I have seen hunters come in to camp with brand new .300 Win Mags that you could clearly see they were uncomfortable shooting. Those are critical times for hunting elk so being aware of that fact can help you to be successful. While elk can cover a greater distance than humans they will still move across the terrain much like us. For most, October signals a time for elk hunters to hang up their bows and grunt tubes, call it quits, and silently wait for rifle season. Nearly a month of constant running, fighting, and hunting pressure can severely drain a bull of much needed energy for the oncoming winter. Early Season Elk Tactics “Go High or Go Home” By Aron Snyder . They can walk miles and miles through all kinds of terrain and up and down altitudes that can drive you to curse. Deer behavior and travel patterns change with it. This does not mean these bulls are completely finished with any rutting activity but they will likely not hold a harem for the remainder of the year. Yet, at any time, a cow could come into a late estrus, which can turn a quiet basin in a rutting playground of biblical proportions seemingly overnight. Terrain features like saddles or well worn trails can be excellent areas to focus on. With the interactive tools found on goHUNT’s INSIDER, you are loaded with information for the OTC elk hunter or the guy who just drew a limited entry tag after applying for 20 years. Calling Strategies Hunting early and late requires decidedly different calling techniques. In addition, hunters shooting bolt-action rifles should be able to quickly shoot 4 shot groups. Exclusive Discounts for RMEF Members ... Home / Elk Network / Hunting. NEW! _ Photo by: Dusan Smetana_ They have to be within 200 yards now," I whispered softly to my son as the thick forest below our sagebrush knob blew up with elk bugles and the mews of cows trying to control the chaos. No matter which bow hunting tips and tactics you are using, consider being patient early, specifically with choosing that hunting spot on opening morning. Receive updates and goHUNT's most popular content. Prepare your mind for travel habits. Again, let the bulls dictate how aggressive you get with your calls. Elk Hunting Tips, Tactics and Gear From 3 Hardcore Hunters. When reality is much different. Be careful not to move too fast and keep a diligent lookout as elk can be very quiet when they want to. Watch the weather. These extra elk hunting tactics can save you a lot of time and they have come at a high cost! Throughout the years, I have learned that it is often during those early mornings or late evenings that I get closest to the elk coming in and out of meadows. Elk hunters cannot control the weather or the elk, but they can control how hard they hunt and whether they hunt smart. A cow call like the Primos Hoochie Mama can still be useful after the rut, however, like to calm suspicious cows or a shot bull. As hard as it is, fight the urge to pack up camp and beat feet to the elk in an attempt to cut them off. We use a simple locating bugle, an ugly sounding challenge bugle and a simple cow call. As a hunter, you owe it to yourself and to the animal to be in top shape before you step out to hunt these animals. Location should be of your main concern, followed by the types of calls you are broadcasting as well as the ever important wind. Setting up in these areas and enticing a bull with some light cow calling may also bring them within range. These include rifle hunts in GMUs 5B and 48, and muzzleloader hunts in GMUs 13, 15 and 17, with an either sex hunt in GMU-51. Keep in mind that these strategies may need to be adapted to the areas you hunt and the herd dynamics of the resident elk. Hunting in the mountains requires a keen understanding of how thermals and swirling wind will affect you throughout the day. Let the bulls dictate your next move but be ready for anything as the post rut season can provide many surprises and some of the best days in the elk woods. Sitting on a waterhole at night, I have used kids’ bubbles sold at toy or party stores and blown out a few to see where the bubbles travel so I know I am in a location that my scent will not drift into the nose of an unsuspecting bull. The deepest, darkest holes are places that I look specifically for on maps to get an idea of where elk might run once rifle season hits. Quality wind checkers are absolutely essential. In talking with respected elk guides, almost half of the bulls they take are often on these water and food sources. Regardless of your favorite elk hunting tactic, we all can learn more by hunting elk every year. It’s important to be in these areas prior to daylight as mature bulls may spend little or no time in the open once the sun begins to light up the eastern sky. This stage will generally only last a day or two so timing is critical; the action will be intense—sometimes even more so than in September. Calling elk