NEW MEXICO TROPHY ELK WITH LAND OWNER VOUCHER 95,000 ACRES 5 DAYS 1X1 $15,500 2021 – 12 HUNTERS 12 BULLS
This premier outfit has 12 elk permits for the ranch and they typically run 6 hunters October 1to5,4from7to11and2onthelasthuntNo- vember 11 to 15. They have managed this ranch for over 20 years.
2021 they were 100 percent successful and had a good horn growth year. 4 bulls were taken in the 340 to 360 class, plenty in the 300 to 320 category and the last hunt they killed a 330 and a 328 bull.
5 day 1×1 on the first hunt is $16,100, second and third hunts are $15,500 and there was some availability at press time.
The outfitter gives past clients first opportu- nity to rebook this ranch or one of their other ranches before opening it up to new hunters. If you are interested give us a call and we can check on openings or put you on the list for an opening the following fall. Hunters fly into Al- buquerque and rent a car. Hunt EKWM90.
COLORADO PRIVATE LAND ELK HUNT $6500 FIRST RIFLE ELK SEASON $6000 SECOND AND THIRD SEASONS
Here is a high success hunt with the first two season hunts taking place in traditional elk country with aspen, oak brush and elevations from 7000 to 8500 feet. These first two hunts are more physical than the third and fourth sea- son hunts that take place in lower country near agriculture. Hunts are mainly on private land that produces good success on 5 and small 6 point bulls.
2021 first rifle ended with 4 hunters killing 3 bulls and the unsuccessful hunter passed on a freak horned bull. Second season had 4 hunters killing a 5×5 and missed a 6×6, all hunters had opportunities. Third season he didn’t take any elk hunters and fourth season he had a combi- nation elk/deer hunter that did not take an elk.
Archery he had 4 hunters over 2 weeks, and they killed a 5×5 and missed a 6 point bull.
2020 first rifle had 7 hunters kill 6 bulls and miss 2. Two of the bulls were nice 6×6’s. Sec- ond season 7 hunters killed 5 bulls, missed 2 and crippled a bull. Third season they only had 2 elk hunters and a 6×6 and 5×6 were taken in the low country.
8 archery hunters tagged 3 bulls, hit and lost 3 bulls and missed a bull, a 460 pound bear was also taken. He also had 4 muzzleloader hunters kill 2 bulls and miss 2.
2019 first rifle hunt finished with 8 hunters tagging 6 bulls and 2 were missed, 2 nice bears were also taken. Second season first hunt all 6 hunters shot at bulls, but only 2 were taken. Second hunt finished 2 for 4 and a bull was hit and lost. Third season went 2 for 4.
Ranch house accommodations and hunts are 5 days guided 2×1 for archery elk at $6,000 for September and muzzleloader hunts are $6,000 mid September. First season rifle is 5 days at $6,500 for mid October, second season is 4 days at $6,000 late October, third season is 4 days at $6,000 early November.
First season elk draw has been 100 percent on these private land tags, second and third seasons are over the counter. Muzzleloader elk usually requires 3 points to draw. Black bear can be taken on a kill fee of $500 and bear numbers are up. Hunters fly into Grand Junction and rent a vehicle or fly into Montrose and get picked up at no charge. Limited openings for 2022 and 2023. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz and Cliff Graham have been to this camp. Hunt EK163. EK163 Hunt Photos
COLORADO RANCHING FOR WILDLIFE
ELK $5750 W/GUARANTEED TAG FREE RANGE PRIVATE RANCHES HUNT SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER
This is one of the most popular elk hunts due to such a high past success rate and not too physically demanding. These private land ranches are in the RFW program with guar- anteed licenses issued from the state so there are no drawings. They can rifle hunt on these properties from early September to December 15, so the 40 plus elk hunters are spread out over an exceptionally long season. This north- west Colorado region typically produces 4 and 5 point bulls with the occasional 6 point. The elk are migrating through these properties mainly starting in early November depending on weather conditions and continuing through December. New bulls can show up daily but remember this is not a trophy hunt.
At press time the 2021 season was under way with 35 hunters tagging 30 bulls, crip- pling two and taking a couple cows. The top two bulls grossed 290 inches and they still had another 10 days of hunting. These numbers in- clude the 8 September rut hunters that tagged 7 bulls and the unsuccessful hunter was a bow- hunter and passed on bulls.
2020 season started off well with the first 25 hunters tagging 25 bulls, including 8 bulls for all 8 September rut hunters. Then the weather
Craig Gehm with his 6 point Colorado bull on Hunt EK554.
warmed up, not pushing the elk down to their normal winter range. The next 20 elk hunters only killed one bull. This was the first year in well over a decade something like this oc- curred, but migration hunts are at the mercy of the weather with no guarantees.
