Although I have been shooting guns most of my life, I haven’t hunted in 35 years and back then was just birds with my dad. I’m brand new to the idea of large game and interested in Elk, because I want something delicious. I live in Nevada and am looking at applying for tags but overwhelmed by the choices for all the different areas to choose from just within my own state. Not to mention possibilities for other states. Some advice would be greatly appreciated.
There is a ton of info to consider, but I think it won’t be too hard to narrow it down to a few options. The most important thing is to get out there. If you can, get out this fall. Some states you’re already too late to apply for permits so you’re really looking for over the counter tags. I would start by looking at Idaho and Colorado.
There are a few questions that you need to decide that will help you narrow things down. Are you going to hunt with a bow, rifle, or muzzleloader? Do you want to go guided, DIY, or something in between? Do you want to hunt dark timber, or a more open landscape? Are you going to stick to roads, or take an atv up jeep trails and logging roads, or do you want to pack into the backcountry? Are you willing to hunt in Grizzly country?
Randy Newberg does a series of videos every year on each state and the application process and deadlines. That could be a good resource for you. I use gohunt to plan my hunts. I’m still just a single state hunter but I find it super helpful for applying for multiple species and special tags.
The most important thing is to get out there. Even if all you can get is a cow or spike tag, get a tag in your pocket, start working out, and get good with your weapon!
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I’m in the same boat as Erik, it’s been far to long since I’ve hunted. Great information! Thanks Andrew
I am in a similar position, but from a different path. I was drawn to the outdoors and hunting from a young age, but my dad was a self-described city kid who had no interest. He was a strong 2A supporter, owned a gun, and he first taught me to shoot pistol when I was a teen. As soon as I turned 18 I got a 10/22 and then got into the 1911 scene (late 90s, early 2000s), but didn’t take up rifle and shotgun until after my kids were born. My oldest son is also drawn to the outdoors and was a competitive trap shooter in high school (graduated class of '20), so he and I decided to start hunting together. We also started with birds (pheasant, duck, and goose), but have now also progressed to hunting big game. We’re in California, so we’re focused on deer and wild pig. I would love to go on an Elk hunt someday.
If you don’t already have one, I would recommend getting a decent rifle and scope and practice regularly. There are so many options for caliber, each with pros and cons, but I’m not sure it matters so much at the beginning. If you intended quarry is definitely Elk, get enough gun, but one you can still shoot well. I started out with a 308 for deer. Find a load your rifle likes then get out there and see what you find. My son and I are hunting public land. There are a number of online resources to help identify areas to scout. I have also used gohunt and google earth. My son and I are struggling to get success, but we learn more all the time. I would just add, if you can find someone you know who hunts they may be a resource to help you get started.
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