Trad Gang

Im thinking on planning a diy elk hunt and was wondering what state can you hunt with out having to build up points or have to get drawn.
just buy a tag license and go.
Thank you
Scott.

Scott,

Many states out west offer over the counter elk tags.  Idaho, Colorado, Oregon and Washington are amoung the ones available.

Do your research and find the place you want too hunt and go for it.

Mike

Thank you.

If you have a tag:Arizona!

Definitely Colorado. More elk, better bull to cow ratios, more country to get off roads.

Not sure if the applicatiion deadlines and draw dates have changed, but it used to be possible to apply in Wyoming and if you weren't there was still time to apply for Montana. If one failed to draw in either state a tag could be purchased for Idaho with time still remaining to apply for one of the limited entry units. The benefits to using this proccess of applying in several states is (1) you could draw a quality tag; and (2) you are not limited to just buying a tag in one of over-the-counter states. And, of course, if you strike out in the draws you still have a tag for Idaho.

There would be two of us going so we would both have to draw together.

Washington has tons of great hunting country, lots of access to it and over the counter archery tags.  There are 5 tags which you pick from for specific parts of the state.  If you want true wilderness hunting. Colorado is a good place as is norther Idaho.  All the western states have lots of big bulls.  You just have to find them.

What would be the easiest one for someone with asthma.
my buddy has it.

Colorado!!!   lots of  elk and lots of over the counter tags and lots and lots of public land..and 4 week long season during the peak of the rut and fall colors and great weather.
But I may be prejudice and opinionated.

Do they allow any atv's?

I was looking into Utah.  Looks like you can get cow tags over the counter, anyone know if that is correct?

iliwhttail  sent you a PM

Cows and Spikes OTC in many parts of most Western states.

I wouldn't mind going after any Elk, Can't boil antlers down enuff to make then eatable.

Burnsie,

UT has OTC tags for any elk during archery. You just have to do your research which units those tags can be used.

Don't come to Idaho,all our elk are big and stupid,not much of a challenge.

I'm not prejudice I like big stupid elk.

Scott, we have hunted CO, in a draw area, but there is a lot of acreage for OTC tags.  Actually, in '09 I bought a leftover tag for the draw area, which may be an option in several states.  

Many national forests across the west allow ATV's on some roads, but all ATV's are illegal in wilderness areas.  Please respect other hunters who choose to hunt in WA's for the solitude.  

There are some great folks on here and on stickbow that have far more advice to offer than I do (no kills, yet!).  But, I've seen elk from 5,000 feet up and one book I read even had a picture of a wallow in the middle of a road.  However, elk are still harder to hunt that whitetails, imo.

Hugh in TN

Most western states have good opportunities but I can second the suggestions for Oregon and Washington if you want a wilderness hunt that doesn't require an outfitter  (don't tell my outfitter friends I said that!)

Yes you can get elk tags OTC here in Utah, but know the area you want to hunt. This may the last year to get OTC tags. Our Wildlife Board is going the go to micro-management ares in 2012 with no more OTC tags for residents and nonresident alike. So if you want to hunt Utah you better make it this year or have a long wait.

How many days should I plan for 10-15?

The micro managing is for deer. It's always been done for elk (big bulls). You will still be able to get a spike/cow tag for pretty much every unit in this state. And they (the archery spike/cow) tags are unlimited at this time. But you never know what this state will do      :rolleyes:  
The more time you plan to hunt elk, the better your chances at getting into them. As said earlier they move around a lot, and having a lot of time stacks the odds in your favor that you can get into the elk. Good Luck and have fun!

Idaho is full of big stupid elk, that's all I ask for!!   :)

No elk here in Arizona. Due to the economy here they headed out looking for greener pastures. Actually got the reg's today, in an attempt to win the grand lottery.  :pray:

For $20 bucks you can get two entries into the elk lottery in Kentucky.

Much better odds winning the Ky. lottery than an elk tag here in Az.

my mistake on the elk permits changing. It is as Steadman stated. See what happens when you get old.