Elk

NEW MEXICO ELK 12 FOR 12 AND 4 OVER 350
That’s right!  Last fall over the course of 3 hunts, 4 hunters per hunt, his 12 guys took 12 bulls and 4 grossed over 350 Boone and Crockett.  In 2008 they were also 12 for 12 and they took 6 grossing over 330 points.  In 2007 they went 13 for 13 and 6 grossed over 340.  You can see the consistency with this outfitter and this is not a physical hunt. 

He has several ranches in northeastern New Mexico totaling 95,000 acres.  The first 5-day hunt guided 1x1 is $10,000 and starts in early October.  The second hunt is $9,000 and the third hunt is $8,000.  A new lodge was built in 2008.  Hunters fly into Colorado Springs and rent a car.  Limited openings are available for 2010.  Hunt EK278.  Pictures from this Hunt.

UTAH CWMU SEPTEMBER RIFLE BUGLE HUNT
Last fall this hunt produced some great bulls due to the spring rainfalls and good wet summer.  Best bull came in at 365 and we averaged in the 320’s.  The hunt continues at 100% on mature 6-point bulls. 

This is a free-range private ranch hunt consisting of 35,000 acres in northeastern Utah along the Wyoming border.  The property has an amazing bull to cow ratio of 80:100 and hunters can expect to see 15 to 20 good bulls per day.  They normally take 8 hunters per hunt starting September 14 and finishing October 1.  This way all the hunters get to experience the rut in full force with bugling bulls and crashing of antlers.

5-day hunt guided 2x1 is $9,950 with lodge accommodations.  Hunters are met at the Salt Lake City airport.  HCU’s Cliff Graham and Bob Wodzisz have been on this ranch.  Hunt EK255.  Pictures from this Hunt.

 COLORADO PRIVATE-LAND ELK $4400
 27 BULLS FOR 31 HUNTERS
Last fall over the course of 4 rifle elk seasons 31 hunters tagged 27 bulls, 2 missed and 2 passed.  Best bull was a 5x6 that grossed 290 and the average bull went 250 Boone and Crockett points.  The 2008 rifle season produced 24 bulls for 28 hunters and everyone got shooting.  This is a very high success hunt for a very reasonable price on nice mountable bulls.         

He had one repeat muzzleloader hunter, an old timer, and he tagged a 5-point the first day.

14 archery hunters tagged 9 bulls, crippled 2 and missed lots, everyone had opportunity.  Best archery bulls grossed 280 to 290, with most being nice 5x5’s. 

This small personal outfitter operates on 5,500 private acres with high elk numbers just southeast of Craig.  Most bulls taken are 5 points, although some will be 6 points.  Hunters can add mule deer for only $1,600 and they take some great bucks.  2009 was the first year he didn’t have any deer hunters and they saw 4 or 5 bucks in the 180 class and 2 they thought would gross 190. 

All hunts are horseback with some quads used and are 4 days guided 2x1.  Accommodations is a pre-1900 ranch house with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, big kitchen, living room, mud room and enclosed porch.  The first rifle hunt and muzzleloader tags have been 100% in the draw.  The second and third season elk permits are sold over-the-counter.  Fourth season elk hunters need to apply, but draw has been 100%. 

Deer permits have also been 100% draw.  Rifle elk hunts are $4,400 or combine with mule deer for $6,000.

Over the past 4 years he has had only 2 bowhunters not take a shot at a bull and success has been just over 70%.  All calling, spot and stalk, no stand hunting.  Two hunts are September 17-20 and 21-24.  Bow and muzzleloader hunts are $5,000.  Hunters are picked up at Hayden airport.  Hunt EK824. 
Pictures from this Hunt.

CHASE RANCH AVERAGES OVER 300 INCHES
At press time over the course of 3 hunts, 27 hunters had tagged 23 bulls, that’s 85% success on bulls averaging 300 Boone and Crockett points.  They also took 4 bulls gross scoring 330 points. 

First hunt October 1 to 4 had 12 hunters tag 11 bulls with 2 going over 330 inches.  Second hunt, October 9 to 13, 9 hunters took 7 bulls and 2 grossed 330.  Third rifle hunt, October 17 to 21, 7 hunters took 5 bulls and an older hunter stayed mostly in camp and another shot a cow.  He also does a later December hunt that was not completed at press time. 

