Over the next few years I'd like to try some out of state big game hunts. For you guys that have done some of them, what are the most affordable? Any certain guides that are reasonably priced for a good hunt? I know most of the hunts can be quite affordable if you go DIY on public, but I'd more than likely be going at it alone, and don't think I'd travel 1/2 way across the country by myself and attempt to hunt an elk or a muley. It seems like pronghorn can be done fairly cheap, and also I saw the ad for the $1,800 combination bear and deer hunt on the homepage, it seems like a heck of a deal as well. Any recommendations?
Antelope.....DIY in Wyoming is a blast. Very affordable. Licenses and tags is around $300 then food and gas.
Unless your focus is top end trophy's...I would skip the outfitters. Find a buddy or hook up with someone you get to know on this site. DIY on public land is a blast, and the money saved will get you a 2nd hunt...2 for 1. What are your "Top 3" species you'd like to chase soon? For me I'd like to get all 5 species of NA deer with bow someday(whitetail, muley, elk, moose, & caribou)...prepare a small list or goal...and people on here can be a major help in getting you set up...
I'd definitely like to take: Elk, Muley, Antelope, and Black Bear, in no particular order, lol. I think Moose and Caribou would be fun, just don't know that I'd be able to drop the coin for them.
Best way to get out west is to establish a contact in an area and go for it, makes it that much cheaper. Here in MT it has gotten tough for NR to get tags though, real tough.
I have been looking at going on a Muley/whitetail hunt and found North and South Dakota to be my best bet. North you need to apply. A guy on another site gave me a bunch of info on a res. to hunt but they only take like 30 people. You can stay in a town near by on people rent out rooms. You can also have a guide for a day to show you where to go. South is over the counter. The tags are around $285 I accidentally deleted all the info the guy gave me but I can ask him to send it again if you want.
Definitely skip the outfitters unless you have a very short timeline, a desire/need for a trophy class critter and a big bankroll. You can have a lot of fun and meet great folks with DIY hunts. You'll just need to do more research and make some contacts. If you're willing to make the sacrifices there's nothing you can't do. I moved to AK 18 years ago partially so I could hunt all the cool critters without hiring a guide. Here I am still hunting all the cool critters and not regretting it a bit.
Story of my soon to be father-in-law. Him and some buddys decided they would head out to CO to take a stab at elk/deer hunting. This was years and years ago. They put in for the draw every year and when one or more would get picked they made a trip to get it done. After years of going they got to know the game warden for that area pretty well. During that time he would introduce them to a very nice couple that were care takers of a big ranch that bordered the public land they always hunted. This ranch was huge and owned by 5 or so billionaires, YES BILLIONAIRES. They hit it off very well. As years passed they eventually got to hunt on the ranch and now CO couple comes to MO to hunt. Even one of the rich owners is coming to Missouri for my wedding in a couple weeks. Father-in-law just went out to CO this past weekend for a wedding for the daughter of the now retired game warden. Also the new warden has made a couple trips out here with his family and killed a nice whitetail in 09. I have been to this ranch a few times now but never to hunt. I would love to start hunting there in the future.
Didnt feel like editing, in the beginning they went out there many time in a year to scout and get to know the area. They were definitely like you are now, they didnt know the area at all. You will eventually if you keep at it and stay in that general area as years pass.
I'd have to look it up, but if I remember correctly I spent <$2500 for 15 days in Alaska, went fishing on the ocean, caught salmon with my bare hands, and killed 3 P&Y deer. Still the best money I ever spent even if I never killed a single deer. I did the Arizona deer hunt for less than $1000, but came up unsuccessful so that may not be the best trip to follow lol. Next trips for me over the next 5 years in no particular order are GA alligator, Hogs somewhere, WY Antelope, and probably a CA blacktail hunt. Like you, I'm aiming for quantity of affordable hunts over quality of one real expensive one.
Well, are any of you guys interested in trying to put together some of these DIY hunts in the near future? If so maybe we can get some groups together and start researching some areas together.
I'd be in for a summer hog hunt anywhere, or a antelope hunt if it was near the beginning of august, if anyone is looking to do one of those.... My school and work schedule is too brutal for much else at this point for me.
I'm hoping over the next 5 years or so to get out on an antelope, elk and/or mule deer hunts. Those are tops on my list right now.
I might be interested in a antelope hunt next August with some of you guys, well I am interested but I might not be able to make it happen.
