Drew Observatory Archery

[Thrasher]

My buddies and I were fortunate enough to draw the Observatory Archery tag this year. Should be a fun time!

This will be my 1st time hunting this area and am pretty grateful for having this opportunity. My buddies have hunted this area a few times, but this year we want to make the most of these tags. If someone could offer some helpful advice, I would be forever grateful, as I have never been lucky enough to take a brached bull. Up until a few years ago, I was strictly modern rifle, but got convinced to switch to the darkside

I could really use some advice in many aspects. Calling or not? Areas to target, etc? I am not a "green" hunted by any means, but admittedly a little green in this unit.

PM's area welcome.

Thank you in advance for any and all info you can offer.


Corey

[dreamingbig]

Nothing better than wearing out some boot leather!  Call less than you want too and hit the woods at sunrise and stay in the woods until dark.  Good luck!

[coachcw]

yep daylight till dark !

[Thrasher]

Well, my buddy and I have been scouting nearly every weekend since July. We have seriously worn out some boots and legs trying to pin down where we want to be. Last weekend, we saw roughly 100 head in a herd then later a smaller herd of about 30-40. The highlight of the day was seeing a 5x6 and a 6x7. We placed cameras in this area and then went to pull them over the weekend after a week long soak. We were highly disappointed when pulling the cams, hoping to see some nice action and all we saw were 2 pics of a couple of cows. At this point, with 2 weeks to go the confusion has hit a high point.

What is everyones thoughts on this? Is this natural for them to simply just disappear? And, the area we are in...North facing slope, nice bench back in heavy timber, good water sources...etc

Thoughts?

[sled]

  Those Elk Are Not To Far away   My Experience In That Unit Is That They Stick To The Same Area Unless There Is Something To Make Them Move.  Like Weather Or A Fire?
  I'd Keep Looking For Them Unless You Didn't See Anything You Liked.

[270Shooter]

The bulls are probably rubbing right about now, give it a week or two and they'll show back up and probably start rounding up/hanging with the cows.

[xXLojackXx]

I hunt the unit a lot. Once the season comes around the big bulls are down in the deepest holes you can find away from roads. I backpack down into the hell holes for 4-5 days and hunt from there. I hate walking in and out of then twice a day. Lots of bulls though if you get away from the roads and get down in the remote canyons.

[Thrasher]

Went and pulled pics today and had this one. Kind of hard to gauge size because he got all close and personal with our camera. I'd shoot it

[sled]

   Was This In A New Area, Or One Of The Old Cams?

[coachcw]

get out in the dark and listen no time to sleep now !

[boneaddict]

I think they are early this year too, or maybe its just the weather and my rut.

[coachcw]

I know i'm in full rut !

[rtspring]

I know i'm in full rut !

That would make two of us!! Im all swollen...

[xXLojackXx]

Thrasher,  the site wouldn't let me return your PM. Send me your number and I'll text you.

[Thrasher]

Well, early season has come and gone for my Observatory tag. Managed to see some decent bulls, but unfortunately wasn't able to close the distance.

Thank you to those that offered tips and insight. Your willingness to help was much appreciated.

Learned a lot this year and looking forward to the next outing!!

Good luck out there guys!!