Where to go for Elk/Mule/.Antelope info

[John]

I am wanting to take my wife out west for a hunt. She would like a muley or elk. I live in the South(South Carolina) and have never been out west. What is the best source for someone starting with no knowledge about hunting out west(other than Road Trips). I am looking to get a guided hunt and need to know all that I can. Uncle Sam is saying I get a free vacation to Afghanistan sometime in 2012 so I need to get the trip in this year. What book, magazine or website should I go to?

[92xj]

You should PM Bugleward on here. If I remember correctly he is still guiding some. Pretty sure for the animals you have listed. But check with him to make sure. I could be wrong.

[silvertip_co]

Pick a state then go to their Div of Wildlife website. All you need will be there. For the best info in print googleup Eastmans Hunting Journal the premier magazine of western big game hunting info. Picking a guide is the iffy . This link will help too : http://elkhunter2.tripod.com/

Edited December 11, 2010 by silvertip_co

[m gardner]

If you can afford a guided hunt you may have enough money to get a voucher for a premium unit in Colorado. They have some great mulies. Here's a link.

http://landowner-tags-vouchers.com/

[bugleward]

thanks x

Hey X thanks for the plug bud. Yes we do guide for the deer and antelope part of that. I will also follow that with a bit of advice for you John. For the most part an elk hunt is pretty rough. Unless you are hunting a game ranch, an elk hunt may not be the best choice for a first time out west for someone who is not a fairly strong outdoors person. They can be very tough emotionally and physically on a less experienced hunter.

We are a REALTREE recommended outfitter and do quite well at it. You can take a look at our site and probably answer a bunch of your questions. There is quite a bit of information in there. I also have a DVD/brochure pack available. Even if you do not choose to hunt with us I would be happy to answer your questions. One very important piece of advice you should always adhere to; always check as many references as you possibly can before you book with any outfitter. If you end up on a bad outfitted hunt and did not check references -- it's your fault not the outfitter's. Generally any outfitter that produces bad results sinks his business in a short time. But there are some out there that shouldn't be and checking references is a pretty good way to eliminate the bad luck with outfitters.

[John]

Bugle, thanks for the advice I will be in contact.

[Andymansavage]

If you are looking to bounce ideas and questions off of a bunch of western hunters, here is your best bet;

www.monstermuleys.com

Good luck!

[texastrophies]

I just received my copy of the Wyoming Outfitters & Guides Association with the list of all approved guides (I think) in Wyoming. If you want it, pm me your address and I will send it to you.