Elk Hunting/Outfitters

[Bh10]

I really want to head west this year and kill an Elk, never been out there hunting.

Im wondering if anyone can recommend an outfitter, in an area where its possible to get a tag? I realize some places takes years, Id prefer to go where there's a good chance of getting drawn or buying over the counter.

 

[Piglatinhater]

I've hunted 5 times in Colorado for elk, all self guided. I semi cheat because my extended family (aunts/uncles/cousins) all live on the Western Slope. We have our honey holes/specific areas but it's all public land. The last three times were really miserable: lots of hunters and very little seen game. Honestly, I think CO's game have adjusted to the hunting seasons/pressure since they've been hunting on the same dates for 50 years and they know when to head to private land. Every year we scout and see the same heard in the same spot every morning, but come opening day it's a ghost town. A lot of hunters have stopped going to the point CO DOW's dropped the price of an elk tag from $950 to $630.
Having said that, I think an outfitter is the way to go. Most of the time they own/have a close relationship with landowner's who's property tend to fill up with game come hunting season. The only con is the price of course.