Horseback elk hunt

pushin_30 · Aug 25, 2024

Looking for recommendations on an outfitter guided or drop camp on horseback. My daughter graduates next year and wants to do a horseback elk hunt in the backcountry. I know with NR tag allocations changes in a lot of states. Looking for OTC options as the only points she has in in Utah.
This would be for the 2026 season
Thanks

Togwotee · Aug 25, 2024

Check out the South Fork of the Shoshone river. JJ used to own the outfit that operated there , he sold out and then they sold out. but assuming they're a decent outfit still you wouldn't regret going in there. great hunting in the biggest roadless area in the lower 48. you could buy a preference point this year and next to assure drawing a tag. whether they are booked up or not would be your biggest obstacle to a great hunt.

The Thorofare would be another option. watch out for the mass production outfits it's probably not what a father daughter hunt would be ideally.

Uttaxi1 · Aug 25, 2024

I would contact Rusty Farnsworth in Mountain Home. He is a great guy and has awesome stock. I think his business is Rusty Farnsworth outfitting.

wytex · Aug 26, 2024

Check out Flat Top Adventures in CO. He posts on Bowsite and gets great reviews. I believe he has back country horse hunts and a lodge.

Deer1975 · Aug 26, 2024

Boulder Creek outfitters in Idaho has elk hunts on horses in the back country. I went on a bear hunt this spring with them . Definitely not for the faint of heart and a trip I’ll never forget .

Deercy · Aug 26, 2024

Comanche Wilderness Outfitter. That is a draw tag, but could be drawn with an application next year for a preference point.

DonVathome · Aug 27, 2024

My first thought is WY general area, horseback in near yellowstone. Rifle rut hunt, only need a few points to draw - but you DO need points, quality and one heck of an experience.

Deercy · Aug 27, 2024

5 points for a general tag, and more needed every year. That said, that is potential for a lot of fun.

Deercy · Aug 27, 2024

I would definitely get points in Colorado this next year for both of you.

Togwotee · Aug 27, 2024

A general tag is 5 points? you have to be kidding. I'll have to look I thought a couple got it. I used to draw it as a second choice.

If that's the case your options are going to be quite limited for a quality experience. you might be better off to do an elk hunt and ride horses elsewhere . most of your better easy draw hunts don't involve stock. be careful you don't get involved in one of the MT or ID hunts that are just a horse ride with an elk tag in your pocket. lots of disappointed guys on those.

baerman · Aug 27, 2024

Togwotee said:
A general tag is 5 points? you have to be kidding. I'll have to look I thought a couple got it. I used to draw it as a second choice.

If that's the case your options are going to be quite limited for a quality experience. you might be better off to do an elk hunt and ride horses elsewhere . most of your better easy draw hunts don't involve stock. be careful you don't get involved in one of the MT or ID hunts that are just a horse ride with an elk tag in your pocket. lots of disappointed guys on those.

5 points this year but likely a 0.5+ point creep every year so it could take 10 years to have enough points to draw. You could draw random though during that time.

nfh · Aug 27, 2024

Thorafare. 30 mile ride in. Beautiful country. Plenty of horse time.

Downside expect a 300 to 330 bull. Yes there is bigger but just don't have good experienced outfitters like there use to be

Togwotee · Aug 28, 2024

Agreed, that would be a great hunt for them, but if they can't draw the tag it's not an option. WY is out .

AzTagSoup · Sep 4, 2024

Deer1975 said:
Boulder Creek outfitters in Idaho has elk hunts on horses in the back country. I went on a bear hunt this spring with them . Definitely not for the faint of heart and a trip I’ll never forget .

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