UTAH RIFLE/MUZZLELOADER ELK
$10,500 OCTOBER/EARLY NOVEMBER
GUARANTEED TAG/NO DRAW
This small personal outfitter normally does 2 hunts totaling 9 rifle hunters in early October on close to 9,000 prime private acres.
2025 produced 9 bulls for 9 rifle hunters. 3 were management guys and the other 6 killed bulls averaging over 275 inches. A few bulls were seen in the 330+ class, but none were killed. They took 4 archery hunters and they killed a bull, crippled/lost a bull and everyone had multiple shots.
2025 muzzleloader hunters killed 3 bulls for all 3 hunters with the best gross scoring 328 along with a couple 5×6’s.
2024 rifle hunters finished with 6 bulls for 8 hunters and all 3 muzzleloader hunters tagged bulls including an old bull with heavy mass scoring 325 and a 320+ bull that should have gone over 340 but was broke and another nice 6×6.
Accommodations are trailers in a park where they can take UTV’s right into the hunting area or motel accommodations at $150 per night. 5 day hunts rifle or muzzleloader including meals are $10,500 guided 1×1 plus license and tax, archery is $9,500. Rifle season starts the first Saturday in October and he runs two 5 day hunts. Muzzleloader normally starts early November when the bulls are typically lower on the ranch and in larger numbers than in the rifle season. Utah allows long range muzzleloaders with scopes.
Hunting is mostly done by using pickup trucks and Ranger UTV’s. NO POINTS ARE REQUIRED TO DRAW THE ELK TAG.
Airport pickup at SLC is included. Limited openings for 2026. 2027 archery elk will be $9,500, rifle $12,000 and muzzleloader elk $11,000. HCU’s Cliff Graham and Bob Wodzisz have been on this ranch. Hunt EK830.
SE WYOMING RIFLE RUT ELK HUNT
BULLS BEND RANCH $9000
2 OR 3 POINTS TO DRAW A TAG
This 9200 acre private ranch located in southeastern Wyoming Unit 3 is in a general draw area, Southern Region, so we expect 3 points for the General tag or only 2 for the Special. This unit allows rifle bull hunts starting September 15.
2025 season they had 8 hunters tag 8 bulls, including a monster 365 inch bull down to a 305 and plenty of 315 to 320 bulls.
2024 season finished with 5 bulls for 5 hunters including a super 350 class bull.
5 day hunts starting September 15 are $9,000 guided 1×1 plus a 5% lodging/meals tax and includes rustic 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 follow the simple instructions to purchase the elk preference point currently priced around $52. Buy it this coming July until October 31. This outfitter also has mule deer and pronghorn hunts and if you are interested you should purchase points for deer approximately $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 now for 2027 or 2028. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz has been on this ranch. Hunt EK2643.
SE COLORADO BULLS $9000
RIFLE, BOW OR MUZZLELOADER
PRIVATE LAND
This hunt takes place on private property in southeast Colorado just north of Raton, New Mexico. The outfitter only takes up to about 6 rifle hunters per year.
2025 archery went 1 for 2, unsuccessful hunter missed at 15 yards. Muzzleloader season went 1 for 2 and unsuccessful hunter had several misfires.
First rifle went 4 for 4, second rifle 2 for 2 on elk and 2 for 3 on deer. Third season finished 1 for 2 on elk and 2 for 2 on deer. All the bulls taken broke the 300 inch mark and the deer went in the 160’s and one exceptional buck in the 190’s.
2024 archery finished with 3 of the 4 bowhunters killing bulls, including an absolute monster grossing 360 inches. Other 2 bulls were a small 6×6 and a 4 point.
First rifle went 3 for 4 on bulls in the 280 class with quite a few broken racks. Second season he had 2 elk hunters, both scored on bulls and a mule deer hunter that didn’t see any bucks nearing the 150 class, so he passed. Four feet of snow dumped on the area, so they did not hunt the third season.
Elk hunts are 5 days guided 2×1 is $9,000 or $10,000 1×1. Muzzleloader season is September 10 to 20 and hunters need 2 points to draw a tag. Colorado allows in-line muzzleloaders, but no scopes or sabots. Archery season is September 1 to 30 and tags are over the counter. First rifle hunt is a draw; second and third season tags are over the counter. Mule deer also need applied for but should draw and he also has some deer vouchers. Deer hunts are $5,500 for 5 days 2×1 or $6,500 1×1.
