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First time elk hunt need help

300_whisper

Hunted exclusive on the east coast, and some in Texas and Missouri. I have about 22 years experience hunting deer, hogs, turkeys, and all types of small game/ varmints.

My Army buddy is graduating Columbia in December 2020. He wants to do a once in a lifetime hunt. He has a lot of firearms experience and some hunting experience. He has hunted with me a lot but has never shot anything.

We are both in excellent shape so we want the best, toughest type elk hunt, like pack the meat out, camp, etc. I have several elk capable rifles. Two .308 wins, one .30-06, and a .338 Lapua. Going to be honest, want to keep the shots within 300 yards. That’s what we are comfortable with. We have a lot of gear from hiking, army, competing in PRS type comps.

So that’s our background. Question is literally, what do we do?! Lol

What state, How do we get licenses, any recommended outfitters, costs, gear, we have a year and half, is that enough time? Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.

Also we aren’t after monster bulls, that would be nice, but if we both got a cow that would be perfect. Any and all advice, recommendations, referrals would be greatly appreciated.

- Bill
 
Take your '06. I have had no issues taking half a dozen elk with mine using Barnes TSX bullets out to 375 yds. (frontal presentation shot through the heart and bullet recovered under the skin of the diagonal butt). No need to beat yourself up carrying and shooting a .338 L. For me it is overkill and you two will have a more rewarding hunt doing a little stalking if needed.
.308s are only 100 fps behind the '06 so take one as a back-up gun. Sight in at 200 yds. and find a way to shoot out to 400 to get real world come-ups.
Have a great hunt! Wish I was going!
 
Idaho, Montana, or Wyoming, take your pick, they are all good states for elk and fairly easy to hunt as a non-resident. Non-resident hunts will run somewhere in the range of $3,000 to much more depending on whether you go guided or non-guided, horses or backpacking, camping or hunting lodge, etc.

My choice of gun is either the .308 or the .30-06, with 168 or 175 gr bullets. I use 168gr TTSX in my .308 and have no problems taking elk. If you hunt the forests the .308 is fine, if you hunt open country then the .30-06 is a better choice.
 
For a guided hunt use a booking agent to help your selection. They have hunted with the guides in their territory, and have the horsepower to help resolve a major issue should one arise. Best hunting bullet? Always a significant debate. Go to Nathan Foster terminal ballistics research website and order his book on the topic; for less than the cost of a box of ammo you can benefit from his extensive research. Practice shooting, becoming intimately familiar with your hunting rifle, so handling it becomes second nature. HAVE FUN, BE SAFE.
 
Good advise above. I will add, look into purchasing points this year for the states you may want to hunt. Some areas you can draw with zero points and some are over the counter, but going in with a point may open up a few more zones or guarantee a tag for you in 2020. Good luck.
 
If no other rifle options are available, both 30s will get the job done inside 300 but the 06 will do it a bit further. You wanting to keep the shots inside 300 yards is out of your control unless your willing to pass up a potential monster elk at 500 yards in hopes of getting one alot closer. What I'm saying is, when I go on an archery elk hunt, I don't say, I'm only shooting at an elk at 30 yards or less. I practice out to 75 yards. I don't want to shoot an elk at 75 yards but I'm going to hit a 10" kill zone at 75 yards if necessary. A hunt of a lifetime isn't a 300 yards or closer guarantee. Practice with your rifle out to at least 500 yards and have data for wind and drop. The last thing you want is that elk of a lifetime hang up at 450 yards and you cant shoot him. The 30-06 with a good 165/180 Swift Scirocco or a Hornady 162/178 Hornady ELD-X are good choices. Both good long range hunting bullets that will work at any range with both cartridges. Good luck.
 
To everyone who responded thank you.

What are points? How do I apply? Anyone have guide recommendations or points of contact that I can call? I can comfortably shoot my .30-06 to 500 and my .308 to 750 yards, but my only concern is retained energy. I wanted to limit it to 300 yards.
 
300_whisper said:
To everyone who responded thank you.

What are points? How do I apply? Anyone have guide recommendations or points of contact that I can call? I can comfortably shoot my .30-06 to 500 and my .308 to 750 yards, but my only concern is retained energy. I wanted to limit it to 300 yards.
Click to expand...
Try looking up regulations in the states you are interested in hunting. Points are accumulated by applying and not drawing tags, some states you buy points. In WY, to hunt wilderness areas, non residents need a guide, I am not sure if that means licensed guide or just a resident to help. It is like everything in life, getting drawn in a primo area is harder, just like getting seats behind the Dodger dugout.
 
I know you said you would be happy with a cow, but you also said you wanted a tough once in a lifetime experience, so here are my thoughts on this.

