is a full blown cattle ranch and this too has had an impact of the hunting. They're success rate with rifle is pretty good as it should be. If you're gonna rifle hunt, I'd say you'd have a good chance of success at a legal bull. Just trying to give you guys as much current information as possible.

[jaker_cc]

Colorado on an otc hunt with an outfitter on public land would not be my idea of a good time at all. You can set 5k on fire and not be near as frustrated as you will be hunting otc most years. Now, a LE tag in Colorado I may pony up for an outfitter, but you’re setting yourself up for failure in my opinion looking at an outfitted otc hunt on public. Find a ranch hunt if Colorado is a must. Not having points, and looking to go next year are both working against you.

[JTeLarkin08]

Originally Posted by jaker_cc

Colorado on an otc hunt with an outfitter on public land would not be my idea of a good time at all. You can set 5k on fire and not be near as frustrated as you will be hunting otc most years. Now, a LE tag in Colorado I may pony up for an outfitter, but you’re setting yourself up for failure in my opinion looking at an outfitted otc hunt on public. Find a ranch hunt if Colorado is a must. Not having points, and looking to go next year are both working against you.

Come in Jake.. He has 5K and wants a bull for multiple guys ha ..


Not trying to be a **** at all but I would take that 4 guy number and at min cut it in half.. Hard to kill one elk much less 4

[jaker_cc]

Originally Posted by JTeLarkin08

Come in Jake.. He has 5K and wants a bull for multiple guys ha ..


Not trying to be a **** at all but I would take that 4 guy number and at min cut it in half.. Hard to kill one elk much less 4

I want one bull for 4 years in a row. And I’d gladly be willing to cut that in half.

5k won’t buy you what it used to in outfitted elk hunting unfortunately. I’d spend that on a good landowner tag in a few units I can think of in NM and enjoy myself and my friends company. A couple of wall tents, 8 days, and some hard work just might be the trip of a lifetime. Otc Colorado is just about as far from a good experience as I’ve ever had elk hunting.

[speck1]

I don’t think most people understand how difficult it is to kill one decent bull in a week much less several bulls especially in OTC units. We hunted private land this season with a lot of mature bulls and it was still extremely difficult. I enjoy the challenge of public land but you have to go into it for the experience and have very low expectations.

[afishinman14]

Appreciate you guys’ insight. We’re leaning towards a little more $$ for a private ranch hunt. Exploring Montana as well.

Willing to go $7k-$8k for hunt cost.

Still looking.

In terms of a “trophy” our expectations aren’t that high. And I know 4 bulls is tough. But we also won’t be hunting 4-1 with a guide. We’ll be split up.

A 250” bull would be shot immediately. Not asking for 300” bulls all around

I know it’s still a lot to ask tho


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[Rick]

I have been looking around for a few months and just booked a management elk hunt here

https://www.utahelkhunt.com/idaho/

Private land, they have places in Utah and Idaho, don't have to worry about drawing a tag. I chose Idaho as i have never been there and want to see it. I saw a lot of good reviews, they have several hunt packages/options. I tried a couple other places and they were already full for 2022, this place did not sound like it had many slots left

[longhorn_cop]

Originally Posted by Rick

I have been looking around for a few months and just booked a management elk hunt here

https://www.utahelkhunt.com/idaho/

Private land, they have places in Utah and Idaho, don't have to worry about drawing a tag. I chose Idaho as i have never been there and want to see it. I saw a lot of good reviews, they have several hunt packages/options. I tried a couple other places and they were already full for 2022, this place did not sound like it had many slots left

Had a buddy and his son go with them last year in Idaho.?He said it was top notch. Was in the high fenced area. They killed great elk.

[wytex]

Look into Ranching For Wildlife ranches in Colorado and see if any have openings. You buy the tag from them and they have extended hunting seasons I believe unless it has changed.

https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/P...icipating.aspx

I hunted on the Deakins Ranch for mule deer and pronghorn one year. They have wintering elk so it is hit or miss with them. The page I linked shows success rates too.

[speck1]

[QUOTE=afishinman14;16011911]Appreciate you guys’ insight. We’re leaning towards a little more $$ for a private ranch hunt. Exploring Montana as well.

Willing to go $7k-$8k for hunt cost.

Still looking.

In terms of a “trophy” our expectations aren’t that high. And I know 4 bulls is tough. But we also won’t be hunting 4-1 with a guide. We’ll be split up.

A 250” bull would be shot immediately. Not asking for 300” bulls all around

I know it’s still a lot to ask tho

I think you are making a good decision. You should be able to find something in that range. I will PM you if I run into anything.