Basic ranch house accommodations with meals and hunters fly into Colorado Springs or Denver and rent a car for the 2 or 3 hour drive. April 1 draw deadline. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz has been on this hunt. Hunt EK554.
SE WYOMING 55,000 ACRE RANCH
$8750 2X1 5 DAYS/ARCHERY 6 DAYS
REQUIRES 4 POINTS SPECIAL OR 6 GENERAL
This outfitter had decided not to hunt elk on the Ranch in 2021 or 2022 and let the bulls get a little more age. Years prior to that they would take maybe 10 bulls per year and now they are looking into better management and get it up to around 5 per year.
They also have a smaller 11,000 acre ranch called the Basin that tends be covered up with elk during mid to late September bow season. This 6 day archery hunt is priced at $8,750, same price for 5 day rifle hunt.
2025 all 5 rifle hunters tagged bulls on the Ranch ranging in size from 275 to 330.
2025 archery on the Basin they had 4 bowhunters with no kills. 2 archers hit and lost bulls, one missed a couple, and the last hunter had some opportunities, but never took a shot.
2024 they had 2 rifle hunters on the Ranch and both scored, one a 320 bull and the other was a little broke in the 300 class.
2024 on the Basin he took 3 archery hunters and killed a 320 and a 305 and another smaller 6 point. He also had 2 rifle hunters and they both killed 6 point bulls 280 to 300 class.
We expect it to take 3 points in the Special draw or 5 to 6 in the General to secure an elk tag.
5 hunting days guided 2×1 is $8,750 with nice lodge accommodations and good hearty meals on the Ranch hunt.
Basin hunts are priced the same at $8,750. 5 day rifle hunts are usually bunkhouse accommodations and 6 day archery hunts have been out of a camper.
Rifle season is October 15 to 30 for both properties and Basin archery hunts normally start around September 20.
Hunters fly into Denver and rent a vehicle for the 3 1/2 hour drive or fly into Laramie where airport pickup may be arranged. Draw deadline is January 31, preference points can be acquired from July 1 to October 31. Hunt EK650.
WE CANNOT STRESS THE IMPORTANCE ENOUGH OF ACQUIRING WYOMING PREFERENCE POINTS FROM JULY 1 TO OCTOBER 31 BY GOING TO THE WYOMING WEBSITE https://wgfd.wyo.gov AND FOLLOW THE SIMPLE INSTRUCTIONS TO PURCHASE ELK $53, MULE DEER $43, PRONGHORN $33 PREFERENCE POINTS TO USE IN FUTURE YEARS. HCU WORKS WITH SEVERAL RANCHES THAT CURRENTLY REQUIRE ONLY 5 POINTS TO DRAW QUALITY ELK HUNTS AT A VERY REASONABLE PRICE.
UTAH SEPTEMBER RIFLE RUT HUNT
20,000 FREE RANGE PRIVATE ACRES
$22,500 CWMU GUARANTEED TAG
The outfitters family owns this 20,000 acre ranch located in southeastern Utah, which is in the Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit Program (CWMU) and are allocated approximately 17 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 $22,500 plus license and tax. Nice accommodations plus good home cooked meals and older hunters can physically do this hunt.
2025 season went 17 for 17 with a overall average of 345! Best bull grossed 360 inches.
2024 season produced 17 bulls for 17 hunters with the best bull grossing 356 and an overall average of 325.
Typical year is 85 percent success on nice 6 point bulls averaging over 300 inches and the top bulls can go anywhere from 330 to 360 depending on the year.
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 in the afternoon and start hunting that evening. HCU’s Craig Green has hunted this ranch. Hunt EKGE72.
NEW MEXICO BIG BULLS
DRAW RIFLE/BOW/MUZZLELOADER
$9000 5 DAY RIFLE/6 DAY ARCHERY
LANDOWNER VOUCHERS AVAILABLE
MARCH 2 DRAW DEADLINE
This is a small personal outfitter that primarily hunts primitive weapon units, bow or muzzleloader, and also has a couple rifle hunts. He was raised hunting Unit 17 along with Unit 13 and they also hunt all Unit 16, 15, 18 and a little of 34. This outfitter is more about quality than numbers and his hunts are geared more towards trophy hunting.
