Overview
The Sacramento Mountains archery hunts are conducted in September. The hunt dates coincide with the rut.
The Sacramento Mountains archery hunt may very well be the most intense archery elk hunt you could possibly find. The sheer number of elk in this area combined with the timing of the rut makes the archery season the ultimate time to be in the woods. If you will come prepared, you will literally be into bulls everyday. I repeat, everyday. It doesn't get any better.
The Best Time to Archery Hunt
The most common question asked about archery elk hunting is, "Which time is the best?" The truth is there is no "best" time. The first archery hunt occurs during the pre-rut to rut transition period. During the pre-rut, the bulls are mobile locating cow herds and just searching for the first cows to come into estrus.
Overall, you will generally hear less bugling during this week and the bulls are
sometimes less aggressive at coming to the calls. However, there are advantages also. The
bulls are often still by themselves which can make them easier to hunt. Some bulls respond to calling very passively at this time
and just slip in quietly to see what's going on, while others may be
aggressively pursuing calls.
By the last season, the majority of the bulls are with cows as the rut is in full swing. You now face an entirely different animal and hunting conditions. The bulls are more vocal as they move and communicate with their cows. The satellite bulls are also more vocal as they shadow the herds and aggravate the herd bulls. Seems like the hunting should now be easy.
Not so fast my friends, the herd bulls are becoming increasingly vocal but yet they are now extremely apprehensive at leaving their herd and coming to any type of call. They will talk more than they did in the first hunt, but the chances of getting a shot are not necessarily any better. But, the last hunt doesn't mean there are not chances at big bulls, just a different set of obstacles to overcome.
Tactics
The primary tactic for most of our archery guides is calling. Most of our client's bulls are taken this way. However, the key to successfully archery hunting elk is to be versatile and flexible. Spot-and-stalk and hunting over water can be very effective tactics depending on the conditions. Regardless, all hunting takes place on foot and we aggressively pursue opportunities at bulls.
Typically, you can plan on calling being a large part of the game. Especially in the mornings. Water can play a bigger role in the afternoons, but our tactics revolve around taking advantage of whatever the bulls are giving us. The goal is to get you a good bull on the ground. Every guide is different and has his own experiences and beliefs. Every guide is an accomplished archery hunter themselves and will lead you to the promised land if you will make the physical commitment to the hunt. Again, no guide in our operation is not a bowhunter. Not one.
Difficulty
of the Hunt
On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the easiest place to hunt elk and 10 being the most god-awful place on earth to hunt elk, we give this hunt a difficulty rating of 9.
The extreme difficulty rating stems exclusively from the terrain. There are lots of elk, but getting around the country is what rips most hunters up.
Archery hunting elk usually takes multiple days and the grind of a single day in this country is tough enough. Multiply that grind times 5 or 6 days and it gets really tough. But if you make the effort to get in shape, you are in for a treat.
Sacramento Archery Statistics
Out of 22 archery hunters in 2002:
* 16 (73%) had shot opps at 4-point or better bulls
* 10 (46%) had shot opps at 6-point or better bulls
* 7 (32%) harvested a 5-point or better bull
* 5 (23%) harvested a 6-point or better bullOut of 14 archery hunters in 2003:
* 12 (86%) had shot opps at 4-point or better bulls
* 7 (50%) had shot opps at 6-point or better bulls
* 5 (36%) had shot opportunities at 300+ bulls
* 3 (21%) harvested a 5-point or better bullOut of 15 archery hunters in 2004:
* 14 (93%) had shot opps at 5-point or better bulls
* 7 (47%) had shot opps at 6-point or better bulls
* 8 (53%) harvested a 5-point or better bull
* 3 (20%) harvested a 6-point or better bullOut of 21 archery hunters in 2005:
* 18 (86%) had shot opps at 4-point or better bulls
* 13 (62%) had shot opps at 6-point or better bulls
* 6 (29%) harvested a 5-point or better bull
* 5 (24%) harvested a 6-point or better bullOut of 12 archery hunters in 2006:
* 10 (83%) had shot opps at 4-point or better bulls
* 6 (50%) had shot opps at 6-point or better bulls
* 4 (33%) harvested a 5-point or better bull
* 2 (16%) harvested a 6-point or better bull**2007 was the first year with 1 on 1 guides exclusively for all Sac. archery hunts**
Out of 15 archery hunters in 2007:
* 14 (94%) had shot opps at 6-points or better
* 10 (67%) harvested a 5-point or better bull
* 9 (60%) harvested a 6-point or better bullOut of 12 archery hunters in 2008:
* 10 (83%) had shot opps at 6-points or better
* 7 (58%) harvested a 5-point or better bull
* 6 (50%) harvested a 6-point or better bullOut of 16 archery hunters in 2009:
* 14 (88%) had shot opps at 5-pts or better
* 11 (69%) had shot opps at 6-pts or better
* 7 (44%) harvested 5-point or better bulls
* 6 (38%) harvested 6-point or better bullsFor an in-depth look at the results of the 2009 Sacramento archery hunts, go to the September postings on the "What's New!" page.
