Elk Hunts – Tips for a Successful Hunt
Elk Hunts are often planned a year or more in advance. There are many factors to consider and decisions to be made in planning Elk Hunts. The more time you have to plan, the more likely you will be to get all of your top choices for the many options available. It is a good idea to be flexible on some of your choices – then there will be some choices that are firm.
A great choice is to consider is looking into Elk Outfitters. Many are basically Elk Hunting all in one Resorts. They can help you with licensing and tagging requirements. They can totally set up your camp and provide your tents, cots, food and a cook, camp management, will provide you with a guide to take you hunting in areas they are familiar with, help you recover and pack your game, provide you with horses and mules, and pack your camp out when you’re done.
Remember, when looking at Elk Outfitters for Elk Hunts – they can be VERY DIFFERENT in what they provide. It can be tricky to compare outfitter packages, do not just look at the price – look at what the included services are for each price and what you will need or want to provide that will add to the costs. You will not automatically be comparing apples to apples. Outfitter Elk Hunts can vary greatly – look at all the numbers when comparing.
There are also some Elk Outfitter packages that will be available at levels below a full service self guided hunt. They will often offer “Drop Camp” services. That is where the Elk Outfitter will set up the camp and pack you in and out. You usually have to provide you own sleeping bag, food, do your own cooking, do your own camp management, and are going self guided on your hunt. These are much less expensive – but you are doing much of the work yourself.
If you are considering a self guided hunt – I strongly suggest getting a copy of The Rocky Mountain Elk Guide - It was written by best Elk Hunting buddy, Chuck Ellisor. Not only is he a successful hunter, he spent years working for Elk Outfitters. He knows the ropes – and He will remind you of all the little things that you need to do. The cost of the book, which is minimal – will be returned to you over and over again in the money his great tips will save you – not to mention the time. He will even send you the first 8 pages to check out – before you buy. You will get to meet him and see what is included in the book. He even gives you recipes to cook on your Elk Hunts.