2025 archery elk had 3 hunters kill 327, 321, 318 and a crippled/lost. On archer no shots.
2024 archery elk finished with 6 archers tagged 4 bulls, a 340, 336 and a 5×6 grossing 315. 4 bulls were missed, one hit and survived and 2 bulls were passed on 330 or better.
2025 elk muzzleloader he had 8 hunters kill 7 bulls and the unsuccessful hunter crippled and lost a bull. Best bull taken grossed 354, with an overall average of 307.
2024 elk muzzleloader October season ended with all 4 hunters tagging bulls. 344, 326, 315 and a young girl killed a big 280+ 5×5 her last day. November season he had 2 hunters, and they killed a 330 and a big 5×5 grossing 315.
2025 rifle season he had one hunter and he killed a 387 in Unit 18.
2024 rifle season he took 3 hunters and they killed a 347, 328 and hit and lost a 360 type bull.
6 day archery elk hunts guided 2×1 are priced at $9,000, rifle and muzzleloader are 5 day hunts 2×1 at $9,000 and all hunts have a 7.5% tax to be added. They have a nice lodge just outside Magdalena for most hunters along with meals.
The outfitter will do the applications for a yearly $50 total fee, and you can apply for as many species as you wish.
This outfitter does oryx hunts also for $4,500 with fantastic success and will do your application.
Hunters fly into Albuquerque and rent a vehicle for the 1 1/2 hour drive to the lodge. March 2 draw deadline with bow about 9 percent draw and muzzleloader at 20%, he will put you in for 3 units or dates. Muzzleloader LANDOWNER VOUCHERS are normally available for only $7,500. HCU’s Cliff Graham and Bob Wodzisz have hunted with this outfitter. Hunt EK518.
HONEY HOLE RANCH $27,500
SEPTEMBER RIFLE RUT HUNT
ONLY 2 HUNTERS PER YEAR
This small private free-range ranch sits on the Utah/Nevada border up against a famous reservation that is known for producing monster bulls. The ranch has one of the few water sources, bringing in big bulls. The owner and his brother killed a 390 bull and a 382 on the property. Hunters need to be in good physical condition as the ranch can be steep and rugged. This hunt is for the trophy elk hunter targeting bulls in the 350 inch class. Hunters can only legally use muzzleloaders, handguns or bows in this area due to it being surrounded by the Goshute Indian Reservation.
5 days 1×1 is $27,500 for elk with very nice house accommodations. Elk hunts are during September rut. Hunters need to apply for the tag before the March 1 deadline. Hunt EK255.
GOT 8 OR 9 WYOMING POINTS??
2025 – BOW 8 FOR 8 TOP BULLS 330
RIFLE 8 FOR 8 LOT OF 320 TO 340
2024 – BOW 4 FOR 5 BEST 340
RIFLE 7 FOR 9 BEST 345
This outfitter has about 8,000 private acres of steep rugged canyons, ponderosa pine and sage flats located in northeastern Wyoming and is considered part of the Black Hills. It required 8 preference points to draw the Special tag or 9 points for the General tag. The property holds a large number of elk and has bulls averaging in the 320 to 330 class.
2025 archery hunts there were 8 bowhunters and all 8 tagged out and the top bulls went 330 and only 2 bulls missed the 300 mark.
Rifle hunts also went 8 for 8 and quite a few were in the 320 to 340 category.
2024 archery finished 4 for 5 and top bull went 340. The unsuccessful hunter hit a big bull that was never recovered.
Rifle finished with 7 of the 9 hunters tagging out and best bull went 345. Both unsuccessful hunters missed bulls.
5 day bow or rifle hunts are $10,800 2×1 or $12,550 1×1 with camper accommodations and meals. There are trophy fees for the ranchers on bulls scoring 350 to 360 of $1,500, 360 to 380 $3,000 and 380 to 400 at $4,500. Archery hunts are typically the last 2 weeks of September and rifle hunts are normally the last 2 weeks of October. This hunt can be physically demanding. There are openings 2026 and 2027, both rifle and archery. Hunters typically fly into Rapid City or Spearfish and rent a car. Hunt EK682.