2019 this outfit produced 33 bulls and 6 cows for 42 hunters, including 7 bulls for 8 hunters on the September rut hunt. 2 hunters had missed 4 bulls and a big bull was hit and lost.
The ranches receive roughly 40 elk tags year- ly depending on what Fish and Game allocate each spring. Most bulls taken will be a 5 point averaging in the 220 to 250 class and top bulls have reached the 270 inch category. Typically the elk hunting gets better as the season pro- gresses. Starting about mid November more elk move onto the property due to pressure on nearby public land and the normal winter mi- gration out of the high country. This is more of an agricultural landscape, wide open type of hunt where you catch groups of elk crossing the ranch.
The outfitter also offers two LATE SEP- TEMBER RUT HUNTS in the high country for $5,750 for 4 days. This is a much more physi- cally demanding hunt, typically in more moun- tainous terrain at higher elevations for resident elk. This hunt is booked for next 2 years.
The ranch is located at about 7500 foot el- evation and has good road access making the regular elk hunt not an extremely physical hunt. 4 day hunt with bunkhouse accommodations, meals, guided 2×1 and airport pickup in Hayden is included for $5,750. Pronghorn can be added to the early elk hunts for only $2,250 and the ranch produces nice bucks averaging 70 inch- es. HCU’s Craig Green and Cliff Graham have hunted with this outfitter. Hunt EK226. EK226 Hunt Photos.
NEW MEXICO BULL ELK
31,000 ACRE RANCH W/L.O.VOUCHER BORDERS MESCALERO APACHE RESERVATION
This outfitter has been running hunts on a 31,000 acre private ranch that borders the Mes- calero Apache Reservation and on up to the wil- derness area. The terrain is fairly moderate with rolling hills and cedars, providing an excellent archery hunt along with the rifle season.
2021 archery finished with 15 of the 16 bow hunters tagging a bull. The only unsuccessful hunter passed on bulls.
2021 rifle season at press time was 100 per- cent, best bull grossed 320 with most of the bulls in the 270 to 300 class.
Archery hunts are 5 days 1×1 $11,500.
They run 4 hunts with 4 hunters per hunt, September 2 to 6, 8 to 12, 15 to 19, and 20 to 24. Rifle hunts are only 3 hunters per hunt and priced according to dates. October 1 to 5 $17,500, 7 to 11 $14,500, November 16 to 20 $12,900 and December 10 to 14 $12,900.
Excellent cabin accommodations with satellite TV and all the amenities. Hunters fly into Albuquerque and rent a vehicle for the 3 hour drive. Openings are determined by the amount of repeat clientele. Hunt EKNO90.
COLORADO HORSEBACK ELK $6000 ON 13,000 PRIVATE ACRES 2021 – 37 HUNTERS 30 BULLS 2020 – 33 HUNTERS 26 BULLS
This family operation produces a lot of bulls hunting their own private ranch southeast of Craig. Very high success on 5 point and small 6 point bulls. They also run one of the highest opportunity archery spot and stalk elk hunts.
2021 archery finished up with 33 archers killing 13 bulls, wounding 11 and missed 6. All shots taken were under 30 yards.
2021 first rifle 8 hunters killed 7 bulls. The unsuccessful hunter missed and crippled a bull. Second season first half went 3 for 8 and one big bull was missed, just a tough hunt. Second season second half was 6 for 7 and the unsuc- cessful hunter had to leave early. Third season finished 8 bulls for 8 hunters and 2 hunters also had deer tags that they filled, and one was a 181 inch buck. Fourth season had 6 hunters tag 6 bulls. Overall for the season 37 rifle elk hunters killed 30 bulls, missed 4 and hit and lost one bull.
2020 archery season ended with 33 bow hunters tagging 15 bulls, crippled 8 and missed way too many.
2020 first rifle season had 8 hunters tag 8 bulls, including three 6 point bulls. Second sea- son first half had some brutal weather causing them to lose a couple of hunting days. His 8 hunters tagged 4 bulls and missed 2.
Second half of the second season 7 hunters killed 5 bulls, missed 4 and
crippled one. Third season finished with 7 hunters tagging 6 bulls. Fourth
season had 3 hunters kill 3 bulls. Overall his rifle hunters finished up
with 33 hunters harvesting 26 bulls.
2019 bow season finished with 25 archers killing 11 bulls (including 3 six point bulls), hit and losing 7 and missed 12 bulls. Only 5 bowhunters did not shoot, but all had opportunities.