Sacramento Archery References
Scott Mistler, MO 573-291-4699 "Train or this hunt will kick your a**, and I had an easy hunt! Expect seasonal monsoons, constantly swirling winds and frustration knowing that at any moment it could happen. The bulls are there and we were on them. Thanks again to all of the guys at Elite."
Vince Matthews, FL 904-287-7678 "Lots of bulls. Guides really want you to get a good 6x6. Bring good rain gear!"
Greg Smith, AL 251-645-4236 "If someone wants to kill a trophy bull with archery gear, it can be done. The terrain and altitude are rough. You better be in really good shape. I got my money's worth. I got exactly what I was told I would get."
Harry Surprenant, NY 518-674-1590 "These guys deliver! Tons of elk, awesome country, great guides and excellent accommodations! You MUST bring your "A" game. Be fit mentally and physically. Practice your a** of with your bow. And take their advice on broadhead selection! Penetration is king!"
Glen Surprenant, NY 518-674-1256 "I loved the hunt although I did not seal the deal."
Greg Jochem, HI 808-520-6433 "Great hunt! If you're fit, you WILL get your chance at a good bull."
Tim Markiel, IL 815-467-6374 "Get in shape! Couch taters need not apply. Great hunt. Lots of elk, beautiful country. If you can keep up with your guide, you will have an awesome hunt. Be ready for a shot at all times. You never know when it will happen. When it does happen, it happens fast."
Brian Till, OH 740-548-4872 "Truly one of the most awesome experiences I ever had!
Shawn Schmidtke,
OR 503-631-8815 "This was my second time hunting the Sacramento Mountains with
Elite. Make sure you are in shape so you can enjoy the hunt. Excellent
accommodations, first-class people running the business and guides who will do
their job if you can keep up with them."
Phil Knox, MI 269-663-2439 "Fantastic place to hunt. You can't go wrong here!"
Jacob Fontenot, LA 337-855-8309 "I was in elk everyday and connected on the final day. You've got to experience it to believe it."
Jeff Glaser, MI 269-663-7001 "The quantity and quality of elk is incredible, but I can't stress enough the importance of showing up in shape to hunt these mountains. If you can do that, you will have opportunities at great bulls! I had a fantastic time."
Darrell Haeker, MO 816-233-5630 "I feel very confident that Elite will provide you with an excellent opportunity to harvest a trophy elk and possibly the bull of a lifetime. Excellent accommodations and area to hunt trophy bulls."
Matthew Debnam, OR 318-801-0503 "I would highly recommend Elite Outfitters to bowhunters of any experience level. This was my first time elk hunting and I harvested a once-in-a-lifetime bull. From daylight of the first morning, I was on big bulls. Kudos to Elite for an unforgettable memory and invaluable lesson in successful elk hunting!"
Brady Arview, IL, 662-275-3643 "Great place and great hunting!"
John Edwards, PA
610-760-0973 "Not a hunt for the faint of heart or body. If you can keep up with
your guide, you'll have the hunt of a lifetime. I saw more elk and a lot bigger
bulls here than a private ranch hunt I was on in Colorado. I'm hunting elk with
Elite every year I can go."
Brian Kornblatt, GA 912-897-9131 "Be physically prepared. Keep everything on your bow as simple as possible. Listen and trust your guide! Be patient. Great area and guides. I learned more about elk hunting this week than all other previous hunts combined!"