This 12,000-acre ranch in northeastern New Mexico borders the Philmont Boy Scout Ranch on one side and the famous Veremejo Park on the other, in fact, this outfitter is also issued a few tags to hunt 8,000 acres in Dean Canyon on Veremejo. 

He offers 10 PERCENT DISCOUNT to groups of 3 or more.  The first 5-day hunt guided 2x1 including landowner voucher is $5,500 with a $1,500 trophy fee.  Second hunt is $5,500 plus $1,000 trophy fee, Third hunt is $4,500 plus $1,000 trophy fee and later hunts are $3,500 with a $1,000 trophy fee.  If you draw blood the trophy fee is paid.  Hunters can expect to hear some bugling on these early hunts and black bear can be taken for only a $500 kill fee.

He also offers a 6-day archery hunt for $5,500 plus $1,000.

Old ranch house accommodations with satellite TV, phone and screened in porch.  3-day cow hunts are also available for only $1,200.  Hunters fly into Colorado Springs, Albuquerque or Amarillo and rent a car.  License and 7% tax is not included.  Hunt EK333.  Pictures from this Hunt.

FIRST CLASS OUTFITTER WITH TOP TROPHY RANCHES
This outfitter hunts on several fair chase ranches in northeastern Utah that are high in demand and are typically booked 2 years in advance, but we have a few limited openings for 2009.  Here is a list and description of some of the best elk hunts in North America.

 This 230,000-acre ranch is listed in Utah’s CWMU program allowing rifle hunts to be conducted during the rut in mid-September.  Success is typically 100% for his hunters with the average bull grossing 340 to 350 Boone and Crockett.  Expect to see plenty of six point bulls to look over before pulling the trigger.  5-day hunt guided 1x1 is $15,000 and includes cabin accommodations.  Hunt EKDS90. 
Pictures from this Hunt.

Success is normally 100% on bulls averaging in the 300 to 320 range with top bulls pushing 350.  5-day hunt price is $8,500 guided 2x1 with ranch house accommodations.  He offers two hunts on this 97,000-acre ranch near Ft. Union, October 1 to 4 and 8 to 12.  Hunt EKFT90.  Pictures from this Hunt.

This ranch is in the CWMU program allowing them to rifle hunt during the rut.  They hunt the last week of September and the first week of October.  The ranch borders a larger ranch that the average bull taken grosses 340 Boone and Crockett.  5-day hunts are very reasonably priced at $8,500 guided 2x1 with ranch house accommodations.  Hunt EKAF90.  Pictures from this Hunt.

HIGH SUCCESS ARCHERY ELK
BIG BULLS GUARANTEED LICENSE
7 DAYS ONLY $4750
This outfitter only runs 4 hunters per week for 3 weeks on a 62,000-acre ranch 40 miles east of Billings.  Last year his 13 archers killed 6 bulls, top ones grossed 375 and 345 and all scored over 300 inches.  Several bulls were crippled and only 2 hunters didn’t shoot.  In 2008 his 12 bowhunters tagged 5 bulls, 4 grossed in the 300 to 320 category and the best grossed 344 Boone and Crockett.  In 2007 they took 6 bulls with the best scoring 379.  In 2006 the best bull grossed 382. 

This area is a very limited draw for rifle hunters and he did have one rifle hunter tag a 380 bull.  The terrain is not physically demanding and easy to glass.  Hunting methods include ground blinds and treestands over waterholes, wallows and on travel routes between fields and bedding areas with some calling as well.  2x1 guiding for 7 hunting days is $4,750 and you can take a muley or whitetail at no additional cost.  Ranch house accommodations, meals and airport pickup at Billings included.  September 7 to October 15.  Guaranteed license with a March 15 deadline.  Hunt EKB232.  Pictures from this Hunt.

$3500 ELK HUNT 100%
BOTH BOW AND RIFLE
This longtime outfitter has scaled back his elk operation and now only takes 4 bowhunters per year and a few rifle hunters. This is a bargain priced hunt with very high success on 5-point bulls. 

