Just curious

[xbokilla]

Put in since it started and got drawn in 2015. Shot a nice Bull during the firearm season. Used a guide that is someone I deer hunt with. It was fun but I haven't put in anymore and won't again. For what it cost I can go out west.

I don’t see how this is true but then again I’ve never been out west. Just seems to me that surely you’d drop big money unless you rough camped and did DIY. If any of you all got inexpensive out west options that would probably be a nice thread to share.

 

[TIM BROWN]

Every year for a Bull firearms tag no luck still have my Kentucky Elk Patch. I think I am one of about 200 that have been in it every year. running out of time getting old and sick.

 

[bgkyarcher]

I don’t see how this is true but then again I’ve never been out west. Just seems to me that surely you’d drop big money unless you rough camped and did DIY. If any of you all got inexpensive out west options that would probably be a nice thread to share.

Has to be DIY.

 

[Woodrow]

After ~3rd year of entering, I was drawn for Bull Elk rifle in 2019. Hunted w an outfitter for 5 days in Unit 2. Never saw an elk. Wrote a post about my experience on this site if interested. I will get back in when allowed in '22. May never draw again... but...maybe!

 

[xbokilla]

Every year for a Bull firearms tag no luck still have my Kentucky Elk Patch. I think I am one of about 200 that have been in it every year. running out of time getting old and sick.

The firearms tag is just tough. I understand if that’s a persons best option. My dad who is 79 has always just put in firearms. I always did that one and cow archery. Never have applied for all 4. I figured the cow archery (either sex now) gave me the best chance and Bull Gun was like hitting the lotto and I’ve been drawn twice for archery.

 

[spanky116]

I'm sorry I should have said DIY. I've had a few different sets of friends go out and camp. They said it's not to bad of a price.

 

[1wildcatfan]

I don’t see how this is true but then again I’ve never been out west. Just seems to me that surely you’d drop big money unless you rough camped and did DIY. If any of you all got inexpensive out west options that would probably be a nice thread to share.

Even a DIY would be $1500 at the bare minimum, not even sure you could go for that. Tags are at least $500-$600, more in some places, + travel, food, gear.

 

[bgkyarcher]

Even a DIY would be $1500 at the bare minimum, not even sure you could go for that. Tags are at least $500-$600, more in some places, + travel, food, gear.

Yeah, even with driving, and DIY, you're looking at $3K to hunt anywhere out west. The KY guides figured that out... They were way too cheap early on. The good guides are worth the money....

 

[EdLongshanks]

Can hunting elk in ky produce the same memories and awe inspiring wonder that a trip out west can?!? (Subjective I know) My buddy that I own our mason county farm with and the men of his family went out west last year. I unfortunately could not make it due to moving. The pictures, videos, and stories that they shared would be ridiculously tough to beat. I’m pro Kentucky. I was born here, live here, and will die here. This is the only place I will call home. Ever. I’m not sure elk hunting is the same...which is why I no longer take place in the absurdity of what kdfw call an “elk lottery.” Out west seems like a different ball game. A better all around ball game.

 

[littlebear]

Even a DIY would be $1500 at the bare minimum, not even sure you could go for that. Tags are at least $500-$600, more in some places, + travel, food, gear.

100% true. I’ve done a bunch of diy hunts myself too. I’ve done some a little less than that and some a little more. Splitting fuel with buddies helps a bunch. If I’m going to choose spending $3-6k on an big game hunt it would be hands down out west for sure and not in Ky.

 

[littlebear]

Can hunting elk in ky produce the same memories and awe inspiring wonder that a trip out west can?!? (Subjective I know) My buddy that I own our mason county farm with and the men of his family went out west last year. I unfortunately could not make it due to moving. The pictures, videos, and stories that they shared would be ridiculously tough to beat. I’m pro Kentucky. I was born here, live here, and will die here. This is the only place I will call home. Ever. I’m not sure elk hunting is the same...which is why I no longer take place in the absurdity of what kdfw call an “elk lottery.” Out west seems like a different ball game. A better all around ball game.

You’re correct with your view of it. It’s just not the same. I’ve chased elk in ky and out west the terrain and views are breathe taking in areas plus the vastness of the areas. Millions of acres to get lost in.

 

[EdLongshanks]

100% true. I’ve done a bunch of diy hunts myself too. I’ve done some a little less than that and some a little more. Splitting fuel with buddies helps a bunch. If I’m going to choose spending $3-6k on an big game hunt it would be hands down out west for sure and not in Ky.

My buddy and his family stayed in phenomenal housing. Ate insanely good meals and had fully guided hunts for that budget.

 

[bgkyarcher]

Can hunting elk in ky produce the same memories and awe inspiring wonder that a trip out west can?!? (Subjective I know) My buddy that I own our mason county farm with and the men of his family went out west last year. I unfortunately could not make it due to moving. The pictures, videos, and stories that they shared would be ridiculously tough to beat. I’m pro Kentucky. I was born here, live here, and will die here. This is the only place I will call home. Ever. I’m not sure elk hunting is the same...which is why I no longer take place in the absurdity of what kdfw call an “elk lottery.” Out west seems like a different ball game. A better all around ball game.

Of course it's a different ball game. It's a different kill % too... Hunting elk or mule deer is still on my bucket list.... I'll probably check that off eventually. But the two experiences are completely different.....But if you get a Ky tag, the success % is way higher than anywhere out west....

 

[EdLongshanks]

You’re correct with your view of it. It’s just not the same. I’ve chased elk in ky and out west the terrain and views are breathe taking in areas plus the vastness of the areas. Millions of acres to get lost in.

I’m seriously sad I didn’t make it a priority. I love these guys and could have afforded it but I was too scared to pull the trigger to make it happen. I missed out on so many memories.

 

[littlebear]

My buddy and his family stayed in phenomenal housing. Ate insanely good meals and had fully guided hunts for that budget.

Sounds like a great trip. Heck that’s part of the enjoyment is coming off the mountains back to camp and doing some big time eating. Are you trying to go next trip with them?