Hunting & Fishing Where to first hunt

[Mallison]

Really wanting to get back into hunting, I went when I was 12-14, and am now 35. I feel like a nice first hunt (thinking elk or mule deer) will be my stepping stone to get back into it. This would be a rifle hunt, I live in PA and am thinking out west somewhere. I have no idea where to start to look. I do have an idea on a budget, but also need some help on a hunting caliber ( I could rebarrel my prs gun if need be, or buy a new gun)
What say you hunters

 

[brianf]

Budget really would help.
And is that budget all in, travel, lodging etc.
what cal is your prs rig
Do you want a tent and kibble, horseback, or “gentleman’s hunt”.

 

[Mallison]

Budget really would help.
And is that budget all in, travel, lodging etc.
what cal is your prs rig
Do you want a tent and kibble, horseback, or “gentleman’s hunt”.

Budget would only be for the hunt, not the rifle etc. I would not be opposed to a tent hunt, I want to feel as though I’ve earned the kill if I have the chance
I’m not sure I would want to spend more than $5k on the first hunt
My prs gun is a 6br, but I have all the stuff to reload 6.5 creedmore

 

[brianf]

I’m really Ning around tonight. I’ll pm you tomorrow

 

[Deadman Pointers]

Elk out west to get back into hunting? Eek, man... that is some of the hardest terrain and climate to handle aside from sheep or Alaska stuff. I'd look into self guided western antelope on private ranch land with oil traffic for a first hunt. You'll get to stretch the shot out without a ton of pressure and a stupid high success rate.

 

[Caveman0101]

Here in Colorado the only DIY deer that is not drawn will be doe leftover tags or put in and wait. Doe muley are fuck'n stupid and can be killed with a spear if you chose to do so. But hey come out walk your ass off and shoot a doe 10 miles from the truck if it makes you feel better. Small bucks aren't much more of a challenge. To shoot one over 160" DIY will take some skill, patience, and knowledge. Elk can be killed during any of the over the counter seasons, but it will not be easy. There will be tons of hunters no matter bow, black powder or rifle. Weather will be the biggest determining factor on almost any western hunt. Last year 1st season rifle at @10,000 feet there was no snow and 60 degrees. This year 1st season there was 2 feet of snow and below 0 temps. You never know what it's going to be like when you are planning your hunt. I've been out here long enough I have options no matter what weather or fire or beetle kill does. But it takes time to acquire that kind of knowledge. If you are fit and are willing to go the extra mile you can be successful.

 

[Caveman0101]

As far as budget, my wife says I spend about $1500 a year just elk hunting during rifle season. I have two sons and we all hunt separate seasons, so we are usually in the wood about 20 days or so from October to December. But we live within 2 hours of where we hunt. If she knew what I spent during archery she'd kill me, that's another 20 days or so in the woods. O' I didn't count scouting trips, and I have her convinced we have a camper because she likes to go camping. Actually, if you figure it all up, we could probably eat filet mignon every night if I quit hunting.

 

[Jsmith410]

For 5k you’ll probably find a lot more options on mule deer, whitetail, or antelope than elk. Not saying it can’t be done but most decent outfitters I have seen are a lot closer to 7-10k.

 

[lr123]

My suggestion would be to look into antelope. I am currently planning to do my first antelope hunt in Wyoming or Montana with zero preference points. It will make for a little bit harder but I feel it should be doable.

 

[athanasios23]

My suggestion would be to look into antelope. I am currently planning to do my first antelope hunt in Wyoming or Montana with zero preference points. It will make for a little bit harder but I feel it should be doable.

I'm looking at this too. Saving up currently. Are you going with a guide or DYI?

To the OP,
I live in NY but hunt in PA. I'm sure you know somebody who hunts in PA. I would find a friend who will help you find some private or public land to hunt. Lots of big deer and bear depending what part of the state your in. Also if you apply for doe tag on the first day they are released you should have a good shot at one.

 

[lr123]

Mine will be DIY for sure. With success rates even in hard to hunt units topping 70% and up I don't see a reason you can't get it done yourself if you put in the leg work. Gaining access to land will be the hardest part in units without any points.

I'm looking at this too. Saving up currently. Are you going with a guide or DYI?

To the OP,
I live in NY but hunt in PA. I'm sure you know somebody who hunts in PA. I would find a friend who will help you find some private or public land to hunt. Lots of big deer and bear depending what part of the state your in. Also if you apply for doe tag on the first day they are released you should have a good shot at one.

 

[Black Ice]

Really wanting to get back into hunting, I went when I was 12-14, and am now 35. I feel like a nice first hunt (thinking elk or mule deer) will be my stepping stone to get back into it. This would be a rifle hunt, I live in PA and am thinking out west somewhere. I have no idea where to start to look. I do have an idea on a budget, but also need some help on a hunting caliber ( I could rebarrel my prs gun if need be, or buy a new gun)
What say you hunters

I say get out of the cold and head to South Texas for a nice vacation and Nilgai Hunt. The meat is way better than Whitetail or Mule deer and the hunts run about 3k to 3.5k. You could probably do the hunt for 5k to 6k total with tips, travel and taxi work.

 

[BattleBorn]

Nevada has a really good non resident guided antlered mule deer program. Several units in the state a guy could draw on his first year. See 100+ animals a day. Going through the guided draw has way better odds then the general draw for non residents. Its open right now for the next 4 weeks.

 

[45.308]

You can do it yourself drop in caribou hunt in Alaska for your budget if you look around. Bou is without question the best tasting game meat on the planet.

I am a dedicated hunting rifle guy, light is right, lightest is rightest in common calibers that can be found in most gun shops USA. Cant go wrong with 30.06, can buy it anywhere with plenty of options and it works. Its the most used caliber in Alaska. Tikka SL is hard to beat off the shelf.

good luck