Need some advice...I'm thinking about booking a guided Archery Elk hunt out West somewhere...I've got a guy trying to sign me up and honestly, I don't even know what questions to ask?

Anyone done an Elk hunt out West? Major do's and don'ts?

I've done a lot of it but seldom guided. Now, I'm too dang old to tackle the mountains. And, I know it!

Questions:

Success rate for the area
His success rate
bull, cow, either or both
Other species like bear, deer, etc.
Private or public land
Horses or on foot
Accommodations
References and more references. Understand that a guide can't always make everyone happy.

If he's trying to sign you up, in advance, I'm assuming private land.

Can you get in shape for the Olympics?

I'm sure there are more but Scott ought to be along soon.

BTW, what State and area? Just curious

What state are you looking at?

What is your goal-

The experience, wall tents horses and back country?

To kill an elk?

To kill a monster elk?

To have a shot at an elk?

Would you shoot acow?

Who all is going?

What is your pbisical ability? Don't lie! Elk like tough country.

Then Check your references and shoot your bow alot.

Price has some thing to do with it, but your on your own there. Tip the guide and the cook seperate. If the owner wasn't the guide or cook, don't know if they should be tipped.

The one I'm looking at is in Montana, flying into Helena.

Private land yes.

Either bull or cow.

Accommodations are cabins - trucks out on the ranch to drop areas then on foot after that.

Don't know the success rate. Need to ask that one.

Goal is to get a chance at an Elk...I'd take a cow no problem.

Right now it's just me going - trying to convince a buddy of mine to join in but no joy yet.

Physical ability is average to slightly above for a 40 year old...and would work to improve the cardio fairly hard if I book something...probably should anyway...I always start walking more about now for my own hunting season....

Shooting the bow is a non-issue. Been bow hunting in IL for 25 years. I start shooting to prepare for start of each season on July 1. Every year.

I know of no way to really get in shape for elk. I've always thought I was in shape but the mountains changed my mind. You'd give dang near anything to be able to stuff a handful of O2 into your lungs.

What outfitter in helena? I know a guy that works for one.

Dang Dale, I envy you. But I understand that my time is past.

How many hunters per guide? Or is it a drop you off and you do a DIY hunt?

What's your distance/accuracy like? Is it within the parameters that they have shot elk in the last year? What was the success rate last year? If you are only comfortable to 30 yds and most of the shots were 40+ then you gotta start practicing.

A buddy was out in Montana for rifle and never got one - the elk changed their migration pattern due to the weather. He was out there for 3+ weeks.........

Once it's down, how does it get out of the woods? It ain't like dragging a deer out..............

Landowner tag or do you have to put in for a draw?

Definitely call their references. Remember that they probably won't give you any numbers to call of people that they know had a poor hunt. If they only have a 50% success rate, I'd ask for numbers of people that didn't harvest an elk too.

Was it because they couldn't make the shot or never had the opportunity to make a shot?

When do the elk typically move through the area, or is it a resident herd that stays on the property?

What's the predator situation look like this year? More or less predation than previous years? (we had Mt. Lions run the elk out of our hunting area one year and nobody even saw an elk).

Regarding references: When you call, ask if they have contact info on others who were on the hunt.

Wow. That's a lot to consider and plan for. Think I'll stick with squirrels. Sounds a whole lot less stressful, and I can carry em' out on a stick run behind the tendons on a hind foot.

It's 1 guide per 2 hunters...max of 4 hunters on the property for the week. 100% guided.

I'm 10 ring out to 50 yards in normal conditions.

According to the outfitter it's almost entirely lowland/hill country hunting vs high country...so ATV accessible for most of it re: getting the carcass out.

Resident herd of 150 or so animals.

I'll be following up with him today and asking more questions...

keep em coming guys!

I hear that chickens might be easier, they come right to you.

They certainly do in my yard. And shop building. But geez, I remember plucking them as a kid.....no thanks!

Dale, how long will the elk have been hunted before your trip?

Just like hook shy fish, the longer the season progresses, the spookier the animals get. Plus all the dumb ones get shot first.

I'll be the 3rd week. And I'm totally ok shooting a dumb one.

Lots of good info above.

Is it a calling hunt or a spot and stalk hunt?

What is the terrain like? stalkable cover? water holes?

Make sure you get Archery references. There is a big difference in a archery hunt in the foot hills and a gun hunt.

Also, drive out, don't fly. Elk is very tasty and it's a pain to fly with all the meat and you can go on your own terms if you drive.

If you book, try the Beachbody Insanity DVD's to get your lungs in shape, they work great for me. I'll be back in WY come September trying to settle a score with a bull I missed two years ago and then going to NM with my dad and brother in October.

I've posed the question to the contact I have...we'll see what we get back.

Tt

Pm me if you like

A buddy used to drive out to MT every fall with a freezer in his pickup. He'd take elk and whatever other big game he got and use an inverter to keep the meat frozen on his drive back. He often got enough to last nearly all year.

Elk makes the best beef taste like road kill.

+2

I love elk too but texas beef? All you guys have are long horns right? Come try some south dakota beef! We can taste sample your beef elk and sd beef side by side

I have a Buddy with an Elk farm in Wisconsin. He goes around to Farmer's markets and dog shows. He sells Elk meat and also sells chunks of the antlers as dog chews. He gets like $35 bucks for a 4 inch piece of antler. He says that dog chews is where he makes his real money but, IMO, the jerky and snack sticks with Jalapeno are WOW!!!!!

Edit: I bought some of his "stew meat" and cooked it up on skewers on the barbecue last weekend after my secret Deer/Elk marinade. WOW!!!!!