Elk

NEW MEXICO ELK W/LANDOWNER VOUCHER 95,000 ACRES 5 DAYS 1X1 $18,900

This premier outfit has 24 elk permits for the ranch and they typically run 6 hunters October 1 to 5, 4 hunters from 7 to 11, 4 on the November 11 to 15 and 4 on the December hunt. They have managed this ranch for over 20 years with nearly 100 percent success and the top bulls going 320 to 330 and an overall average of 300 inches.

5 day 1×1 on the first and second hunt is $18,900, third and fourth hunts are $17,900 with guaranteed landowner voucher, no draw. Ac- commodations are a very nice comfortable ranch house built strictly for the hunters.

The outfitter gives past clients first opportunity 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 Albuquerque and rent a car.  Hunt EKWM90.

 

COLORADO HORSEBACK ELK $6000 ON 13,000 PRIVATE ACRES 2024 – 40 HUNTERS 32 BULLS 2023 – 31 HUNTERS 26 BULLS 2022 – 38 HUNTERS 29 BULLS 2021 – 37 HUNTERS 30 BULLS

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 an extremely high opportunity spot and stalk archery elk season.

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.

2023 archery season finished with 46 hunters killing 9 bulls, wounding 10 and missing 2.

2023 first rifle went 8 for 8 on bulls. Second season finished with 7 of the 8 hunters tagging out, the unsuccessful hunter had multiple chances. Third season went again 7 bulls for 8 hunters. Fourth season finished with 7 hunters tagging 4 bulls and missing 2.

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. 2025 is booked full.  Hunt EK824. EK824 Hunt Photos.

 

SE WYOMING 55,000 ACRE RANCH $8200 2X1 5 DAYS/ARCHERY 6 DAYS REQUIRES 3 POINTS SPECIAL OR 5/6 GENERAL
2024 – 4 FOR 4 RIFLE/3 FOR 3 ARCHERY 2023 – 3 HUNTERS 3 BULLS 300 TO 320

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 $8,200, same price for 5 day rifle hunt.

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.

2023 they hosted 3 hunters on the Ranch and killed 2 bulls near that 320 mark and a 300 inch bull.

2023 he took one lady rifle hunter on the Basin and she killed a 6×6.

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 $8,200 with nice lodge accommodations and good hearty meals on the Ranch hunt.

Basin hunts are priced the same at $8,200. 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 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.

 

UTAH SEPTEMBER RIFLE RUT HUNT 20,000 FREE RANGE PRIVATE ACRES $20,500 CWMU GUARANTEED TAG

The outfitters family owns this 20,000 acre ranch located in southeastern Utah, which is in the Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit Pro- gram (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 $20,500 plus license and tax. Nice accommodations plus good home cooked meals and older hunters can physically do this hunt.

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.

WE CANNOT STRESS THE IMPORTANCE ENOUGH OF ACQUIRING WYOMING PREFERENCE POINTS FROM JULY 1 TO OCTOBER 31 BY GOING TO THE WYO- MING 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 CUR- RENTLY REQUIRE ONLY 5 POINTS TO DRAW QUALITY ELK HUNTS AT A VERY REASONABLE PRICE.

 

SE WYOMING RIFLE RUT ELK HUNT BULLS BEND RANCH $8000
4 POINTS MINIMUM 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 4 points minimum to draw the special tag or 5 points for the general tag. This unit allows rifle bull hunts starting September 15.

2024 season finished with 5 bulls for 5 hunters including a super 350 class bull.

2023 was a little tougher with quite a few broken antlers. Ended with all 6 hunters tagging bulls and the top bull grossed 310.

5 day hunts starting September 15 are $8,000 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 at $43 and prong- horn 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 2025 or 2026. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz has been on this ranch. Hunt EK2643.

 

NEW MEXICO BIG BULLS DRAW RIFLE/BOW/MUZZLELOADER $8500 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.

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.

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. No- vember season he had 2 hunters, and they killed a 330 and a big 5×5 grossing 315.

Rifle season he took 3 hunters and they killed a 347, 328 and hit and lost a 360 type bull.

2023 elk season finished with 6 bowhunters killing a 344 bull and a 331, missed 4 big bulls and crippled and lost a bull. His 6 muzzleloader hunters killed 3 bulls, 368, 328 and a 315 bull. He only had 2 rifle hunters and they tagged 2 bulls, a 367 and a 337.

6 day archery elk hunts guided 2×1 are priced at $8,500, rifle and muzzleloader are 5 day hunts 2×1 at $8,500 and all hunts have a 7.3% 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 $3,500 with fantastic success and will do your application.

Hunters fly into Albuquerque and rent a vehi- cle for the 1 1/2 hour drive to the lodge. March 2 draw deadline with bow/muzzleloader about 15 percent draw and he will put you for 3 units or dates. HCU’s Cliff Graham and Bob Wodzisz have hunted with this outfitter. Hunt EK518.

 

HONEY HOLE RANCH $25,000 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 along with monster mule deer. 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.

5 days 1×1 is $25,000 for elk or deer with very nice house accommodations. Rifle elk hunts are during the September rut. Deer hunts are the third week of October. Hunters need to apply for the tag before the March 1 deadline. Hunt EK255.

