Need elk outfitter recommendation

[Luf2113]

New elk hunter here. Thought I'd spend the money with an outfitter since it's my first time. No points

Please recommend good guides for bow and rifle hunts.

I have hunted pigs, bear, blacktail and mule, with both rifles and bows.

Any other pointers would be appreciated as well!

[edgerly779]

What state? Try google . What kind of shape are you in. Can you hike miles with pack and gun or do you need babying. How do you handle cols weather and snow.

[Luf2113]

Don't mind which state really as long as someone with no points can get a good opportunity. Don't mind paying for outfitter allocated tags or private land owner tags if necessary (but nothing crazy like those california tags). Also prefer archery which may make tag situation a bit easier I assume.

In reasonable shape, mid 40s, but I am no Cameron Hanes. Wouldn't mind some hiking but would be good to have horse / 4x4 to spike camp. Any pointers are appreciated!

[edgerly779]

I get notifications from urge2hunt.com . Some bull hunts 4 guided cow guided 2k. Solo hunt more money. Need to put a group together to get deals.

[Bull Elk]

No matter who you select really spend some time checking references. I’ve hunted elk more than 30 times, frequently using an outfitter. I’ve been burned the last several times. Guides and cooks quiting the day before my hunt and outfitters who tell you they have thousands of acres of quality private land when they don’t. Once they have your $$ your basically **** out of luck. Having said that, I’ve also had some great outfitters.

[Luf2113]

would you mind PMing me names of a few of good ones you have used in the recent years?

[bigbossman]

No matter who you select really spend some time checking references.

This is sage advice.

I've only ever used a guide for pigs, and even then only a couple of times long ago. But - I have had many friends get burned with outfitters they've selected, for deer, elk, and wild boar.

It seems to me they are a bit like contractors - they talk a good game, but once they get you money the can be problematic.

[Luf2113]

Thank you bigbossman!

what's the best way of checking references? I don't quite trust the references they provide.

bowsite.com seems to have good crowd-sourcing independent reviews. Are there any other good resources?

[yoteassasin]

Thank you bigbossman!

what's the best way of checking references? I don't quite trust the references they provide.

bowsite.com seems to have good crowd-sourcing independent reviews. Are there any other good resources?

There are ways to make sure they are not so shady . Length of tenure of their business is a great indicator. And fully guided services on private land if they have been hunting on the same ground for 5+ years you are likely in good shape . Do not however ever ever ever buy tags from a broker unless you are an absolute super sleuth.