booking a out of state elk hunt.

Grumpy

The Grumpy Grease Monkey mechanical engineer.
Staff member
check all references rather extensively and don,t settle on one or two, remember its rather easy for any shady outfitter,
to have reference phone numbers routed to relatives or a couple lucky clients. Ive always suggested asking the people the outfitter,
provided for phone numbers of the people they might have that were there with them and ask for dates the hunts occurred, things could and do change over time
clients can be lazy,and expect far more than they are entitled too, and both clients and guides should be willing to work, and be in decent physical shape,
but guides that know what your expecting and a camp that provides decent meals and a dry comfortable camp are reasonable expectations
as is having a reasonable chance for the client too shoot at the game, ate reasonable ranges and I personally would expect that to be under 300 yards, several times on a trip.
many of my friends have booked and went on hunts in Colorado and Oregon, results, COST, GUIDES and camps varied WILDLY,
ITs hardly the guides fault if you can,t shoot accurately or are in lousy physical condition, and if your not willing to hunt from dawn till dark.
no mater what shape you think your in, its not going to feel the same at elevated altitudes and your almost 100% sure to not be used to the physical stress level required
, be aware it takes time to acclimate to higher altitudes,
bring a bottle of aspirin use chap-stick on your lips, and drink lots of gator-aid, read up on altitude sickness.
good well broken in boots with cleat tread soles,warm socks, a comfortable day pack, a decent hay with sun visor,
a decent sleeping bag thats rated below ZERO may be very beneficial
Ive been on 28 out of state elk hunts ,only a few were with outfitters, , but they do usually have access to much better hunt areas than the general public,
many provide a valuable service and access to good areas, ask lots of questions on what they suggest you do to prepare,
for the hunt and what to bring, and contact the areas state game department biologist, and chamber of commerce,
too check up on the business reputation, and hunt areas. (buy topo maps and study them)
http://www.deeranddeerhunting.com/featured/how-to-spot-a-phony-outfitter

http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/hunting/

https://www.nmbiggamehunting.com/

http://www.hunterstrailhead.com/index.php?ID=457

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/elk-hunting-tips.1095/


http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/do-you-practice-shooting-from-field-positions.9380/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/long-range-calibers-for-elk-are-not-mandatory.1275/


spend some time running on a tread mill or stadium steps with a heavy back pack (40 lbs min),
at least 3-4 times a week, for at least an hour a day,
and spend as much time shooting your rifle from sitting positions ,
and prone behind your back pack as a rest, with a sling and a bi-pod
the time spent is very well invested.. there are no bench rests in the field

this is not my 340 wby but it could be a clone its so similar, what caliber rifle you select is FAR less important than your ability to hit where your aiming from a rapidly acquired field position,a rifle like that works everywhere, but its rather long and heavy.

.30-338_Weatherby_Magnum.jpg

my late hunting partner used a BLR in caliber 358 win for three decades successfully, he referred to my 340 wby as a "damn cannon" but he could not dispute we were both successful
Browning_BLR.jpg

I tended to use a 375 H&H SAKO carbine in thick timber, this was noticeably shorter, lighter and just as effective,
keep in mind the average range in thick timber tends to be well under 250 yards,
with about 60 yards to 130 yards about average

sako375man.jpg
 
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