Trip out west???

wisconsinteacher · Dec 24, 2013

On the drive to my parents for Christmas, my wife and I had a good conversation about a hunting trip. She finally admitted that she has no desire to hunt out of state, but if I have a dream I should go after it. 3 years ago I went to WY for a archery antelope hunt and enjoyed it but went a lone and really did not care for that aspect of the trip. I really don't know what animal to chase but I would like to start looking into a hunt for 2015. Animals in my mind are antelope, mule deer, elk, caribou, or cougar. I really don't care if it is rifle or bow.

I have some questions:

What would you go after?
Where would you go?
How would you screen partners? I want to hunt hard and relax. I know some guys go for the party.
What month would you go?
Would you go with an outfitter or DYI?

Anyone up for a hunt swap??? I don't have a lot to offer other than spring turkey on private land or ice fishing in NW Wisconsin for panfish and pike/walleye. I live within 50 miles of great fishing.

Thanks for the help guys, planning is part of the fun and I appreciate all the help.

jmad_81 · Dec 24, 2013

I have just recently started looking outside of Oregon for hunting opportunities. It appears to me that Idaho has some great over the counter, or guaranteed draw hunts that could yield a good time as well as a chance at a decent critter. But, Idaho also has a predator problem. I guess the flip side of that is that you do get a chance to shoot a wolf if you see one. A wolf is pretty high on my list after seeing a few this last fall.

I would pick a critter, a state, and make contact with a few different fish and wildlife offices. They are generally very helpful.

Kodiak · Dec 24, 2013

Its possible to group-up some of your choices, antelope, mulies and elk, but with an oufitter, that will cost ya! Even an antelope hunt years ago was $400, now is $2000 or more. You can do a DIY goat hunt most-times for a trespas fee on private land. Mulies are getting expensive, guided. Many State Biologist are helpful, sorta.

I have spent over 50 years hunting the west and I can say that knocking on doors has found me more places to hunt than anything else.

GOOD hunting buddies are hard to find; folks that really WANT to HUNT. Drinkin' and stayin' up half the nite "in town" don't work, but then, that's another choice.

Get your bucket-list in order and stick to it. Some states do offer OTC tags for non-res. and ya might look into that.

We are fortunate to have such a diverse amount of wild game to hunt in this country, and if you are able ... hunt them all ... do it while you have your health, because a day will come when you have more $ than you do health!

Now, get busy,

wildgene · Dec 24, 2013

...here, sumpthin' to get ya dreaming...

http://wgfd.wyo.gov/web2011/hunting-1000045.aspx

1. Elk, everything else is just "practice"... :mrgreen:
2. Units 58, 59, 60-62, if you can settle for a cow (Type 4)/ cow/calf (Type 6) license you can get by w/ a lot less expense, have a much wider time frame to work in...
3. Start talking, watch for the guy who starts dreaming about it when you bring it up. Find the guy who'll get outta bed to go freeze his butt off for the off chance of shooting a coyote, the guy that will take the time to go shoot a 'chuck, who's already planning next deer season, compare "Lore" (you'll have to find the article by Dr. Paul Quinett), convince each other it's worth the time, money, & effort, & "You are gonna do this thing!!!"...
4. End of Nov./ Dec...
5. Try a DIY, but do a couple of dry runs first, find out what ya don't got & need, what ya got & don't need. Do the research, ask lots of questions, adjust the answers to work for you. I'd get started, you've only got a year...