2019 first rifle season 8 hunters harvested 7 bulls and the unsuccess- ful hunter missed 2 before hitting and losing a bull. Second season he had 8 hunters on two 4 day back to back hunts for a total of 16 hunters killing 14 bulls. Third season he had 7 hunters on two back to back 4 day hunts for a total of 14 hunters killing 9 bulls, 2 hunters missed and 3 had no opportunities. Fourth season he had 4 hunters kill 4 bulls.
First rifle season is a 5 day hunt priced at $6,000 guided 2×1. Second season is split into two 4 day hunts at $5,500. Third and fourth sea- sons will be 5 day hunts at $6,000. Typically guides and hunters leave the cabin and horse- back a 45 minute ride up the mountain to the hunting areas. Most of the hunting is spot and stalk on foot and then ride back down at the end of the day.
Accommodations are a renovated pre-1900 ranch house with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, big kitchen, living room, mud room and enclosed porch. The first rifle hunt has been 100 percent in the draw. The second and third season elk permits are sold over the counter. Fourth season elk hunters need to apply, but draw has been near 100 percent.
Bow hunts and muzzleloader are both priced at $6,500. Hunters can fly into Denver and rent a car or into Hayden where airport pickup is included. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz has been on this ranch. Limited openings for 2023. Hunt EK824. EK824 Hunt Photos.
TROPHY NEW MEXICO DRAW BULLS $5950 2X1 OR $8950 1X1 AVERAGE BULL SCORES 300+ INCHES
This outfitter hunts a couple primitive weapon units that produce bulls as big as the Gila units, with much much better draw odds. These hunts take place in the southwestern part of New Mexico close to the Gila and a few in southcen- tral and southeastern New Mexico, including some rifle units. With his draw formula by put- ting 3 choices in top trophy units according to dates it increases your odds to about 25% draw. He does have landowner vouchers available for a guaranteed tag, but these are approximately priced an additional $6,500.
With a $750 deposit he will put you in the draw each year until you draw and when you do the $750 will come off the price of your hunt, so it is just a deposit on your hunt. Hunters still pay the normal New Mexico application price of $865 to the state and if unsuccessful the state keeps $89 and refunds $776 to the hunter, but the outfitter will take care of your application at no charge.
His archery and muzzleloader hunts produce most of the super bulls. HE OFFERS HUNT- ERS THE USE OF HIS BEST OF THE WEST LONG RANGE CUSTOM MUZZLELOAD- ERS WITH DIAL UP HUSKEMAW SCOPES ACCURATE UP TO 400 YARDS FOR $500. They shoot and kill like a rifle and are legal in these primitive weapon units.
He also offers rifle hunts in the draw or pri- vate landowner vouchers with guaranteed tags, along with youth hunts.
ARCHERY HUNTS are 6 days running from September 1 to 14 or 5 day hunts September 15 to 24. Success on archery hunts with bulls tagged typically runs just over 50 percent and generally another 25 percent hit and lose bulls.
MUZZLELOADER HUNTS are 5 days, Oc- tober 17-21, 24-28 and late season November 21-25. Success on muzzleloader hunts has been running about 90 percent on kills.
RIFLE HUNTS are 5 days and vary from mid October into early November with success running near 100 percent but are much more difficult to draw and landowner vouchers are expensive.
All elk hunts are priced at $5,950 2×1 or $8,950 1×1 plus 8% sales tax. Archery hunts can be extended at $750 per day. $1,000 cripple policy donation for a deserving youth hunter if you want to continue hunting.
Accommodations could vary from a lodge, bed/breakfast, to possibly wall tents with floors or a spike camp, depending on the tag drawn. In some areas accommodations can be upgraded for an additional cost.
Hunters fly into Albuquerque and rent a car for the 1 1/2 hour drive. Draw deadline is March 15. HCU’s Cliff Graham and Bob Wodzisz have visited this outfit. Hunt EK820.
UTAH CWMU RIFLE ELK RUT HUNT RIFLE $14,500 1X1 5 DAYS
2021 – 11 HUNTERS 11 BULLS
This 9,000 acre premier ranch located in northeastern Utah has 11 elk tags per year and success has run at or near 100 percent on some great bulls. The outfitter only takes 3 or 4 hunt- ers per week, September 7 to 12, 18 to 23 and October 5 to 10 giving the ranch a rest between hunts.
2021 produced a couple bulls in the 340 plus class and several were taken in the 320 to 330 category, everyone shot bulls.
5 day hunts guided 1×1 are priced at $14,500 with very nice ranch house accommodations right on the ranch.
The outfitter gives past clients first opportu- nity to rebook this ranch or one of their other ranches before opening it up to new hunters. Hunters fly into SLC and rent a car. Hunt EKG90.