is much like calling at turkeys. The elk I took scored 330 inches and was the best bull we saw in four days of hunting. Kevin Paulson is the Founder and CEO of HuntingLife.com. October offers late bow seasons and the majority of rifle seasons open this time of year. These can be especially lethal if elk can be spotted feeding in the morning and hunters can then position themselves for an ambush prior to the elk heading to bed. Less competition will be found during this month with most of the hunters draining their vacation time on the prime rut periods during September so you’ll likely have the woods to yourself. Generally speaking, if elk are unpressured they will exit the timber in the afternoon very near or exactly where they entered it in the morning. Patience and a great attitude are essential for elk hunting success on the mountain. Remember that these bulls have spent a very tiring four weeks of fighting each other and many are just simply fed up with it. Elk hunters cannot control the weather or the elk, but … Elk will hit waterholes almost every single day in the early season heat and every few days in colder temperatures. Deer have long forgotten about hunting pressure, the woods are mostly free from disturbance and deer movement patterns are unchanged. One of the more riskier, yet still productive tactics of still hunting, would be to move at a snail's pace through known bedding grounds. On a few of these occasions I have seen hunters miss the shot because they just could not believe it. Timber stands vary widely in elk country. Once I find those tracks, I know that I can kill those elk if I am patient enough. If a rifle is kicking like a mule and you pull every shot, it is probably not the rifle to bring elk hunting. The cows are going into estrus, bulls are screaming all night long and the potential to get face to face with a rut-crazed bull is very likely. Best wishes for your elk hunting. How to find antlerless draw odds on goHUNT INSIDER, HOMEMADE ANTELOPE SAUSAGE PIZZA ON THE TRAEGER, WHAT COMES TO WATER - An Arizona OTC archery Coues deer hunt, New goHUNT ORIGINAL coming soon - WHAT COMES TO WATER, New bill aimed at preventing grizzly bears future protections, March INSIDER Giveaway - 6 Vortex Ridgeview Carbon Fiber Tripods, Maximizing and managing time as a busy hunter, Four tips to keep your spouse happy season after season, An unforgettable OTC Colorado bull elk hunt. 2. Avoid very steep or difficult to traverse terrain and keep in mind that elk will generally try to approach from your downwind side. Practical, Successful, Enjoyable Elk Hunting. I remember a fall when I was elk hunting in northwest Wyoming. Photo by Bill Buckley. If a late cow comes into estrus in the area the bulls may simply slip in, steal the cow, breed her and then leave. The following 9 hunting tips can help you to make your quest for a bull elk successful and a little easier. They rely upon scent to keep them safe, so playing the wind at all times is of the utmost importance. Next to whitetails, it is safe to say that elk are the most sought-after big-game animal in the United States. Elk hunting can be one of the toughest hunts you accomplish in your lifetime, but sometimes it can be one of the easiest hunts. Load up your pack, strap on your boots and walk a consistent 2-4 miles every other day for a couple of months before you head out to hunt at high altitude. Here are some tips and tactics for hunting … I have seen elk killed with everything from a .270 to a .375. Wind travels up the mountain in the morning and down the mountain once the sun sets in the evening. In-state hunters will need a valid Colorado Hunter Safety card, along with the proper tag. These flat outcroppings give elk great bedding areas and close proximity to the feeding areas and watering holes that they like to frequent. Those meadows are often a few miles from wherever we camp at night. One of the more riskier, yet still productive tactics of still hunting, would be to move at a snail's pace through known bedding grounds. When I was guiding, the number one reason our hunters were unsuccessful is that in the off-season they did not spend enough time practicing their shooting with their rifles or bows. I’ll have to admit that I saw several other good elk that I would have shot in a heartbeat if I’d been hunting by myself. The biggest mistake I see here is most hunters set up in areas where they can see the elk approaching from a longer distance. It can also be fun, not just hard work. Taking the time to understand where you are hunting can pay off in spades when the elk are not bugling and are hard to locate. When Mark Kayser arrowed a 320-inch Montana bull last October, it was the 35th elk … Elk hunting at its finest. While arguably the most boring way to hunt elk, cold calling can easily be the most effective. While most New Mexico elk hunting takes place in September and October, there