Overview
The rifle season in the Sacramento Mountains comes with the turning of the aspen leaves in mid to late October. The bugles are winding down and the post-rut period is beginning. Bigger bulls are often sliding off cow herds by now leaving lesser bulls with the ladies. The good bulls are getting tougher to find by rifle season, but they are still there. The best part is you are now hunting with rifles and the increased range they provide. We will look harder for the good bulls than you would have in archery season. But when we find a good bull, there's a good chance to seal the deal.
Tactics
By mid to late October, the rut is wound down to very isolated pockets of activity. Calling is no longer a viable option. The game is almost exclusively spot and stalk. We get to areas where we can see and begin glassing. Mornings are spent continuously glassing and moving and glassing. Sometimes we're close to the bulls when we see them, but most are seen cross canyon. Here's where the rifle shines. Once a good bull is spotted, it's a matter of getting to a shooting location and making the shot. If things don't work, we do it all again.
The keys to a successful rifle hunt lay in the glassing ability of the guides. These guys achieve the success they do, through glassing and knowing where to look. Many hunters are scared of the 2nd rifle season thinking everything will be gone. Fret not, if you're in shape, the hunting is actually better.
Difficulty
of the Hunt
On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the easiest place to hunt elk and 10 being the hardest place on earth to hunt elk, we give this hunt a difficulty rating of 8.
The extreme difficulty rating stems exclusively from the terrain. No different than in archery and muzzleloader seasons, we still need to cover lots of rough, steep country to find good bulls. The good part is most rifle hunters get their bulls within 3 days and don't usually get pushed to the grindstone for 5 days. It would be tougher if it did.
More time is spent on top of ridges glassing on this hunt, but the ridges always lead somewhere. Like into the bottom of a deep canyon. Getting out is always easier with a bull on the ground.
Bottom line, the better shape you are in, the more we can do toward fulfilling your dream.
Sacramento Rifle Statistics
Out of 8 rifle hunters in 2002:
* 8 (100%) had shot opportunities at 5-points or better
* 7 (88%) harvested a 5-point or better bull
* 5 (63%) had shot opportunities at 6-points or better
* 5 (63%) harvested a 6-point or better bullOut of 3 rifle hunters in 2003:
* 2 (67%) quit due to poor conditioning
* 1 (33%) harvested a 5-point bullOut of 7 rifle hunters in 2004:
* 7 (100%) had shot opps at 4-point or better bulls
* 7 (100%) harvested a 4-point or better bull
* 4 (57%) had shot opps at 6-point or better bulls
* 3 (43%) harvested a 6-point or better bullOut of 11 rifle hunters in 2005:
* 11 (100%) had shot opps at 5-point or better bulls
* 9 (82%) had shot opps at 6-point or better bulls
* 8 (73%) harvested a 5-point or better bull
* 6 (55%) harvested a 6-point or better bull
Out of 4 rifle hunters in 2006:
* 4 (100%) had shot opportunities at 6-points or better
* 4 (100%) harvested a 6-point or better bullOut of 15 rifle hunters in 2007:
* 15 (100%) had shot opportunities at 5-point or better
* 13 (87%) had shot opportunities at 6-point or better
* 13 (87%) harvested a 5-point or better bull
* 12 (80%) harvested a 6-point or better bull
Out of 12 rifle hunters in 2008:
* 11 (92%) had shot opps at 5-point or better
* 9 (75%) harvested a 5-point or better bull
* 8 (67%) had shot opps at 6-point or better
* 7 (58%) harvested a 6-point or better bullOut of 15 rifle hunters in 2009:
* 15 (100%) had shot opps at 5-pts or better
* 14 (93%) harvested 5-point or better bulls
* 12 (80%) had shot opps at 6-point or better
* 11 (73%) harvested 6-point or better bulls
For an in-depth look at the results of the 2009 Sacramento rifle hunts, go to the October and November postings on the "What's New" page.
Sacramento Rifle References
Jim Shears, WI 920-716-8441 "I cannot get over how many elk are running around the Sacramento Mtns. I would recommend this hunt to anyone. I wouldn't understand why you would want to go anywhere else. Oh, if you are getting in shape to go on this hunt, then work a little harder."
Erik Lundy, MI 989-269-9786 "Don't wait! Go hunting with Elite Outfitters!"
Duane Banyai, MI 248-543-8228 "This was the best hunt you could ask for. Big country, big bulls and the best guides and accommodations. Johnny and his crew are simply the best and take care of their hunters. Be prepared to work, but it is worth it."
Kevin Phillips, MI 586-612-2238 "If you think you are doing enough cardio, you probably need to double it!"
Dusty Lopp, OK 405-742-2795
Brad Campbell, IL 217-341-6225 "Elite is top notch! The hunt areas are top notch! I hope to be back and would recommend Elite to anyone. I shot the smallest bull of the group whom I hunted with and would do it all again. The hunt exceeded any expectations I had, especially the degree of difficulty!
