ghostchaser Report post Posted April 10, 2009 Wow! just learned that I drew a tag for a Bull in 23. I put in as a second choice and drew it! I have been mainly focusing in on coues, and have drawn unsuccessfully for elk for 5 years, until now! Anyway, I put in for 23 as my grandfather has a place near Punkin Center, and I did not think I had a chance of getting drawn there. 6A was my first choice and I know people who know 6A very well. At this moment I feel a bit intimidated, and wanted some advise on whether I should tackle this as a DIY hunt, or try and get a guide. I am pretty "green" as an elk hunter, but I know how to scout, have pretty good optics and don't mind scout; that is half the fun! Just wanted to see what you all thought and if anyone could help steer me in the right direction. Thanks alot Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TLH Report post Posted April 11, 2009 Start out on your own--call the WM in that unit (there are two of them) and speak with them--they are both great people. Get out and scout--understand the terrain and see if you can do it yourself. I would give it a try before i hired a guide. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GameHauler Report post Posted April 11, 2009 I don't like you All depends on how you feel about yourself to get the job done and if you have the $ to go either way. I, myself have never used a guide but they are there for a reason. If you feel you want a guide you better get after it. Talked to Brian M. today and things are getting booked up pretty quick. Congrates on the tag. One question You just now found out Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
krp Report post Posted April 11, 2009 Are you talking first rifle as in the nov/dec hunts or as in sept/oct. Even the nov/dec tags are one of the best tags in the state. If you are willing to get back in and pack them out, nice bulls are there to be had. Kent Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SO I HUNT Report post Posted April 11, 2009 Conrats, Get out and scout the areas that you can. Talk to th GM in the unit for tips you'll do just fine Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ghostchaser Report post Posted April 11, 2009 Thanks for the advise guys. Game Hauler, yeah I just found out. I have been focused on changing my bow setup and I think I had just given up on drawing an elk tag. So in the mail I get a brochure from an outfitter saying congrats drawing your tag! I had to re-read the brochure then I jumped online. The hunt is the rifle bull hunt last week of November. Thanks again for taking the time to give me your input. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ac guy Report post Posted April 11, 2009 Go up to the youth turkey camp next weekend and lend a hand. It's in the heart of 23 elk territory. You could help with the camp chores, get some elk info from the people there, and take some time to ride around getting familiar with the area. It would be a win win for you and the people running the camp. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
deserthntr Report post Posted April 11, 2009 i wouldnt get a guide.... there are too many great bulls in there you could find on your own to spend the money. there are plenty. and if you go to the turkey camp let me know, maybe i can show you a few spots i know you will find a decent bull. but that is just a sweet unit with tons and tons of elk, just stay up on the rim, unless you go south of young there are some 400+ bulls there, but it is really thick so it will be tough to hunt down there. i would stick up on the rim if i was you Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AZbowhntr Report post Posted April 11, 2009 Congrats on the tag. I have the same one. I have a buddy that drew the tag last year and we ended up getting him a 335 bull. Not the biggest but pretty nice none the less. It really depends on what kind of country you want to hunt as to where you will hunt. You can send me an email if you would like and I can give you a few pointers. I have been hunting this unit for over ten years now so I know it pretty well. Good luck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chef Report post Posted April 12, 2009 If you want to know where "Merle's" or "Antlers" are, send me a PM. ...Orlin, we're gonna get you a BIGGER bull that Gregs!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AZbowhntr Report post Posted April 12, 2009 dang straight!!! And there is nothing like a little Karaoke on a Saturday night at the Antlers. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chef Report post Posted April 12, 2009 Karaoke Nite is FRIDAY nights at Antlers. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lance Report post Posted April 16, 2009 If you think you may need a guide then its likely a good idea. If your not used to getting bulls out of back country canyonlands then you might seriously consider a guide. There are plenty of people who do that hunt every year without a guide and plenty of great without a guide success stories. And if you look at the hunt success rates you will see that half of them go home without a bull. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coues Archer Report post Posted April 18, 2009 Good luck man. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