UTAH SEPTEMBER RIFLE RUT HUNT
2025 – 7 RIFLE HUNTERS 7 BULLS
2024 – 7 RIFLE HUNTERS 7 BULLS
5 DAY 1X1 TROPHY HUNT $35,000
HCU worked with this small Utah outfit for over 20 years with terrific success on big bulls and big mature mule deer. About 4 years ago they left the ranch they had leased and now have picked up another CWMU ranch where they have 8 elk tags and can concentrate on only taking a few hunters each year for even better quality of elk. The ranch is in the Fish Lake area of southcentral Utah and has big low meadows, some scrub oak and up higher 3 lakes, couple creeks and aspen. Great elk habitat and not too physically demanding. They also do 2 mule deer hunts each year.
2025 his 8 elk hunters tagged 7 bulls ranging in size from 338 to 356. It was an exceptionally dry summer, and the bulls were weak on top, 5th’s and main beam length. The unsuccessful hunter was an archer who hit a good bull but lost him.
His 2 deer hunters tagged a giant 205 inch buck and the other hunter passed on a 180 type buck. This area has low deer density and is good for 170 and 180 inch deer.
2024 he had 7 rifle hunters, and they all scored on bulls including 2 that would gross 360 inches down to 339 inches. He had one bowhunter and he missed about a 345 bull.
5 days 1×1 is $35,000 with small cabin accommodations with a cook tent and a tent for dining. He typically takes 2 hunters per week along with 2 guides. Mule deer hunts are priced at $16,500. Hunters fly into SLC airport where they are picked up for the 2 hour ride to camp. Next available openings are in 2027. Hunt EKJ255.
COLORADO RANCHING FOR WILDLIFE
ELK $6250 W/GUARANTEED TAG
FREE RANGE PRIVATE RANCHES
These private land ranches are in the RFW program with guaranteed licenses issued from the state so there are no drawings. They can rifle hunt on these properties from early September to December 15, so elk hunters are spread out over an exceptionally long season. This northwest Colorado region typically produces 4 and 5 point bulls. 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.
Starting about mid-November more elk move onto the property due to pressure on nearby public land and the normal winter migration 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.
4 day hunt with bunkhouse accommodations, meals, guided 2×1 and airport pickup in Hayden is included for $6,250. 2026 HAS A FEW OPENINGS FOR DECEMBER, SOME OF THE BEST DATES ACCORDING TO PAST YEARS. HCU’s Craig Green and Cliff Graham have hunted with this outfitter. Hunt EK226. EK226 Hunt Photos.
WYOMING ELK UNIT
REQUIRES 3 POINTS TO DRAW
2025 – 8 HUNTERS 8 BULLS
This outfitter normally takes only 4 or 5 elk hunters per year on this 9,000 private acres that is not mountainous, well roaded and physically not demanding. 2025 required hunters to have 3 points to draw the General elk tag or 2 to draw the Special. He normally only takes 2 hunters per hunt.
2025 he had 4 hunters tag 4 bulls over the course of 2 hunts with the top 2 bulls grossing 320 and 317.
This hunt is 5 days at $9,000 guided 2×1 with motel accommodations, breakfast and a sack lunch, no supper meals. Season dates are October 5 to 31. Pronghorn can be added for $1,000 if you draw a tag requiring 5 points for the General or 4 for Special. At press time there were openings in 2026 and 2027. Hunt EK5586.
This same outfitter’s family owns a 20,000 acre ranch in the neighboring region where in 2025 you could draw an elk tag with 6 points for General draw or 4 to draw the Special. This ranch is a little more physically demanding reaching higher elevations bordering the Medicine Bow National Forest.
2025 he took 4 hunters over the course of 2 hunts and all 4 killed bulls in the 275 to 300 class.
This hunt is 5 days at $10,000 and includes cabin accommodations, meals, 2×1 guiding and the season is October 15 to 31. Pronghorn can be added for $1,000 if you draw a tag requiring 5 points for the General or 3 for Special. Next availability is 2028.
