Newbie to Western Hunting Looking for Info

[htnseymour]

Alright, beyond the fact I have been offered a promotion in Alaska, my only other plans of heading west again are to elk or mule deer hunt. Anyone have advice for how much it's going to cost me, best place to go, and what I should do prior to the hunt?

Thanks

 

[Dean Parisian]

First, I would subscribe to WESTERN HUNTER magazine. Cheap cheap advice for sure.

Second, I would start hanging around western hunting web site forums and stay up date on the units you might be hunting. Keep a log or journal, just buy a cheap old notebook and keep it handy. Write stuff down about your unit, good and bad. Looking in elk forums you can find out about muleys and vice versa sometimes. I keep logs of what is said about particular units that I want to hunt. Some guys talk alot. Some BS. You make the call.

Third, get your gear in order, don't wait until the last minute. It doesnt' do you any good to invest the time and money (and time is money to many) and have things break down because you didn't do the necessary pre-hunt work.

Fourth, practice shooting. Bow or rifle, it doesn't matter. Practice shooting. Practice the shots you might be taking. Off shooting sticks, on uneven ground, laying down, etc. Get a couple of boxes through your rifle and know it out to ranges you are comfortable taking. Every year I try to get two boxes of shells through my hunting rifle in practice. Simple, fun. Shooting in practice is cheap insurance to get a big boy down when you need to. Confidence is key.

Prepare for the unexpected. Dehydration, altitude sicknss, communtication home, there's a million things to be ready for.

Get in touch with biologists, wardens in the units you expect to hunt. They want you to have a safe hunt. They will help you. Ask the right questions right off the bat. Don't be afraid to call them. It's their job to help. Just dont' expect them to tell you a honey-hole of theirs or where a big bull is laid up. Don't ask stupid questions and you won't be wasting their time.

Get maps. Use Google maps. Get BLM and Forest Service maps.

Good luck.

 

[htnseymour]

Great info Poser and CP. I appreciate it. Poser i am still waiting on Part 6 of that journal. It's a great read. I am starting now to plan on my hunt for either next fall or the following fall. Plan is to set the date by Thanksgiving.

 

[AT Hiker]

Decide if you want DIY or a guide. Both have there pro's and con's.

I also recommend finding a partner to go along with you, helps a little with cost but its a lot safer.

Eastmans is a great magazine, one I use a lot. If you get it subscribe so you get the MRS section.

I would suggest an antelope hunt for your first Western hunt. It allows you an "easier" hunt so you can scout your other areas. Elk are a weather sensitive animal, meaning the weather could push them off the public land and into the private ranches leaving you SOL...hence the decision on DIY or guided.

Cost is relative, if its DIY gas is going to be your #1 cost...ignoring the cost of gear.