 

SE COLORADO BULLS $8500 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.

2024 archery finished with 3 of the 4 bow- hunters 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 near- ing the 150 class, so he passed. Four feet of snow dumped on the area so they did not hunt the third season.

2023 bow season ended with 3 of the 4 archers killing bulls, two 5×5’s and a nice 6 point. He had 3 muzzleloader guys kill one nice bull and cripple a bull.

First rifle he only had one hunter and he killed a slammer 350 plus bull. Second season he had 3 elk and 2 deer hunters, and they killed a big 340 bull and missed a bull. Deer hunters went 1 for 2, small buck. Third season he only had one elk hunter and 3 deer guys. They killed a terrific bull over 350 and a 175 type buck and a couple average deer.

Elk hunts are 5 days guided 2×1 is $8,500 or $9,500 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. Reserve now for 2025 or 2026. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz has been on this hunt. Hunt EK554.

 

UTAH SEPTEMBER RIFLE RUT HUNT 2024 – 7 RIFLE HUNTERS 7 BULLS TOP 2 BULLS OVER 360 INCHES

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.

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.

2023 finished with all tagging out except a hit and lost bull. Top bull was a 370 down to 330.

5 days 1×1 is $32,000 with small cabin accommodations with a cook tent and a tent for dining. He typically takes 2 hunters per week along with 2 guides. Hunters fly into SLC airport where they are picked up for the 2 hour ride to camp. At press time there were 2 openings September 20 to 25, 2025. Hunt EKJ255.

 

COLORADO RANCHING FOR WILDLIFE
ELK $5250 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.

2024 season was tougher than normal. Ended with 25 hunters tagging 8 bulls and 7 cows.

2023 was down due to the severe winter of 2022/2023, tags were decreased and they finished up with 50 percent successful on bulls.

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 $5,250. HCU’s Craig Green and Cliff Graham have hunted with this outfitter. Hunt EK226.  EK226 Hunt Photos.

 

NEW MEXICO ELK HUNT $17,100 INCLUDES LANDOWNER VOUCHER

The outfitter typically takes only 2 hunters per hunt for a total of 3 hunts per year on this 12,000 acre ranch located in northeastern New Mexico. The terrain is not all that physical and can be a fun place for a couple buddies or family members. The hunters stay in a nice little house on the ranch with the rancher’s wife providing the meals. Taking only 2 hunters on the ranch at a time makes this a special personal experience.

On a typical year the top bulls taken gross in the 320’s with an overall average of 300 inches.

Rifle hunts are 5 days guided 1×1 with landowner voucher, no draw. First hunt October 1 to 5 is priced at $17,100. Second hunt November 17 to 21 and last hunt December 1 to 5 are $16,500.

The outfitter gives past clients first opportunity 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. Hunters fly into Albuquerque and rent a car. Hunt EKM90.

 

COLORADO BULLS $7000

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.

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, includ- ing 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 hunt guided 2×1 with doublewide and bunks for accommodations is priced at $7,000. Draw deadline is early April. HCU’s Bob Wodzisz has been on this property. 2025 is booked full, so look at 2026 or 2027. Hunt EKM554.

 

UTAH CWMU RIFFLE ELK RUT HUNT
5 DAYS 1 ON 1 $20,000

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 outfit- ter only takes 3 or 4 hunters per week, September 8 to 13, 19 to 24, October 2 to 7 and 9 to 14, giving the ranch a rest between hunts.

Typical years top bulls gross in the 320 to 340 class and overall average of 300 inches plus. This rut rifle hunt is hard to beat and can be somewhat physi- cal due to the terrain.

5 day hunts guided 1×1 are priced at $20,000 for the first 2 hunts and $19,000 for the last 2 hunts and includes landown- er voucher with very nice ranch house accommodations right on the ranch.

The outfitter gives past clients first opportunity to rebook this ranch or one of their other ranches before opening it up to new hunters. Call us if you are interested. Hunters fly into SLC and rent a car.  Hunt EKG90.

 

UTAH MUZZLELOADER ELK HUNT $10,000 EARLY NOVEMBER GUARANTEED TAG/NO DRAW

This small personal outfitter normally does 4 to 6 muzzleloader bull elk hunters starting in early November when the bulls are typically 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.

2024 all 3 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.

2023 his 4 muzzleloader hunters killed 3 bulls. Best bulls went in the 290’s.

Accommodations are trailers in a park where they can take UTV’s right into the hunting area or motel accommodations at $80 per night. 5 day hunts including meals are $10,000 guided 1×1 plus license 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.

 

UTAH CWMU RIFLE RUT HUNT 35,000 FREE RANGE ACRES $19,000 TO $21,000 1X1 GUARANTEED TAG – NO DRAW

This is a premier hunt on a 35,000 private acre ranch in the CWMU program guaranteeing 40 bull tags and allowing them to run 5 rifle rut hunts from September 8 to October 11 plus 2 lat- er hunts October 20 to 25 and 26 to 31. They typ- ically take up to 6 hunters per hunt and success has run at or near 100 percent the past several years.