Hunters fly into Denver and rent a car or into Laramie where they provide airport pickup for either ranch. Draw deadline is January 31. HCU’s Cliff Graham and Bob Wodzisz have hunted this ranch. Hunt EK558.
COLORADO BULLS $7500
This small outfit has been producing some good bulls for the price, and it is not a terribly physical hunt. Mostly private land with some BLM and agriculture.
2025 archery finished 2 for 4 on 300 inch bulls and the unsuccessful archers had opportunities. No muzzleloader hunters.
First rifle went 2 for 2 on good solid bulls close to 300 inches. Second hunt finished 3 for 4 on elk and 4 for 4 on deer, best in 170’s. Third season 0 for 2 on elk with some opportunity and 2 for 2 on deer, both just deer.
2024 bow season finished with 4 hunters tagging 3 bulls, including a monster grossing over 350, a small 6 point and a 4 point bull.
First rifle elk went 1 for 3, taking a 5×6 bull. Second rifle his 5 hunters tagged 4 bulls, including a big 330 plus bull. Third season ended with all 4 hunters killing nice 5 and small 6 point bulls. Quite a few bulls had broken antlers due to the exceptionally dry year.
5 day elk hunt guided 2×1 with doublewide and bunks for accommodations is priced at $7,500. 5 days rifle deer is $5,500.
Draw deadline is early April. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz has been on this property. Hunt EKM554.
COLORADO HORSEBACK ELK
$6000 ON 13,000 PRIVATE ACRES
This private ranch is owned by the outfitter’s family in northwestern Colorado just southeast of Craig. This has been a very high success elk hunt on 5 point and small 6 point bulls. They also run extremely high opportunity spot and stalk archery elk season.
2025 he had 40 bowhunters tag 12 bulls, hit and lost 14 and too many misses.
2025 was a tough year with overwhelming warm temperatures. First rifle went 8 for 8 on bulls. Second season first half went 6 for 8 with 2 misses. Second half second season was 4 for 8 with 3 misses. Third season over two hunts was 16 hunters tagged 7 bulls, 3 passed on bulls and 3 missed bulls. Fourth rifle season finished with 3 bulls for 8 hunters, 2 missed bulls and a crippled/lost.
2024 archery finished up with 18 bulls killed, 10 wounded and 7 missed for approximately 45 archers.
2024 first rifle was 6 for 8, second rifle over 2 hunts was 12 for 16 with an astonishing 10 misses, third rifle went 8 for 8 with a first day snowfall and all tagged out by end of day 3, fourth season finished up the year with 8 hunters tagging 5 bulls and 2 big bulls were missed. One hunter had to leave early.
First and fourth rifle seasons, 5 day hunt, priced at $7,500 guided 2×1. Second and third seasons are 4 day hunts priced at $6,000. Typically guides and hunters leave the cabin and horseback 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 with zero points. 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 $7,500. A cripple policy is enforced on all hunts as with most outfitters. Hunters can fly into Denver and rent a car or fly into Hayden where airport pickup is included. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz has been on this hunt. 2026 is booked full. Hunt EK824. EK824 Hunt Photos.
GOT 25 COLORADO ELK POINTS?
COLORADO TROPHY UNIT
ELK REQUIRES 25 OR MORE POINTS
MULE DEER REQUIRES 12 SECOND SEASON HUNT
OR 18 THIRD SEASON
$7000 5 DAYS ELK OR DEER
VOUCHERS SOMETIMES AVAILABLE
You will need at least 25 elk preference points to draw the second, third or fourth season elk tag, the special early rifle and archery seasons can require 26 to 30 points.
2025 he had 7 bowhunters kill 4 bulls and 2 cows. The unsuccessful hunter hit and lost about a 320 bull. Muzzleloader season all 3 hunters tagged out, two big 6×6’s, best went 330 and a smaller 6 point with an overall average of 310.
First rifle went 7 for 8 and the unsuccessful hunter had to leave early due to illness. Nothing huge, lots of 300 inch bulls. Second season elk went 7 for 8 with one hunter passing and had to leave early. Mule deer had 6 hunters tag 6 bucks averaging 178 inches. Third season on elk 3 for 3 with 310 average and 5 for 6 on mule deer averaging 175. Fourth season elk was 6 for 6 on bulls averaging 300 inches.
