2-3 year plan for Elk

Camper

Camper

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Ontario
Well I am just at my initial stages of trying to plan an Elk Hunt in the next 2-3 years. I want to go out west, during the rut and hunt them with a rifle. I have a friend who is going to come with me and we will be driving from Ontario. First off, who should I be looking at as far as an outfitter.
I dont want to pay 10,000 but I want a decent outfitter with a good reputation and ultimately a great experience. I have a 7mmSAUM which i will be loading either 140gr or 160gr AB unless i get into some ttsx then some insight on weight would be appreciated. I may need to purchase a new scope because it is topped with a bushnell elite 3200 2-7 not sure if i should go for more power. like i said, just wanted some pointers in the right direction so I can start my research now.
i would really appreciate some advice from anyone who has some real world experience.

THANKS
Camper
 
I have priced this out more than once.

I have yet to find an outfitter in AB or BC that charges less than $6000/hunter. Fuel would cost me about $1500 to drive out and back in my truck (about 7000km round trip to Calgary), maybe more if hauling freezers, gear and 2 elk returning. Food and lodging during trip $500. All in all, I would plan on $7500/person, allowing for incidentals along the way.

Rifle and bullet is the least of my worries. Your 7SAUM and a 140AB will do nicely. Let me know if you need a third! :D
 
Camper said:
I dont want to pay 10,000 but ..... like i said, just wanted some pointers in the right direction so....... appreciate some advice from anyone who has some real world experience.

THANKS
Camper
Click to expand...

Well Camper, as already pointed out, a guided hunt is going to cost you - a lot. If you are looking for a big bull I would suggest BC over AB. We have big bulls here, but are seasons are very liberal and trophy bulls are fewer and farther between, due to the ridiculous amount of access in AB. BC has a lot more vehicle restricted zones, and rougher terrain in a lot of places, which equals a lot more places for elk to hide and grow old. They also have a lot more 6 point or better seasons there.

My best advice is to move where there are elk. Probably not very helpful, but in the end you might find you are living a happier life. My other piece of advice is to get in shape! Ontario does not have anything that will prepare you for hunting in the Rockies (or even the Foothills of AB). The base elevation is about 2500-3000 feet higher then most of ON, and then you will park the truck and start walking. Think about this, picture climbing up the Niagra escarpment, then again, and again - that is what the foothills are like; now do it 8 more times and you are getting close to the mountains. Practice with a 40-100 lb pack as well.

I thought I was in pretty good shape when I moved from the BC Coast, but I did not count on the elevation difference.
 
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