Bedding Areas

[Giggles]

I was out scouting today and found what I believe is a very well used bedding area. Elk scat was everywhere, trails, beds, rubs from last year, as well as years gone by were abundant. I found several trees that will be great locations for stands. One in particular would be very accessible. Would this be a good place to be well before sunrise, or is it not a good idea to be directly in a bedding area? My big concern is bumping any animals from the area when getting down late morning, and then again when going in for the evening hunt. Even though I feel it's a bedding area, as much elk sign that there is, I feel it would be a good evening stand as well.   

[coachcw]

I would find travel routes to this area and set up on them. If you bump them the season may not be long enough to relocate that group again .

[buckfvr]

I would find travel routes to this area and set up on them. If you bump them the season may not be long enough to relocate that group again .

                                                     

WHere is water, and what about prevailing wind, and keep in mind thermals.....you blow them out of there and its over.......first couple days in there will give you the best opportunity as sooner or later they will detect your presence.

[coachcw]

they say ek have a eight day memory ! aong with inherited instinsts to avoid dangerous areas . on reason preasured elk have got a bit cal shy they can relate human noises to calls and know better .

[Giggles]

Water is abundant just a 100 yards to the North and South while East is a deep saddle with plenty of water. I plan on setting several trail cams in the area to hopefully get an idea from what direction they are coming in there in the morning and leaving at night. Maybe I can intercept them without invading their bedroom.  If I don't set up in the bedding area, will this be a good spot to sneak up to late morning or mid afternoon and try to pursuade one to come out with a call? Or would I be better off just letting them alone til evening? 

[sakoshooter]

I don't think anything you do now will affect what they do in Sep etc.

[Giggles]

That's what I thunk.

[Skyvalhunter]

Chances are they will be in a totally different area come hunting season

[coachcw]

just leave the area alone and check on it in the end of july or august

[Giggles]

just leave the area alone and check on it in the end of july or august

That's what I was thinking too.  Maybe a trail cam / mineral block and check it monthly.

[WapitiChaser]

Scout scout scout and get the hell out....Think about your spot and clear brush/limbs early in the year for your shooting lanes too...

BTW....I try not to ever pee within .5 mi of a good spot.  Early or not I don't want 'em spooked off...

[Nice Racks]

I haven't checked the regs about this yet, but on DNR land can you still clear shooting lanes or secure a trail cam to trees with a lag bolt?

[Landowner]

I find that they like to bed in their own dinner plate. 

[NoImpactNoIdea]

just leave the area alone and check on it in the end of july or august

That's what I was thinking too.  Maybe a trail cam / mineral block and check it monthly.