Last fall he took the same 4 bowhunters that keep rebooking this hunt and they all took nice bulls, including a 310 bull.  He had 2 rifle hunters on the first hunt and they both scored on 5-point bulls and crippled a 6 pointer.  In 2008 the 4 archers took 3 bulls and the unsuccessful hunter hit 2.  He had 2 rifle hunters and both scored.

This hunt takes place on BLM land up to 9000 feet in quakies and pines.  The outfitter uses mules and there is little or no pressure where they hunt.  Accommodations are only 10 miles away at the outfitters home with meals included. 

5-day hunts guided 2x1 are $3,500 for archery or the first season gun.  Second season rifle is only $2,500.  Airport pickup in Grand Junction.  Hunt EK675.  Pictures from this Hunt.

HUNT ELK ON THIS IDAHO
45,000-ACRE RANCH
The outfitter only takes 6 hunters per year on his own 45,000 acres in the Blackfoot Mountains just north of Pocatello in southeastern Idaho.  Last fall his 6 hunters tagged 5 bulls with the best one grossing 330 Boone and Crockett points.   The average bull taken grosses around 300 points and the unsuccessful hunter missed.

This 5-day wilderness hunt guided 1x1 for $4,900 can include nice lodge accommodations and or spike tents.  Hunting methods include horseback, hiking, ATV’s and trucks.  Season dates are October 15 to 25 and tags are available in the outfitter pool.  Very limited space, next opening 2011.  Hunt EKID149.  Pictures from this Hunt.

PRIMITIVE WEAPON UNIT FOR TROPHY BULLS $3500
This hunt has produced an archery bull scoring over 400 inches and muzzleloader bulls over 350 for only $3,500 and drawing odds are typically over 30% (up to 4 hunters can apply together).  This unit in the Cibola National Forest located in southwest New Mexico can only be hunted with archery gear or muzzleloaders, attributing to the quality of bulls taken on this hunt.  Archery has three 6-day hunts, September 1-6, 11-17 and 19 to 24.  Muzzleloader hunters can put in for the first hunt October 15 to 19 or the later October 22 to 26.

     The outfitter provides a very nice tent camp, meals and 2x1 guiding.  Hunters fly into Albuquerque and rent a car.  HCU has had many satisfied customers on this hunt.  April draw deadline. Hunt EK835.  Pictures from this Hunt.

UTAH SEPTEMBER RUT RIFLE ELK HUNT $4900
This outfitter personally owns about 35,000 private-acres in northern Utah that is in the CWMU program allowing them to run hunts in September with guaranteed tags, no draw.  He normally only takes 6 elk hunters per year on this property and success has run near 100 percent past years on bulls averaging 300 gross inches Boone and Crockett.  Last fall they took 5 bulls and the unsuccessful hunter passed. 

5-day hunts are only $4,900 with fantastic lodge accommodations.  Ranch is located 1 hour north of Salt Lake City in the Wasatch Range.  Airport pickup included.  This hunt normally needs booked 1 year in advance, next opening 2011.  Hunt EKUT149.  Pictures from this Hunt.

COLORADO TROPHY UNIT CONTINUES 100% SUCCESS  
You will need 13 elk preference points to draw this tag.  In 2009 over the course of 4 seasons all 13 hunters tagged bulls averaging gross score of 302.  In 2008, 19 rifle elk hunters took 19 bulls with the best grossing 340 inches and the average bull scoring 300.  In 2007 all 17 hunters scored with the top bull going 336 and an average of 294.

His 1 muzzleloader hunter tagged a 340 bull and his 2 archers took a 290 and 270.

     5-day hunts guided 2x1 are only $5,000 with wall tent accommodations on the early archery and muzzleloader hunts and cabin accommodations on the rifle hunts.  Mid-April draw deadline.  Hunt EK21.  Pictures from this Hunt.

WYOMING PRIVATE-LAND ELK $5200
This hunt has been 100% success on bulls gross scoring from 290 to 380 Boone and Crockett points.  Last fall he took one hunter and he killed a 330 bull the first morning. 

