I'm on my 4th tour in Iraq and after thinking about all the hunting I have missed I decided to treat myself to a nice hunt when I return so here's the question. I've only hunted in the south. Killed quite a few southern deer and a few pigs. Almost pulled a shot at a nice bear 3 years ago in N GA but no shot. I've always dreamed of hunting elk, caribou, bear. I aint made out of money but I want to go on a guided hunt somewhere for something different. I'm interested in either a Caribou, elk, bear or big mid west whitetail.
For all the guys that use guides, where would you go? What would you hunt and what would be your guide recommendations?

Montana horseback elk hunt.

I think I would head to MN., where I could hunt bear and big deer all in the same day.We like to go to the north west part of MN.If you would like some contact info. for the folks we hunt with just shoot me a pm.If you would like to see some video of where and what we hunt you can go to my website and click hunting video's.Several of those animals were taken in MN.
Bill

My advice is to get in touch with some military folks at Fort Richardson or Fort Wainwright in AK. I'm sure your vet service could get you far. I think Fort Rich has an archery club.

There is a road that goes east off the main road that goes north from Eagle River to Fairbanks. It's just south of Denali Nat'l Park. The road used to be called Petersville Rd. You can drive waaaaay back into the wilderness and the road turns into a 4x4 trail. (At least it used to.) From there you can go out during Sept moose season and have at it. Thousands of acres waiting to be trekked. No guide is needed but it is adviseable to go with someone. Grizzly are there. Ptarmigan are everywhere.

I'm sure some active duty person could help out. I was stationed at Elmendorf from 85-88. I miss it sooo much. Wilderness everywhere which is in exact contrast to the S/E. You have to try to find wilderness down here.

If the Grizzlies don't get you the mosquitos will. HAA!

Have fun and thanks for your service!

Oh. Almost forgot....If I remember right there's no closed season on black bear either. You better have a Griz tag to get one of those though. Non-residents must have a guide for griz. But it's been 22 years since I've been there.

First of all:
 THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!!!!    

Secondly, I've never hunted with a guide so have no advice there. We've always done a self guided elk hunt in Colorado. With 3 or 4 guys it ended up costing about $1000 each for fuel, license, food, and a couple nights in a hotel + a steak dinner on the way home.

Good luck finding the perfect hunt for you. Stay safe.

With anit-depressants!!!!    

Thank you for your service!  It is greatly appricitated and I pray for your safe return home!

But to your question, Elk hunt without a doubt.

Western mt. elk hunt is hard to beat. A major back injury, coupled with spinal fusion surgery has me on the sidelines so far this year. So I feel your frustration. If you plan on mt. hunting, do it while you are young and strong. Good Luck.

www.hunterspointguideservice.com...  a sponsor  here.

I have been to Burntwood Lake Lodge in Manitoba.  It is a fly in Bear hunt and fishing.  I took the family last year.  Everyone had a great time. Check them out.

Actualy, I wouldn't really do any special "hunting".....

What I would do is go on as many "special" hunts as I could!!!!! With the freedom to come and go as I please,It would be easy to get together with all of my friends and hunt when they were able to. Many times over the years our schedules just don't "click" and the years pass so quickly!!!!!

THANK YOU For Serving!!!!! You've earned a special hunt and more!!!!!

I would probably do Colorado elk in the rut--being in the service you are probably in shape and would have more success than a regular hunter--also DIY is more rewarding and doing all the research of where to go is half of the fun!

Are you single? If so, I'd consider a 2 legged doe hunt after coming back from Iraq! LOL

Something like a week in a chair blind overlooking the pool tiki bars of Cancun would be a start. Nearly every rack will make you happy. LOL

If married or spoken for, you can get a whale of a first class guided midwest whitetail hunt for less than doing the other options, if guided.

If money is no issue, a mountain goat trip is hard to beat. I've done it with a rifle, but my dream is to do it again with a trad bow.

I'm married so I've already got the 2 legged doe waiting by my scrape line. Its a good thing she's patient.

walters wilderness camp in sask canada for spring bears...  3 of us saw 46 bears and all had shooting opportunities.  Really fun.  Bow hunting only and the group I was with was trad only.  The camp was originated by Roger Rothhar (you know Snuffer broadheads)

Joe
PS  Thanks for your service I appreciate it)

I've always wanted to do griz or moose...but the very first hunt would have to be rabbit with my dad and son

how about Bear Quest with Tom Phillips.

He may not have a slot left....but if you want to go on a low cost trip that will be remembered forever- that's the trip I'd recommend.

I would second Ray's reccomendation on Bear Quest.  I'm going back for my second trip in 2011.  Even if there are no current openings, there is normally some last minute shuffling on this trip...      

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The absolute top on my list is an Alaskan wilderness dropcamp caribou hunt when my sons old enough. I just hope he wants to go with me when he is. Second would be semi guided horseback elk. Think hard cause you sure deserve it!!

Moose hunt.