SEPTEMBER RIFLE RUT HUNT UTAH 35,000 FREE RANGE ACRES 100 PERCENT SUCCESS PAST YEARS AVERAGE 310 TO 320 INCHES $17,500 TO $18,500 1X1 GUARANTEED TAG – NO DRAW
This is a premier hunt on a 35,000 private acre ranch in the CWMU program guarantee- ing 34 bull tags and allowing them to run 5 rifle rut hunts from September 6 to October 9 plus a later October 25 to 30 hunt. They typically take 6 hunters per hunt and success has run at or near 100 percent the past several years. The only negative on this hunt is extremely limited availability due to past clients getting first opportunity.
2021 was again 34 for 34 on kills. 350 was tops and average was 310+ and only 2 bulls scored under 300 inches.
2020 season was another year that was ba- sically 100 percent on bulls averaging near 320 and the top 4 bulls grossed from 345 to 349.
2019 season finished with all hunters tagging some tremendous bulls. Top bull grossed 359 inches with an overall average of 320.
The property has an amazing bull to cow ratio of 70:100 and hunters can expect to see 5 to 15 good bulls per day. Hunters get to experience the rut in full force with bugling bulls and crashing of antlers. This is not a physically demanding hunt and HCU has never had a hunter come home without a bull on this hunt.
5 day hunts are priced at $18,500 1×1 for the first 3 hunts and $17,500 for the last 3 hunts, including lodge/cabin ac- commodations with home cooked meals. Hunters fly into Salt Lake City airport and rent a car. HCU’s Cliff Graham and Bob Wodzisz have been on this ranch. Hunt EK2B90.
WE CANNOT STRESS THE IMPOR- TANCE ENOUGH OF ACQUIRING WYOMING PREFERENCE POINTS FROM JULY 1 TO OCTOBER 31
BY GOING TO THE WYOMING WEB- SITE https://wgfd.wyo.gov AND FOLLOW THE SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS TO PUR- CHASE ELK $53, MULE DEER $43, PRONG- HORN $33 PREFERENCE POINTS TO USE IN FUTURE YEARS. HCU WORKS WITH SEVERAL RANCHES THAT CURRENTLY REQUIRE ONLY 2 TO 3 POINTS TO DRAW QUALITY ELK HUNTS AT A VERY REA- SONABLE PRICE.
SE WYOMING RIFLE RUT ELK HUNT BULLS BEND RANCH $7500 REQUIRES 3 POINTS TO DRAW A TAG 2021 – 5 RIFLE HUNTERS 4 BULLS 2020 – 5 RIFLE HUNTERS 5 BULLS 2019 – 4 RIFLE HUNTERS 4 BULLS
This 9200 acre private ranch located in south- eastern Wyoming Unit 3 is in a general draw area so we expect 3 points will draw the special tag or 4 points for the general tag. This unit allows rifle bull hunts from mid September into early October during the rut.
2021 he took 5 rifle hunters and they killed 4 bulls averaging just shy of 300 inches. The unsuccessful hunter hit a monster 350 type bull three times, but he ended up getting away.
2020 he had 5 rifle hunters tag 5 bulls, 4 over 300 and best went 330, smallest bull was a 260 class.
2019 rifle hunts finished with all 4 hunters tagging great bulls gross scoring from 280 to 320 inches.
5 day hunts starting September 15 and con- tinuing into early October during the rut are $7,500 guided 1×1 plus a lodging/meals 5% tax and includes cabin accommodations in a scenic spot on the ranch and meals.
The key here is to acquire preference points starting July 1 to October 31 so you can acquire the elk tag in a future January drawing. Go to the web and look up https://wgfd.wyo.gov and fol- low the simple instructions to purchase the elk preference point currently priced around $53. Buy it this coming July for a future hunt. This outfitter also has mule deer and pronghorn hunts and if you are interested you should purchase points for deer at $43 and pronghorn for $33. Be smart and accumulate points so you can draw a quality hunt at a reasonable price down the road. If you have problems call us and we can assist you.
Draw deadline is January 31. Hunters fly into Denver and rent a vehicle for the 3 hour drive. Book ahead for 2023. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz has been on this ranch. Hunt EK2643.
SE COLORADO BULLS $7500 $7000 BOW OR MUZZLELOADER
This hunt takes place in southeast Colorado just north of Raton, New Mexico. The outfitter only takes up to about 4 rifle hunters per year. This hunt books up rapidly so hunters need to put a $500 deposit down to hold and insure a future spot.
2021 first season he had 3 rifle hunters tag 3 bulls in the 260 to 290 class. Second season they went 3 for 4 on mule deer scoring in the 160’s. Third season he took one elk hunter and he passed.
