This is my bucket list hunt. Since I was a teenager I've wanted to bow hunt for elk.

So I'm sitting here tinkering with a new bow, playing with arrows and I figurenim not getting any younger, I'll be 46 in a month. I told my wife I want to do it. I really think I could pull it off next year.

But I have no idea where to start.

Head west young man ....
Hope you can get it done .
I'm sure someone will chime in with some good advice .

Make numerous phone calls and start getting in shape! Go for it! Good luck and post pics.

Where are u located in PA?

QuoteOriginally posted by Keith Zimmerman:
Where are u located in PA?

PA is home. I'm in the Navy. Stationed at Andrews AFB in MD.

Just about every western state DNR has all kinds of info on their websites. check them out.

Use the search engine on here, there's a bunch of fairly Current threads on the subject! Good luck! The pull from the mountains is a strong one....

All good advice, but BEWARE hunting the Rockies for elk is EXTREMELY addicting. It is the entire experience.

         

No matter what anyone says about bows and arrow weight,etc...... train physically!!!!!
Make  sure your  equipment is sufficient of course, but be ready physically. If not, you are counting on nothing but luck. You must be ready to run at higher altitudes. Been there done that!
Exercise in order to be able to enjoy your hunt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will say this, I hunt elk in Colorado and have done well but so does everybody else, Hunter numbers are pretty high.  you might look into Idaho if you were already traveling that far. From what I understand the hunter densities are much lower than Colorado.
So far I haven't heard of a single hunter east of the Rockies who hunts in Idaho and judging from US demegraphics that might just make a difference?

My next advice for Colorado would be to stay above 10,000 feet...I have heard Idaho has really good hunting from 6 to 9000 feet though

Over 107,000 elk in Idaho and 2/3 of the state is public land.
Non resident OTC tags too.
Id be willing to have you out to my house but I can't guarantee an elk, I'm still learning myself.

Start by figuring out what type of hunt you are interested in.  Guided, DIY, solo, truck camp, backpack to a spike camp, etc.  What is your budget?  Do you have or want to acquire the necessary camping gear?  That might limit some of your options.  

Obviously, a diy solo backpack hunt is the most difficult and will take the most planning.  But any of those options can be done.

Whatever way you want to go,  
JUST DO IT!
Start asking specific questions here.  Contact people who have done it through PM's or emails. Join PBS. (there is a wealth of knowledge there) Read books, watch videos.  Search out websites like Rokslide or Bowsite that have specific elk hunting forums.  Use whatever resources you can think of.  

Like you said,  you're not getting any younger,  and elk hunting doesn't get easier with age. Now is your time!

And remember there are no elk on the WA. or OR. coast.

IDAHO ELK...i'll speack for the northern end of the state...im a lifer (62 years) hunted every season...our season was cut 5 years ago (some units earlier)...we are bulls only during the archery season and we lost the first week of the season the new proposals that are being floated for the next 5 years DONOT give any time back...they do include a 7 day cow seasson within a mile of private property ONLY and NOT in all units.

WHY...predators x 3 ...dogs, cats and bear equal low calf recruetment

we use to have lots of none res hunters but those that remember what it use to be like dont come anymore...for the new guys most dont come back...

we can buy N/R tags anytime cuz there are plenty of them left...we even get a discount if we buy them before the season opens !!!

now you tell me how's the elk hunting in NORTH IDAHO ???

i should also add that we are allowed 5 wolf tags and a very liberal season

If I were you I'd track down that awesome elk thread from Gil (I think) a couple of years ago. I'm sorry I'm not much more help, we need a favorite feature, or some way to store awesome threads that we can go back and re-read!