6mm Remington · Dec 24, 2013

Just helping...

http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/

freddogs · Dec 24, 2013

I've gone on many trips out west over the years. Some guided mostly diy.
Going after antelope is easiest and least expensive. Elk are a lot of hard work but exciting to hunt. Mule deer are fascinating to hunt but it's harder to find a good one than antelope. Caribou aren't out west, I don't have any experience with them. A Cougar would be a great trophy but you don't have much chance for success without a guide and dogs.
I'd go after mule deer.
Wyoming, Montana, and Colorado would be my first choices but if you know of a good opurtunity in another state it's worth looking at.
Hunt with a potential hunting partner around home first. If someone is slightly annoying to you on a day hunt, it's likely a week with them will be much worse.
October or maybe November. Whenever the season is.

wisconsinteacher · Dec 24, 2013

Thanks guys. I do plan on asking my dad if he would like to hunt out west once together. I think an antelope hunt would be great for him. Not a lot of up and down, an animal we can care for if we get one, and I am betting we would see game. If he is not interested, I will move on to my list. It is an intimidating task for me to plan a hunt and make it the best that it can be. I know that there is no guarantee but I want it to be worth my while and money. I like the trespass idea for antelope or deer. I think I would go with those two before I chase after elk.

Vince · Dec 24, 2013

Antelope would be a good western hunt as a first one.
I had my first antelope hunt last year in WY and will be going back. If not this upcoming year at least buy preference or bonus points for WY. I'm buying deer, elk, and antelope points.

Vince

SJB358 · Dec 25, 2013

wildgene":12c4nga6 said:
...here, sumpthin' to get ya dreaming...

http://wgfd.wyo.gov/web2011/hunting-1000045.aspx

1. Elk, everything else is just "practice"... :mrgreen:
2. Units 58, 59, 60-62, if you can settle for a cow (Type 4)/ cow/calf (Type 6) license you can get by w/ a lot less expense, have a much wider time frame to work in...
3. Start talking, watch for the guy who starts dreaming about it when you bring it up. Find the guy who'll get outta bed to go freeze his butt off for the off chance of shooting a coyote, the guy that will take the time to go shoot a 'chuck, who's already planning next deer season, compare "Lore" (you'll have to find the article by Dr. Paul Quinett), convince each other it's worth the time, money, & effort, & "You are gonna do this thing!!!"...
4. End of Nov./ Dec...
5. Try a DIY, but do a couple of dry runs first, find out what ya don't got & need, what ya got & don't need. Do the research, ask lots of questions, adjust the answers to work for you. I'd get started, you've only got a year...

Gene just about echoed everything I was thinking for a Western hunt. I can't say this enough, plan ahead and plan on coming back, soon as you do it once, and get elk in your head, good luck getting them out!

Finding a hunting partner who pushes you and you the same, is the sorta partner I want and have. Having a partner that is in it all the way to the end will help you both get on game.. Don't forget about the older elk hunters either.. They have their act together and wanna hunt!

Plus, they are still pretty sturdy for packing elk.. That is 3/4's of the fight!

Guy Miner · Dec 25, 2013

Get on top of it quickly. Some of the hunts require your permit in the next few weeks!

As in a non-resident elk tag for Wyoming. Due in January I believe. Most of the hunts for next fall will require the permit to be applied for sometime this spring.

Agree that you're quite likely to see game on a pronghorn hunt. Don't forget when you're submitting your applications that you can probably get an extra doe tag or two, very inexpensively. Antelope meat is delicious as well, which makes it an even better hunt.

Merry Christmas!

Guy

Elkman · Dec 25, 2013

I don't have my regs in front of me, but NR applications for elk in Wyoming close 1/31. As gene says" everything else is just a runner up to elk." A reduced price NR cow, calf hunt is a great way to go. don't be afraid to step forward and get going. Lots of us here can help you with about most any question. The are some very simple steps to take for planning. and besides once you get a tag the fun part starts. The bare bones to elk hunting, is fitness, good gear and clothing, and a rifle you can shoot, and quality pack for getting the game out. Did I mention fitness? I believe it was my partner this year said something like plans are great and usually last until engagement. We had just about every obstacle thrown at us this fall and we ended up filling both of our tags. Let us know how we can help

sask boy · Dec 25, 2013

Well guys, first of all a Merry Christmas to all of you out on the forum

!!!
If I traveled it would be for a Caribou but that is just me and that is because it is the one animal I have not hunted but would really love too.
But I believe for most hunters a 360 class bull Elk would be the go for hunt. I have not had the opportunity to get a crack at a big bull here yet :wink:.
From what I have watched and read New Mexico might be a place that would be near the top of the list of destinations for Elk!!