2020 due to a couple cancellations he only had 2 rifle hunters. Weather was extremely hot and dry, but both hunters scored on 5 point bulls. He took 2 mule deer hunters the third season and they killed 2 bucks.
2019 first rifle hunt finished with 3 bulls tagged for 5 hunters, including 3 six points.
One hunter crippled and lost a bull, so his hunt was over and the other unsuccessful hunter just didn’t get it done. Second rifle elk hunt he had a father and son kill one nice bull. He took 6 mule deer hunters on the third season and all 6 killed bucks in the 150 to 165 inch class.
5 days guided 2×1 is $7,500 or $8,500 1×1 starting in early October. Basic ranch house ac- commodations with meals and hunters fly into Colorado Springs or Denver and rent a car for the 2 or 3 hour drive.
First hunt is a draw but has been 100 percent; second and third season tags are over the count- er. Mule deer also need applied for but should draw and he also has some deer vouchers. Deer hunts are $4,500 for 5 days 2×1 or $5,500 1×1. 2021 his 2 muzzleloader hunters tagged one 6×6.
2020 he did not have any muzzleloader hunters.
2019 muzzleloader hunt his 2 hunters tagged a 280 and 305 inch bulls. September 10 to 20 and hunters need 1 or 2 points to draw a tag. Colorado allows in-line muzzleloaders, but no scopes or sabots.
2021 his 3 archers killed a small 6 point and crippled a bull.
In 2020 his 4 archers tagged a 5×6 and 5×5 and one bull was missed.
In 2019 all 4 bowhunters had opportuni- ties on bulls within range, but either missed or passed.
April 1 draw deadline. Reserve now for 2022 or 2023. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz has been on this hunt. Hunt EK554.
UTAH SEPTEMBER RIFLE RUT HUNT 20,000 FREE RANGE PRIVATE ACRES $18,500 CWMU GUARANTEED TAG 2021 – 15 HUNTERS 15 BULLS 2020 – 15 HUNTERS 15 BULLS
The outfitters family owns this 20,000 acre ranch located in southeastern Utah, which is in the coveted Controlled Wildlife Management Unit Program (CWMU) and are allocated 15 bull elk tags each year determined by the Fish and Wildlife Department. The program allows them to start rifle hunting September 1 until the end of October. They typically run all their elk hunters in September to the first week of October, so everyone gets to hunt during the rut. 5 day hunts guided 1×1 are $18,500 plus license and tax. Nice accommodations plus good home cooked meals and older hunters can physically do this hunt.
2021 had all 15 hunters tag a bull. Top bull went 362 down to 310 with an overall average at 330.
2020 finished with all 15 hunters killing a bull. Top bull grossed 360 and a couple more in the 350’s, overall they averaged in the 325 to 330 class.
This outfitter puts on a top shelf hunt for trophy animals in a beautiful setting. Hunters fly into Grand Junction, where they rent a car, and arrive at the ranch early afternoon and start hunting that evening. Next openings are in 2024. HCU’s Craig Green has hunted this ranch. Hunt EK72. EK72 Hunt Photos
#1 UTAH MUZZLELOADER HUNT $8500 AVERAGE SCORE 300
This small personal outfitter normally does 4 to 6 muzzleloader bull elk hunters starting in early November when the bulls are typical- ly lower on the ranch and in larger numbers than the rifle season. This 7,800 acre ranch is in northeastern Utah and the earlier rifle season normally runs at or near 100 percent success. Utah allows long range muzzleloaders with scopes.
2021 he had 6 muzzleloader hunters kill 3 bulls and hit and lost one. Best bull was a giant at 359 inches. He had several hunters come into camp with inexpensive muzzleloaders that hin- dered their success.
2020 his 4 muzzleloader hunters all tagged out and the top bulls came in at 320 and a 316 bull with about 25 inches broke off. This is an extremely high success hunt that tends to not be too physical.
Accommodations are trailers in a park where they can take UTV’s right into the hunting area or motel accommodations at $80 per night. 4 day hunts including meals are $8,500 plus li- cense and tax. Hunting is mostly done by using pickup trucks and Ranger UTV’s.
Airport pickup at SLC is included. HCU’s Cliff Graham and Bob Wodzisz have been on this ranch. Hunt EKMZ830.
GOT 23 COLORADO ELK POINTS? COLORADO TROPHY UNIT
ELK REQUIRES 23 OR MORE POINTS MULE DEER REQUIRES 11 OR 15 $5500 5 DAYS ELK OR DEER VOUCHERS SOMETIMES AVAILABLE
You will need at least 23 elk preference points to draw the second, third or fourth season elk tag, the special early rifle and archery seasons can require 23 to 26 points.
