DIY or Guided hunt

[wisconsinteacher]

I know there is no such thing as a sure thing in hunting but after sparking interest in an elk hunt, I started talking to a local hunter who has been out west a few times and knows his way around the woods. He recommend for a first timer going west to hire a guide. He said they have the gear needed to get me closer to the elk, the camping supplies and the years of hunting the area. He recommended an outfitter that he has used and loved. He has gone 2 for 2 with a 320" and a 340" bull. His groups went 5 for 6 and the guy that did not get one left early due to a bad back. He even offered to go with me if I wanted him to because he wants one more elk hunt and wants his son to go with. So now I have a choice to make, DIY or guided? I have a few years to think about it and save so I don't have to decide right now. The question is, if you have never hunted elk or in the mountains, would you spend the extra money to go on a hunt where they take you into the high country and camp in wall tents or would you save up and try it on your own?

 

[tecumseh]

I'm personal ya DIY Guy. If you go that route I'd recommend going with someone who's got experience DIY hunting out west so you can get a feel for what it's like. I'm no expert by any means but the guys I went to Montana with the first couple trips and still hunt with to this day was a big help in getting used to a different style of hunting. As far as guides go nothing wrong with that too, but I like the freedom of hunting where I want and not being pressured into shooting the first thing we see.

 

[Vince]

To shorten the learning curve is suggest one of two things.
Either a friend that knows, and hunts, for elk and is successful as a DIY or spend the money on a guide/outfitter. What you are trying to do is shorten the learning curve. That takes time and/or money.

Vince


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[salmonchaser]

I would go guided. I've hunted elk for more then 40 years. It would be relatively simple for me to change areas in Oregon or Washington. I have reliable intelligence and can spend the time I need to scout any alternate location. We've been talking about hunting Wyoming or British Columbia. BC a guide is a given, we'll also go guided in Wyoming. The point in leaving Oregon is to have a legitimate opportunity at a quality bull,not simply go elk hunting. Since I won't get to do a trip like that every year I'll avail myself of the guides experience and access.

 

[Elkman]

I would go exactly" where your buddy wants you to go. I have been a few guided hunts and they all left something to be desired. But he has already found the right place and guide, go as soon as you can !!!!

 

[salmonchaser]

What "Elkman" said. A well vetted guide is worth a lot of money.

 

[Vince]

I would go exactly" where your buddy wants you to go. I have been a few guided hunts and they all left something to be desired. But he has already found the right place and guide, go as soon as you can !!!!

[emoji106]

Very good advice.

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[SJB358]

I would go exactly" where your buddy wants you to go. I have been a few guided hunts and they all left something to be desired. But he has already found the right place and guide, go as soon as you can !!!!

I've also got another vetted outfitter for Idaho as well. If your interested in hunting the wilderness.

 

[Guy Miner]

WT, there's an awful lot of "elk country" that doesn't hold elk, every year.

Might well be worth paying for a guided hunt, or a "drop camp" in an area known to hold elk.

FWIW, Guy

 

[Guy Miner]

BTW, a "drop camp" is a good way to spend less money, get in a good area, and still feel the satisfaction of a DIY hunt.

Guy