Top bulls on this ranch past years have grossed in the 320’s, with an overall average of 300 inches.

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 $21,000 1×1 for the first 2 hunts and $20,000 for the third and fourth hunts and $19,000 for the fifth, sixth and sev- enth hunts, including lodge/cabin accommodations with home cooked meals. Hunters fly into Salt Lake City airport and rent a car. 2025 has a few openings late September and early October. HCU’s Cliff Graham and Bob Wodzisz have been on this ranch. Hunt EK2B90.

 

GOT 24 COLORADO ELK POINTS? COLORADO TROPHY UNIT
ELK REQUIRES 24 OR MORE POINTS MULE DEER REQUIRES 11 SECOND SEASON HUNT OR 16 THIRD SEASON
$6500 5 DAYS ELK OR DEER VOUCHERS SOMETIMES AVAILABLE

You will need at least 24 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.

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.

2023 bow season went 2 for 4, taking a 340 and 300. All the hunters took shots. Muzzleloader went 7 for 7 , 330, 320 and rest in the 300 to 315 range. Rifle season ended with 22 elk hunters tagging 15 bulls averaging in the 300 to 320 class.

On normal years the average bull taken gross scores around 300 inch- es 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 $6,500 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 $6,500. 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 has hunted elk and deer 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 ad- vance. Preference points can be obtained from July 1 to October 31 by going to the web https:// wgfd.wyo.gov and follow the simple instruc- tions. We highly recommend purchasing the elk preference point currently priced around $53 for future years.

This small family operation has 3 ranches to- taling 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 range.

Rustic cabin accommodations with electric are priced at $9,000 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 Sep- tember. 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 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.

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 realistically 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 with 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 $7,500 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 normal- ly 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 as- sist you in the draw. Hunters are picked up in Tucson. Hunt EKB404. EKB404 Hunt Photos.

 

100% GUARANTEED ELK HUNT UTAH/IDAHO 10,000 ACRES BULLS SCORING UP TO
330 GROSS $10,900
380 TO 400 GROSS $16,900

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 at $9,900 (August and November only) for management bulls, bulls gross- ing up to 330 $10,900, 330 to 360 $12,900, 360 to 380 $14,900, 380 to 400 $16,900 and 400 to 410 $18,900, larger bulls available on re- quest. 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, and New Mexico.

Number 1 WYOMING archery hunt is 6 hunting days $8,500 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.

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, pref- erence 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.

2024 his hunters killed 18 bulls, wounded 10 and missed 7 for about 45 hunters.

2023 his 46 bowhunters killed 9 bulls, wounded 10 and missed 2.

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. 2025 is booked full.  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.

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.

2023 archery elk season finished with 6 bowhunters killing a 344 bull and a 331, missed 4 big bulls and crippled and lost a bull.

6 day archery elk hunts guided 2×1 are priced at $8,500, and all hunts have a 7.3% tax to be added. They have a nice lodge just outside Mag- dalena 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 EK518.

This WYOMING bowhunt produced 4 bulls for 5 hunters and the top bull scored 340 and normally 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 7 points to draw the special elk tag. Air BNB accommodations with meals included for $10,600 guided 2×1 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. Hunt EKB682.

Here is a UTAH archery hunt with very good elk numbers on the ranch. $9,000 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.

2024 his 4 bowhunters killed 2 bulls over 300 inches and hit and lost another one.

2023 his 4 bowhunters killed 2 bulls, gross scoring in the 290’s and a 270 bull.

This ranch usually takes about 8 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.

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.

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.

2023 he took 2 archers and neither killed. One hit and lost a bull and the other saw plenty, but none closer than his 50 yard limit.

He runs exciting spot and stalk hunts through- out September, normally 2 hunters per hunt. Tent camp right off Fort Peck Lake. The Missou- ri Breaks archery tag normally requires 4 or 5 preference points with an April 1 draw deadline. Preference points can be acquired July 1 to Sep- tember 30.

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.

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 $8,500 near the New Mexico border.

2024 his 4 archers killed 3 bulls including a bull that would have gone over 320 but was broke.

2023 bow season ended with 3 of the 4 archers killing bulls, two 5×5’s and a nice 6 point.

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 $6,500 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 avail- able for about $8,000. The average bull normally grosses around 300 inches. This is a terrific hunt with lots of action.

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. Hunt- ers need to book ahead for a spot. HCU’s Cliff Graham has hunted with this outfit. April 4 draw deadline. Hunt EKB21.

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 per- cent. 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.

 

WYOMING COW HUNTS $2500

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.

3 day hunt is $2,500 guided 2×1 including cabin lodging on the property and meals. Cow elk season is mid-October to November 31 and can be combined with pronghorn on the early hunt for $4,500 or combination cow elk/whitetail 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.

 

WYOMING COW HUNT $3000 NICE LODGE ACCOMMODATIONS

This 55,000 acre private ranch in southeastern Wyoming has been 100 draw on the Type 7 private tag with 0 points. They have been taking around 20 hunters per year with very high success starting November 1 and continuing until December 31.

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.