Invited to Boise for an Elk hunt...


Jeramie

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A guy from a local Church was talking to my wife today. They were talking about my liver issues. He was good enough to pray with my wife on the spot...

Anyway, somehow bow hunting came up and my wife mentioned my love (or addiction) to bow hunting. He offered a trip to Boise for an archery elk hunt. He stays for two weeks.

My wife acted like she didnt care but its $3k round trip, tags, room, etc. Ive never been elk hunting years ago I passed a chance and could have went during rifle for $500. Ive kicked myself every since.

Im guessing when push comes to shove its not going to happen. It was still nice that my wife managed to get me an invite!

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He stayes in a hotel room for 2 weeks, its just over 1500 miles (one way), food for two weeks, and tags. I figured a 5 day stay and here is what it looks like (flying in)

Ticket = $350 (round trip)

Room = $500 (100 per night)

Food = $100 ($20 per day)

Tag and Lisc = $600 (around that much)

$1,550.00

and again, thats flying in and leaving at the end of 5 days. I thought 3k was a bit much too but I could see where it would easily top $2k - $2500.

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I think he meant $3k for him mainly due to the price of gas, his hotel room for two weeks, etc.

If I could stay for 5 days it would be much cheaper. I talked to my wife on the phone earlier and she was actually receptive about a 5 day hunt! Im going to work this and see where it goes....

Ill either end up Elk hunting or on the couch. ;)

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Its actually looking pretty good. My wife is really listening. I figure I can fly in and ride back with the guy. That would give me about 5 days total (roughly 3 for hunting). That will still run about $1,500.00

Im sure that isnt much time realistically but im considering it. My wife is actually listening too!

Has anyone hunted elk in that part of the world? Would putting in three days for elk be a waste of my time and money? Also, what about the bear population? I saw where a bear tag is pretty cheap. If I went I would like to buy one in case I stumbled on a bear.

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I do not know your personal/ finacial situation, but at some point need to decide to splurge on yourself to fill a dream.

In 2008 I did the same thing, decided to fullfil a dream for a canadian whitetail hunt, cost about $3000 -

It wasn't easy, but I really did the numbers, found extra income wherever possible, saved where I could & made it work.

Bottom line, it won't get cheaper, there will always be a reason NOT to go. At some point, if you really want to go on a hunt, you need to commit to it find a way & make it happen.

Make sure the hunt is a quality hunt. It would be sad to go on a dream hunt and have it be a bust, really talk with this guy & make sure it is something you want to spend hard earned money on ..

Like I said, I do not know your personal situation, don't spend the house payment on a hunt, but 1500- 2000 isn't a giant number, there are many ways to save, make a bit extra to pay for the hunt..

Talk it over with your wife, if it works for both of you, commit to it, make a plan to pay for it....

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Here is my .02.....

Idaho is some ruff, rugged, barren country but she sure is beautiful.

I stayed a week in the mountains years ago with my dad while he was elk hunting.

It could take you 3 days just to find the elk. And then to get within 30, 40 yards of one for an archery shot. So now that you were lucky enough to make all that happen now you could possible have another day of packing out your elk........I don't think I would spend that kind of money if I only had 3 day to hunt.

I think if I was you I would try and save more or plan on next year. Giving yourself more time to hunt!

The guy you are going with has he hunted the area before? If he has and has some knowledge of where the elk could be then that could help your chances on success.....

Keep us posted ;)

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go for it if you can. i prefer to stay in the mountains in a tent, rather than a motel room.

+1 There's no finer experience than living out in a well provisioned wall tent. The woodstove seems to be the favorite appliance. My best friend after a cold wet day. I had one spot where you could hear the elk talking at night as you fell asleep. We even have a little propane boot dryer. I guess we're getting soft in our old age.;)

Mark

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I've taken elk waaayyy back in the wild country, and it's taken me a day and a half just to pack the beast out. 2-3 days of hunting for the money your looking to spend is pretty steep. With the time frame of only about 5 days and about $3,000. you may be better of looking into hiring an outfitter. I'm not sure of outfitter prices in Idaho, but where i'm at in nw montana, that would get you in the ball park for a 3-5 day guided hunt.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Elk are hard to find animals. Not like deer. Ive killed them way back in the mountains too and we have had to leave stuff back in our camp and take the meat out and then ride the 22 miles back in to get the rest of our stuff. Just do you homework and make sure he can give you a pretty good chance at success.

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