Wyoming Elk Outfitter

joelkdouglas · Jun 3, 2012

Gents,

Asked this on another site also, and Fotis already answered--thanks.

Anyway, do any of you have any recommendations for elk outfitters in Wyoming?

I'd like to go on an outfitted elk hunt in Wyoming before I leave the USAF and have to move my residency to the state of my wife's choosing. Unless I can talk her into leaving her family and retiring in Lander, that is.

Any of you have history with Triple Three Ranch near Kaycee, WY? Their reviews are impressive, many repeat clients, no wolves or grizzlies, BUT their ranch is in an elk area that both Eastman's and Carter's says is marginal. Thoughts?

v/r
Joel

alaska100 · Jun 3, 2012

My father and I used Double Y on two separate occasions and were successful both times. They kept their horses and camp in good condition and we had enjoyable and successful hunts on both trips. This was a few years ago however. Best of luck to you.

Old joke. My wife told me if I didnt give up hunting and move to the city with her she was going to leave me. I am really going to miss her LOL

Silent Sam · Jun 4, 2012

http://www.wyomingwilderness.com/

Jake is the real deal.

joelkdouglas · Jun 5, 2012

Thanks Gents!

v/r
Joel

SJB358 · Jun 6, 2012

Joel, are you getting ready to retire?

joelkdouglas · Jun 6, 2012

Not any time too soon. I hit 12 years in August, so at least 8 left. Maybe more, but Kelly (wife) and I's agreement is 20 years for the USAF to move us around and then she gets to pick where we live. If we end up stationed in Omaha and Kelly decides she wants to stay (pretty near her mom in Iowa, good job opportunities for us both, etc.), I would stay in longer until they tried to PCS us again. Then I'd have to get out.

But if I want to draw a limited tag area it might take several years. And, as Wyoming does a completely random draw for residents, I could also draw the first year or never. Anyway, hence the question.

I was thinking I should start putting in for a limited draw area and hope I draw in my remaining years.

SJB358 · Jun 6, 2012

Got ya, that makes sense.

wildgene · Jun 8, 2012

...choosing a guide around here would have a lot to do w/ your expectations, Joel. Do you want a "guaranteed bull" or the "full wilderness experience"???

joelkdouglas · Jun 8, 2012

Wildgene,

I should probably mention that I do not particularly care for horses. They're great for packing, but I would rather walk next to a horse than ride one. And maybe I haven't met the right one.

I would deal with the horses if need be for a great hunt with a nice chance for a great bull. I would be somewhat disappointed to ride a horse and not see many elk, and no bulls. I know that is part of hunting, but I feel like I can do that on my own.

I think the wilderness hunts of days past would have been amazing, before the wolves. I don't live near Yellowstone, but from all the talk I am inclined to believe elk hunting in Wyoming backcountry isn't what it was 10 years ago.

I've also heard said that a guided elk hunt is best on private land. I have no experience with this either, just what I've heard.

From my answer it sounds like "guaranteed bull", but I am more in between. I miss humping through the Savage Run, Platte River, and Encampment wilderness areas. I am not sure they're great for elk, though. But many a brown and rainbow trout lost their life from my hand there.

Guy Miner · Jun 10, 2012

A few years back I was going to hunt mule deer with Lee Livingston. That fell apart because I was injured and couldn't do a horseback hunt. He's got a fine reputation and specializes in backcountry elk hunts.

A buddy of mine hunted with him and got a mighty fine bull elk. Said it was a good, classic, western experience.

http://www.livingston-hunts.com

Guy