Opinions for Elk Hunt

[Cabin4]

I'm looking for some opinions on Elk hunting here out west. I've narrowed the states down to Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Colorado for fall of 2009. Anyone have any opinions on how any of these states contrast to each other for hunting hunt? I'm looking for a wilderness trip into the back country. I know there's quite a number of great places to hunt elk in these states but would like any opinions you folks have on specific regions or even outfitters in these states.

Thanks
Cabin4

[crow_feather]

All of the states mentioned have good elk hunting.  Just find an outfitter that has good references and a good success ratio in the last few years.  Elk hunting has changed a bit since the wolves joined the fun, but there are still a few around.  Be prepared for a long walk and some cold weather.

C F

[DakotaMike]

Cabin4,
In Montana I like the Bob Marshal Wilderness by Kalispel and the outfitter is Cameron Lee.

dakotamike

[Mt_Sourdough]

With all due respect crow_feather, in Montana, the same areas that have seen a boom in wolf population are the same areas that the season was extended this year because elk numbers are too high.  I hear all this ranting about the effects of wolves on elk numbers, but in my observation, the weather and urban sprawl has far more impact on elk than anything that wolves could do.  One thing that does happen though, is wolves will move elk herds around and and sometimes away from where they are traditionally located.  If you really want to save elk numbers, time is better spent fighting land developers than the wolf boogeyman.  In fact, if federal and state land agencies could outbid land evelopers in critical elk wintering areas, there would be elk for everbody.  Thats what I THINK.

[Darrell Davis]

Wish that were true here in Ideeeeeeeeeeho, but the wolves are taking a hard and heavy toll on our game populations.

Those who have gone before, knew what they were doing when they brought the wolf populations down to limited numbers.

Looking like now we need to start all over again!

I have friends who are outfitters in this area and the wolves coupled with a very hard 2007/08 winter have done a real number on our game herds.

Think what you may, but is a fact.

Keep em coming!

CDOC

[dukkillr]

What did you decide to do? 

[Cabin4]

I have not decided 100% yet but likly will go back to Idaho. This time I'll go over to the central east region. I like the fact that you can elk, deer, bear & mountain lion at the same time. I'm still trying to narrow down on the outfitter but it will likly head over to the Selway area for a back country pack in hunt.

[freddogs]

I like hunting Wyoming but I believe it's hard to get tags now that the drawing is over. The good areas have all the tags sold out first.
There may be leftover tags but you would need a good outfitter or guide (private land) to find the elk in these areas.

[Mt_Sourdough]

well, if Darrell is correct, and I have no reason to doubt him, then they might like you to take a wolf or two while your at it. Here in Montana, our herds continue to grow as the fwp shows numbers at or usually above targeted numbers.  I hear the wolf complaint here, but here, wolves dont seem to have a significant overall impact on herd numbers.  A lot of the people around here that complain about the wolves impact on elk have just found another excuse to replace the worn out, "the snow hasnt driven'm down yet and it is too much work to carry or drag them down", excuse.  I seriuosly doubt those people are on this forum, because I have yet to observe many laptops on the saloon's bar on sunday afternoons. 

[Mt_Sourdough]

It apears that Darrel is right because I just finished reading how Idaho officials want to eliminate 120 wolves in clearwater/selway area.  The purpose list is to restore the herd sizes.  I was just out looking for wintering herds today in the Bitterroot Valley.  Of course, the Bitterroot is the other side of that range.  On our side the elk have done well through the winter and we should have good herd size again.  All the elk I have seen have been looking strong.  Today I saw two smaller wintering herds equalling about 80 head all together.  Ill post a pic, but it is a poor quality pic with a phone cam. 

P.S. I need a real camera

[T.R.]

I had a truly great time with Crystal Creek Outfitters (WY).  We horse backed into the Bighorn Mts. for half day to the main camp.  From there, we horse backed to edges of alpine meadows to glass for elk. My 4th morning our stalk worked out perfectly - wind direction, cover, and fairly close shot of approx. 150 yards.  My .308 carbine barked twice and the big bull toppled over.

No one is paying me to recommend Gap Puche and Crystal Creek Outfitters.

TR

[Cabin4]

Crystal Creek Outfitters is up for sale.
http://www.livewaterproperties.com/crystal-creek-outfitter-wy.asp

[Sweetwater]

Wyoming historically has had a fair selection of left over tags for non-residents. The game and fish website has a list of available tags and how to get them. Should say I'm working on a 7 year old memory. That's how long I've been gone from Wyoming. Some things could have changed.
If you want to hunt the "wilderness" areas, you will have to have a guide, being that you are a non-resident. In their infinite wisdom, Wyoming officials allow non-resident backpackers and hikers all over the wilderness areas, but if you hunt then you might get lost so you need to have a licensed guide or a resident family member with you.  IDK, maybe they care more about non-resident hunters than they do hikers and backpackers.

Regards,
Sweetwater