My son and I want to plan an DIY Elk hunt in 2 yrs when he graduates from college.  Just started researching and see Colorado does Over the counter tags. Does Montana?  Any info about DIY Elk hunts from any of you experienced ladies and gents would be appreciated.

No, they don't. Colorado is going to be your best bet--cheaper tags, more areas, beautiful country, and more elk! I've been OTC unguided 5 times and shot 5 elk (some with the compound). I even put together a blog with all you need to know for a successful DIY hunt, on a budget:

  http://elkprep.blogspot.com  

I prefer to bivy hunt, and I would highly recommend it. It allows you to be mobile and move to wherever the elk are. Best of luck--bowhunting elk is my favorite thing in the world.

Pete

Pete, That's a great blog with a lot of great info.

Thanks Pete!!!

MT isnt over the counter, however the state hasn't sold out of tags in over 5 years.
Tons of public land as well

PistolPete, that is one impressive blog!  I am just getting into it but shared it with a buddy who has elk fever like me.  I especially liked the gear reviews and workout information.  But I didn't see anything about you hunting with a trad bow, what that during the 2014 hunt and I missed it?

Great blog and great reading.  Thanks for sharing and please keep it going!

Hey Jeff--my first 2 hunts were with the longbow, my last 3 (since I started the blog) have been with the compound. My next one will be with the longbow again  

Pete

QuoteOriginally posted by PistolPete:
No, they don't. Colorado is going to be your best bet--cheaper tags, more areas, beautiful country, and more elk! I've been OTC unguided 5 times and shot 5 elk (some with the compound). I even put together a blog with all you need to know for a successful DIY hunt, on a budget:

   http://elkprep.blogspot.com    

I prefer to bivy hunt, and I would highly recommend it. It allows you to be mobile and move to wherever the elk are. Best of luck--bowhunting elk is my favorite thing in the world.

Pete

Pete,
Not to hyjack this thread or anything but I want you to know your blog is amazing!!!
I am adding this to the "friends" tab on my podcast site when I get home next week. I'm so looking forward to reading your stuff. Thank you for the time and effort you put into it!

What LBHntr said X 2!

Wow Pete, that is quite a Blog..........thanks for sharing

Hey guys--well thanks! I wanted to create a full-spectrum reference on adventure hunting, and more specifically, elk hunting, on a budget; to cover everything from backpacking to hunting and shooting strategies/techniques to fitness to DIY/budget gear, and then test my theories (which as you might can tell are sometimes against the grain) and publish the results. So far it has worked out very well, and I think I have information on just about everything one might need to know to be an absolute killer on elk, for cheap. And there's more in the works, so I'm glad you're enjoying it. It's certainly nice to hear that someone appreciates it every once in a while.

Pete

Very impressive Pete!!  

Colorado has more elk, and more elk hunters, a lot more.  

Won't have any difficulty getting a tag in Montana. Can get a combination tag so you can be hunting deer and elk at the same time.  In Colorado, all deer tags are by draw.

It's a matter of deciding the kind of hunt you want.