Blessings,
Dan

Guy Miner · Dec 25, 2013

Oregon, Washington & Idaho are great for bear, and have some decent hunting for elk & deer as well. OTC (over the counter) tags for elk, deer & bear in Washington. You'd have to check the other states.

Elk are plentiful in Colorado! Tags for elk are pretty easy to draw in Wyoming.

Pronghorn antelope tags are typically pretty easy to draw in Wyoming, though not in all areas.

Each western state has unique opportunities. Some are easier to obtain than others. I've always been satisfied with a "representative" head. I like Big Antlers as much as the next guy, but they're not essential for me to call the trip a success. Heck, been quite happy to tag a doe several times.

DIY for mule deer, whitetail, pronghorn or elk is not at all impossible. Thousands of hunters do so every year. A guide, outfitter or paying a trespass fee will all help your odds, because you're eliminating a lot of competition. It can also help a shorter length trip pay off to hire some help. I'd allow more time for a DIY hunt.

Even a DIY hunt can be done at different levels. Backpack in? Rent/borrow horses & mules and go in. Pay an outfitter for a drop-camp then hunt on your own? Drive-to camp and hike in daily? Rent a motel room or cabin and hike in daily? You can set it up how you want. A LOT of the western motels are very used to hunters and appreciate their business. I've happily used a couple of "mom & pop" places to hunt from here in Washington and in Wyoming. Pretty cushy for this ol' Jarhead, having running water, a heater and a roof overhead, pretty doggone cushy...

Watch Wyoming - the designated "Wilderness" areas require non-resident hunters to be guided. I personally see this as pretty silly, since I can backpack, ride, cross-country ski, or fish those same areas legally without a guide... Ah well, it gives under-employed Wyoming cowboys something to do in hunting season... :grin: And I'm okay with that. Avoid the "wilderness" areas, and hunt all you want without a guide.

If you ever want to hunt the more specialized animals... bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and the like - you need to start putting in for permits NOW and expect to be drawn sometime in the next 10 - 20 years. Maybe. Same with some of the highly coveted tags for areas known to produce monster mule deer or huge elk. Those tags can be Very Difficult to obtain, and can literally take years, or decades to draw. On the other hand, you could get lucky real early on. Who knows?

Even without the draw hunts though, a guy can enjoy some really good hunting "out west." Bring your camera and your fly rod...

Regards, Guy

Oldtrader3 · Dec 25, 2013

My particular difficulty has been finding a dedicated hunting partner. Now I am too old, ill and feeble for many out of state hunts. I had a partner in California with whom I have hunted all over the west. However both of us are too old have too many physical problems now to be effective. We did hunt together for 20+ years and he was the only person whom I have ever hunted with except my dad where we could think on the same page and have common goals and approaches solving them which were similar enough to work out well for both of us. Plus we had the same hunting style and skill sets. This is harder to find than one might think.

SJB358 · Dec 25, 2013

Great intel Guy. Excellent points.

Silentstalker · Dec 25, 2013

You have been given some incredible advice. Take it and don't look back.

Pick your animal of choice and we would be able to give you more specifics.

My absolutely favorite animal to hunt is elk. If you just want adventure and meat, go cow tag. Tons easier to draw and much higher percentage of success. Get your feet wet type deal with high probability of success. Use the trip to learn an area. It is my experience that it takes me 3 years to truly get the feel for an area. Once you feel ready to try for a bull you will be more likely for success.

Hunting elk out west can be very physically demanding. Get in the VERY best shape of your life. It can not be overstated. I have found that if you are willing and prepared physically and mentally, success follows. Outwork the hunters in the area and you will find the elk.

All that said, one of the best deals going would be antelope in Wy. Fairly easy to draw and like stated before, a couple of doe tags, with a small game license for sage grouse would be a very doable hunt.

Western draws open next week in multiple states. Get your apps in and at least build a point in a couple states for options down the road. The timing is such that you could apply in some and then others if not drawn.