2021 bow season went 2 for 6 and everyone had shooting opportunities resulting in misses. Muzzleloader went 4 for 6 with 5 misses. Best bull scored a whopping 373 and rest were in the low 300’s. First 3 rifle seasons finished with 14 hunters harvesting 13 bulls. Top 2 bulls grossed 350 points. He had a late November hunt where 2 of the 6 hunters scored, best bull went 330 and all the hunters had opportunities on 300 class but passed wanting bigger.
2020 bow season ended with 2 archers shooting at six 6 point bulls, hitting and losing 2. Muzzleloader went 1 for 2, a 320 bull and the unsuccessful hunter shot at 3 bulls hitting and losing one. The 5 rifle seasons combined had 20 elk hunters tag 19 bulls including a 355, 348, 338, 2 at 330 and a couple at 320.
2019 produced better than average bulls, mostly due to early rains increasing antler growth. Bow season finished with 3 of the 4 archers tagging bulls, including a monster 350. Muzzleloader went 1 for 2, a 300 inch bull was taken and the unsuccessful hunter crippled and lost 2 bulls. The 5 rifle seasons combined pro- duced 24 bulls for 26 hunters. Top bulls were 365 and 354, most were in the 300 to 320 range. On normal years the average bull taken gross scores around 300 inches and the top bulls sometimes tip the 350 mark. Mule deer success is near 100 percent and the average buck gross scores 170 to 180 inches.
5 day hunts guided 2×1 are only $5,500 with wall tent accommodations on the early archery and muzzleloader hunts and cabin accommodations on the rifle hunts. Airport pickup in Grand Junction can be arranged for $150. Deer hunts require 11 points minimum to draw second season and 15 points for the third season and the hunt is $5,500. Early April draw deadline. Landowner vouchers are sometimes available. Hunters need to book ahead for a spot. HCU’s Cliff Graham has hunted elk and deer with this outfit. Hunt EK21. EK21 Hunt Photos.
WYOMING TROPHY ELK UNIT 7 REQUIRES 13 OR 14 PREFERNCE POINTS TO DRAW
HCU works with 3 high success trophy-ori- ented elk outfitters in Unit 7 near the Laramie Range in southeastern Wyoming. It normally takes at least 13 or 14 points to draw this unit. The high dollar special draw can increase your odds. JANUARY 31 DRAW DEADLINE and these hunts need booked in advance. Preference points can be obtained from July 1 to October 31 by going to the web https://wgfd.wyo. gov and follow the simple instructions. We highly recommend purchasing the elk preference point currently priced around $53 for future years. Here is the write up on one of the top trophy outfits.
This small family operation has 3 ranches totaling 32,000 private acres with rough, deep canyons and draws, along with some prime BLM property. This can be a physical hunt, but hunters are rewarded with some awesome bulls. They normally take 1 or 2 archery hunt- ers and 5 or 6 rifle hunters per year and have been close to 100 percent success past several years. Best bulls taken have gross scored from 340 to 370, with the average in the 320 range.
Rustic cabin accommodations with electric are priced at $8,000 for 5 hunting days guided 1×1 from October 15 to November 20. They do a couple archery elk hunters in September priced at only $7,500 plus a lodging/meals 5% tax. Hunters fly into Denver and rent a car for the 3 hour drive to camp. Hunt EK264.
ARIZONA TOUGH DRAW ODDS TROPHY BULLS AND BUCKS HERE ARE 2 PREMIER OUTFITTERS ARCHERY HAS BETTER DRAW ODDS
Arizona is an outstanding hunting state, but the drawing odds are excep- tionally low, and you must buy a state license to apply. We suggest hunters to apply for the draw, but do not expect to pull any tags and DO NOT HOLD OFF BOOKING A HUNT ELSEWHERE WHILE WAITING ON AN ARIZONA TAG or you may not get much hunting in.
This outfitter consistently produces trophy quality bulls in the 320 to 390 range with success near 100 percent on the early gun or archery hunts. Late season rifle hunts are easier to draw and you still stand a good chance of taking bulls in the 300 to 340 class. He also conducts trophy mule deer hunts in the Kaibab and has guided hunters to many 200 inch deer over the years, but realisti- cally you should be hoping for a 180 inch buck.
It is worthwhile for hunters to purchase the $160 license or only $22 for a youth license and accumulate bonus points. He charges $6,500 to hunt the full season (14 days for archery or 7 for gun) guided 1×1. January 31 deadline for elk and May 30 for deer. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz and Cliff Graham have hunted this outfit. Hunt EK91. EK91 Hunt Photos.
