Hints for booking a good elk hunt

1) Avoid areas where residents can simply buy a license to hunt.
2) If you try to draw a limited permit, apply in three to five states each years. Read "The Drawing Game."
3) Even on the best ranches, expect to hunt hard.
4) Avoid small ranches unless they border better big ranches.
5) Do not book an unguided hunt unless you're well-equipped and have been very successful on several do-it-yourself elk hunts.

6) Don't look for the cheapest hunt. The most expensive hunts are those that feature a high success rate, a large average trophy size, and guaranteed access to a hunting permit (no state drawing necessary). You can save money if you'll accept a smaller trophy size, a success rate that has not been established through statistics accumulated over the past few years, or the necessity to draw a permit in a state-run tag lottery.