I am wanting to go hunting somewhere other than Iowa. Don't get me wrong, I am lucky to be able to hunt in Iowa every year but I would love a change of scenery. I want to do either hunt black bear, antelope, mule deer, or elk. Is there anywhere that I could hunt one of these animals for under a $1000 and make it worth my time? I am not a huge trophy hunter, I just love hunting. Any ideas would be appreciated.
I go to Montana every year. I have killed all but bear up there. I think last year I spent about $700 for a big game combo (elk and deer).
What do you want to do first? For $1000...you should be able to swing about anything...some draw dates are coming up so list your first and second choice for this fall?
Black bear will be a tough go DIY, antelope can easily be done for $1000, and if you are careful how you go about it, mule deer and elk can be done for that too. I did an Arizona Mulie/Coues Deer hunt in January 2010 for $850ish and that includes staying in a hotel rather than camping! $350 tag, $200 rental car, and $300 room.
Montana just raised the cost of the BGC tag to just under $1000. I have hunted Idaho a few times and they have fairly decent prices for nonresidents. Some states have leftover tags which is another route you can go.
I'd say there are plenty of states out west where you can hunt Antelope, Mule Deer, or Elk on your own. I'd choose WY for Antelope, and Mule Deer I'd look at NE (specifically the Pine Ridge Area) WY, CO, or AZ. Where you go and what you spend depends on your goals. IMO a DIY Bear hunt is a lot tougher especially if you want to hunt over bait unless you have lots of time to get a bait established. If you wanted to do some stalking on bears then check out AZ. Dan
Keep in mind that the elk tags usually run around $500 and above. Depending on what happens to SR196 in New Mexico, First, the terrain is not anywhere near what you may encounter in Colorado. Second, with limited draw, you will encounter hunters, but it will be easier to get away from them. Colorado tags are less expensive, but it always seems to be everyone's first choice. The scenery is awesome and may be difficult for those who haven't prepared for it. Just will have to do some research after you narrow down a few units. Either way, you can't go wrong as if your fortunate to hear one bugle, or better yet get one close enough to stand the hair on neck, it will be well worth the trip.
That is exactly what I want to experience. On tv it sounds great but I couldn't imagine being in their territory!!! How easy is it to get drawn in Colorado?
for black bear you could go to MN. i think you need to apply one year then you get you tag the next. my buddies and i went to the sport show and found a guide that will bait for you but everything else is DYI.... $800. so its not a totaly DIY
Some units are in Colorado, some are over the counter, some units are draw, and require 10 plus points to get a tag. I believe Unit 49 takes 3 points to draw. So really it depends on what unit. The book is available online, which will give some details. You can also look up draw odds on their site as well. Nice thing about Colorado you could apply, for Unit 61, get denied and of a course a point, and then buy a OTC Tag and still hunt !! I have been doing that for years now in Colorado..best of both worlds...hunt and still build points for those limited draw.