Here is another top Arizona outfitter that typ- ically hunts units 5A, 5B North, 5B South, 6, 1 and 27. Archery hunts are 7 days and rifle hunts are 6 days, both guided 1×1 for $6,500 with lodge accommodations. Extra days can be add- ed if necessary. Success is typically remarkably high on bulls in the 320 to 390 class depending on the unit.
Arizona drawing odds can be hit or miss since they use the bonus point system, but nor- mally you can draw in Unit 5 with about 7 to 9 points, whereas in Units 1 and 27 the average is more like 12 to 14 for archery and 18 to 20 for rifle, although you can pull a tag with any number of points.
Season starts about September 9 and draw deadline is late January and the outfitter will as- sist you in the draw. Hunters are picked up in Tucson. Hunt EKB404. EKB404 Hunt Photos.
100% GUARANTEED ELK HUNT PRIVATE LAND SOUTHERN IDAHO MOUNTAINS STARTING AT $7300
This premier outfitter has 5,500 continuous acres under high fence located in the beautiful mountains of southeastern Idaho. Hunts take place at 6,500 foot elevation in elk country with diverse habitat consisting of pine and aspen
forests making for challenging and exciting stalks. A premium brand-new private lodge provides a comfortable night’s stay after the days hunt. Enjoy home cooked meals during your entire hunt. Hunts are conducted using the side by side all-terrain vehicles.
4 day trip is priced at $7,300 and includes a bull gross scoring 300 to 340 inches, 3 days of hunting guided 1×1, lodging, meals, field dressing, trophy preparation, tag, license and tax. These are beautiful bulls that will make great mounts and can be up- graded for the following prices.
Bulls scoring 341 to 350 are $7,900, 351 to 360 are $8,500, 361 to 370 are $9,100, 371 to 380 are $9,700, 381 to 390 are $10,500 and 391 to 400 are $11,400. Larger bulls are available and priced separately. Cow elk are $2,000.
Bison is also available, and bulls are priced from $6,400 up to $9,400. Airport shuttle service is included from Salt Lake City. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz has visited this ranch. Hunt EKP224. EKP224 Hunt Photos.
ARCHERY ELK HUNTS
HCU works with several outfitters that offer archery elk hunts. Here are a few in Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico.
This COLORADO horseback archery hunt is $6,500 and has been a very high opportuni- ty for an archery bull. Their main method is calling with spot and stalk, super exciting, and his early hunt dates are quite productive. This private ranch has remarkably high elk numbers and archers typically have near 100 percent op-portunity.
2021 he had 33 bowhunters kill 13 bulls, wound 11 and miss 6.
2020 his 33 archers over the course of a long season killed 15 bulls, crippled 8 and missed plenty.
2019 he hosted 25 bowhunters and they killed 11 bulls, including three 6 points, crip- pled and lost 7 bulls and missed 12. 20 hunters had shots and all 5 that did not shoot passed.
Most bulls taken are 5×5’s in the 240 to 260 range. He runs four 4 day horseback hunts priced at $6,500 guided 2×1 during the month of September with cabin accommodations. 2023 is next availability. Hunt EKB824. EKB824 Hunt Photos.
Southcentral NEW MEXICO hunt produces trophy class bulls averaging 300 inches in prim- itive weapon only units for only $5,950 2×1 or $8,950 1×1 plus 8% state tax. 6 day hunts run- ning from September 1 to 14 or 5 day hunts be- tween September 15 to 24 and can be extended for $750 per day. Success on archery hunts with bulls tagged typically runs just over 50 percent and generally another 25 percent hit and lose bulls.
With his draw formula by putting 3 choices in top trophy units according to dates it increas- es your odds to about 25% draw. He does have landowner vouchers available for a guaranteed tag, but these are priced approximately an addi- tional $6,500.
Accommodations could vary from a lodge, bed/breakfast, to possibly wall tents with floors or a spike camp, depending on the tag drawn. Hunt EKB820.
Here is a UTAH archery hunt that has been high success with very good elk numbers on the ranch. $7,500 guided 1×1 from mid August to late September when the bulls are rutted up. Small personal outfitter on a private ranch in northeastern Utah. Travel trailer accommoda- tions in a park near the hunting area with meals included.
2021 his 7 bowhunters killed 5 bulls and 2 were missed. 2 bulls went 300 inches, 280, 270 and a 240 bull was taken.
2020 his 2 archers killed bulls in the 250 to 260 range, not as big as normal, probably due to the extreme heat and drought. This ranch usual- ly takes about 15 rifle hunters per year and runs close to 100 percent success on bulls averaging 290 to 300 inches, but with repeat bookings we normally do not have rifle openings.
Airport pickup in Salt Lake City included. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz and Cliff Graham have been on this ranch. Hunt EKB830.
