| One of the more deluxe ways to hunt elk is to | | | | into the thousands of square miles of privately |
| set out on a guaranteed elk hunt on a private | | | | owned wilderness land. Depending on where the |
| ranch. These ranches are available across the U.S. | | | | ranch is located, you'll find every type of |
| and Canada, and offer great accommodations, | | | | imaginable terrain, from rolling sage hills, dense oak |
| meals and guides - and guarantee that you'll get | | | | brush, and stands of aspen to stands of dark pine |
| an elk. The bigger, more professional outfits offer | | | | timber. |
| guest rooms or cabins, with amenities ranging | | | | The good news is that many of these private |
| from simple bed-and-breakfast style operations to | | | | ranches offer elk hunting - with guides, |
| nicely appointed cabins with private kitchens and, | | | | accommodations and food - for quite reasonable |
| sometimes, even hot tubs. Most will provide meals | | | | fees compared to other wilderness outfitters. The |
| at the ranch and lunches to pack out with you. | | | | owners and guides on private ranches do this out |
| The hunting itself on private ranches is top of the | | | | of love of the sport, but you're also helping to |
| line, as well. Many private ranches employ state | | | | manage the herds on the owner's land. A |
| licensed guides, as many as one guide for every | | | | week-long elk hunting package with |
| two hunters, with transportation to your hunting | | | | accommodations, five days of hunting, guides, |
| area via four-wheel-drive, ATV, horses and on | | | | meals, use of pack horses, and assistance with |
| foot. Private ranches can offer guaranteed elk | | | | game recovery can cost under $1,500 - which |
| hunts because their land is so well populated with | | | | isn't bad when you know you're guaranteed to |
| game animals - on a typical trip, you'll see | | | | get an elk. |
| antelope, mule deer, and other big game. | | | | Hop on the Internet, check out ads in magazines, |
| One of the reasons that private ranches can | | | | or contact a travel agent who specializes in |
| offer guaranteed elk hunting is that hunting | | | | hunting vacations to find the thousands of private |
| pressure is so great on public lands that surround | | | | ranches that offer guaranteed elk hunting - it's a |
| their ranches, driving game out of the public lands | | | | great way to enjoy a great sport. |