2024 archery went 3 for 4, all 6×6’s and best went 320. The unsuccessful hunter missed. Muzzleloader went 3 for 4, all 300 plus to 330. First rifle 6 for 6 with 5 bulls going 300 to 320 and one 5×6. Second rifle was 5 for 5 including a monster 376 and the rest 300 to 320. Third rifle 1 for 1 and fourth season went 5 for 7 including a big typical 6×6 grossing 380. The 2 unsuccessful hunters were in their mid-70’s and passed on small 6 point bulls.
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 $7,000 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 12 points minimum to draw second season and 18 points for the third season and the hunt is $7,000. Early April draw deadline. Landowner vouchers are sometimes available for late rifle elk for $7,000 and are worth it. Hunters need to book ahead for a spot. HCU’s Cliff Graham, Scott Steinkruger and Bob Wodzisz have hunted with this outfit. Hunt EK21. EK21 Hunt Photos.
WYOMING TROPHY ELK UNIT 7
REQUIRES 14 PREFERENCE
POINTS TO DRAW
This hunt takes place in Unit 7 near the Laramie Range in southeastern Wyoming. It normally takes at least 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.
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 hunters and 5 or 6 rifle hunters per year and have been very high success. Best bulls taken have gross scored from 340 to 370, with the average in the 320 to 330 range.
Rustic cabin accommodations with electric are priced at $10,000 plus a lodging/meals 5% tax for 5 hunting days guided 1×1 from October 15 to November 20. They also can do a couple archery elk hunters in September. 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
ARCHERY HAS BETTER DRAW ODDS
Arizona is an outstanding hunting state, but the drawing odds are exceptionally low, and you must buy a state license to apply. We suggest hunters 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.
Here is a top Arizona outfitter that typically 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 $9,500 with lodge accommodations. Extra days can be added 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 normally you can draw in Unit 5 with about 10 to 12 points, whereas in Units 1 and 27 the average is more like 18 for archery and over 24 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 assist you in the draw. Hunters are picked up in Tucson. Hunt EKB404.
100% GUARANTEED ELK HUNT
UTAH/IDAHO 10,000 ACRES
BULLS SCORING UP TO
330 GROSS $12,900
380 TO 400 GROSS $18,900
This outfitter has 2 operations, one in Utah and another in Idaho, both have 5,000 continuous mountain acres. Idaho ranch is more remote with the lodge 16 miles back in from the paved road. Lots of pines and aspen trees with open parks running from 4500 foot elevation to 8500 feet.
Utah ranch is not as remote and easier to get to from SLC International airport. Steeper slopes with oakbrush, maple trees, pines and aspen. Elevation runs from 5,800 feet to 9,500. They also have spike wall tent accommodations with Dutch oven style meals providing more of a wilderness experience.
Lodge hunts have private rooms with a chef for meals and hunters have the option to use ATV’s or hunt by horseback then spot and stalk.
Hunters are in camp 5 days, 3 hunting, including lodging, meals, 1×1 guide service, airport pickup at SLC or Idaho Falls and getting the meat to the butcher.
Hunts are priced for bulls grossing up to 330 $12,900, 330 to 360 $14,900, 360 to 380 $16,900, 380 to 400 $18,900 and 400 to 410 $20,900, larger bulls available on request. Tag fee $688 and non-hunters are $800. Hunt EKP149.
ARCHERY ELK HUNTS
HCU works with several outfitters that offer archery elk hunts. Here are a few in Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, Montana and Utah.
WYOMING archery hunt is 6 hunting days $8,750 2×1 on the Basin Ranch consisting of 11,000 private acres. Spot and stalk during the rut and bull numbers have been very high.
2025 they had 4 archers, 2 hit and lost bulls, one missed a couple bulls, and the fourth hunter had some opportunities, but it just didn’t happen. The hunts were great with good action, but the results were tough.
2024 on the Basin he took 3 archery hunters and all 3 killed including a 320, 305 and another smaller 6 point.
Camper accommodations or possibly wall tent. Archery hunts normally start around September 20. We expect it to require 3 points in the Special or 5/6 in the General draw.