He has 3 ranches taking in about 20 miles of prime elk habitat near Wheatland.  5 days guided 1x1 with nice ranch house accommodations and meals from October 25 to November 11.  Fly into Denver and rent a car.  January 31 draw deadline.  Drawing odds for 2009 were 38% with maximum points.  Great hunt at a very affordable price.  Limited openings, the outfitter allows a limited amount of applicants, call us to apply. 
Hunt EK837.  Pictures from this Hunt.

LATE SEASON COLORADO ELK
RANCHING FOR WILDLIFE
HIGH SUCCESS ONLY $3500
This 26,000-acre ranch located in northwestern Colorado is in the Ranching For Wildlife program and is guaranteed 40 elk and mule deer tags, no draw.  They can set their own hunting dates and in 2008 they started elk hunting in November and it was tougher than normal.  They had 35 hunters take 26 bulls averaging in the 250 to 260-inch class, with the top bulls scoring up to 300.  In 2009 they decided to run the hunts in December and January with better success, since more elk move onto the property later.  Deer hunting is always good with very high numbers and the average buck grosses in the mid-160’s and the best pushing 180.

This is not a physical hunt and older guys will do well here.  Elevation is about 6500’ with sage and pinions, rolly polly country with plenty of roads for access.  Accommodations are a 14 x 70 trailer with a couple bedrooms, single beds and outhouse, nothing fancy but adequate.  5-day hunt includes 2x1 guiding, lodging, meals and airport pickup in Hayden.  This is a good hunt for $3,500 with high success on bulls and deer can be added for only $2,500.  Hunt EK629.  Pictures from this Hunt.

COLORADO RFW ELK HUNT 90% SUCCESS
All past HCU customers have taken bulls and given great reviews on this hunt and the outfitter.  This private land hunt is conducted on 150,000 acres in the Colorado Ranching for Wildlife program, allowing hunters to rifle hunt from September 1 to December 31.  This allows the outfitter to hunt the rut in mid-September and also to take advantage of the late season migration to the winter range, which is located on this property.  Most bulls taken are 5-points grossing 250 to 280 and they get the occasional 300-inch bull.  Past years they have averaged 90% success and near 100% opportunity. 

Hunts are conducted by horseback or vehicle and this hunt can be done by older hunters.  There are very high numbers of elk on these ranches and it is not unusual to see hundreds up to a thousand in a day.  Nice ranch house accommodations include hearty meals.  A 5-day hunt guided 2x1 from mid-October to December 31 is $5,250 and from September 1 to mid-October is $6,250 plus license.  Guaranteed tag, no drawing.  Airport pickup in Hayden is included.  This hunt has been one of our most popular due to a very high success rate, lower physical demands and affordable price.  Hunt EK373.  Pictures from this Hunt.

NEW MEXICO UNIT 10 ELK HUNT $3500
This hunt has very high drawing odds, near 100% for rifle and 80% for muzzleloader.  This is not a physical hunt with 7,500’ to 8,500’ elevations, rolling hills and big Ponderosa pines.  Muzzleloader hunt is October 3 to 7 during the rut and rifle season is October 10 to 14.  Hunters can expect to see bulls and the average bull taken is a 5 or 6-point.

5-day hunt and the outfitter provides a very nice tent camp, meals and 2x1 guiding.  Hunters fly into Albuquerque and rent a car.  Early April draw deadline.  Hunt EK10-835.  Pictures from this Hunt.

BRITISH COLUMBIA ELK HUNTS
We work with 2 B.C. outfits that offer high success elk hunts in late August into September during the rut.  Both outfits were down for 2009 due to weather related problems. 

The first outfitter takes some monster bulls, with the average in the 320 to 330 class.  He only takes 4 hunters on this premier 10-day hunt September 1 to 10 priced at $11,900 plus 7% GST.  A moose or goat can be added on a $3,500 trophy fee.  Half of his elk area has just been opened up to hunt.  We expect some monster bulls to be tagged in the next few years.  Nice base camp accommodations with a very well organized operation.  HCU’s Cliff Graham took his stone sheep with this outfitter and upon returning to base camp he would see 70 to 80 head of elk just outside his cabin every evening.  Next opening 2011.        

