Notching your tag in the off season

[JPhelps]

What is everyone currently doing to tip the odds in there favor come this hunting season?

Similar to athletes showcasing their skills on gameday hunters only get a short season to make it happen and be sucessful.  The majority of the athletes skills and understanding comes through practice.  I approach elk season the same way. 

I try to better myself by;
*gaining knowledge
*looking at new areas
*physical conditioning
*fine tweaking my equipment
*shooting my bow
*scouting and game cameras
*etc

I'm always curious what others do.

I'm currently only working on physical conditioning (lifting 3 days and cardio 2 days a week), getting ready to start setting up the new bow, and researching a few new areas.  Come July I can't wait to get out and put my glass on some bulls and hang cameras.

[ellensburgpo]

Internet scouting

Google earth etc trying to learn about new units so when the snow melts I have an idea where to start scouting

Completing physical therapy so I can get back to a normal workout routine

Reading the proposed 2013 regs trying to come up with a plan to draw a bull tag again this year

Researching gear in anticipation of going on the high hunt this year

[headshot5]

I check out new areas every chance I get.  February is a perfect time.  The leaves are still off offering visibility of game trails coming together and game animals are generally still in a lot of the same locations they will be in November.  Plus a bonus possibility of picking up a couple of blacktail sheds every time I go out.  Also, I cut a lot of hunting trails at this time of year, that way when it greens up I can do a little maitenance and be good. It is also a good time for finding trees for stands.  Right now with the leaves off you can get a great idea of how it will look when you cut you shooting lanes in.  Plus this time of year you can take a predator call during scouting trips and thin out a few yotes.  Nothing better.   

[uplandhunter870]

for me this off season is different that most, im graduating college in the spring and have no idea where ill be come next hunting season or even when next hunting season will start. usually im scouting new potential areas and watching the areas that have proven successful and watching deer so with that;

im mainly working on physical conditioning, in the gym 7 days a week working on improving cardio, strength training and overall just trying to become leaner. im also researching new gear, not that i need much. and im always shooting something bow rifle or shotgun to keep the shooting skills honed and improved.

[BLUEBULLS]

I’m working my butt off trying to earn enough money/vacation time to hunt a couple/few states.

Also, physical training but that’s not necessarily just for elk alone. Cardio 3-5 times a week and strength 5-6 days a week.

[colockumelk]

I’m working my butt off trying to earn enough money/vacation time to hunt a couple/few states.

Also, physical training but that’s not necessarily just for elk alone. Cardio 3-5 times a week and strength 5-6 days a week.

Geez BLUEBULLS you are a beast. You work out 8-11 days a week?

[Woodchuck]

Dedicated right there. 

[hogsniper]

Scout, scout and scout some more!  I will be out shed hunting and roaming the hills looking for new elk/deer country!  It is the only way to be successful in my opinion.  While out looking for horns i will be looking for rubbed trees, wallows and anything else that might put me on some more elk next year! 

[BLUEBULLS]

I’m working my butt off trying to earn enough money/vacation time to hunt a couple/few states.

Also, physical training but that’s not necessarily just for elk alone. Cardio 3-5 times a week and strength 5-6 days a week.

Geez BLUEBULLS you are a beast. You work out 8-11 days a week?

yeah and most of my workouts are 27 hours a day!

[westside Elkhunter]

Currently working on-
Fitness- working out five days a week.
Scouting(aka Shed hunting)
Studing maps and google earth
Hike some new spots more that if found deer and elk hunting.
Upgrading some of my gear.
Hopefully buy some trail cameras to set up this summer.
And also do some high country scouting for the high buck hunt

[Landowner]

I feed 'em, albeit reluctantly at times. 

[JLS]

I feed 'em, albeit reluctantly at times.

Thank you.  I'm sure you don't get told this enough, but I for one greatly appreciate it.

[D-Rock425]

H20hunter will be joining my elk camp this September and he has already been cutting a few pounds.

[THINK_N_ELK]

I am waiting for my tracking device to come in the mail. So I can place it on Jason's truck,  and check the areas he is scoping out.  That way maybe I'll be able to knock down a toad like his from this past season. 

[D-Rock425]

Now you're thinking.