14 replies to this topic

[Recon]

My son just turned 12 and I put it on my list of goals for 2012 to take him on an out of state hunt. I've never gone out of state. I will likely put him in for an elk draw in Oregon where we would have family support but they only give a miniscule percentage of the tags to out of state hunters, so I am thinking I need Plan B. Just going will probably drain me dollar-wise more than my wife would like, so hiring a guide isn't really feasible. Both my son and I have excellent endurance and exellent backcountry skills. I need some advice on where to go to get on game.... antelope or deer I'm thinking.... to ensure manageable carcass size. Suggestions would be sincerely appreciated.

[fyraxe]

Colorado has some great youth opportunities. And access programs for kids , I think even private land hunts for cow elk as well.

[Bisley]

Took the words right out of my mouth. They also sell lots of tags (especially elk) over the counter to out of state hunters. While I was there last year picking up some cleaning stuff I watched four guys drop about $2k on over the counter elk tags like they were buying groceries. And they are very good about catering to youths. I will warn you ahead of time though, if you plan on doing any hunting, you will either have to have your original hunter safety course card or retake the class so you can get one. Once you are in the system though, you will not need it any further (in that state). I renew mine every year (out of state small game) so I can hunt when I go back to visit family. And the DOW people are as nice as it gets and are willing to help as much as physically possible. I may even sort of be able to help you get in the general vicinity of where I helped my grandmother's neighbors pack out there elk last year. It almost always has over the counter tags available.Good luck no matter which way you go, and a great big atta boy for taking the young one

[DirtyDave]

SOUTH DAKOTA!! I hunt in the north east area of the state. Non-residents can get a Deer license for $80 that is for 2 Antlerless Deer. Perfect for kids or hunters that just want some meat. Tons of Deer up there and lots of public land for the Do-it-yourselfer. No need for a Guide. If you cant score 2 Does on Opening weekend, then you should take up knitting. Pheasant season is open at the same time as well.Plane tickets are cheap if your dates are flexible. There are plenty of cheap places to stay. I go for a week and do it for about $500 total.

[docskinner]

Idaho. Down south east area for deer. Soda Springs, Palisades Reservoir. Or more up near Tetonia, Warm River. Get some HUGE mulies out of there. Not sure how out of state prices compare with other states, though. Deer tags are usually available OTC for out of state. GO to a place called cottonwood canyon with my nephew when I go back, but it is tricky to get to (lots of private land to maneuver around), and pretty well hunted. Go mostly to get out with my nephew. If we see deer, that is great too. No area tags up there, just variable requirements on antlers. I think your son would qual for a doe/either sex tag, if you aren't looking for a rack. See does everywhere. Hard to guarantee anything when you are going to totally new places unless you have locals to help guide or a paid guide. If nothing else you will see some amazing country!

[fyraxe]

it would take alot of research to find a place tp hunt but the plains units east of I 25 have a 5 month weapon of choice season with unlimted tags. I know of some great units to hunt in as well, if ya end up goin there let me know

[Fjold]

Public land Wyoming doe antelope hunt. $60 (I think) .

[KNOCKED UP]

Fort Robinson Nebraska. He can buy two buck tags, and get two doe tags free. Even Stevie Wonder could kill deer here. We usually get leftover Antilope tags for wyo, on the way. Two years ago I got two Antilope, and four deer.Tom

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[Recon]

If you cant score 2 Does on Opening weekend, then you should take up knitting.

Ok, that made me laugh hard. We are all about meat, not really about racks. Looks like I have some great information here already! Thanks a million and don't stop with the ideas.

[Recon]

Even Stevie Wonder could kill deer here.

You guys are funny. If we go somehwere like this, it might not be so obvious that he is the better shooter. I could sorta preserve my instructor-status for a another year or so!

[Yateswell]

I'd like take about 1 week off towards end of this year to go hunting/calling, Recon if you need accompany hit me up.Anyone has any other suggestions, please let me know, I'm flexible on dates and locations.

[StephLuvsHunting]

Fort Robinson Nebraska. He can buy two buck tags, and get two doe tags free. Even Stevie Wonder could kill deer here. We usually get leftover Antilope tags for wyo, on the way. Two years ago I got two Antilope, and four deer.Tom

Very cool! I need to do some out of state huntin

[KNOCKED UP]

Steph, The deer hunting on public land in California is so over pressured. Not to mention that a lot of California hunters are to lazy to get out of the truck. Even with my back pain (Broken back, not brokeback) I gotta get out and hike, but the deer are still where the people are not. Work for them.Tom

[nitis]

the one good thing about Idaho is the youth can hunt for the same price as resident youth and lots of general hunts are either sex for youthSoutheast is pretty tore up right now its gunna be a few more years before its good again

[Win4me]

I cant think of a better youth hunt than a antelope hunt in wyoming, look at unit 32 or 31 no points needed for a antelope buck tag, close to Casper. The unit doesnt have big bucks but tons of average 12 inch bucks and almost 100% success rate. Thats my 2 cents!