INSIDE OUTDOORCLASS
Setting Expectations for Your Elk Hunt
PHOTO: Courtesy Corey Jacobsen
by Corey Jacobsen
When I first started brainstorming ideas to include in my University of Elk Hunting online course, I wrote down all the factors I felt contributed to elk hunting success. There were over 80 topics on my list. However, as I worked to align the topics into a “chronological outline,” it didn’t take long to notice a pattern. Each topic seemed to fall into one of three distinct categories: preparation (before elk season), performance (during elk season) and post-shot. The elements found in the “preparation” chapters are possibly the most important–and often the most overlooked.
Preparation starts with planning. For many hunters that don’t live in elk states, and even some that do but want to hunt across state lines, it’s especially important to decide a few basic things about the hunt to help set realistic goals and expectations from the start.
First ask yourself, “How do I define success?” Be honest. Are you simply looking to experience elk country with a tag in your pocket, or is filling a tag the most important goal? Will you be happy with a cow elk? If you are holding out for a bull, does that include a spike or raghorn?
The more you plan your out-of-state hunt, the better your chance for success. The weapon you decide to use will generally dictate when you will be hunting. If you’re looking for an early-season hunt when bulls are bugling, in most states that’s archery season. Mid-season, categorized as the month of October, correlates with the highest number of elk killed by hunters and is usually when the majority of rifle and muzzleloader seasons are held. The late season, starting in November and sometimes going into January, offers opportunities for all three weapon types depending on the state.
If you want to hunt the upcoming fall, this limits where you can go. Many states require you to draw out-of-state tags through tag lotteries, which can take years. Certain states allow other options (auction tags or outfitter services with guaranteed tags), but these require deep pockets. Some states still have over-the-counter tags, but keep in mind that the tradeoff for high-opportunity hunts is usually lower hunt quality.
If you only want to hunt 300-inch bulls with a rifle this fall, your options are limited, and your budget better be unlimited. If you want to experience “do-it-yourself” hunting, have a chance to fill a tag with any legal elk, and don’t mind waiting a few years to do so, you will have multiple opportunities, and you should be able to keep costs much lower. If you want to travel across state lines, budgeting for costs will be especially important. Out-of-state tags can cost anywhere from $600 to in the thousands. Add to that travel, lodging, food and more. If you are looking for a guided hunt, you must research and budget for that payment in addition to your travel costs. Examine your finances and decide how much you can afford or reasonably save in the timeframe you are considering.
You also must be able to budget your time. Budget no less than six days of actual hunting for an out-of-state elk hunt. If you decide to engage a guide service, seven to eight total days might be enough, because many of the logistics will be taken care of. For a DIY hunt, you’ll need more time. For someone driving from the opposite side of the country to the Rockies, 12-14 days is a more realistic estimate.
Setting expectations is vital to planning your out-of-state elk hunt. I hope these tips will help you achieve success.
Want to learn more about planning an elk hunt? Check out Corey’s University of Elk Hunting online course. outdoorclass.com and join.