Jeremy Ringheimer, TX 972-333-8182 "I showed up in the best shape of my life and had the best hunt of my life. If you do your part and can hike and shoot, your guide WILL get you into bulls."
Jeff Poosch, MI 810-656-0153 "If you are looking for the real thing in a hunting experience, stop looking! Seriously, I have done enough of these to know quality. Johnny and his guides are as passionate about hunting as any of us. They work hard and actually care that you get a great hunting experience."
Russ
Peagler, SC 843-761-1008 "Put your trust in Johnny Hughes and the guides
of Elite Outfitters. Elite is a top-quality, honest, straightforward outfit.
Take Johnny's instructions to heart - Get in shape, prepare for the hunt and you
will have a hunt of a lifetime. I would book a hunt now without questions. I
took a 5x5 bull at 400 yards simply by following Johnny's instructions. The
guides were all excellent and made you feel welcome and important. I can't say
enough about Elite - Excellent."
John Edwards, PA 484-239-5520 "Get in shape! If you can keep up with your guide, you will have an awesome hunt! Best draw hunt you can get. Top-notch guides who know how to hunt elk. Practice shooting up to 500 yards."
David Barsigian, PA 570-562-3660 "Learn to shoot far... 300 yards plus is the norm. If you don't really need it, leave it at home. Travel light and trust in your guide's experience."
Greg Barsigian, NY 607-748-9749 "Forget about them juvenile bulls in other states. Hunt New Mexico with Elite, and you will see slammer bulls."
Harry Rickabaugh, MD 443-249-0344 "If you are looking for a true hunting experience, this is it. I did not harvest an elk, but did see bulls every day and I did come close to getting one. If you are in good shape, love to hunt and are willing to work for it, you will have a very good time and a very good chance of success. I'd love to do it again. Thanks, Johnny, Denise and Chris for a great experience."
Jim Shultz, MO 816-804-9319 "If you show up in superb cardiovascular condition, you are in for the hunt of a lifetime. The accommodations are very comfortable, the food is great and most importantly, the guides are first class and they work extremely hard to help you have a safe and successful hunt. I will be back!"
Rick Robertson, MO
816-224-0569 "The prospective hunter should be in shape! I was in horrible
condition and close to wanting to quit, but my guide Todd, encoraged me to stick
it out. Therefore, I felt ecstatic, proud and euphoric the morning I took a
bull."
Ken DeVries, TX 830-931-6305 "Take Johnny's advice and get in shape. When you spot that big bull up to a mile away as the crow flies, you need to be able to get to him. Plus, the better shape you are in, the more you will enjoy the hunt. Practice your shooting from field positions. There are not any bench rests out there. I took my bull at over 380 yards, with the bull several hundred feet below us. My guide Jerry did a great job! He was very knowledgeable and got me a great bull."
David Redding, IN 812-988-2289 "Elite Outfitters runs a top-notch, professional hunt and camp. Elite has all your needs covered and all you have to do is hunt for your elk and enjoy the fellowship. Beautiful country and great guides!"
Michael Mertz, TX 325-853-2811 "If quality is what you're after, this is your hunt. Great genetics! Must be in shape for a mountain hunt. First-class camp and the guides are great guys with years of experience in elk hunting. A five-star hunt!"
Bruce Parry, OH
440-289-9304 "A great hunt. Really practice the long (300+ yards) shots. The
average spotting distance averaged well over 500 yards."
John Wehner, VT 802-257-5709 "Plan to arrive in the best physical shape that you can possibly be in. If you are willing to work for it, and follow your guide's advice, the bull of a lifetime is very realistic."
John Haviland, MT 406-251-4400 "You want to get Kenny for a guide. Believe him when he tells you some great bulls are in the area and how to hunt them."
Pete Angle, MD 301-991-7440 "The Sacramento elk hunt with Elite Outfitters is what elk hunting is all about. From the moment you set off, you will be on an experience of a lifetime. Be prepared, mentally and physically, trust your guide and you might just leave with the bull of a lifetime, too."
Wayne van Zwoll, WA restricted "Be in good physical shape, bring good boots and binoculars. You'll see lots of elk but may have to persevere for a mature bull. The area is gorgeous, the people hard-working, cheerful, companionable."
Kevin Howard, MO 573-898-5677 "The number and quality of the elk is amazing. I have hunted elk in other states but this was by far the best hunt I have had. Beautiful country. A great experience"
Todd Smith, NY
restricted # "I have had the good fortune to have hunted in a lot of places,
but few can compare to the quality hunting Elite provides. Everything from the
quality of animals, to the guides, to the meals, to the accommodations, was
really first class."
Chris Voita, FL 407-568-6072 "The hunt with Elite was everything I had hoped for. It took three years to draw a tag, but it was definitely worth the wait. I'll be back!"
Troy Anderson, IA 515-848-3533 "The deciding factor as to the success/failure of your hunt rests solely on your physical condition and shooting ability. The guides will do their part if you do."
