Guys, I'm a NR who has hunted WY almost every year for the past 30 years - almost exclusively archery elk on a GEN tag. One of my best buddies has taken a different approach and has built up max points and saved money for that "once in a lifetime" type of hunt.
He's getting to the point where he is likely to draw a great tag. The problem is that he's coming to me for advice on the unit, and I'm just a "general unit" guy. Truth be told, I'm hesitant to give advice knowing that he'll be burning many years' worth of points.
I know that recommendations will vary based on a bunch of factors, so I'll take a stab at answering the questions and describing his expectations (and please feel free to tell me his expectations are just unrealistic in WY).
Weapon - Rifle. He is capable and experienced. The dude is very fit, and will definitely put in the effort. He's an experienced backcountry hunter and not afraid to put in the effort. He has never hired a guide, but he knows that many of the top units are in wilderness or require access that only a guide can get him. So, how much is he willing to spend? I honestly don't know, but he has been saving money for this hunt for years because he knows it won't happen again.
Personally, I've always been fascinated with the thoroughfare hunts, but I really don't know if that's the best option. He's really looking for a deep backcountry hunt, but if a private land hunt (not high fenced) is a better option, he'd certainly entertain it (knowing that means more $$).
Lastly, the big question: what are his expectations for a bull. I really don't like to throw around numbers, and I'm not going to field judge a bull down to 1/8". I know a great bull when I see it. That being said, he has killed a lot of bulls in the 290-310 range, so he's really looking for a good chance at something bigger: 350-360+.
In short, if you could write your own ticket, and you'd saved your money, and were ready to get a guide for a hunt that you'll never be able to do again, what would you do?
Any thoughts or recommendations would be greatly appreciated - because then I can blame someone else if he eats tag soup
Thanks fellas
He's getting to the point where he is likely to draw a great tag. The problem is that he's coming to me for advice on the unit, and I'm just a "general unit" guy. Truth be told, I'm hesitant to give advice knowing that he'll be burning many years' worth of points.
I know that recommendations will vary based on a bunch of factors, so I'll take a stab at answering the questions and describing his expectations (and please feel free to tell me his expectations are just unrealistic in WY).
Weapon - Rifle. He is capable and experienced. The dude is very fit, and will definitely put in the effort. He's an experienced backcountry hunter and not afraid to put in the effort. He has never hired a guide, but he knows that many of the top units are in wilderness or require access that only a guide can get him. So, how much is he willing to spend? I honestly don't know, but he has been saving money for this hunt for years because he knows it won't happen again.
Personally, I've always been fascinated with the thoroughfare hunts, but I really don't know if that's the best option. He's really looking for a deep backcountry hunt, but if a private land hunt (not high fenced) is a better option, he'd certainly entertain it (knowing that means more $$).
Lastly, the big question: what are his expectations for a bull. I really don't like to throw around numbers, and I'm not going to field judge a bull down to 1/8". I know a great bull when I see it. That being said, he has killed a lot of bulls in the 290-310 range, so he's really looking for a good chance at something bigger: 350-360+.
In short, if you could write your own ticket, and you'd saved your money, and were ready to get a guide for a hunt that you'll never be able to do again, what would you do?
Any thoughts or recommendations would be greatly appreciated - because then I can blame someone else if he eats tag soup
Thanks fellas
