Elk Hunting Mistakes

[WapitiTalk1]

I could write a book, really. OK, let's share some common elk hunting mistakes. When you do so, follow on with a way to avoid or overcome the mistake you mentioned.

Mistake: Getting busted by a silent bull coming in to a cold calling setup/advertising sequence when you decide to move on and leave the spot too early. I've also had them come into and locate bugle, looking for what "was" there, from the same spot I obviously had left too soon.   

Remedy: Be patient in these types of setups (watching, listening, and even smelling for incoming elk) for up to 30 minutes or more, especially if you suspect there are elk in the area.

[rtspring]

Walking through the woods towards an area that holds elk, not expecting to see any on your way into your spot. And then all of a sudden there is a big bull 30 yards away!

Always expect to see an elk, always be ready...

[baker5150]

Walking through the woods towards an area that holds elk, not expecting to see any on your way into your spot. And then all of a sudden there is a big bull 30 yards away!

Always expect to see an elk, always be ready...

 
I always seem to see them when I least expect it, and close too.

[vandeman17]

During the rut, expecting a bull to bugle or respond to your calls but instead come in silent and have you pegged. Crazy how they can pinpoint where the call is coming from 

[buglebrush]

Not watching your back.  Twice last year we were calling to some vocal elk about 100 yards away when another bull snuck in from the total opposite direction.  We never saw him until he had us pegged. 

Don't assume the only elk around are the ones making noise.  There could be more anywhere.   

The good news is that we killed one of the vocal bulls minutes after the silent boy came in.

[Jonathan_S]

Getting impatient & being too patient

[Solohunter84]

First elk I shot just stood there for what felt like days then he very slowly took a few steps away and rounded a corner but I could still see his rear end. So me being gung ho and excited I thought to myself... Well he isn't getting away from me!  So I walked up to where I could see him... Turns out I was much closer than he liked and I gave him that boost of adrenaline haha. He ran uphill jumped a fence crossed some railroad tracks and ran through three sets of timber. Finally caught up with him in a clear cut and put him down before he got across it and into some private property! Made the pack job go from a couple hundred yards to about a half mile!  Lesson learned. Patience. I know I made good shots but it was my first elk and I didn't want to let him get away. Should have waited it out. He probably would have bedded down right there and expired. Or even come back my way to the creek I was near. Who knows now. Good times tho! On a side note... A 3 legged elk can jump higher than I can!

[WAcoyotehunter]

During the rut, expecting a bull to bugle or respond to your calls but instead come in silent and have you pegged. Crazy how they can pinpoint where the call is coming from 

yep.  They can come from a long ways out and walk right to you.  amazing

[pianoman9701]

Moving to fast still hunting. If I had a set of antlers for every time I was moving too fast and busted into elk as a result, I could retire. And not using the range finder. Missed the bull of a lifetime the year before last because I thought I could judge correctly.

[kentrek]

I've said it many times but.....in my mind it crucial

Don't get desperate

Desperate people do stupid things

...know that in any one moment from dawn to dusk can result in an opportunity of a life time....if you can maintain this level of focus and positive mind set there will be never be time to be desperate and or do something you regret

[cbond3318]

For some reason and I did it with deer too, when I see an animal I immediately crouch.  99% of the time they catch the movement and bust. Hard habit to break....

[motg9_6]

well a couple things,
first dont take a 7 yr old along that cant sit still(it was still fun and he got to see me miss a huge 7 pt at 50 yds),
second wait till the after dark to leave your stand, those last few minutes of light can make a difference in kill or no kill
third as stated above patience after shot wait i waited 45 minutes then started tracking (shot was good) was tracking finding huges amount of blood not looking ahead and all of a sudden there he jumped up and looked at me from under a tree, he ran another 300 yds before falling over, the last 100 yds was purely tracking with blood only about every 50 ft. i really thought i was gonna loose him.

[pianoman9701]

  I lost one pushing into him. 

[Woodchuck]

Follow me around, you will learn all the things not to do. 

[buckcanyonlodge]

Shooting the first 390" bull you see