I am planning on booking an elk hunt in western Wyoming for the 2026 or 2027 season and have been searching around on the internet for a good outfitter. If anyone has had good experiences with an outfitter in this area I would appreciate your thoughts and suggestions. As this will be my first time booking this type of hunt any tips, suggestions or things NOT to do are greatly appreciated.
WESTERN WYOMING OUTFITTERS
- Thread starter CT.HNTR
- Start date
Dr. Vette
Handloader
- Apr 16, 2012
- 1,516
- 437
Silly question - how many points do you have? General unit or something more specific?
Horseback, truck or ?
It all makes a difference.
Horseback, truck or ?
It all makes a difference.
- Thread starter
- #3
So I currently have 4 points and am planning on doing the hunt in 2027 (the year I retire) so I will have six points. That probably keeps me in a general unit. If I need to push out to 2028 or 2029 to pick up another point or two I can. I really like the topography in the western side of the state so I think that would be my preference. not looking to hunt out of a pick-up or ATV so a horeseback hunt would be the best choice. It would feel like a real western hunt on horesback.
The honest truth is I would really prefer to do a DIY hunt and not go with an outfitter as I can greatly extend the hunt and save a lot of money. I would also have a greater sense of accomplishment if I got a bull all on my own. I also believe it's possible to get a tag that allows you to hunt the archery season and then hunt rifle if you don't tag out during archery, but I need additional research on this. My biggest concern with a DIY hunt is the logistics involved if you get a bull on the ground. Especially during archery season with warm afternoons. I have heard you can hire people to pack out you bull with horses if you get one down but after many hours of google searches I have not found people that do this. I have also heard you can rent pack lamas but I don't know if this adds a high degree of complication to the hunt.
salmonchaser
Ammo Smith
- Dec 13, 2013
- 5,692
- 7,563
Personally I think stock add a whole lot of work to a trip if you're hunting solo. Breaking an elk down on the ground can be a little intimidating the first time, Para cord is your friend, as is a head lamp, a spare headlamp and spare batteries.
Packing elk out is heavy work, a rear quarter could be 60 to 80 pounds, it's a load. Hiking sticks pay dividends. Where I hunt, if I'm two miles in I'm down 2500 feet. I plan on two days getting an elk out by myself. You need to build that time into your plan.
Going guided usually means you don't have to do all the heavy lifting, if you are expected to help it's likely a short haul to where they can get the mules.
If I were starting elk hunting at retirement age I would absolutely go on a guided hunt before going solo. This was the first season I didn't hunt elk since 1967, a death in the family forced me to cancel. I guided 30 elk hunts over the years as well, I still learn something every time I'm out there. A good guide on your rookie season will shorten your learning curve.
When you start talking to outfitters, getting references, ask for names of folks who didn't have a successful hunt.
Good luck, enjoy retirement, it's highly underrated in my opinion.
Packing elk out is heavy work, a rear quarter could be 60 to 80 pounds, it's a load. Hiking sticks pay dividends. Where I hunt, if I'm two miles in I'm down 2500 feet. I plan on two days getting an elk out by myself. You need to build that time into your plan.
Going guided usually means you don't have to do all the heavy lifting, if you are expected to help it's likely a short haul to where they can get the mules.
If I were starting elk hunting at retirement age I would absolutely go on a guided hunt before going solo. This was the first season I didn't hunt elk since 1967, a death in the family forced me to cancel. I guided 30 elk hunts over the years as well, I still learn something every time I'm out there. A good guide on your rookie season will shorten your learning curve.
When you start talking to outfitters, getting references, ask for names of folks who didn't have a successful hunt.
Good luck, enjoy retirement, it's highly underrated in my opinion.
Guy Miner
Master Loader
- Apr 6, 2006
- 18,159
- 8,016
Great advice from someone with a lot of experience. I've taken elk on my own and with an outfitter. There's a lot of benefit to going with an outfitter...
If you've got two or three other guys hunting with you on a DIY hunt, you've got a source of help, and backup if there's an emergency.
Western Wyoming can be really rough country! Beautiful, but rough.
Guy
- Nov 4, 2004
- 26,629
- 12,491
I agree with Don and Guy, an outfitter is worth the price. Another point to consider is knowing exactly where you are hunting. Many private properties are not fenced or posted. If you accidentally wander onto the wrong side of a property line, you will have a very expensive hunt.
JD338
JD338
Blkram
Handloader
- Nov 25, 2013
- 3,277
- 3,968
As above, if you've never hunted elk in the mountains, you'll really appreciate a good outfitter once it's all said and done. It may cost more, monetary wise, but will be worth every penny when you are successful, and the lessons learned will be far less expensive (and not just from a monetary perspective!).
I have taken a couple dozen elk, guided for elk, and helped friends get their elk, and they are a lot of work, and even more so when you are alone! If you have a couple of friends it will lighten the load(s), but is still a lot of work.
Now add mountain terrain and a long pack out from country far from the trailhead, that you are unfamiliar with, that will get you where the elk are, and fewer other hunters chasing the same animals.
Have you checked out BookYourHunt.com?
I have taken a couple dozen elk, guided for elk, and helped friends get their elk, and they are a lot of work, and even more so when you are alone! If you have a couple of friends it will lighten the load(s), but is still a lot of work.
Now add mountain terrain and a long pack out from country far from the trailhead, that you are unfamiliar with, that will get you where the elk are, and fewer other hunters chasing the same animals.
Have you checked out BookYourHunt.com?