Hunters fly into Denver and rent a vehicle for the 3 1/2 hour drive or Laramie where airport pickup may be arranged. Draw deadline is January 31, preference points can be acquired from July 1 to October 31. Hunt EKB650.
This COLORADO horseback archery hunt is $7,500 and has been a very high opportunity 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 opportunity.
2025 he had 40 archers kill 12 bulls, crippled and lost 14 and too many misses.
2024 his hunters killed 18 bulls, wounded 10 and missed 7 for about 45 hunters.
Most bulls taken are 5×5’s in the 240 to 260 range. He runs 5 day horseback hunts priced at $7,500 guided 2×1 during the month of September with cabin accommodations. 2026 is booked full, next openings 2027. Hunt EKB824. EKB824 Hunt Photos.
This NEW MEXICO small personal outfitter primarily hunts primitive weapon units, bow or muzzleloader. He was raised hunting Unit 17 along with Unit 13 and they also hunt all Unit 16, 15, 18 and a little of 34. This outfitter is more about quality than numbers and his hunts are geared more towards trophy hunting.
2025 archery elk had 5 hunters kill a 327, 321, 318 and a crippled/lost. One archer no shots.
2024 archery elk finished with 6 archers killing a 340, 336 and a 5×6 grossing 315. 4 bulls were missed, one hit and survived and 2 bulls were passed on 330 or better.
6 day archery elk hunts guided 2×1 are priced at $9,000, and all hunts have a 7.5% tax to be added. They have a nice lodge just outside Magdalena for most hunters along with meals.
The outfitter will do the applications for a yearly $50 total fee, and you can apply for as many species as you wish.
Hunters fly into Albuquerque and rent a vehicle for the 1 1/2 hour drive to the lodge. March 2 draw deadline. HCU’s Cliff Graham and Bob Wodzisz have hunted with this outfitter. Hunt EKB518.
Number 1 WYOMING bowhunt produced 8 bulls for 8 archers, best went close to 340 and all but 2 were over 300 inches.
2024 went 4 bulls for 5 hunters and the top bull scored 340 and averaged 320 to 330. The unsuccessful hunter hit a really good bull with 2 arrows, and they had 6 guides do gridwork for a couple days but failed to turn him up. This area requires 8 points to draw the special elk tag or 11 for the general. BNB accommodations with meals included for $10,800 guided 2×1 or $12,550 1×1 for 5 days the last 2 weeks of September.
Hunters fly into Rapid City or Spearfish and rent a vehicle. Hunt is on the northeastern Wyoming border by the Black Hills and the terrain can be fairly rugged, be in shape. Hunt EKB682.
Here is a UTAH archery hunt with very good elk numbers on the ranch. $9,500 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 accommodations in a park near the hunting area with meals included.
2025 he had 4 archers kill a decent bull and one guy crippled and lost a bull. Everyone had multiple shots.
2024 his 4 bowhunters killed 2 bulls over 300 inches and hit and lost another one.
This ranch usually takes about 8 rifle hunters per year and runs close to 100 percent success on bulls averaging 270 to 300 inches, but with repeat bookings we have very limited rifle openings.
Airport pickup in Salt Lake City included. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz and Cliff Graham have been on this ranch. Hunt EKB830.
MONTANA Missouri Breaks 7 hunting days is priced at $6,000 guided 2×1 or $6,700 1×1. Here is your bargain hunt for quality sized bulls.
2025 his 4 archers killed a 300 inch bull and a small 5×6 and everyone was in elk daily.
2024 he had 5 bowhunters and only killed one bull, lost a big 340 type with a bad hit and all 5 archers shot at bulls.
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 normally requires 4 or 5 preference points with an April 1 draw deadline. Preference points can be acquired July 1 to September 30. Some hunters do draw the first year applying.
Hunters fly into Billings and rent a car for the 3 hour drive. Hunt EKB219.
MONTANA trophy archery elk hunt is tops for quality and opportunity. This area is very difficult to draw a rifle tag so the quality of bulls rivals (in our mind exceeds) any units in New Mexico or Arizona.
2025 finished with 16 archers tagging 8 bulls including a monster grossing 399 6/8. Most of the bulls taken grossed above 340 inches. 3 bulls were crippled and lost and all the hunters had shooting.
