Printable View
just wondering how many guys here have hunted out of state and or would possibly be interested in doing so. I've never hunted elk, mule deer or pronghorn, but i'd like to. However, since I'm not wealthy and probably cant afford to pay a guide or pay to hunt private land I'd be hunting public. For 2018 I'm considering elk in Colorado, and potentially some of the draw hunts in texas (if I'm lucky enough to draw a tag). Pronghorn in Wyoming is another possibility.
I'd love to bow hunt for elk in Colorado. However I'm in bad enough shape (round is a shape) at our Alabama altitude. I would be even more worthless in thinner atmosphere out west.
Unguided would be tough out west, but duable, I watched tred Barta show public hunting eagle/Vail Colorado.he never got any but showed how it is possible. ....I had trouble hiking up to go off of back runs skiing Snowmass(,150 yrds 15+years ago ) let alone walking and hunting.(and packing out meat if you got lucky)...now I ride the atv up the hill to hunt here
I have hunted out west several times. GET IN SHAPE! The air is thin, the terrain can be steep and rugged, and you will improve your odds if you can get around in it.
Even do-it-yourself is not cheap, just cheaper. Given the price of fuel, tags, equipment, etc., it all adds up. IMHO, you don't really want to go with someone you don't like or know well. The trip can be stressful and you will want a good group of 'solid' individuals. Lastly, I would say go with the mind set that you can have an enjoyable trip even if you don't tag something. It is beautiful country; the hiking and camping are enjoyable by themselves.
Never leave camp without rain gear, food and water. Keep chap stick in your pocket. Take baby wipes. For these, if you don't know why, you will.
Do some internet research. There is a ton of information and suggestions for getting ready. Good Luck!
Be sure to stock up on pepper spray and get some little bells. If you can't afford those a 45 on your hip is a good idea.
Quote:
Montana Grizzly Bear Notice:
In light of the rising frequency of human/grizzly bear conflicts, the Montana Department of Fish and Game is advising hikers, hunters, and fishermen to take extra precautions and keep alert for bears while in the field. We advise that outdoorsmen wear noisy little bells on their clothing so as not to startle the bears that aren't expecting them. We also advise outdoorsmen to carry pepper spray with them in case of an encounter with a bear.
It is also a good idea to watch out for fresh signs of bear activity. Outdoorsmen should recognize the difference between black bear and grizzly bear poop. Black bear poop is smaller and contains a lot of berry seeds and squirrel fur. Grizzly bear poop has little bells in it and smells like pepper spray.
And go out in groups of people that you can outrun.
Given the altitude and hiking needed for elk, pronghorn would be the first choice for this flatlander.
I've never gone out west but i have a buddy who goes out and does hike-in trout fishing every summer. He said the first year was exhausting, he thought he was ready but wasn't. He learned very quickly that mountains and altitude require you to be fit and in good cardio health. Plus a day in base camp/hotel to adjust before heading out.
But the rewards are tremendous: 50+ trout days and spectacular scenery.
Colorado has over the counter rifle tags,if I were to attempt it that's where I would head
I sort of have an "in" if I go after pronghorn in Wyoming. Friend of mine lived there for the last ten years (just moved back to Michigan recently) and said he would give me directions to the section of blm land that he used to hunt. He and his wife took pronghorns every year. He also said something about buying leftover licenses over the counter.