Matthew Matuszak, MI 810-599-6024 "Be ready for the best elk hunt possible!!! Prepare mentally, physically and shooting."
Mike Bowie, VA 703-754-3385 "Get in shape. Be VERY familiar with your equipment. We were in bulls very morning and every evening. Get ready for a great hunt, these guys know elk."
Dan Rosenthal, WI 608-935-2784 "Get in shape! Practice shooting to 60 yards. Great hunt!"
Gary Hoover, LA 318-537-1870 "The hunt can't be any better. But you better be in shape and ready to work your tail off."
Brad Graham, IN 502-376-1909 "High quality hunt with a bunch of good people. You've got to experience it to believe it!"
Shawn Schmidtke, OR 503-631-8815 "I've hunted elk for several years, and this was the best elk hunt I have ever been on. Quality animals, quality guides, quality lodging and food. The terrain is rough, so showing up in shape is not just advised, but a must!"
Gary Johnson,
CO 719-564-6275 "Even though we didn't harvest, these guys did their best to
make our hunt a success. And they did!"
Rusty Heitzman, TX 940-686-5410 "Top of the line outfit. Don't bother checking with other outfitters, just call Elite. Quality game, great camp and super people."
Eric Haeker, MO 816-369-2080 "I have been on guided hunts where elk were tough to find. With Johnny's skills as a guide, I was in elk every day. I am still high as a kite. I plan to apply again if they will have me."
Keith Butrilas, IL 309-337-8014 "Great hunt! Tons of big bulls. I will be back. Now I want a 6x6!"
Mark Clark, NY 845-361-3429 "The country is beautiful and the bugling bulls were breathtaking. I recommend this hunt and Elite to anyone in the market for a great elk adventure. I am hooked, as predicted. I really loved the whole experience."
D.T. Bosher, VA 804-784-2658 - "Lots of big bulls in a true wilderness hunt. Buy the best equipment, get in great physical shape. The hunt of a lifetime."
Rick Brown, AL 256-233-3486 - "This hunt is enjoyable if you are in shape. It's tough if you are not. I've done it each way. When you think you're in shape, start training. Elite will put you on elk. Top-notch outfitter and guides. Beautiful country and quality elk."
Jimmy Boone, KY 502-896-9513 -
"Listen closely to what every reference says. You must show up in great shape or
bring several books. I look forward every year to hunting with Elite because the elk hunting is as good as it gets anywhere."
Jon Kirby, AR 479-968-1405 - "This is a great hunt with great people. A DO NOT miss opportunity for the true elk hunter."
Joe Carpenter, TN 615-373-9333 - "The guides know what they are doing! The terrain is challenging, but adds to the hunting experience. Don't attempt the hunt if you're not in shape."
Ty Osman, TN 615-661-7917 - "Great area, tough terrain, good guides who work hard. Good quality game. Be in great shape and practice shooting to 60 yards."
Bill Payne, MA 508-238-4124 - "Get in shape! Be prepared to hunt hard. You will see some trophy animals and beautiful country."
Todd Carpenter, TN 615-804-2527 - "Rough stuff. Believe what others say about being in shape. There are lots of elk in there, but you have to be able to get to them. Wonderful staff. A truly amazing experience."
Kelly Freeman, AR 479-858-7123 - "From the trail ride in, expect pure adventure. The scenery is gorgeous, the terrain is rugged, and the elk are there. Johnny and his crew are a first-class organization top to bottom. Get in shape."
Steve Franchini, CO 970-565-2461 - "The hunt of a lifetime. I will be back."
Joe Willingham Jr., TX 512-455-6671 "Get in the best shape you can. Come to town a couple days early, if possible, to adjust to the altitude and you will enjoy a "true wilderness" archery elk hunt. I saw nice bulls every day and had a 370-class monster at 40 yards but no shot... I've been on several guided hunts in 5 states and this was the best one of all. Period."
Les Robertson, IL 618-242-7430 - "Get in shape, don't give up. You will see plenty of elk and get an opportunity for a shot."
Allen Rusk, IL 618-392-2881 - "New Mexico is a great hunting opportunity. The area is rugged but very beautiful. Get in shape and you will have a great experience."
