Found a substantial active wallow, too late or worthless to a rifle hunter?

[SERE VG]

I searched and read a couple interesting threads on here, but didn't find any answers.

Was scouting for deer and came through an area covered in elk sign. Followed it to a pretty epic wallow. A regular elk hot tub. 

A spring or seep in a cedar thicket that is absolutely tore up with tracks, and ankle deep in scat.

Only problem is the heat is on it's way out and I'm a rifle hunter. 

Suggestions?

Bait it?

Bag it and learn to shoot a bow for next year?

Other?

I have never hunted elk, have a rifle tag.

I imagine the wallow will be next to useless after it gets cold enough to freeze up.

Hard to tell from the pic, but the water part is probably 15-20yds long. Clearing is 30yds across, by 50yds long. No other open water nearby.




Thanks

Vince

[rtspring]

The wallow wont factor into the rifle hunt, but the area around the wallow will still hold elk provided they are not pushed out!!

[TheHunt]

But do not count on it.  They might be within a mile...  They just will not be using the trails to the wallow.  Unless you put a salt block near it now or a mineral block...

[bobcat]

I would mark that spot on your GPS and remember it for next year. Get an archery tag and hunt it in September when they're using it.

[SERE VG]

Thanks for info. I have a camera up, will be cool to see what's in there.

Maybe it's time to get a bow.

Vince

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[bwhntr350]

 
I don't mean to be a debbie downer, but I don't think that I would gear up with a new bow just because you found a wallow. I mean, if you want to bow hunt, go for it, it is fun and, usually, great weather, but don't do it because you found a wallow.

 Where I hunt there are around 20 wallows. I can go all season without seeing an elk, in fact, I just did it. Wallows can be a great place for elk to cool down and, usually, there is food around it because of the moisture, but it is not even close to a given that elk will be there when you want them to be, unless it is the only water hole for miles and miles.

 Just my 

[oldleclercrd]

I don't mean to be a debbie downer, but I don't think that I would gear up with a new bow just because you found a wallow. I mean, if you want to bow hunt, go for it, it is fun and, usually, great weather, but don't do it because you found a wallow.

 Where I hunt there are around 20 wallows. I can go all season without seeing an elk, in fact, I just did it. Wallows can be a great place for elk to cool down and, usually, there is food around it because of the moisture, but it is not even close to a given that elk will be there when you want them to be, unless it is the only water hole for miles and miles.

 Just my 

He did say it was the only open water around. Maybe you got less visits because they had 20 to choose from. Most areas have a lot less to choose from.

[furbearer365]

One thing about hunting is that there is no golden rule.  I wouldn't waste the spot just because you don't think they will be there come rifle season.  Go there for rifle season and maybe you will pull a bull out of there.  Ive killed elk in November that i have seen in that area in September.  They may just as well be there in November for a different reason like food, shelter, or pressure is pushing them there.  If not, find it next year in August, set up a camera and see if you can make it happen with a bow.

[pd]

To answer part of your question, yes, the wallow is probably useless to you as a November rifle hunter--the rains will have come by then, and there will be no reason to wallow (to reduce body heat).

However, it seems to me that this should be a great start to your elk hunting career.  As others have said, first, hunt this area with your rifle this year.  If you don't have an elk tag, get one ($50.40 extra).  It is worthwhile hunting that general area, if only to understand the territory for next year.  Next, put up a camera (I would do it after rifle season, but others might disagree), and check it every couple of months until June or so.  The other important thing is to put in for a multiple season tag ($182 plus $7.10 for the application--spendy, I know).  This will allow you to archery hunt the area in September, perhaps muzzleloader hunt (or even archery) in October, and then rifle hunt (or archery) in November of next year.

You said that you are not an elk hunter, but methinks you have just become one!  Best of luck.

[SERE VG]

I appreciate all the advice. I'll see what the camera has on it in a week or so. The area was covered in elk sign for a good distance in every direction, which is what led me to the wallow.

It's as good excuse as any to pick up a bow.    Although, I'm not a big fan of hunting in the heat and bugs. It'll be a nice change to hunt in  a t-shirt as opposed to freezing my bum off.

Another bonus of the multi-season tag is that it gives more flexibility around my work schedule.

I'll check back in with the pics or lack there of.

Vince

[furbearer365]

Don't take this as any disrespect but it seems as though you may want to bow hunt "just because."  You say you don't want to hunt in the heat and bugs, and it would be nice to not get cold, really?  Please make sure that if you want to bow hunt you do it for the right reasons and take it very serious.  If you want to bow hunt next year, start now looking into gear, talk with knowledgeable people, and buy one as soon as you can and start shooting that thing.  Just because you found a wallow that may produce a shot on an elk, don't just take up bow hunting for something to do

[bobcat]

But wait... Don't most people take up bow hunting for elk because of the better seasons, and less hunters in the woods?

That's why I'm doing it. What other reason is there?

[ellensburgpo]

But wait... Don't most people take up bow hunting for elk because of the better seasons, and less hunters in the woods?

That's why I'm doing it. What other reason is there?

It's the only weapon they can legally use...or someone looking for more of challenge?

[bobcat]

But wait... Don't most people take up bow hunting for elk because of the better seasons, and less hunters in the woods?

That's why I'm doing it. What other reason is there?

It's the only weapon they can legally use...or someone looking for more of challenge?

Okay, but are those better reasons? I just wonder why it matters why someone decides to try bow hunting, and I certainly see no reason to try talk them out of it or ask them to justify their decision.

[ellensburgpo]

I agree with you bobcat.