Elk Options

[metau]

So the young man that passed his hunter ed class this past weekend has now put in for his first elk hunt. He was a bit dismayed by the low odds of drawing tags, and asked me what his other options would be to hunt elk this fall. I know of leftover cow tags in CO, and some tribal hunts here in AZ, but what other reasonably priced rifle cow hunts are there that can be hunted in a week (with weekends for travel) by a 12 year old? I know Montana does combo deer/elk tags, which he said was cool, but the driving time has me worried for going after two species (unless the game is abundant enough to get into them frequently). Backpack hunts are out, as he is only about 80lbs and I am not in a position to outfit that type of camp for both of us, and then put it on my back.

 

Thanks

 

Jerry

[stanley]

Possibly check-out some of the youth opportunities in New Mexico? (I'm not certain of their draw deadlines.....) My oldest son and I, who is now 23, went on a Junior hunt in New Mexico unit 34. It was a great hunt!

 

Good luck!!

 

S.

 

[bigorange]

Yeah look at NM. They also have youth encouragement hunts for those who didn’t draw anything. First come I think and have some for non-resident too.

[rossislider]

Not much help with elk, but there will be guarantee deer draw hunts this fall and left over tags for deer hunts.

[el diablo]

If just looking for a cow hunt there are plenty of late hunts with great odds. The youth hunts worse odds then the late cow hunts.

 

Another way to increase your odds is to put youself or mom in and transfer it if drawn. HeII even grandparents.

 

All else fails. The results are released well before the WMAT apps are due. They have cow hunts reasonably priced and can use the same method. Small fee to transfer them an dont think it even matters what the relationship is.

[GreatWhiteBuffalo]

CO early draw elk hunts are only $100 for youths.

A great way to fill the freezer and they are an either sex hunt.

[PackerMenges]

If interested in a private ranch cow elk hunt in New Mexico let me know.

[Delw]

kids have to learn patience. my daughter took the hunters ed at 10 cause i was giving her my 12b early rifle hunt, well I ended up in the hospital 2 days before we were suppose to leave. we then put in for elk and lopes dad f'd up again and screwed up the apps they got denied. we went deer hunting archery and had a blast and of coarse yote huting and quail.

the next year I didnt screw up apps and she got drawn for bull elk. we went deer and elk yotes and quail, then I got drawn again for elk we went deer elk quail and yotes, and i'll be dang if I didnt get drawn for elk again.I gave her the tags.

if you and your wife put in also you can pass the tag onto the kid thats gives him more chances to hunt and it doesnt always have to be about who is pulling the trigger you have kids now if you want them to hunt give them the tag. your going to hunt anyway cause you have to take him and its much funner watching a hunt through a kids eyes.

 

 

if you are worried about draw odds dont put in why worry him or yourself. just put in for where you want to hunt and you may or may not get drawn. people do every year with 0 points. if he only wants to hunt elk have him get a job and be ready for a life of disappointment.

2nd choice deer hunts pig hunts guarenteed OTC turkey hunts for minors etc etc lots of hunting opportunities in this state.

get him a bow and then he can hunt archery deer OTC aug -sept dec and the whole month of Jan. for coues or mulies

[metau]

While I appreciate you taking time to respond to this post Delw, I do not see how anything you talked about is an answer to the single question that was asked. It is obvious that you made many assumptions (all of which are wrong) in your response, and I would invite you to respond again if you have any info that directly relates to the question asked, and not just fluff and speculation to take up space on Amanda's servers.

 

To everyone else, I appreciate the responses. Will definitely look into the transfer rules on the WMAT as there is no relation between the youth and I, as well as the youth draw hunts in neighboring states. Thank you.

[Big Browns]

As you already know getting an Elk tag is hard. I recommend you look into taking the young man to Wyoming and hunt Antelope. He will see thousands of Antelope and have lots and lots of shooting opportunities. In most units you can have a buck and several doe permits. It may not be a Elk tag, but I guarantee he will have tons of fun for a very low price! If you have any questions on where to put in shoot me a pm.

[wildwoody]

Bigbrowns did your son finally do his elk hunt last year, I remember things were getting a little crazy

[goinhuntn]

Maybe look into OTC in Idaho. Don't know your situation, but if traveling is not an issue Idaho has lots of OTC tags for deer & elk at the same time. Just a thought.

[metau]

Traveling is an option, though I'd likely hunt too if we were traveling that far and I was footing the gas bill (his parents are teachers, so limited funds). Combo deer & elk sounds like a good time, will definitely talk to him about it next time I see him. My only concern would be what his folks could afford, tag wise. I'll look into it during some of my oh-so-importnat meetings at work this week...

[Flatlander]

Traveling is an option, though I'd likely hunt too if we were traveling that far and I was footing the gas bill (his parents are teachers, so limited funds). Combo deer & elk sounds like a good time, will definitely talk to him about it next time I see him. My only concern would be what his folks could afford, tag wise. I'll look into it during some of my oh-so-importnat meetings at work this week...

ID has a great mentored tag program. If a youth hunts with an adult who has a full price license (r or NR), they can buy the same tag for like $35. Mentored licenses are cheap too. ID is great for youth. However I would not recommend an elk hunt. ID is big and steep and cold. Go shoot some deer, they have either sex units, and have a great trip.