I am thinking about a hunt in 2006..

[Brithunter]

Hi All,

I have been giving it some thought about partaking in an Elk hunt in 2006. I need some time to save up and plan this whole idea, plus I need to get fitter . Now nearly every site I visit about Elk including outfitters sites have horses taking hunters into the hunting area or spike camps. Now I have never to my recollection been on a horse so is it possible to hunt Elk without riding a horse? A combined Elk Mule Deer hunt might be a good idea?

At present my rifle batterie's only magnum is a 458WM which is not really suitable for this kind of hunting so discounting that one I have the choice of the following:-

6.5x53R Rigby Mannlicher (.256") express sites no scope

6.5x55 SE choice of two here both scoped

.270 Win BSA Majestic featherweight also has back up aperture sporting peep sight

7x57mm BSA CF2 139 BTSP at 2850fps

.303 British BSA Model E built on P-14 action

.308 Win Cz-Brno mod 601

.303 Improved P-14 sporter

7.92mm (8x57) Parker-Hale 1200 super

9.3x57mm Husqvarna Mod 49 (96 Action)

No synthetic stocks or even laminates, all are solid wood

Now nearly all of them have QD scope mounts, what ever I use will have QD scope mounts and usable iron sights, just in case . Luggage is a logistical nightmare, travelling from the UK especially if I have to take a sleeping bag because they take up so much room

Now coming from the UK, I cannot ship the meat out of the US home it's just not allowed sowhat's the best thing to do with the meat assuming I actually get lucky? Whith my Whitetails in 2003, the Buck after we ate the backstraps ans tenderloins was given to a local family who luck could have been better, the Button Buck and Doe we boned out and my friends shared it between them and a friend who was to sick to hunt, so none got wasted.

Oh I see some outfitters can guarentee a Licence, is this a good idea? if not how does one get the correct licence as I don't fully understand the drawing system. What happens if you apply then due to finances not being there you can't go?

I would be gateful for any ideas and guidence you may be able to give, I know it's a long way away yet but I have to figure out the rough costs to see if this is feasible. Looking at it this will cost somewhere in the region of $720 for the flights then the cost of the hunt. Due to the time spent travelling I think an extra day or so to rest up may be a good idea so I would have to allow for that extra cost puls a little spending money so it will probably be in the region of about $5000 and that's going to take awhile to save up! and thats just a rough guess without the tag fees, which I don't kow the cost of yet.