Share an Elk Hunting Tip, August 2014

[WapitiTalk1]

Figured since another wapiti season is nearly upon us, we'd run one of these again   

Calling, stalking, equipment, bivy camps, packing list gotta haves, survival, navigation, etc.  Please share a tip that has worked for you in the elk woods. Big or small, let's hear them.

I'll start. I carry two contractor grade black plastic sacks in my pack (and have for many years). In a pinch, they can actually provide shelter for the night, use them to line your pack so the meat bags don't leak through, and, they provide impromtu "waders" when you can't find a log to crawl across a raging stream and don't want to soak your boots/pants.

[rover758]

Can I mention 2 I keep in my pack?  I always have a couple squares of self-sticking mole skin.  Great for emergency fixes on keeping a bow quiet and slapping on blisters from bending the leather all day.  Can easily be cut to any shape.  Speaking of cutting ... I also carry a tube of super glue.  Great for emergency fixes on a bow or other equipment and (don't laugh) I have sealed a cut with it.  Yes ... it does work.  Both small and easy to carry.

[tonymiller7]

Shoot Straight!

[pianoman9701]

When you're near elk, especially in a dry forest, stop trying to be quiet.

[syoungs]

Get more then 200yds from the road.

Don't try to get in elk shape a week before the opener.

[ellensburgpo]

Elk are really heavy, bring friends or shoot them on a road.

[Tbar]

Get more then 200yds from the
 
They are big animals.

[Opportunist]

If it's steep country the elk are in the flats, if it's flat country the elk are in the steep. I read that years ago in an article written by Dwight Schuh, and after hunting elk in all terrain types from sage desert to above timberline it has held true.

[Bean Counter]

Elk are really heavy, bring friends or shoot them on a road.

  I have 5 good people who have stepped up to help cover the expanse of my two week long elk hunt. Its tempting to have them all out at once for some good memories around the campfire and what not, but the reality is that I just need at least one more pair of legs to help carry the meat out. Ergo, I have scheduled my helpers across the calendar of my hunt.

[snarkybull]

this.

http://www.amazon.com/Emergency-Smart-Phone-Charger-Blue/dp/B00C7YHJZG

keeps you in contact with your hunting partner and elk packers, and keeps the fam from freaking out.  might even let you watch hawks & packers.

[EyeTooth]

Tag

[Eli346]

Steep and deep with the wind in your face!

[Tbob]

My advise would be, read this site freques try and ask lots of questions! I've learned a ton this year!! I've also had the best season scouting so far using all the great advise that I've Been given here and just looking at past posts! Scout scout scout!!

[pc]

At main camp (with vehicle) have generator & chest freezer , so my goal is getting the meat back to main camp, not all the way to town.

[Mike450r]

90+% of the elk will spend 90+% of their time in the timber.   So should the hunter.