Hunters arrive and overnight in Whitehorse.  Taxi to Watson Lake and roundtrip charter to camp has been $1,475 per hunter.  Hunt EK491.  Pictures from this Hunt.     

The second outfitter takes bulls averaging in the 280 to 290 class and most of his hunters are on combination hunts with moose or mountain goat.  10-day hunt is $10,500 and additional animals can be taken on a $3,500 trophy fee basis.  This is primarily a spike camp operation with 2 hunters per camp.  He also offers a 5-day archery hunt for $5,000 guided 2x1 in October.  This hunt is mainly out of base camp when more elk are migrating into the area.  Archers do not have to conform to the 6-point minimum.

     Hunters fly into Fort Nelson and charter to base camp for about $1,000 roundtrip plus 7% GST tax.  This outfitter also offers youth prices for 18 and under with an adult on a 2x1 basis for only the $3,500 trophy fee.  Hunt EK483.  Pictures from this Hunt.

CHEAP PRIVATE LAND COLORADO ELK HUNT
ARCHERY/MUZZLELOADER/RIFLE
NEAR 100% OPPORTUNITY
In 2009 on the first rifle hunt 5 bulls were taken for 6 hunters, including a 330, 300 and a couple 6-points in the 280 class.  The unsuccessful hunter was 73 years old and had trouble getting around.  Second season 2 hunters took one bull and the unsuccessful hunter has hunted with the outfitter 2 previous years and passed.  The third season 4 hunters got one bull and crippled another.

     Muzzleloader season saw 4 hunters take 3 bulls and a cow.

     He had 7 archers and they took 2 bulls and missed another.  The hunt was hampered by extremely hot weather.  Four of the hunters rebooked muzzleloader hunts for 2010.

     Combination hunters with deer tags were 100% success, including a 193, 3 over 180 and an overall average in the high 170’s.  They had 2 mule deer bowhunters take a 190 and a 178. 

All 5-day hunts, archery elk is $3,500 for August 28 to September 26.  Muzzleloader hunts are $4,000 September 11 to 19. First season rifle is $4,000 for October 16 to 20, second season $3,500 October 23 to 31, third season $3,500 November 6 to 12 and fourth season $3,500 November 17 to 21.  Elk/mule deer combo is $6,000 with a trophy fee of $1,000 for any buck grossing over 180 Boone and Crockett.  First and fourth rifle elk draw has been 100% on these private land tags, second and third seasons are over the counter.  Mule deer are draw, but landowner vouchers are available.  Airport pickup at Montrose or Grand Junction.  Hunt EK163.  Pictures from this Hunt.

COLORADO PRIVATE LAND ELK
$3000 PLUS $1000 TROPHY FEE
This small outfitter has 4,000 private-acres in southeastern Colorado along the Purgatory River.  Last fall the rancher’s daughter took a 5x5 for table fare from a group of 7 bulls, passing on a larger 6x6.  The one rack hunter took a 6x7 grossing 334 Boone and Crockett.  He took one archer and he scored on a 5-point bull.

     Archery is 7 days guided 2x1 and rifle is 5 days.  Both hunts include motel accommodations, but the hunters pickup their own meals at one of the local restaurants.  This is a very easy hunt and not physical.  The ranches also have alfalfa fields that draw elk.  Draw is near 100%.  Mid-April draw deadline. 
Hunt EK680.  Pictures from this Hunt. 

PRIVATE LAND WYOMING RANCH AVERAGES 350
This outfitter runs pronghorn and mule deer hunts on a 20,000-acre ranch located between Laramie and Wheatland.  The ranch also has most of the dark timber on the mountain within its boundaries, keeping elk numbers high and quality is excellent.  Most elk are found near 6,500 feet elevation with very good road access.  Last year the area suffered the worst early snowstorm in over 75 years, basically preventing his 2 hunters to get on the mountain.  One hunter stayed a additional day and tagged a 300 plus bull, but the other hunter had to leave.  Over the 4 previous years they have taken 5 elk hunters and all were successful on bulls gross scoring from 336 to 365.  It is a draw and you will need maximum points of 4 to have a good chance.  4-day 1x1 hunt is priced at only $3,500 plus a $5,000 trophy fee.  Hunt takes place about October 7 to 10 with airport pickup in Cheyenne.  Draw deadline is January 31.  Hunt EK157.  Pictures from this Hunt.