Last edited:
6mm Remington
Ammo Smith
- Feb 27, 2006
- 5,319
- 864
On X maps can sure help in this regard. You can download areas you plan on hunting before you even head out and that way you have them on On X to use even if there is no cell service in the area. It's such a great tool to use to keep you from having such an issue as described. It shows landowners name, lists the hunting district that property is in, shows BLM, Forest Service, State Lands, and Block Management areas.
- Nov 4, 2004
- 26,629
- 12,491
I can't speak for Wyoming but have done all my elk hunting in Arizona and New Mexico. I spent about 8 years DIY hunting for elk and in all that time got one elk. It was work with only my wife to hlp. Fast forward to 2010 when I booked with an outfitter for a guided landowner hunt. Success came quick and the guide did most of the hard work with me helping. I did a few more hunts with them on the famous Vermejo Park ranch owned by Ted Turner.
I only mention this as I think for a first elk hunt and as a retirement present to ones self, that would be the way to go. No tag to draw, the rancher has tags. Guide to keep out of trouble and limited access to outside hunters. Also, success rate is usually high. I did 6 hunts on the Vermejo andbrought home meat each time. I do admit that I only went for cow elk as I'm not into heads on the wall and the ceiling in my house isn't high enough for an elk head.
It is my understanding that the outfitter I went with had a tiff with the people handling hunts on the ranch and no long guides on that particular spread. Bull elk on that place came high anyway starting at $15K on up but there was one hell of a lot of awfully nice bull elk on the place.
I wish you luck on that hunt and a long and happy retirement.
Paul B.
I only mention this as I think for a first elk hunt and as a retirement present to ones self, that would be the way to go. No tag to draw, the rancher has tags. Guide to keep out of trouble and limited access to outside hunters. Also, success rate is usually high. I did 6 hunts on the Vermejo andbrought home meat each time. I do admit that I only went for cow elk as I'm not into heads on the wall and the ceiling in my house isn't high enough for an elk head.
It is my understanding that the outfitter I went with had a tiff with the people handling hunts on the ranch and no long guides on that particular spread. Bull elk on that place came high anyway starting at $15K on up but there was one hell of a lot of awfully nice bull elk on the place.
I wish you luck on that hunt and a long and happy retirement.
Paul B.
Dr. Vette
Handloader
- Apr 16, 2012
- 1,516
- 437
I think you're correct that your WY points will probably be a General tag in 2026.
So far I have hunted elk in MT, WY, CO and NM. I have always used outfitters, mostly because I've gone with my Dad. Some of them have been much better experiences than others. The usual success number going on your own is about 10%, so think of that when it comes to time vs money. In my experience an outfitter will bring about 60-80% success.
If I were you I would try a cow elk hunt in WY or CO in 2025 so you "get your feet wet" and know what it's about. You can get them with an outfitter for about $1600-3500 plus the cost of a license, depending on how many amenities you want them to provide. Or, you can try one on your own but I would look at the cost as a way to gain first-hand knowledge.
Elk101 can give you a lot of knowledge through Outdoor Class if you want it. But, there is nothing like actually going elk hunting vs reading about it or watching videos.
Are you going on this trip by yourself?
So far I have hunted elk in MT, WY, CO and NM. I have always used outfitters, mostly because I've gone with my Dad. Some of them have been much better experiences than others. The usual success number going on your own is about 10%, so think of that when it comes to time vs money. In my experience an outfitter will bring about 60-80% success.
If I were you I would try a cow elk hunt in WY or CO in 2025 so you "get your feet wet" and know what it's about. You can get them with an outfitter for about $1600-3500 plus the cost of a license, depending on how many amenities you want them to provide. Or, you can try one on your own but I would look at the cost as a way to gain first-hand knowledge.
Elk101 can give you a lot of knowledge through Outdoor Class if you want it. But, there is nothing like actually going elk hunting vs reading about it or watching videos.
Are you going on this trip by yourself?
Darkhorse
Handloader
- Mar 14, 2014
- 861
- 274
I agree with a previous poster in that horses are a lot more trouble than you think. I'm down to 5 now, no longer do any shows or breeding. We just sit and watch them and feed and feed and feed.......
But hunting elk on a good horse is the best way to go only be sure you go with an outfitter, the guides and wranglers will do most or all of the horse work for you. My last hunt they allowed me to saddle up my horse and put me in charge of a group from wisconsin who had never ridden a horse before. Yeah they made me a wrangler with no pay or benefits. But I had a great horse and loved every minute of it.
For a first timer New Mexico is the place I'd consider. Land owners are given set numbers of licenses and you get yours at camp from the outfitter. No worries. Just hunt.
Don't let riding a horse keep you from getting in shape. You need to be in the best physical condition possible. And you need to ride, a lot. Else your inner thighs will hurt so bad you can hardly walk. So ride, even if you need to go to a stable and rent a horse.
And shoot. The more you practice the better. One thing any guide hates is working his butt off getting you in position on a good bull and then you miss. So practice.
But hunting elk on a good horse is the best way to go only be sure you go with an outfitter, the guides and wranglers will do most or all of the horse work for you. My last hunt they allowed me to saddle up my horse and put me in charge of a group from wisconsin who had never ridden a horse before. Yeah they made me a wrangler with no pay or benefits. But I had a great horse and loved every minute of it.
For a first timer New Mexico is the place I'd consider. Land owners are given set numbers of licenses and you get yours at camp from the outfitter. No worries. Just hunt.
Don't let riding a horse keep you from getting in shape. You need to be in the best physical condition possible. And you need to ride, a lot. Else your inner thighs will hurt so bad you can hardly walk. So ride, even if you need to go to a stable and rent a horse.
And shoot. The more you practice the better. One thing any guide hates is working his butt off getting you in position on a good bull and then you miss. So practice.
