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Free Range Elk Hunts Testimonials |
325-853-1555 |
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Now here’s an opportunity you probably haven’t considered. How about a trophy hunt for free-range elk? On private land? With no set report on just such an opportunity in West Texas. Miller hunted with Jim Roche of Magnum Guide Service (325-853-1555; www.magnumguideservice.com) and gives him an across-the-board excellent rating. In a note Miller included with his report, he writes: “I’ve hunted this ranch with Roche three times now. It’s near Marathon and has lots of water, so it holds quantities of animals, even in a drought.
Whitetails inhabit the lowlands; the mountains hold large mule deer (5-1/2 years old and up) that are hunted
once only each year; and there are free-ranging aoudad and a herd of free-ranging elk. Roche takes only one
bull elk each year from this ranch, so the trophy quality is excellent. Elk are not considered game animals in
Texas, so there are no seasons. That means you don’t have to draw a permit, and you can hunt the bugle without
interference from other hunters. They have huge elk, 6 x 6 and better. “Last year I took an elk 6 x 5 on the last
day of my hunt. I went back this past season to hunt the mulies. The rut was very late. We saw many young
bucks with the good mature bucks appearing only on the last day. Bucks taken were mostly 5½-year-olds with
one 7½-year-old buck in the group. “The aoudads on this ranch are of superior quality, and the hunting is
challenging and fun, all spotting and stalking. The three other hunters with me stalked and took mature
free-ranging aoudad from a herd of hundreds. I’d taken a 32-inch aoudad the previous year. The access is on
good roads.” “I have hunted over 20 years with Roche. He is always hard working, dedicated and successful. He
is also one of most ethical people I know. His hunts are a great value, as he is very selective with his leases. He
researches properties well and helps landowners improve the habitat. He will be honest with you on the trophy
quality available and season and no tag to draw? There are even additional opportunities for mule deer, javelina,
feral hogs and predators, including mountain lion how hunting is done.” Intrigued by the mention of free-range
elk in Texas, we called Jim Roche at press time to check the details. He says elk are indigenous to West Texas, all
of the panhandle and mountain region. These are the same elk that once roamed the prairies. Now they are
confined to small pockets south of Fort Stockton down to Marathon and west to about Vanhorn. Within that
triangle, pockets of elk have been wild for years. Roche says a herd of 50–60 elk freely roam the property he
hunts. Elk season is year round, with the rut running from late September into October. Hunters may use a rifle,
bow or handgun. Roche charges $2,500 for a 1 x 1 hunt for four nights and three days, plus a $5,000 trophy fee
for an elk. A mule deer hunt is $4,950. Add on aoudad for $2,500. The over-the-counter license costs $45 and is
good for elk, aoudad and javelina. Mule deer require a $300 tag that is good for whitetail too. Roche says he runs
close to 100 percent success on mature bulls that typically score in the 285–325 range.
- Submitted to The Hunting Report by Lew Miller |
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Once again we had a hunting experience worthy of a story in any hunting magazine. WHAT A THRILL! It is a testament to your ethics to how many high level leases and ranches you've discovered and developed. Even knowing you as I do, I was overwhelmed with the continual investment and upgrade in equipment you make. Your skills and knowledge are unsurpassed. You have an organization that follows your high standards and your constant involvement assures that you are being replicated. I experienced another lifetime adventure with a trusted friend.
- Lew Miller, TX |
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