Pat O'Neil, TX 830-669-2753 "This hunt is physically demanding, but not any worse than other mountain wilderness areas. The hunt offers superior game and outstanding guide service."
Bobby Stanley, IA 515-287-6835 "Be prepared to hunt. Have total confidence in your guide and he will show you a good hunt. They have good bull elk numbers and will do their very best to get you into a quality shot."
Dean Traut, WI 608-742-2499 "My son and I had a very good experience hunting elk with Elite Outfitters. Six out of six hunters in our camp killed bulls in some very windy hunting conditions. Everyone at Elite worked hard to make sure you were pleased with all aspects of the hunt. Get in good shape and book a hunt with Elite."
Ryan Traut, WI
715-845-2450 "A truly rugged and rewarding hunt. The way hunting is meant to
be. The quantity of bulls exceeded my expectations. I hope to return for a bow
hunt."
Rich Von, CA 408-778-6564 "I have hunted with 5 other guide services for elk and Elite has been the best by far. The country is awesome, tons of great elk and the guides are as good as they get! Be prepared to walk and hunt hard."
Kale Flagg, NV 775-849-7800 "My business partner and I average 2 to 3 guided hunts per year. We hire professionals to increase the quality of game we see, which is not taking away from the fact that it’s still our hunt. We don’t want guides to hunt for us or shoot for us, simply to put us in the best spot using their skills and knowledge as a guide. Elite has the best hunt we’ve ever been on for a real hunt where the guide is a guide, not a baby sitter."
John Surenda, PA 724-774-3776 "Excellent hunt. Knowledgeable local guides who know how to find the bulls. This area truly has trophy potential if your body can take the terrain and altitude. I really enjoyed my hunt, although short since I killed a nice 5x6 bull the first day. I will be back and better prepared for the difficult environment."
Craig Wood, TX 936-632-3993 "This is the hunt you’re looking for if you want the chance at a good bull, but you have to really want to earn it. A good price for a good hunt."
Doug Russell, TX
936-632-4888 "When you think you’re in shape, start training. I had a great
time. This was my second hunt in this camp and I would love to get drawn for a
third time."
Vince Treadwell, TX 936-639-5185 "If you’ll show up prepared to work hard, you’ll have a great hunt. I had a great time on both hunts I have been on with Elite."
Chris Winters,
IA 319-637-2738 “This is an excellent hunt. You had better be in good shape if
you want a big bull. And don’t give up until the hunts over. I have been on 14
elk hunts and this is the best elk hunt I have ever been on. I booked two elk
hunts with Elite Outfitters and killed two 6x6 bulls.”
Jason Johnson, TX
281-441-6478 "Great hunt, great people, but whatever you do, come prepared.
Thanks Elite, for taking care of me and getting me an elk. I had a great time.”
Mike Ausbrooks, AR
501-888-8094 “Don’t miss the opportunity to hunt with Elite. You will regret
it! Elite, you have a wonderful staff. Please don’t change a thing. I look
forward to being able to do it again.”
Ed Dittmer, MI
517-894-4742 “Be in the best shape possible. I would love to make this hunt
again.”
Craig Anzur, PA
717-732-9472 “Get in shape! It’s a very physically demanding hunt if you
desire to go after trophy elk.”
James Winters, IA
319-827-1614 “Very physical hunt, so get in shape. That is the hardest part of
the hunt. Be able to shoot out to 400 yards accurately.”
Jesse Pottridge, AR
501-474-0986 "The hunt is worth it even if you can only afford it one time!"
Ricky Nelson, AR
501-638-7273 "This was the hunt of a lifetime for me. Lots of game and great
people. I highly recommend this hunt."
Glen Oramous, LA
504-393-1281 "Be prepared physically and know your equipment. The hunt was
everything I expected and then some."
2010 Sacramento Rifle Hunt Prices
5-Day Guided Sacramento Rifle Elk Hunt
$4,500 (2 on 1) If successful in the Draw
$5,500 (1 on 1) If successful in the Draw
$8,900 (1 on 1) If combined with a landowner permit for a guaranteed license5-Day Unguided Sacramento Rifle 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 Draw
2010 Sacramento Rifle Seasons
5-Day Sacramento Rifle Elk Hunts
1st Rifle - Oct 16-20, 2010
2nd Rifle - Oct 30 - Nov 3, 2010
2010 Sacramento Rifle License Fees
Draw License - 1st Rifle - $787 (high demand)
Draw License - 2nd Rifle - $562 (standard)
Landowner Permit License - Rifle - $571 (standard)
Information Links
For licensing and Draw System information "Click Here"
For policies information "Click Here"
For rifle equipment information "Click Here"
For contract and booking information "Click Here"
Click on the Links below to continue looking at other elk hunts
| Sac Mtns - Muzzleloader Elk Hunting |
| Sac Mtns - Archery Elk Hunting |
| Sac Mtns - Youth Rifle Elk Hunting |
| Private-Land Elk Hunting |
| Elk-Hunting Home |
| Home |