Gerry Randall, TX 512-249-7769 - "Truly a solid hunt. Great guides. Top physical condition and then some is a must. The bulls are there if you can catch your breath long enough to get to them!"
Mike Ritter Jr., MI 574-220-6505 - "Plan on a lot of close calls and when it does come together, it will happen fast. changes constantly, watch it!"
Robert Maynard, OR 541-367-5815 - "The country is breathtaking - in more than one respect. Be prepared for long days and lots of bulls. The altitude was the hardest thing for me. I am 65 years old and in good physical shape, but living at 500 feet, I couldn't prepare myself for the altitude. The people in camp were excellent. Would love to do it again."
Mike Unruh,
CO 970-668-8726 - "This hunt will punish you for sitting on the couch
drinking beer and watching TV. Preparation and persistence will pay off on this
hunt. Anything less and you're likely to be miserable. Concentrate and make your
shot count when the bull of your dreams shows up!"
David Kirchhoff, TX 512-918-3921 - "This is a hunt in which you will see elk! Be prepared to hunt hard everyday. Be in top condition."
Bob Walker, IA 660-886-5396 - "Get in the best shape you've ever been and you'll have the best hunt of your life. The guides will get you there if you can keep up with them."
Fred Gruender, WI 608-725-5075 - "Get in good physical shape, have your boots broke in, and enjoy your hunt. It goes too fast. I want to thank all of you at Elite for making my hunt a great pleasure."
Billy Sparks, TX 281-337-6609 - "If you are a weekend hunter, stay at home. But if you really enjoy the outdoors and the thrill of a great hunt, this is the hunt for you. But be prepared by being in great shape."
Brent McDonald, WI 608-725-5229 - “Do not show up for the pack-in camp unless you’re in good to excellent condition! The hunt was everything they said it would be if you show up ready to hunt.”
Jamie Jones, IN 812-443-4112 - "Get in shape! Be prepared to hunt hard for 5 days. Have quality gear and be ready to go back, because it is very addicting."
Slick Kirschbaum, WI 920-568-0164 - "The way hunting is supposed to be. A totally "fair chase" experience all the way"
Vince Trometer,
IA 712-274-1320 - "Get in shape because this is a very demanding hunt. If you
show up in shape and the bulls are talking, you will experience the hunt of a
lifetime."
John Rolison, IN 260-637-0647 - "Don't bother showing up unless you are in excellent shape. Be prepared to hunt hard and you will experience the hunt of your dreams. The quality and quantity of bulls in this area is something an elk hunter dreams of. Elite will get you on bulls...if you're ready."
Gary Wiest, WI 608-725-5057 - "Get in good shape, because you will see a lot of elk. If you can't get around, it will be a long week."
Mike Kruncos, WI 715-693-1983 - "Lots of elk, great guides and great food. Get in shape, prepare to hunt, and it will be a hunt to remember."
Randy Kee, MI 616-641-2225 - "First of all: Get in shape and know your equipment. Be prepared for five hard days of hunting. I had opportunities at bulls every day of the hunt and took my 5x6 bull in the last 15 minutes of the hunt. Johnny, Brian, the staff and guides give 100% of themselves to make your hunt successful. The rest is up to you. Don't disappoint them. Fantastic hunt."
Michael Tardella, NY 203-312-0321 - "Get in shape. If you're prepared, you will have a great hunt. I will definitely be back."
Brett Aurand, PA 610-268-8164 - "Be in better shape than the minimum that Elite recommends. There is more game than your dream hunt would ever have."
David Rauber, NY 607-962-0169 - "This hunt is every bit as physically demanding as they advertise, but you’ll be into good bulls everyday."
Mark Brown, MS 601-847-5251 - "Get in the best shape
possible. If you don’t hold your guide back, he will put you on several quality
bulls. Even though I never released an arrow, It was the hunt of a lifetime."
Tom Benninger, KY 502-425-9700 - "It is a great hunt in a good camp with good people and everyone works very hard."
Matt Dillon, MI 989-465-1839 - "The elk are there, so get in shape and be ready to hike. You will be on your feet all day, Hope for cool weather."
Todd Simonson,
WI 262-884-9954 - “Solid hunt. I had a shot opportunity on a quality 340-class
6x6. Guides were good and knowledgeable. I would come again to this hunt.”
