Open Hunting Partner for out of state Elk hunt

[Baldy333]

I've been hunting for about 15 years, mostly upland game birds. I've hunted deer from a blind unsuccessfully on public land in CA, and successfully with a bow on private land in CA. I retired a couple of years ago and one of the items on my bucket list is elk hunting. I can see there aren't many hunters among those of us who use CAguns.net, but if there is anyone out there interested in sharing suggestions, tips, or even joining me, I'd like to hear from you. I'd bring my truck and a small travel trailer (not big enough for company). I'm not a big drinker, and never mix guns and alcohol. I'm in good shape for someone my age, but I'm not a mountain goat. I've got my elk gun up for sale, so this is kind of a shot in the dark (so to speak) before I close off that bucket list item.

 

[Cartridge Calls]

Book a group hunt with huntin fool in Utah. They are a great outfit with lots of great private land opportunities.

 

[Malibu]

Some of us are very much into hunting. As was previously posted, a group hunt with a good outfitter is a good way to go.

 

[Baldy333]

Book a group hunt with huntin fool in Utah. They are a great outfit with lots of great private land opportunities.

I’ll check it out. Thanks for the suggestion. The outfitters I’ve looked into in Montana want a ton of money, and they are booking for the 2026 season already. I guess I’ve been hoping for an informal opportunity on private land, or tagging along with someone who knows someone. $10,000 for the hunt of a lifetime is too steep for me.

 

[Yoteassasin]

Private land elk hunting is a 10k and up game . You get out what you put in . I’d never hunt with hunting fool or 99% of guides out there . Most guides prey on lazy hunters and sell a dream from their insta reel
Out of 20 years hunting western states I’ve only hunted private land out of ca once and it was mediocre.

 

[Malibu]

$10,000 for the hunt of a lifetime is too steep for me.

For quite a bit less $$, and with some effort at enduring a few administrative hassles, you can actually hunt in South Africa and have a good experience. I’m going in a couple of months and will post up a full breakdown of the expenses for two hunters after I get back, comparing experiences with that and another hunt here closer to home.

 

[Baldy333]

Maybe out of state is too pricey for an old retired guy like me, or maybe I’m just a cheap bstrd. Thanks for the input y’all.

 

[Nefarious]

Myself and Buddy will be going to Idaho first week of Sep for Bull elk.. I dont know what ranch it is offhand but I believe their Trophy Elk start at 13k and go to 17k?? That number could be off slightly... Definitely going to go for the Trophy. 340-400" bull Elk but would cap my price at 15k

Done hog and deer.... this will be my first Elk. I am very much a newbie to hunting

Edit: Malibu definitely interested in price break down for your hunt. Start to finish.... flight.. hotel.. hunt etc.

 

[Baldy333]

Myself and Buddy will be going to Idaho first week of Sep for Bull elk.. I dont know what ranch it is offhand but I believe their Trophy Elk start at 13k and go to 17k?? That number could be off slightly... Definitely going to go for the Trophy. 340-400" bull Elk but would cap my price at 15k

Done hog and deer.... this will be my first Elk. I am very much a newbie to hunting

Edit: Malibu definitely interested in price break down for your hunt. Start to finish.... flight.. hotel.. hunt etc.

I’ve been hunting for years, mostly unsuccessfully, so it becomes just family camping trips where I lug my bow along. I’ve heard elk meat is delicious, but I don’t recall from the times we ate it at my grandfather’s house. Good luck on your trip and I look forward to photos.

 

[Yoteassasin]

Myself and Buddy will be going to Idaho first week of Sep for Bull elk.. I dont know what ranch it is offhand but I believe their Trophy Elk start at 13k and go to 17k?? That number could be off slightly... Definitely going to go for the Trophy. 340-400" bull Elk but would cap my price at 15k

Done hog and deer.... this will be my first Elk. I am very much a newbie to hunting

Edit: Malibu definitely interested in price break down for your hunt. Start to finish.... flight.. hotel.. hunt etc.

High fence ranches are not hunts … it’s harvesting at best . They should never be confused

 

[Cartridge Calls]

High fence ranches are not hunts … it’s harvesting at best . They should never be confused

Good freezer fillers.

 

[Nefarious]

High fence ranches are not hunts … it’s harvesting at best . They should never be confused

My apologies..... im going for an Elk harvest

 

[Nefarious]

Good freezer fillers.

Definitely. I dont think ill want any Hog meat for a looooooooooong time. My family asks for some now and then, im more likely to hand some out at this point lol

 

[Coolguy]

I've been hunting for about 15 years, mostly upland game birds. I've hunted deer from a blind unsuccessfully on public land in CA, and successfully with a bow on private land in CA. I retired a couple of years ago and one of the items on my bucket list is elk hunting. I can see there aren't many hunters among those of us who use CAguns.net, but if there is anyone out there interested in sharing suggestions, tips, or even joining me, I'd like to hear from you. I'd bring my truck and a small travel trailer (not big enough for company). I'm not a big drinker, and never mix guns and alcohol. I'm in good shape for someone my age, but I'm not a mountain goat. I've got my elk gun up for sale, so this is kind of a shot in the dark (so to speak) before I close off that bucket list item.

I've hunted public land in Beaver, UT. Its relatively easy to get drawn for a tag for archery season. I haven't hunted Elk there - I hunted deer. But of course because it was deer season and not Elk, I saw I huge bull Elk herd down in the low desert area. There are two places to hunt there - down low and up in the mountains. I hunted deer in the mountains, saw a bunch, shot at a couple, and missed them all

Its a cool place to hunt, and the mountains are amazing. The area is interesting because in town next to the 15 fwy its desert. But the mountains are amazing - lush meadows and forest.

 

[recpark99]

If it's not already included in the outfitters price, don't forget about costs for meat processing and taxidermy.

 

[Nefarious]

For quite a bit less $$, and with some effort at enduring a few administrative hassles, you can actually hunt in South Africa and have a good experience. I’m going in a couple of months and will post up a full breakdown of the expenses for two hunters after I get back, comparing experiences with that and another hunt here closer to home.

Dont forget us ... im looking forward to the breakdown of this hunt. Have my 416 ready lol (was gonna PM you but you have it restricted)

 

[Baldy333]

So, hunting in CA isn't so bad (on private land!). Filled my freezer with this bad boy only a twenty minute drive from home in the East Bay.

QUESTION: How many points on each antler? Does the stubby one on the right count (which would make it 4)? Do the two independent spikes on the left count? My guess is a 3x3, but I'm curious what others think?

 

[recpark99]

Nice! Looks to be a 3 point buck, congrats.