Elk Hunting

I have a friend that is interested in hunting elk in the U.S.. Does anyone have a suggestion besides Bitterroot? I think his budget is around $2000. He wants to hunt in Colorado, New Mexico, Idaho, or

I am also interested in this sort of a hunt if you find out please forward it to me also. Thank you very much

Hi The Bitteroot is not such a hot area anymore. I owned a small ranch in the middle of it for years. The fires did a lot of damage but will come back stronger than ever. The Selway is and has been good for as long as I can remember. Generally it takes horses and or an outfitter to hunt there just because it's remote and no motorized equipment allowed. I guided and hunted the Chamberlain Basin on the Middle Fork of the Salmon in Idaho which is also remote and a fly in proposition unless you want to spend a couple days on a horse to get there. I also guided in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, and on the Grays River in WY. Nearly all these areas require a guided hunt if you want some meat to take home and especially if you are not familiar with the area. The areas that are easy to reach are nearly all shot out, or the elk are smart enough to avoid them. Colorado has always been popular and as a result is over-run with hunters who like to do their hunting with ATV's. If you can't get on private property to hunt, its a nightmare and nearly akin to going to a NASCAR race! In spite of many friends there, and private property to hunt on, I doubt I'll hunt Colorado again. New Mexico has some really great hunting on the reservations but it gets pricey and you have to shop. Arizona has some great elk hunting up in the NW corner but you have to spend money for it too. So many of the states have limited non-resident licenses or are on a draw system which makes it difficult to plan long range. There is a man, name of Erv Malnarich, lives in the Bitteroot and has a web site touting guide schools. Erv taught me the guiding/outfitting business back in the early 70's, retired after 50 years as an outfitter in the Selway and is still working at what he does best. He can recommend outfitters and he doesn't pull any punches about them or their service!! If you do contact him, give him my regards. Rocky aka Ol Shy & Bashful

We have had very good luck in the Trinidad area of Colorado for the last 10 or so years. You will be hunting the NM herd there, on public land. There are fallow food acres grown strictly for the game. Look out for the bears, and keep food safely stored. Deer often seen at dusk only 100 yards or so from camp.