Elk and lightning

[ztmoore1]

Just got back from a five day hunt in the Gifford Pinchot forest. 70% of which was huge static storms and inches of rain. Only heard one bugle and had a 3 pt come in quiet. Came into 30 yards but he wouldn't come out of the underbrush so I couldn't get a shot. Other than that nite, I saw and heard nothing. Does anyone have good experience in timber with elk and static storms? I covered 5mi a day and was unable to locate even a cow or spike. Where do they all go in the timber when it's stormy?

[Dblstks]

just got back from there as well. Had similar luck and experience up there. We only saw one cow in 5 days. 

[TwistedTree]

I just got back from the GPNF also and experienced the same thing. No elk or even fresh sign in any of the areas we always find 'em. Only one we saw was a cow at about 100 yds and she had no interest in our calls - just wandered off. Frustrating.

[blacktail luv]

Same scenario for us as well, seems a little tougher than normal out there this year.

[USAFpj]

Like a ghost town out there this year!  Busted (1) deer, but saw bears every day- missed one at 20yds with my longbow while my 9yr old son watched

[TMortensen]

Where ya'll been hunting? I've gone up two days and I've called in 3 bulls (no shooters for me), heard a few others and had cows everywhere....All off the 90. My buddies that are camped up out of Eagle cliffs are 2 for 5 so far. Get back out there you'll find them!

[ztmoore1]

I was east of packwood up around 5000 ft. When did you go up? I'm just figuring they weren't ruttin quite yet when I was up there.

[USAFpj]

Maybe that's my issue.  I'm camped at 3500ft.  I did stick a cow while my 9yr old son watched, but the shot was a bit high.

[Instinct]

Im curious about the samme thing. I was in deep on the pct an ran into some cows but only heard 2 bugles.

[Chainsaw11]

We were talking about this up at camp this year too. I lucked out and bagged mine opening day, but kept going out with my buddies, and all was quiet, especially with those storms. Had a few lonely cows and a spike come through and they were in the thick stuff. I'm sure they hunker down, but not sure if they spook easier or not. Interested to know.

[longrange7mm]

Last week in wy the elk were screaming two days of lightning they pretty much went silent and timbered up 

[Possum144]

We have been hunting up there too... I havent even heard a  bugle. Saw some in town. But we arent hunting that high. should we hunt higher? I am new to elk hunting and to calling them. Could use all the help I can get.

[motg9_6]

Tag

[boneaddict]

IME    generally really hot right at the end of a storm.  I have been with elk through a storm and they are mildly affected, even when it was banging in the trees around.   They will hole up if its extreme.

[_TONY_]

I was working two bulls this morning (westside) right as the lightning and thunder rolled right over the ridge we were hunting... Watched the bulls stop trashing and turn and head back into the jungle as soon as the first lightning crack above ours heads hit...

After that, they shut down the rest of the day.

Sad way the end the early season...

[Simcoe hunter]

My partner and I hunted the GPNF opening week.  Found more bull sign than we could shake a stick at.  Single bull staying hunkered down all day.  Too hot that opening week.  We would find new scrapes from the night before.  We even found urine still soaking into the trail one morning.  The only bugle we heard all week was another hunter.  Not real good bugling and he almost swallowed his cow call.  But it was still a great time.