John Swanson, IL 618-262-2526 - “ If you are
interested in hunting the Wilderness you will need to be in exceptional physical
condition. The quality of elk in this area is second to none. This was an
awesome hunt.”
Randy Smith, IL 618-445-2624 - “You need to be in
shape! Outfitter did exactly as promised. Good area, good time, good hunt, good
people! Thanks Johnny, for making a dream come true.”
Adam Hokens, MN 952-346-9789 - “Area has plenty of
elk and there are trophy bulls. There were no other hunters around except for
those with Elite. Area is physically demanding but manageable for someone who is
in shape.”
Greg Erickson, NE 402-238-2376 - “Get in shape!
Mike
Kruncos, WI 715-693-1983 - “Good numbers of 300-class bulls. Great camp, great
guides. Come in the best physical shape you can and hope for cool weather. I had
a great time.”
Ron Brown, OH 740-369-7228 - “When you’re in the
best shape of your life, start training. You’ll be in heaven but at times you’ll
feel like you’re in hell!”
Michael Gorman, WI 262-859-3100 - “Be in shape and
stick with your guide. Be ready to control your emotions on perhaps the best
trophy hunt you will ever experience! I can’t say enough about my experience. A
first-class hunt with no surprises.”
Dave Delong, MI 734-856-4416 - “This was the best
hunting trip I have ever been on! I may not have shot an elk, but I had an
excellent hunting experience. We saw lots of big bulls. My trip was everything I
had expected and more. Looking forward to hunting with Elite Outfitters in the
future!”
Todd Wiest, WI 608-725-5283 - “Listen to the advice
they give you on being in shape because you will see a lot of elk, but if you
can’t physically get to the elk it will be a long hunt."
Dann
Walling, MI 517-569-3410 - "If you think you're in
shape, you're not. If you're willing to bust your butt, you're going to have the
best hunt of your life!"
Ed Narramore, KY 606-832-4862 - "Don't come here
unless you're physically fit. If you show up in shape, you will be on the hunt
of a lifetime. The accommodations, meals and guides were second to none. This
was my second year hunting elk with Elite and I'm putting in for my third. Truly
a fabulous hunt."
2010 Sacramento Archery Hunt Prices
6-Day Guided Sacramento Archery Elk Hunt
$5,500 (1 on 1) If successful in the Draw
$8,900 (1 on 1) If combined with a landowner permit for a guaranteed license9-Day Guided Sacramento Archery Elk Hunt
$6,900 (1 on 1) If successful in the Draw
$10,300 (1 on 1) If combined with a landowner permit for a guaranteed license6-Day Unguided Sacramento Archery Elk Hunt
$1,500 per hunter (1 hunter) If successful in the Draw
$1,250 per hunter (2 hunters) If successful in the Draw
$1,000 per hunter (3 hunters) If successful in the Draw
$750 per hunter (4 hunters) If successful in the Draw9-Day Unguided Sacramento Archery Elk Hunt
$1,750 per hunter (1 hunter) If successful in the Draw
$1,500 per hunter (2 hunters) If successful in the Draw
$1,250 per hunter (3 hunters) If successful in the Draw
$1,000 per hunter (4 hunters) If successful in the Draw
2010 Sacramento Archery Seasons
6-Day Sacramento Archery Elk Hunts
Sep 5-10, 2010
Sep 17-22, 20109-Day Sacramento Archery Hunts
Sep 2-10, 2010
Sep 14-22, 2010
2010 Sacramento Archery License Fees
Draw License - 1st Archery Hunt - $547 (standard)
Draw License - 2nd Archery Hunt - $787 (high demand)
Landowner Permit License - 1st or 2nd Archery Hunt - $571 (standard)
Information Links
For licensing and Draw System information "Click Here"
For policies information "Click Here"
For archery equipment information "Click Here"
For contract and booking information "Click Here"
Click on the Links below to continue looking at other Hunts
| Sac Mtns - Muzzleloader Elk Hunting |
| Sac Mtns - Rifle Elk Hunting |
|
Sac Mtns - Youth Rifle Elk Hunting |
| Private-Land Elk Hunting |
| Elk-Hunting Home |
| Home |