I have hunted DIY in Wy, Id, Ut, and Nm. All have their upsides and downs. All were great adventures and hunts!

If you have the funds, an outfitted hunt to learn the land etc is a great option. If your a do it yourself guy, success can also be found.

Kodiak · Dec 26, 2013

SS makes some good points. Elk hunting is demanding, and drawing the tag can be tough in some areas of the west.

Probally the most "Elky looking" county I have hunted is in NM, near Chama. I bouht a Landowner tag and stayed in a 100 year-old line-shack with an old mexican gentleman, that did not guide, just did the cooking. The night before it opened we sat up listening to the bugles. He had them named :lol: . I shot a 350+ bull at first-light and he came with his mule and we packed it out. The landowner had said " Don't pay the old man anything." I stayed there 3 days in all, giving the old guy $300 and he broke-down and cryed. I also gave him a new Nikon binos I carryed the first day. He was amazed at the view.

I returned there the next fall and it was a repeat of the first hunt. I found that the old guy had passed the following year, and was placed in the ground there, on that mtn., where he had spent most of his years. but that is a memory of hunts in those mtns. I shall not ever forget.

Thats what its all about,

Guy Miner · Dec 26, 2013

Yes, yes it is.

Awesome.

nvbroncrider · Dec 26, 2013

Guy Miner":3exx0j8l said:
Oregon, Washington & Idaho are great for bear, and have some decent hunting for elk & deer as well. OTC (over the counter) tags for elk, deer & bear in Washington. You'd have to check the other states.

Elk are plentiful in Colorado! Tags for elk are pretty easy to draw in Wyoming.

Pronghorn antelope tags are typically pretty easy to draw in Wyoming, though not in all areas.

Each western state has unique opportunities. Some are easier to obtain than others. I've always been satisfied with a "representative" head. I like Big Antlers as much as the next guy, but they're not essential for me to call the trip a success. Heck, been quite happy to tag a doe several times.

DIY for mule deer, whitetail, pronghorn or elk is not at all impossible. Thousands of hunters do so every year. A guide, outfitter or paying a trespass fee will all help your odds, because you're eliminating a lot of competition. It can also help a shorter length trip pay off to hire some help. I'd allow more time for a DIY hunt.

Even a DIY hunt can be done at different levels. Backpack in? Rent/borrow horses & mules and go in. Pay an outfitter for a drop-camp then hunt on your own? Drive-to camp and hike in daily? Rent a motel room or cabin and hike in daily? You can set it up how you want. A LOT of the western motels are very used to hunters and appreciate their business. I've happily used a couple of "mom & pop" places to hunt from here in Washington and in Wyoming. Pretty cushy for this ol' Jarhead, having running water, a heater and a roof overhead, pretty doggone cushy...

Watch Wyoming - the designated "Wilderness" areas require non-resident hunters to be guided. I personally see this as pretty silly, since I can backpack, ride, cross-country ski, or fish those same areas legally without a guide... Ah well, it gives under-employed Wyoming cowboys something to do in hunting season... :grin: And I'm okay with that. Avoid the "wilderness" areas, and hunt all you want without a guide.

If you ever want to hunt the more specialized animals... bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and the like - you need to start putting in for permits NOW and expect to be drawn sometime in the next 10 - 20 years. Maybe. Same with some of the highly coveted tags for areas known to produce monster mule deer or huge elk. Those tags can be Very Difficult to obtain, and can literally take years, or decades to draw. On the other hand, you could get lucky real early on. Who knows?

Even without the draw hunts though, a guy can enjoy some really good hunting "out west." Bring your camera and your fly rod...

Regards, Guy

Those under-employed cowboys know the area like no one else and they see a lot of game there's a lot to be said for a guy who spends a lot of time horseback they can get closer to game than anyone on foot and see a lot more terrain than most. They also know the animals patterns very well because they are in the field a lot. In Nevada most of the guides are cowboys who do that in the slow times of fall and winter to supplement income and because they love it.