December Elk hunt notification

[Termie33]

For those of you who were lucky enough to draw a december mi elk tag, how long of notice did the DNR give you? Were you notified in august like the september hunters were, or did you recieve notification much later.

I remember back in 94 when my dad drew his september tag they notified him 3 weeks before his season...not much time to plan.

Thank you in adavance for any info.

[orion]

Both the Sept and December hunters were notified in July.

[dutch25]

I was notified yesterday that I was one of 40 drawn for the 3rd season in January!!! Couldn't believe it, actually still in shock

[wapiti777]

I was notified yesterday that I was one of 40 drawn for the 3rd season in January!!! Couldn't believe it, actually still in shock

Congratulations. Welcome to M-S too. You may want to add some info to your profile. Lots of great information on this site.

Good luck with your hunt. Knock one down.

[Termie33]

I was notified yesterday that I was one of 40 drawn for the 3rd season in January!!! Couldn't believe it, actually still in shock

That the type of info i needed to know. Id be in serious trouble if i got the january hunt as i burned all my vacation time in october.

Even though i most likely wont need it, looks like next year i will have to keep an extra week of vacation in my back pocket just in case.

[orion]

The first two hunts were notified after the original draw. The January hunt is used on an as needed basis. They couldnt determine this until they knew what the take from the December hunt was. Since they felt they still needed to take Elk after the numbers were finalized, they re-drew for the January hunt. Thus, the notification just coming now.

[MLH]

Dutch25 - Congrats, but don't wait. I had to wait for 3 other hunters to fill their tag before me (Dec/08 hunt). I'd start calling guides right now to figure out which one's provide the type of hunt that you desire. Then book one quick. Costs of the guides I talked with ran $400-$800. Success rates ran 80-100%. Some collect the money up front, others after you successfully fill your tag. Good luck and enjoy the hunt.

[dutch25]

Dutch25 - Congrats, but don't wait. I had to wait for 3 other hunters to fill their tag before me (Dec/08 hunt). I'd start calling guides right now to figure out which one's provide the type of hunt that you desire. Then book one quick. Costs of the guides I talked with ran $400-$800. Success rates ran 80-100%. Some collect the money up front, others after you successfully fill your tag. Good luck and enjoy the hunt.


MLH,
I appriciate the tip and can see how they would fill up quick but I think I will be doing this on public with my father in law to guide. He has followed the elk in the area for years and actually quided a friend for the 1st season and had success on there 3rd day. Just trying to decide if I want to go with my bow or muzzloader, I'll probably bring both.

[SevenMaryThree]

MLH,
I appriciate the tip and can see how they would fill up quick but I think I will be doing this on public with my father in law to guide. He has followed the elk in the area for years and actually quided a friend for the 1st season and had success on there 3rd day. Just trying to decide if I want to go with my bow or muzzloader, I'll probably bring both.

I was drawn for the added third hunt last January in Area X. It never got over 12 degrees and the snow was two feet deep. The animals are herded up in thick thermal cover at this time of the year. I can't imagine a scenario where you'd be able to get within 50 yards and have a clear shooting lane to send an arrow.

I killed my elk on public land. It was a 110 yard shot through the woods. I had a softball sized opening through which I had to thread the bullet.

Use a good scope....Leupold or better and keep it on 4x. Use anti-fog lense treatment like "Cat-Crap." Use scope covers.

[dutch25]

After putting some more thought into it I may leave both the bow and ML at home. Going with the 30-06, don't want to miss the oppurtunity to fill the freezer.
7mary3, any suggestions on a good place to start? How much snow did you have last year? Thanks