Just once in my life, I want to put a tag on a bull elk.  Does not need to be a giant, just a respectable bull.  I've done week long hunts in Montana four separate times on not-so-remote public land, and always end up seeing way more other hunters than elk.  I do have a slight physical limitation, and no horses or gear to do a demanding or remote backcountry trip, nor the connections or financial means to hire an expensive outfitter to carry me around on exclusive private land.  Does anyone have recommendations for a reasonably priced outfitter that offers a better than average success rate (again, not looking for record book bull, just a decent 5x5 or better).  I do not need posh accommodations and 5 star meals either.  Or alternatively, any recommendations for getting hooked up with other responsible hunters that don't mind sharing their camp with an outsider and can point me in the right direction?  Any guidance would be appreciated.

Lots of elk in western Colorado and many areas have over the counter or leftover tags for many seasons.  I recommend you start doing some internet homework with fish and game departments and several different outfitters ASAP and then thoroughly checking references.   Some parts of Wyoming also seem to have reasonably priced hunts but you have to get your application in earlier than Colorado and many areas require one or more PPs to get a tag.

I am sure other states have reasonably priced guided elk hunts but the two states mentioned above are the ones I have the most recent experience with.

my suggestion would be start contacting ranches where you want to hunt, and ask about a cull hunt! sorry thats the best idea i have for you! i

It would help if we had some Idea of your budget. What might be expensive to one might be reasonable to another.

Thanks for the ideas.  The top of my budget would be around $4,000, and would need to cover license, travel expenses, outfitter cost and any tips for guides, cooks, etc.  I know the options for quality outfitter hunts with decent success rates at that price are slim, so am hoping someone might have suggestions or know how to get connected to DIY hunters that might be willing to share their camp.

Hello, I have a group that hunts on our own in units 62 and 61 in Colorado. We have been camping in tents and doing our own cooking, etc. Our cost is approximately $1000 in unit 62 for OTC license. Unit 61 is a draw unit. My email is: hamklm2@sbcglobal.net

If you are interested, I would be glad to help you. I will be in unit 61 hunting for a cow with 5 other men starting Oct. 20, 2012.

Herman McHan

Hello, I have a group that hunts on our own in units 62 and 61 in Colorado. We have been camping in tents and doing our own cooking, etc. Our cost is approximately $1000 in unit 62 for OTC license. Unit 61 is a draw unit. My email is: hamklm2@sbcglobal.net

If you are interested, I would be glad to help you. I will be in unit 61 hunting for a cow with 5 other men starting Oct. 20, 2012.

Herman McHan

I have access to leased land in New Mexico. We hunt elk. Cost would be $2500 for a bull which only goes to pay the lease. Bull license is $564. We have shot seveal 5x5 and bigger over the last 3 years. We get around by using ATVs and walking. We have a camp set up or you can stay at a motel 20 miles away. New Mexico rifle season starts Oct. 1 and ends Dec. 31. You pick any 5 days during the season. If you archery hunt odds are better as you can hunt the entire season Sept. 1-22. Cost for archery is $2000 plus $564 for either sex license. No draw on either as these are land owner tags. Elevation is 8000 to 9500. Email me if you want more info. gmuseus@centurytel.net.

Colorado has some kinda deal with ranchers that require certain number of tags to be OTC as I understand it. Some of the ranches apparently have lots of Elk. Contact CO G&F
Presuming they have elk, last post is best price for a NM private land elk hunt I have seen in long time. I am presuming this is a DIY with all payment going to Land owner....???

go online and get the New Mexico department of game and fish we have great areas to doa aself hunt out here I can give you information try area 16-A it is agreat for elk lots of them just had my son-in law and one of the guys that work for me shoot 2 a 6x7 and a 6x6 good 300 plus animals. If I had 4 grand to hunt I could take my 2 son-in laws and 3 grandsons for a week and eat like a king. but look at the public land hunts there are alot of elk here and you can contact me for info anytime. jalex94@hotmail.com good luck











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papa58, I always got run over by too many locals on USFS lands in NM....you walking, ATVing or Horse-in?

Thanks for all the info, guidance and offers to join you, but just found out I'm going to be a first-time daddy in May....to twins even. Bye-bye free time and fun money, but glad to give it up for two special gifts. Please keep sharing your stories here for other NAHC members to read and I'll live vicariously through you all.