Cow or Spike Hunt (East Side) Question

[iRem]

Ok, my time to hunt is cut shorter this year do to having back surgery and taking up to 5 months off work! With that said, I decided I am going to hunt the last 4 days of the Archery season and not the first week. When I went scouting last weekend I was able to locate elk, so I know they are there! My question is what would be the best way to get after these cows or spikes the last few days of the early season? What are your Tactics to get after it and to put meat in the freezer?
Thanks, iRem

[MIKEXRAY]

The elk in my area feed in the meadows / valleys all night and at first light head up the ridges to their bedding area in the timber.  I actually hike in the dark and am at my ambush site before light. The elk come up the ridge and stream by till about 7:30.     About 10 am I hike laterally on the ridge into the wind and do a little calling as I go. I do see a few elk this way but my best chance is sitting on stand. I'm no Daniel Boone when it comes to stalking.  Good luck and have a great season.  Mike

[jrebel]

Ambush, Ambush, Ambush.  Let them come to you.   It is almost impossible to stalk to within bow range of an elk, especially when there is a heard of them.  Their senses are far more keene than yours will ever be.   Find a travel cooridore or water and sit and wait.  Make sure the wind is right also.  Good Luck.

[iRem]

Here's a few of the elk that I need to collect from the other end of my arrow!

I just need to close the deal......

[brianmtsinc]

Cow call... and then cow call some more.  If you are in a good area that hold elk, and the wind is right, you have a great chance of calling in cows and/or spikes. 

I call a lot, and have done pretty well over the last several years. 

[jrebel]

    However, only cow call if you are in a good area and the wind is right.