Michigan Elk Question

[gooseboy]

If there are only a certain amount of elk permits available for drawing, are there enough decent quality guides in northern Michigan for everyone to hire? Also, MOOD annually does a elk hunting show with some hunters gaining access to a private large areage deer club in what town/area I dont recall, it just seemed like all the MOOD episodes at this private land had some good bulls on their property and if, if, if I get lucky enough in the next few years I would like to get the name of this club and find out how to how to access this club. Any help would be great...I am jonesing for an elk permit....like everyone else...

[srconnell22]

If there are only a certain amount of elk permits available for drawing, are there enough decent quality guides in northern Michigan for everyone to hire? Also, MOOD annually does a elk hunting show with some hunters gaining access to a private large areage deer club in what town/area I dont recall, it just seemed like all the MOOD episodes at this private land had some good bulls on their property and if, if, if I get lucky enough in the next few years I would like to get the name of this club and find out how to how to access this club. Any help would be great...I am jonesing for an elk permit....like everyone else...

1) If you get drawn...book your guide ASAP! The best ones are booked well before the orientation.

2) Locals HATE the Elk...so gaining access isnt real difficult for the most part. Not all the good bulls are on private...most of the bigger bulls (mine included) were killed on state ground.

I believe the most recent MOOD episode was partially filmed at Canada Creek, and I think the Huff's are the sole guides for that ground. I could be completely wrong on this...so dont take it as gospel. Search through the old elk threads from last years season or PM Jimmy G.

[gooseboy]

jimmy g? that his M-S name or is it something other than that...thanks

[old school]

2) Locals HATE the Elk...so gaining access isnt real difficult for the most part. Not all the good bulls are on private...most of the bigger bulls (mine included) were killed on state ground.

Lucky dog! How long did you apply before you got drawn?

[Burksee]

jimmy g? that his M-S name or is it something other than that...thanksJimmy Gretzinger from Michigan Out of Doors TV show. Yes, he's a member here: http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/member.php?u=12671

[srconnell22]

2) Locals HATE the Elk...so gaining access isnt real difficult for the most part. Not all the good bulls are on private...most of the bigger bulls (mine included) were killed on state ground.

Lucky dog! How long did you apply before you got drawn?

I shot my bull when I was 15. If I remember correctly, I applied when I was 14 as well but didnt get drawn.

[old school]

I shot my bull when I was 15. If I remember correctly, I applied when I was 14 as well but didnt get drawn.


Wanna pick up some Mega million tickets for me, i'll send the check and give you a cut:lol::lol:

Congrats!

[MLH]

A Michigan elk hunt is not a slam dunk. Book a guide as soon as possible. You can do it on your own but the chance of filling your tag goes up with a guide. They know the land, talk with each other, and may have advance access to private property. If you wait, you may be #2, 3, or even 4 on the list. You'll have to wait until the other hunters have filled their tags. If this happens I'd go out on my own until the guide becomes available or they can arrange an alternate. If you wait you might not hunt at all.

The weather is also a factor - ran the gamut from deep heavy snow and cold to rain, sleet, and ice this past December. January was below zero for much of the hunt period.

You'll get a DNR packet in the mail with a list of guides. I'd suggest talking to several to find out how they hunt, their prices, and their personality. If you get the area that includes Canada Creek Ranch, best to just go with them. In the past they have done it up nicely, and only ask for a contribution to the ranch. Last year guide fees went from $400-$800 or so. They should NOT be charging based on the antler size of the elk, though might based on cow or bull. I'd prefer to pay afterwards rather than before the hunt. If they present you with a good opportunity for a shot at a reasonable animal then you owe it to them. Bring some extra cash for tips for the guide and anyone that helps haul the animal out. Bring a cameraman, too, if you can.

If you are in shape and prefer a stalk then consider the Casselmans. Top notch.

If you don't want to butcher it yourself make prior contact with a processor so you can get the animal to them asap.

Also, book a hotel room when you clear your calendar. Staying in Atlanta is convenient, but Gaylord is more conducive to after hours activities.

I wish everyone could pull a tag.

[cad679]

I hunted with the Huffs last August and had Jimmy G. filming me. We hunted on private property, but not the Canada Creek Ranch. If you get drawn get in touch with a guide ASAP.

It was a great experience.

Brett

[Newaygo1]

A friend had the opportunity to get a Cow Tag for 2007, It was interesting hearing him talk about all the stuff you never hear about... First off is once you shoot the elk and gut it you have to know exactly where and you have to falg a trail to the nearest two track / road for the DNR to come out and pick up the entail aor parts of them for testing... Second is if you plan on getting it mounted then you have to return the brain to the DNR as well either giving it up at the time you take it to the check station to have it checked by the DNR. Or you need to get it to the DNR by delivering it to them.

