Hunt out of state Reminder
Just a reminder that March is the time to think about your out of state hunt. If you are going to do a Do It Yourself hunt you have plenty of time to plan before next October. However, if you choose to go with an outfitter you are almost too late to find one and book it. They fill up fast.
I have done the Do It Yourself hunts for some 60 years with my dad, grandfather and uncle but my days of the DIY are pretty much over, being 73 years old packing elk or deer out over 10 miles is a bit harder now.
I urge you to go out of state for several reasons, mostly because your chance of taking an animal is 1,000% better than here in California. It’s my personal opinion that California doesn’t manage our game well. I hear from California hunters all the time complaining that they never see any legal bucks. My last mule deer hunt up near Buffalo Wyoming we counted 103 legal bucks in 2 days, all shootable. (Pic of 4 animals down)
DIY hunts are fun but it takes a lot of work prior to going, especially if you don’t know the area. You need to apply for a license and tags, possibly go through the draw, download maps, work out a plan and put it all on your GPS, which I highly recommend. GPS mapping will show you public land and private land. Nothing kills a trip better than being caught on private land and having your weapons confiscated and getting a hefty fine.
I know out of state Hunting can cost a little more but the rewards are worth it. I will take a one week trip out of state compared to hunting every weekend here in California. I also suggest that you go with an outfitter. Most times your license and tags will come with the price of the hunt, as they are guaranteed landowner tags and there is no draw! In the past, when money was tight, I would pass up a year and not go hunting, in order to save the money just to go out of state the following year.
Whether you are hunting mule deer, whitetail, antelope or Elk, you can find a reasonable out of state Outfitter. They usually run anywhere between $4,000 to $15,000 depending on area, animal and outfitter.
We decided to get an outfitter. We were in no rush so we took 2 days to get there, staying over in Wendover Nevada and then again in Meeker Colorado. This way we got to walk around the city of Meeker and see their museum and such. (Pic of museum). That left us only a 30 minute drive to the ranch, because checkin was until after lunch. Once there and all checked in you meet most of the crew and then you sightin your weapon, to make sure it did not get bumped on the way. After that it’s dinner and drinks. Then to your cabin so you can get your gear ready for the morning and sleep…if you can!
If you decide to do this, I recommend Elk Ridge Outfitters out of Meeker, Colorado. Talk to Tonia at 970-942-9615. She can set it all up for you. The hunt is about $8,000 If she is booked up, have her book it for the following year, because that’s how fast they book up, and they are already taking reservations for 2024. They have one on one guiding and if you are lucky you will get my guide Austin Seely. Great young man and a mountain goat of a guide. He makes it easy on you.
They have awesome new cabins and a lodge. Most cabins sleep about 6, though my wife and I had it to ourselves. (Pic of cabins). Your meals come with it and they are fantastic. Bring your own booze though. They will provide you with a guide and the transportation to and from the hunting area. They will either pack you a lunch or you can go back for lunch and then hunt the afternoon. For pictures and more information go to elkridgeoutfitterscolorado.com
Once you get your animal, your guide will dress it out for you or you can choose to do it. They have a place you can hang it but it’s just as easy to get it to a meat processor, of which they have several you can choose from in the area. They are very reasonable.(pic of Elk hanging)
I have been on several of these hunts and they are the best ever, lots of fun and great memories that will last a lifetime, not to mention getting some great meat you will enjoy for a couple of years. (Pic of meat processing and kyndal)
If you want a recommendation for Wyoming hit me up, I have an awesome one there too, also if you want a DIY area.
Good luck!
Mike Rogers
RB Bass Outdoors