are a few late-season draw hunts for bulls. It was a good example of how weather-sensitive mule deer are. When doing this, I like to get the wind in my face and simply creep through areas that held heavy elk activity during the prime weeks of the rut. Kevin has followed his dreams through outfitting, conservation work, videography and hunting trips around the world. We didn’t have enough to make that happen, but it was enough to make the mule deer migrate. If the elk is still standing and you have a clear shot, you should still be shooting until you see that elk on the ground. All days of a hunting season are not the same when it comes to hunting pressure and its impact on elk. Elk will generally be found very near to the rutting grounds; they may simply move to a more remote drainage adjacent to the primary hunting grounds. If you do find a responsive bull take care not to escalate the situation too quickly. Best of all, the elk are apt to be more relaxed and cooperative, since most elk hunters are back in the low country, watching football or hunting birds and deer. ... Hunt tactics include a mixture of ground blinds, calling, and spot and stalk hunting. Elk habitat ranges from high deserts (5,000 feet) to mixed-conifer forests (above 10,000 feet). Having intimate knowledge on your hunting area as well as how the elk use the terrain can be a huge help here. The main thing to remember during this period is that most of the bulls are just plain tired. We were waiting on the snow to kick start the elk migration. The Animal: Elk are one of the most majestic creatures to hunt. Always have at least 36 hours worth of food and some kind of blanket, bivy sack or sleeping bag in your pack when starting out on these tracks as well as the means to start a fire. The following 9 hunting tips can help you to make your quest for a bull elk successful and a little easier. If I'd been dropped into the site without a clue, I'd have bet the September rut was in full swing. At least two bulls screamed at each other in throat-stinging threats. They were just not prepared mentally to make a quality shot on an elk on the last day in the last hour. Topographical maps allow you to look at terrain. #1. I want hunters carrying the rifle they shoot well when pursuing elk. Elk hunting can be demanding. I want to see what is over that next mountain and that requires being in excellent shape. Arizona elk hunting habitat is diverse. Similar to September, the month of October is full of change in the deer hunting world. These tactics can also be used to catch elk leaving bedding areas and heading to feed for the evening. This stage is generally impossible to predict and will only be encountered by hunters who happen to be out on these few magical days. Some elk chatter may be heard during the First Rifle in mid-October. When tracking elk in fresh snow, I am prepared to remain on the mountain all night if necessary, sometimes miles from camp or my truck, just so I can be in the right location when the morning sun rises. Conversely, if the wind is right and the elk are talking consistently, many hunters will simply slip in quietly and wait for an opportunity. When that chance comes for you to shoot a quality elk, you will want the right mindset to make an exceptional shot. Mark where you last see the elk and you may have a perfect ambush point for when the elk return to feed in the evening. Tactics for rifle elk hunting vary depending on when in the fall you head afield. For this, you simply move into an area that’s heavy in elk sign and create your own scene of elk activity through calls. Elk are big animals. For this, I like to look for obvious high points that will allow me to see several areas of interest, mainly including feed and transition areas. Be fully aware that you may be able to simply bugle your way right into the lap of a bull. It will get your body in shape, break in your feet and boots and prepare you for the season. Fortunately, some states out west offer archery seasons extending into October that can provide some excellent opportunities. This is typically when rifle hunting season starts in most western states. Stay positive from the very first hour of your hunt to the very last minute because you never know when it is going to happen. The vast majority of elk hunts that take place during the peak of the rut are either limited draw tags or archery hunts. By simply monitoring the weather and planning accordingly a trip can go from wandering through areas that used to hold elk to wandering through areas that now hold elk. Calling elk requires only 3 elk calls in your arsenal. Make sure your next hunt is a successful one. So for me, I knew that Mountain Country passed the elk test. October runs the gamut of different elk behavior and it’s important to know what to key in on. The area gets a lot of road buglers and the elk are real call shy because of that