2024 season top 2 bulls scored 392 and 382, with everyone having shots. Plenty of big bulls were taken with probably 7 over 330. This is an incredible hunt that requires 5 to 7 points to draw. 6 day hunt is $11,500 2×1 or $12,500 1×1. Hunt EKB79.
Southeastern COLORADO private land elk hunt priced at $9,000 near the New Mexico border.
2025 went 1 for 2, killing a bull near 300 inches. Unsuccessful hunter missed a bull at 15 yards.
2024 his 4 archers killed 3 bulls including a bull that would have gone over 320 but was broke.
This is a very exciting spot and stalk hunt with decent elk numbers and quality bulls. Season is September 1 to 30 and we prefer the later dates. Price is $8,500 guided 2×1 or $9,500 1×1 with basic ranch house accommodations and meals. Archery tags are over the counter. Hunters fly into Denver or Colorado Springs and rent a car for the 3 or 2 hour drive. Hunt EKB554.
Southwest COLORADO trophy elk archery hunt. Price is $7,000 guided 1×1 for 5 days with cabin accommodations. This is a draw unit requiring a minimum of 26 preference points or landowner vouchers are available for about $8,000. The average bull normally grosses around 300 inches. This is a terrific hunt with lots of action.
2025 his 6 archers killed 3 bulls and 2 cows. Unsuccessful hunter hit and lost about a 320 bull.
2024 finished 3 for 4 including three 6×6’s from 300 to 320 and the unsuccessful hunter missed.
2023 his 4 bow hunters tagged a 340 and 300 inch bull. All archers shot at bulls.
Airport pickup in Grand Junction can be arranged for $150. Landowner vouchers are sometimes available for about $8,000. Hunters need to book ahead for a spot. HCU’s Cliff Graham has hunted with this outfit. April 4 draw deadline. Hunt EKB21.
Utah ranch consisting of 35,000 acres is starting to offer archery hunts in 2026. It had been in the CWMU program, and they would kill 40 rifle bulls a year. It is no longer a CWMU so they will do archery hunts mid-August to mid-September and rifle early October. Bull to cow ratio has been 70:100 and hunters can expect to see several good bulls daily and it is not that physical of a hunt. 5 day hunts mid-August to September are $14,000 and September hunts are $18,000. Cabin accommodations with home cooked meals. Hunters fly into Salt Lake City and rent a car. HCU’s Cliff Graham and Bob Wodzisz have been on this ranch. Hunt EK2B90.
COW ELK HUNTS
WYOMING COW ELK HUNTS $2500
This 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 accommodations with meals provided.
This is an exceedingly small personal operation, not the normal in and out cow meat hunt. 3 days of hunting guided 2×1 for $2,500 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. All HCU past hunters have tagged out on this hunt. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz and Cliff Graham have been on this property. Hunt EKC558.
The outfitter runs this same hunt on the same properties out of the little town of Centennial for only $2,000. He runs these hunts later in November into January. Hunters pay for their own motel room and restaurant meals. Hunt EKCT558.
PRIVATE RANCH/CABIN GUIDED
WYOMING COW HUNTS $2500
This 9,200 acre property is in Unit 3 in southeastern Wyoming. Tags have been available and can sometimes be purchased as leftovers. This is like a bull elk hunt, but for cows, with hiking and glassing. He normally only runs about 4 to 6 hunters per year over two hunts late November and early December.
3 day hunt is $2,500 guided 2×1 including cabin lodging on the property and meals. Past success has been 100 percent and there is plenty of elk on the property.
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.
WYOMING COW HUNT $3000
NICE LODGE ACCOMMODATIONS
This 55,000 acre private ranch in southeastern Wyoming has been 100 percent draw on the Type 7 private tag. They have been taking around 20 hunters per year with very high success starting November 1 and continuing into January.
3 day hunt is $3,000 guided 2×1 with very nice lodge accommodations and meals. Hunters fly into Denver and rent a vehicle for the 3 1/2 hour drive or Laramie where airport pickup may be arranged.
Draw deadline is January 31 and there is a later draw after the first draw results are out. Hunt EKC650.