NEW MEXICO 31,000 acre ranch includes landowner voucher (guaranteed tag) and last fall produced 15 bulls for 16 archers and the unsuccessful bow hunter passed on bulls. They run 4 hunts with 4 archers per hunt, Septem- ber 2-6, 8-12, 15-19, and 20-24. 5 days 1×1 is $11,500. The ranch borders the Mescalero Apache Reservation in southcentral N.M. out of Ruidoso.
Hunters fly into Albuquerque and rent a vehi- cle for a 3 hour drive. Openings are determined by the amount of repeat clientele.
Hunt EKBNO90.
MONTANA Missouri Breaks 7 hunting days is priced at $5,250 guided 2×1.
2021 his 7 bowhunters tagged 3 bulls, best grossing close to 350, hit and lost 2 plus a miss. He runs exciting spot and stalk hunts throughout September, normally 2 hunters per hunt. Tent camp right off Fort Peck Lake. The Missouri Breaks archery tag is draw with about 20% suc- cess and a April 1 draw deadline. Preference points can be acquired July 1 to September 30. Hunters fly into Billings and rent a car for the 3 hour drive. Hunt EKB219.
Southeastern COLORADO private land elk hunt priced at $7,000 near the New Mexico border.
2021 his 3 archers killed a small 6 point and crippled a bull.
2020 his four bowhunters killed two 5×5 bulls, missed a bull and passed on a bull.
This is a very exciting spot and stalk hunt with decent elk numbers and quality bulls. Season is September 1 to 24 and we prefer the later dates. Price is $7,000 guided 2×1 or $8,000 1×1 with basic ranch house accommodations and meals. Archery tags are over the counter. Hunt- ers fly into Denver or Colorado Springs and rent a car for the 3 or 2 hour drive. Hunt EKB554.
This COLORADO bowhunt is priced at $6,000 for 5 days guided 2×1 in September. He has private ranches with ranch house accommodations just outside of Hotchkiss. The average bull is a 5×5 or small 6 point.
2021 they ran 2 hunters the third week of September and 2 more the last week. A 5×5 was taken and a 6×6 was missed with plenty of elk and action.
2020 over the course of 2 hunts his 8 archers killed 3 bulls, including an exceptional 335 bull, crippled 3 bulls, missed a bull and tagged a 463 pound bear. He had 4 archery mule deer hunters tag 2 bucks, including a monster gross- ing just over 200 inches, a 170 buck and another big buck was hit and lost.
Hunters fly into Montrose and airport pickup is included. Hunt EKB163.
Southwest COLORADO trophy elk archery hunt. Price is $5,500 guided 1×1 for 5 days with cabin accommodations. This is a draw unit re- quiring minimum 23 preference points or land- owner vouchers are available for about $6,000. The average bull normally grosses around 300 inches. This is a terrific hunt with lots of action.
2021 all 6 bowhunters had shooting result- ing in only 2 tagged bulls.
2020 his 2 archers shot at six 6 point bulls, missed 4 and hit and lost 2.
2019 he hosted 4 archers and they killed 3 bulls, including a monster 350 inch bull. The unsuccessful hunter passed on bulls up to 280 inches and went home empty.April 4 deadline. Hunt EKB21.
COW ELK HUNTS
WYOMING COW ELK HUNTS $2000
This outfitter has 2 ranches in southeast- ern Wyoming. His family owns 20,000 private acres bordering the Medicine Bow National Forest. This is in Area 10 and drawing odds are near 100 percent. Hunters can also put in as a group so all or none will draw. Cabin accom- modations with meals provided.
The other ranch is in Area 6 on about 6,000 private acres that may require a preference point to draw. This ranch has no accommodations, so the outfitter puts the hunters up in a local hotel and provides restaurant meals at his expense.
This is an exceedingly small personal oper- ation, not the normal in and out cow meat hunt. 3 days of hunting guided 2×1 for $2,000 with lodging and meals included. Tags are $288 and you need to apply in January. He will conduct these hunts during the month of November. This is an elk hunt, not a shoot, and the experience is worth the price besides the opportunity to take home a truckload of meat. Hunt EKC558.
WYOMING COW HUNTS $2000 5 DAYS
This 9,200 acre property is located in Unit 3 in southeastern Wyoming. Tags have been available with 0 points and can sometimes be purchased as leftovers.
5 day hunt is $2,000 guided 2×1 including cabin lodging on the property and meals. Cow elk season is October 14 to November 31 and can be combined with pronghorn on the early hunt for $4,500 or combination cow elk/white- tail hunt for $6,000 for 5 days and the deer have been averaging in the 140’s.
Draw deadline is January 31. Hunters fly into Denver and rent a vehicle for the 3 hour drive. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz has been on this property. Hunt EKC2643.