SMALL OUTFITTER
OFFERS SOME GREAT HUNTS
The only problem with this outfitter is he has a 90% repeat clientele rate, making it hard to get an opening.  He allows his past customers to rebook up to January 31 and after that it is first come first served. 

     2009 archery did not compare to 2008 when his 10 hunters tagged 8 bulls.  Last fall they only took one 5x6, but all the hunters did have shooting.  6 of the archers had muley tags and they scored on 3 nice bucks including a 187-inch monster.

First rifle elk hunt produced 4 bulls for 4 hunters.  Second hunt was slower with 1 bull taken and 3 bucks.  The third hunt was mainly for deer and of the 4 hunters 3 bucks were harvested and one hunter had a bull tag and he missed.

He only takes up to 4 hunters at a time on his 6,800 acres located just outside Montrose, Colorado.  Most hunting is done from 7,000 to 9,000-foot elevation in oakbrush and quakies.  Bunkhouse accommodations with meals included.  5-day archery hunts are $2,750 and rifle elk/deer are $4,000.  Call ASAP for openings.  Hunt EK252.  Pictures from this Hunt.

WYOMING RANCH ONLY ALLOWS ARCHERS
This free-range hunt continues to be 100 percent success over the past years.  He only allows archery hunting on their ranch and they target monster bulls in the 350-class Boone and Crockett.  They hunt their own land and pattern the elk going to water or feed.  They setup on travel routes and ambush the bulls in the afternoons and evenings.  These trophy hunts are guided 1x1 and normally you are the only hunter in camp.  They have 2 separate herds on the ranch totaling about 150 head.

Last fall his only hunters missed a 370 to 380 bull the first day of the hunt and on day two he tagged a 330 bull.  In 2008 both hunters took good 6x6’s and in 2007 all 3 hunters took bulls netting 371, 362 and 340.  The best bulls taken have scored 407 and 390.  They hunt the entire month of September.  7 days guided 1x1 is $8,500 and if you need more days he allows you to stay.  Average shots are 20 to 40 yards and crossbows are legal.

He also has access to a 15,000 acre ranch in Unit 34 with higher drawing odds, in fact, he expects some hunters with only 1 point to draw.  He will take rifle or bowhunters here and expects some good bulls.  On the last day of the season he saw 14 bulls in the 300 to 350 class.  The season ends November 15.  7-day hunt is $7,000.

     Nice ranch house accommodations near Buffalo with elevations running 8,000 to 8,500 feet.  Airport pickup in Sheridan or fly into Billings and rent a car.  January 31 draw deadline.  Hunt EKB267. 
Pictures from this Hunt.

YOUTH OR MOBILITY IMPAIRED
TROPHY ELK HUNT
These top trophy units in the Gila located in southwest New Mexico can’t be beat for quality or success rates.  It is a draw that all fathers should be putting their kids in for that are under age 18 by the time the hunt starts.  The youth hunters and mobility impaired hunters can hunt one week before the regular season opens.  Drawing odds for youth is about 1 in 3 and about 1 in 7 for impaired hunters.  All eligible hunters should apply for this hunt.

The outfitter has taken 10 kids and all 10 have scored on great bulls with the best grossing 366 Boone and Crockett.  Last fall he had 2 youth hunters and they took 331 and 325 bulls.  This is a very high success hunt for nice mature bulls.

Success has also been 100% for mobility impaired hunters and all have taken great bulls with the top bull grossing 420 and 3 more in the 340’s.

All 5-day hunts guided 1x1 start about October 6 and include another person at no charge for $4,500.  Accommodations can be lodge/cabin with pickup trucks or tents and horses.  License is $541 plus 6% tax and hunters fly into Albuquerque and rent a car.

Draw deadline is April 7 and results are June 22.  Hunt EKY350.  Pictures from this Hunt.

ARIZONA OUTFITTER PRODUCES BIG BULLS AND BUCKS
Arizona is a premier hunting state, but the drawing odds are very low.  We tell hunters to put in for the draw, but do not expect to pull any tags.  This outfitter will assist you in putting in for tags or bonus points.  He consistently produces trophy quality bulls in the 340 to 390 range with success near 100%.  He also conducts trophy mule deer hunts in the Kaibab and has guided hunters to many 200-inch deer over the years.