and constant wolf pressure. But as for that “October lull,” it’s a big pile of nonsense. Understanding both water and food sources allow you to set up perfectly for evening hunts. Understanding where these bedding areas are can help you eliminate walking through them and pushing elk into the next county. Elk hunters should be absolutely consistent and be able to pull the bow back and hold it for upwards of 2 minutes without releasing a shot. Elk behavior—and hunting strategies—depends on a variety of factors, including the time of year, the rut, food availability, weather and hunting pressure. Look for large clearcuts and meadows near heavy timber; if you have saddles between these two areas it can be gold. Good information. At the end of September or the first part of October, I’d go to a mid-weight base Merino layer, as the temperatures drop down to the 30s, 40s or 50s during the day. While this can be a great time to be in the woods, hunters will need to change their tactics, especially when targeting mature bulls. I have seen hunters on the last couple of days give up on their dream of shooting an elk and walk along with their head held low when all of a sudden out steps a quality elk that changes everything. Elk behavior. The downside is as the popularity of elk hunting has increased, so has the bull elk’s ability to remain silent and slip into the backcountry until the season is over. Trust your guide. While the best hunting is undoubtedly found in September, the month of October is not one to pass up. Our favorite tactic is placing a hunter or two 50 to 60 yards in front of the caller and then calling the bulls through the middle of those hunters. Archery hunting can bring shots from as close as 5 yards all the way out to 50 yards for bull elk. Rifle hunters should be able to make shots consistently from 30 yards out to 350 yards. While we didn’t see much for elk there were deer everywhere. It takes an understanding of what the bulls are doing and specialized tactics but big bulls are out there for the taking! Once the snow hits the ground in the elk woods, I start to get seriously excited. When walking a set of tracks, spend 90% of your effort looking out in front of you and 10% of your effort following the tracks. The bulls get so focused on the caller that they often walk within mere steps of our hunters. Skills, elk strategy, elk, over-the-counter, strategy, tactics, OTC. Remember also that once you shoot an elk, that is only half the fun – someone or something has to carry that elk back out of the woods. Instead, set up in areas that allow some visibility, but still have enough cover to entice the bull’s imagination. If you were an elk and had to head to lower food sources, whether it be agricultural areas or natural clearings, how would you get there? Usually, the best spot to ambush an elk is in transition areas as they move from feeding to bedding areas or vice versa. Use the elks’ behavior and let them control the situation, only ramping up the calling as they do. Optics . This leaves post-rut hunts for the majority of us to pursue the elusive wapiti each fall. Look for areas such as saddles or ridge tops where an ambush can be set. Obviously, the elk will be more alert in these areas but many elk have been shot from or near their beds. A perfect time to ambush a buck walking to his evening meal. Just like the rut, finding areas higher in elevation in an effort to broadcast your bugle over the largest area is generally the best bet. Most elk hunting is spot-and-stalk, so you’ll be doing a lot of aerobic activity. Here is where you can learn more about hunting tips and tactics. When to be passive and when to be aggressive. On a past October hunt chasing Powder River bulls, I had only three days to hunt, but the elk were being super-cooperative as they traveled the top of a narrow ridge each day. I am the first one to admit that I am a terrible elk caller, but I do understand when and how to use my calls to get the most success. Generally speaking, they will be one of first species to drop elevation as most of their feed options will begin to lose nutritional values with the coming of the first freezing temps. Dirk, Donnie, and I […] Fighting the mental battle of giving up after a long September can lead to some incredible hunting in October. Generally, the obvious answer would be dropping down through a drainage or following a ridgeline. Elk Hunting Season Colorado mountains in fall. If terrain and cover allows it, glassing can be one of the most effective tactics in finding October elk. The first thing I look for is tracks from elk crossing logging roads. Tracking elk is not a fun process so the sooner you can put them on the ground the better. If you have any elk hunting tactics you can share with us. Of course, knowing when and how to use those calls is more important than whether you are a championship caller or a rank amateur. The