Phelps/Hunt-Wa Elk Hunting Q&A

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

So yesterday I bought a ground blind.  Have you even used one elk hunting?  Do you have any tips on killing elk out of it?  I like the aggressive approach that you have talked about.  I run and gun.  But I think I have a water hole with a huge trail leading to it.  It's located where the elk will go when pressured.  Set ups cold calling happen to quick to set it up.  I would think calling in the blind in range of elk would be extremely effective.  What's your thoughts Jason?

[Russ McDonald]

On the diaphram call do you hold near the back of the top of your mouth or to the front.  You sold me some good univeral calls.  I have trying like crazy to get some sort of cow call out of the diaphram.  I think I got the bull calling down.  Not very good but I got it.

Russ,
As far forward as you can.  Start with more tongue pressure and relax your tongue to transition into the lower note.

I seem to get better sound when it is near the back then the front.  Maybe it is me be used to turkey calls which I am not bad with.  Thanks for all the answers and tips for everyone too 

[JPhelps]

So yesterday I bought a ground blind.  Have you even used one elk hunting?  Do you have any tips on killing elk out of it?  I like the aggressive approach that you have talked about.  I run and gun.  But I think I have a water hole with a huge trail leading to it.  It's located where the elk will go when pressured.  Set ups cold calling happen to quick to set it up.  I would think calling in the blind in range of elk would be extremely effective.  What's your thoughts Jason?

I've never hunted out of a ground blind, but if I did I would setup over a watering hole, wallow or a heavily used trail between bedding and feeding.

I would probably stick to cow talk most of the time with a locate bugle as I was approaching or leaving the blind.

[JPhelps]

On the diaphram call do you hold near the back of the top of your mouth or to the front.  You sold me some good univeral calls.  I have trying like crazy to get some sort of cow call out of the diaphram.  I think I got the bull calling down.  Not very good but I got it.

Russ,
As far forward as you can.  Start with more tongue pressure and relax your tongue to transition into the lower note.

I seem to get better sound when it is near the back then the front.  Maybe it is me be used to turkey calls which I am not bad with.  Thanks for all the answers and tips for everyone too 

Definitely use what works for you. We all have different shaped mouths and apply tongue pressure different.

[grundy53]

Tagging

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[hntrspud]

If you have seen certain bulls in a particular area during the rut in the past, are they likely to rut in the same area year after year? Or do they just find their cows where they can?

[WAcoueshunter]

So yesterday I bought a ground blind.  Have you even used one elk hunting?  Do you have any tips on killing elk out of it?  I like the aggressive approach that you have talked about.  I run and gun.  But I think I have a water hole with a huge trail leading to it.  It's located where the elk will go when pressured.  Set ups cold calling happen to quick to set it up.  I would think calling in the blind in range of elk would be extremely effective.  What's your thoughts Jason?

I've never hunted out of a ground blind, but if I did I would setup over a watering hole, wallow or a heavily used trail between bedding and feeding.

I would probably stick to cow talk most of the time with a locate bugle as I was approaching or leaving the blind.

My buddies from down south use a lot of ground blinds and tree stands in AZ and NM where water is scarce, and I've done the same when I've had tags down there.  They'll chase bugles in the morning and try to intercept between feeding and bedding areas, but then they switch to stands for the afternoon/evening so they're not bumping the elk out of bedding areas.  It can be super effective if you have the right spot, and you have to have patience and be able to remain ready. 

Here's the view from one of my setups from a 2012 Gila hunt. 

[JPhelps]

If you have seen certain bulls in a particular area during the rut in the past, are they likely to rut in the same area year after year? Or do they just find their cows where they can?

In my experience in the Willipa Hilss the bulls seem to always end up in the same general area.

The majority of the bulls in the cascades end up in the same area but I've also found certain bulls a basin or two over from where they were the year before.

[jclancy]

Hey guys, so quick question this is my first year really getting back into archery and the first time hunting the west/south side. Any heads up or some pointers would be great, im not looking for your honey holes. Not affraid of putting our boots on the ground and getting in where most guys wont dare. A little direction on a decent area would be great, thanks guys

[JPhelps]

Hey guys, so quick question this is my first year really getting back into archery and the first time hunting the west/south side. Any heads up or some pointers would be great, im not looking for your honey holes. Not affraid of putting our boots on the ground and getting in where most guys wont dare. A little direction on a decent area would be great, thanks guys

The majority of the Southwest corner is controlled by Weyco and an access permit is needed.  That is where I did the majority of my hunting.

[jclancy]

Ok thank you... Where do I get these permits from

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

Weyco website.  First come first serve.

[jclancy]

Thank you.. Do u know the website address.. Tried looking them up but could not find it

[chester]

Google weyco permit


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[Backstrap]

Dr. Phelps-
Toutle unit, early rifle tag (last week of Sept). Tree farms gates are closed, resulting in heavy archery pressure on state land. You have 5 days. I'd expect the animals to be stirred up. Will they be talking? Will they respond to a locator bugle? Best to cover miles and look for herds in clearcuts? Or better to get down in the heavy cover? Or none of the above? For the treefarm, any tricks to knowing which gates will be open on a given morning? Thanks, and good hunting...