It is worthwhile for hunters to purchase the $125 license or only $22 for a youth license and accumulate bonus points.  The outfitter will assist you in applying for the correct units and dates.  He charges $5,000 for a 7-day hunt guided 1x1.  May 30 deadline.  HCU’s Cliff Graham has hunted with this outfitter.  Hunt EK91.  Pictures from this Hunt.

100% SUCCESS PRIVATE LAND
UTAH OR IDAHO MOUNTAINS
AS LOW AS $3900
The outfitter has 10,000 acres under high fence in normal elk habitat in northern Utah and southeastern Idaho.  Hunts have been 100 percent success and accommodations at both operations are very nice lodges set back in the mountains.  This is a premier operation, not your normal high fence elk hunt.  Hunting methods include horseback, hiking, ATV’s and trucks. 

5 days total, including 3 hunting days guided 1x1 are $5,900 for bulls gross scoring up to 340 points and these are big mountable bulls.  Bulls 341 to 360 are $7,900, with larger bulls priced separately.

Management hunts for mature 5-point and 5x6 bulls that will never be a 6x6 are culled out for genetic reasons.  These hunts are priced at a very reasonable rate of only $3,900 and the bulls normally score in the 280 to 300-inch class, with some taken that are even larger.

Hunts run from September to December.  License fee is $488. Non-hunter rate is $600 and they can accompany the hunter. Airport pickup at Idaho Falls or Salt Lake City is included.  Hunt EKP149.  Pictures from this Hunt.

PRIVATE LAND TRESPASS FEE RANCHES
This outfitter holds several private land leases that have been very high success on bulls and bucks in northwestern Colorado.  What makes these ranches so unique is the outfitter will pack out your animals at no charge and he allows you to hunt whatever you have tags for at no extra cost.  Some hunters have taken a bull, cow and muley buck for one low cost.  Price is determined on which ranch you are on and he doesn’t mix parties so you need a group of about 4 and you get the ranch. 

     Archery elk on the Schoolhouse property includes lodging for $2,000 per man and rifle elk is $2,250.  Cathy’s Ranch is $2,500 for a rifle hunt, but it includes lodging and meals.  Pete’s Ranch is $1,800 to $2,000 depending on group size.  Balls Ranch is $1,500 per man for a group or $1,800 each for only 2 hunters and there is no lodging.  These are small properties in the 1,500 acre range.  Repeat hunters take up most bookings, so call for openings.  Hunt EK303.  Pictures from this Hunt.

NEW MEXICO PRIVATE LAND COW ELK HUNTS    
The New Mexico outfitter runs a November cow elk hunt for the bargain price of $1,200 and this includes the landowner voucher.  You will be responsible for the state license and tax. This 3-day hunt includes 2x1 guiding, ranch house accommodations and meals.  Success should run near 100% on the 12,000-acre private ranch with road access for older hunters.  If someone wants a bull hunt dates can be arranged to work for both.  Hunters fly into Colorado Springs and rent a car.  Hunt EKC333. 
Pictures from this Hunt.

PENNSYLVANIA HIGH FENCE ELK AND WHITETAILS
This preserve has over 1,000 acres under high fence where they conduct elk and whitetail hunts in the mountains near DuBois.  They operate out of a very nice rustic lodge with private bedrooms and baths.  3-day hunts are the norm and they will give you 4 to 6 days for groups of 4 or more.

Whitetails are $2,500 for up to 140, 140 to 170 are $5,000, 190 to 220 are $11,000.

Elk are $6,000 up to 349, $6,500 up to 359, $7,000 up to 369, etc.  He offers a special on 390 to 420 bulls for $10,000. 

Cow elk are also available for $1,000.  Elk hunts are August 25 to December 1 and deer is September 25 to January 1.  Hunting methods include treestands, blinds and spot and stalk.  Pheasants can be added to any big game hunt.  Airport shuttle $100.  Hunt EKP/WDP290.  Pictures from this Hunt.