good news is that elk seem to have a high degree of fidelity to certain benches year after year. Understand them, and you'll be on your way to tagging your elk. Core elk habitat occurs within ponderosa pine forests (7,000-8,000 feet) and adjacent transition zones. goHUNT is a registered trademark of goHUNT, LLC. This knowledge also gives you plenty of options to set up between them and the food or water sources. Too often, hunters will make a single shot and then watch the elk. When you find tracks, try to stay 10 to 20 yards above the tracks. For this, I like to look back on sign I had found during my September outings. Make sure your next hunt is a successful one. August 30, 2012. Reasonable draw odds, high success rates and filling the freezer with tender, tasty meat makes cow elk hunting a great option. The majority of Arizona elk hunting occurs within the central region of the state, reaching from east to west. Look for major feeding areas such as clearcuts, meadows, or burns and move through these areas at first and last light. Below are five strategies that can turn a September full of missed opportunities into an October of life long memories and a punched tag. The elk seem to know this and tend to spook into the zone opening later for rifle. Elk Hunting Tips . Understanding that during most rifle elk seasons the bulls are looking for sanctuaries to escape hunters, I break my rifle hunting into two different strategies for public land … Calling elk is one of the first aspects of bow hunting in September hunters talk about. With most of the bulls in the month of October winding down on their aggressive antics some hunters will opt to forgo the typical calling techniques and simply still hunt in areas of elk activity. If you’ve experienced a recent change in weather and an area once heavy with elk sign is now void of life it's a great time to pull out the maps. Instead, it’s actually a misinterpretation of perceived deer behavior. Photo: Chris Amelung. His passion for Hunting began at the age of 5 hunting alongside of his father. The one kicker is the river splits two zones, one opens up for rifle on the 17th and the other not until November. Have a chance to win hunts and gear every month — over $100,000 per year, Access strategy & tips to help you apply & spend more time in the field, Statistics and historical data to find top producing trophy units, Detailed overview of how to apply and hunt in each state, Your quick dashboard for important dates, benefits, and the latest giveaways. In short, yes. Now I understand the concept of easy elk and not everyone has to be in marathon shape, but for me personally, I want to enjoy the experience with as little cursing the altitude and the miles I generate while elk hunting. Large males can be upwards of 900lbs. These elk hunting guides will be better for everyone. Using Technology like onXmaps can help to drill down tight on aerial maps to seek out water holes and find access to areas of land that hold elk that other hunters may not be willing to travel into. Elk are big animals and sometimes it requires multiple shots to bring them down. In general, look for most of the mature bulls to leave the herds and head for more difficult terrain with heavy cover and nearby food and water. ... October 9, 2014 at 1:05 pm. Elk are very vocal animals nearly year round and, unless they have been recently pressured, October and, even, November elk will often times respond back to light bugling. Archery is first, followed by muzzleloading and rifle last. The tactics used to find success during late post-rut hunts vary greatly from the run-n-gun tactics used to find success in September. Tagged as: Using maps and good ole shoe leather scouting can help you locate these water sources pretty quickly. Study your hunting area and look for any easy route leading to lower elevations and you will begin to see areas to focus your efforts on. The 2019 elk hunting seasons varies by choice of archery, muzzleloading or rifle. In elk camp, it is always my goal to be the first person out of the camp in the dark. Elk hunting and all hunting in general require a certain degree of mental discipline. While they may answer a bugle they will likely be less than enthused about charging in and intimidating the potential imposter than they were two weeks ago. Taking off on a set of tracks requires a little bit of planning but once you have the experience of following a set of tracks all the way to a live elk, you will be hooked for life. While it is short lived, there will often be an October rut spurred on by one or two late cows in a single basin and every bull in there knows this is his last chance. After that, they’re quiet — the rut is over, and they’ve been pressured by hunters. 9 Tips and Tactics for Elk Hunting Success, Hunter Ed Safety Tip: Watch Out for Target Fixation.
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