My friend had no idea all of the extra stuff he was required to do...He also did not like having to go back to the check station because of the snow and road conditions. He said it was just a lot of work to get it the 75 yards from where he shot it to his truck it took 3 guys everything they had, not like dragging a deer on the snow dead weight is all he said. They had to stop a few times and catch their breath. It took everything they had to get in in his truck.

But I guess if you are hunting Elk that is all a part of it... I played the lottery since the beginning but have now give up on it don't have enough friend's that want to tackle it after learning of all the work involved. Like others say it would be nice to get a Bull Tag but it would be about the same as winning million dollar lottery game and you could apply for a very long time and never get a tag... Since I have no luck, I would just save the money and do another Elk Hunt in Montana... Did not get an Elk but it was the best hunt I have been on horse packed in and saw 3 elk 2 cows and a spike but it was a great hunt food was great meet some great hunters, guides and outfitter but now a license is a lot more in cost but worth a trip once in a lifetime...

No requirements to deal with and the Guide out west does most of the work after the Elk is down...

But to each his own...

Newaygo1

[hunting man]

There is a guide that does it on horse back. Its cheaper than going west too.Vernon Bishop from Onaway

[QDMAMAN]

There is a guide that does it on horse back. Its cheaper than going west too.Vernon Bishop from Onaway


Wonder if his horses are allowed in the PRSF?

[kristie]

http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-angry026.gif

Tony, Tony, Tony......

[Bmac]

Wonder if his horses are allowed in the PRSF?

:lol: No they are not. I wanted to hunt with Vernon last year but I drew area D (mostly PRSF). I booked with the Casselman's and had a great hunt. I took a 6x7 bull that was 6.5 years old.

[tpquack]

There is a guide that does it on horse back. Its cheaper than going west too.Vernon Bishop from Onaway

I drew a Bull tag for the first hunt and I was wondering if you have a Phone number for Vernon Bishop

[Huntmich]

my cousin just called me tonight. His boy drew a bull tag for area D. It was the lucky S.O.B's second time putting in. His dad was all fired up. Good luck to all who drew a tag. hopefully me and my six points will draw one next year.

[hunting man]

use the white pages/google to look him up.

Vernon Bishop
989-733-6463

[Linda G.]

I know a LOT of people who would be happy to help you with your elk to do whatever was needed if they could just have the opportunity to go along with you on your hunt.

Get a tag, and all you have to do is post a help wanted notice on this board and you'll have 50 guys (and a few women) offer to help.

The DNR will also help if you need it. I know of several hunters who only had one person with them, and the DNR went out to help them.

I would certainly not let something like that phase me...and I don't know of anyone else that's stopped.

There are a lot of guides that are very good, the problem with many of them is that they ALL take on as many as 10 different dudes...and if you want to hunt opening day, they must draw straws or something as to who hunts first. Hunt meaning whoever will shoot first after the elk has been spotted, usually from the truck. Then after that elk is boxed up and on its way, the next guy gets his chance. You might wait several days before it's your turn.

The two big pieces of private land that most guides have permission to hunt are the Canada Creek Club and the Black River Ranch. It is possible for someone hunting on their own to get permission to hunt on those properties, but you must hunt where they say, and chances are it's not anywhere near where the guides go-which is where the elk are. I wouldn't be surprised if the ranches charge the guides to get their dudes in there.

I wouldn't let any of these things stop me from hunting a Michigan elk, tho. Just be prepared and ask the right questions.

[srconnell22]

There are a lot of guides that are very good, the problem with many of them is that they ALL take on as many as 10 different dudes...and if you want to hunt opening day, they must draw straws or something as to who hunts first. Hunt meaning whoever will shoot first after the elk has been spotted, usually from the truck. Then after that elk is boxed up and on its way, the next guy gets his chance. You might wait several days before it's your turn.

I've been on ALOT of elk hunts here in MI with a reputable guide and you are flat out wrong. Please don't lump ALL guides into whatever story you choose to make up.

Also stating that guides promote road hunting is rediculous. The DNR is all over the elk hunt and herd and it is very well managed.

[Linda G.]

I did not intend to write "from the truck" to lead anyone to believe the shot is taken from the truck. Sorry. I was in a hurry to get out of the house, what I meant was they SPOT the elk from the truck...But a lot of elk are spotted from trucks...I know, I've been on several hunts with several very reputable guides, and that's how they hunt. They drive down the two tracks, looking for fresh tracks, when they find them, they usually also spot the elk. Then they get out of the truck and try to get close enough for a shot. Sometimes they have to follow the tracks, but not always.

As for the rest of it...I'm wrong, huh? Want a list of guides that do that?

They can't accomodate everyone on opening day, but everyone with a tag wants to be out there on opening day, so that's what they do.

It's possible that someone else has begun guiding in the last year or so that doesn't do that-with the rotten economy, I'll bet a lot of people up there have become elk guides. It's not hard if you know the PR and spend a lot of time out there.