I have been on a dozen or so back country horseback guided elk trips and wouldn't try it back packing. there is just too much gear that you will need or want in camp. the difference can be once in a lifetime night mare or once in a lifetime enjoyable, successful trip. the other thing about the back country hunts are, they are generally start during bugle season, and there is nothing like calling in a bull to within 10 yards. he is there to fight and is pissed off. If you google outfitters and browse their websites, most will have a equipment list on them, that can help you figure out the kind of gear you will need, whether you go with them or not.

a couple of places I would recommend are the "Bob" Bob Marshal in Montana, Wind river range in Wyoming. I don't like hunting in Colorado, but there are more elk in Colorado than all other states combined

this is a great resource for info on good zones and outfitters, but it's not free.. https://www.huntinfool.com/

It has already been said, you should be prepared for a longer shot if need be. know your dope. these are tough animals, 06 or 338 will do the job with good shot placement and the right bullet. unfortunately, most elk hunters have a story to tell about the one they tracked for days and never found. some of my best memories are of the time I spent in elk camp.

good luck with your plans
 
First I would got to whatever states Game and Fish website and do some research. Like Draw odds in certain areas. And you can se where there are general license areas, and their locations, as well as draw areas. Do research. Call various G&F offices.. Look at success rates..

As for rifles, I'd take the 30-06. It is a great elk caliber.. As for back packing I'd prepare for the worst and hope for the best. I have hauled out a lot of elk meat on my back in a pack. Boned out. You don't necessarily have to pack a camp in to have a good hunt.
 
I kind of hate the thought of a once in a lifetime hunt, unless you take advantage of a guide service.

Every place that I have successfully elk hunted, took a few years to learn before the meat started hitting the ground.

I think for you guys, you might do well to hook up with a reputable outfitter to pack you into proven elk country at a proven elk time, and leave you to your own devices. Lots of these guys even have "Land owner preference tags" available to be used in accordance with local game laws. Meaning basically that if you pay their price, you won't have to worry about the lottery point system to get a tag in the area.

Sounds like you have the bases covered in the rifle, physical, and ambition department. Your work lies mainly in the location and organization area. jd
 
300_whisper said:
To everyone who responded thank you.

What are points? How do I apply? Anyone have guide recommendations or points of contact that I can call? I can comfortably shoot my .30-06 to 500 and my .308 to 750 yards, but my only concern is retained energy. I wanted to limit it to 300 yards.
Click to expand...
Your good then. You'll find a load combination that will give adequate energy from either rifle past 500 yards. The 180 Swift Scirocco II is perfect for the job. Good luck
 
300_whisper said:
Hunted exclusive on the east coast, and some in Texas and Missouri. I have about 22 years experience hunting deer, hogs, turkeys, and all types of small game/ varmints.

My Army buddy is graduating Columbia in December 2020. He wants to do a once in a lifetime hunt. He has a lot of firearms experience and some hunting experience. He has hunted with me a lot but has never shot anything.

We are both in excellent shape so we want the best, toughest type elk hunt, like pack the meat out, camp, etc. I have several elk capable rifles. Two .308 wins, one .30-06, and a .338 Lapua. Going to be honest, want to keep the shots within 300 yards. That’s what we are comfortable with. We have a lot of gear from hiking, army, competing in PRS type comps.

So that’s our background. Question is literally, what do we do?! Lol

What state, How do we get licenses, any recommended outfitters, costs, gear, we have a year and half, is that enough time? Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.

Also we aren’t after monster bulls, that would be nice, but if we both got a cow that would be perfect. Any and all advice, recommendations, referrals would be greatly appreciated.

- Bill
Click to expand...
Think I'd research best trophy elk states. New Mexico, Utah and Arizona more than likely. Then start searching for guides. For what your looking at, I'd expect 6-8k per man. Points typically are what you get each year you apply. Usually application dates are April thru May in most states. Each state is different but calling the wild life departments really helps. Most outfitters will do most of the work for you or walk you thru it. Good luck.
 
I think your question had some mixed signals in it. For many of us a once in a once in a lifetime Elk hunt would include majestic locations, with massive six point bulls bugling and fighting over cows in primative areas accessible to few other hunters. Then there are the large cook tents with prepared meals when you return on horseback after a day of spot and stalk hunting on selected bulls. Unfortunately it usually comes down to $$$ and what you want in a hunt. If you want to go on the inexpensive side you could research guides the offer drop camps. These are sometimes a good option to get you into good hunting areas without the expense of a guide. However having the expertise of a good quality guide in a new location and a new form of hunting seems like a very good investment and more likely a good outcome. Shoot the rifle you are the best and most comfortable with (a well placed 308 round is much better than a poorly place .338 Lapua). I like the 06 personally of the ones you listed with a good quality 165-ish grain hunting bullet that your rifle shoots well. Long shoots are quite possible in western states, but if you are hunting in the rut with a quality guide they will usually get you well within your 300 yard comfort zone - but be prepared for the longer shots just in case. I have hunted in the Bob Marshall wilderness and can attest to the beauty of that country but I am sure others have their favorites places. There is a lot of public lands in the western states and it is possible to put together a walk in hunt for you and your friend put it will take lots of research and planning on you part. Good luck with your journey.
 
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