I’ve been deer hunting my entire life in Arkansas, but haven’t really done much outside of Arkansas. My son is 17 and I would like to take him on some type of big game hunt. Pronghorn, bear, elk…it doesn’t really matter, but looking for rifle hunts. We are just looking for a different experience to enjoy the outdoors. My son plays HS basketball and can’t really miss much school during ball season. I may have to wait until he is in college. Ball season makes it difficult.
What are some good options where you don’t have to build tons of points? I tend to lean towards unguided, but I’m not against guided either. Guided hunts may be a good option for the first time while we are trying to learn.
Alaska DIY caribou can be done in August before school even starts.
Cow elk hunts are doable with no points but those are later in the winter and closer to basketball practices.
Spring bear in May in Idaho or Montana.
That’s what’s jumping to mind. Give a shout to Twinkie at ProcessBasedHunter.com and tell him I sent you. He’s got lots of options from drop camps, semi-guided, and landowner tags at reasonable prices.
I suggest a pronghorn hunt if you can get one. Here is why- you see tons of animals. and you have to plan your stalks. You need good marksmanship and learn how to know your limits. Antelope hunts are one of my favorites- and for kids would be so much fun. Its not a butt kicking march and no boredom. And could be done easily in a week usually. Bear and elk and mule deer are a different level of commitment to the pain and suffering that come with them. And I think better for new hunter to get hooked on the hunting and light that fire that gives them the drive for the next years to go farther and work harder. Just my opinion. I just know I have so much fun hunting pronghorns.
I know your pain for the sports- my son’s was even worse. Football and fall hunting do not go well together. But he did manage to get an elk during a bye week. His football was from 6th grade through senior year of college.
