How do I become a more successful elk hunter?

[whacker1]

Great info Elknut, Coach, Doublelung, huntnw, jphelps, and others.

Keep it coming

[coachcw]

one thing I've found is when a guy finds a big bull he gets  over patient and waits to long . just go for it before something changes !

[GoPlayOutside]

Levi...keep at it.

Learn your location inside and out.  Over the years, you will learn from all of your past encounters in that same area.
I have been hunting my same (heavily hunted) location for 17 years now.  I have learned how to maximize my opportunities by knowing where they nap, feed, hide, drink, funnel, etc.

I personally don't like to call in this particular area, because it's so heavily hunted with soooo many calls and callers.  I like to sit and overlook my favorite areas...then, I have a better idea of where the herd is....then, move in quietly and try to get in front of the grazing herd. 

Good Luck!

[LeviD1]

Levi...keep at it.

Learn your location inside and out.  Over the years, you will learn from all of your past encounters in that same area.
I have been hunting my same (heavily hunted) location for 17 years now.  I have learned how to maximize my opportunities by knowing where they nap, feed, hide, drink, funnel, etc.

I personally don't like to call in this particular area, because it's so heavily hunted with soooo many calls and callers.  I like to sit and overlook my favorite areas...then, I have a better idea of where the herd is....then, move in quietly and try to get in front of the grazing herd. 

Good Luck!

Oh I will never stop  I was hooked after my first year. I plan on hitting it even harder this year before season hiking and exploring. I think one of the main problems is that I have not ever seen a cow and have only had 1 picture of 1 cow on cam the past 4 years. I have heard cows though 2 seasons ago that were with a bull. I need to find them.

[Elknut1]

 coach, you're going to get a real kick out of running right at elk while cow calling excitedly, make sure to vary the volume as you get closer, you will be shocked no matter if it's an unseen herd, cow, spike or bull of any size how they let you walk right to them. I've lost track years back on how many times I've used this where necessary! (grin)


huntnnw, I've used that exact approach on occasion, have you had a chance to listen to the Podcast "One Last Bugle"  I did a couple weeks ago? If not check it out as you may enjoy it, we took a very nice bull with your exact description in running at the cows. You may enjoy it! (grin)  Here's a link! https://soundcloud.com/elknut1/elknut-talks-elk-podcast-one-last-bugle

  ElkNut1

[coachcw]

I have trailed behind a group calling and walked right up behind them . once I was in thick cover doing this and they turned back to me and almost ran me over . at full draw I had a calf sniffing my belt as I stuck the cow right behind it.

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

My first encounter with a bull was the same scenario.  I was walking up the trail cow calling and little did I know the bull was parallel to me following me along the ridge.  He walked out at ten yards and spun before I could release.  I was just calling to tell my brother to hurry up 

Great advice guys.   

[magnumb]

Learning their escape routes is no less important than learning their 'first light' or feeding patterns.

I've killed 3 bulls within 60-70yds. of each other along the same path in the last several years.........all having just blown out from the other side of the valley after serving as target practice for 'how not to shoot'.

If I can get to this spot within the ten minutes it takes these animals to ascend my side of the mountain, I'm usually rewarded with the opportunity.  As I get a bit older, my usual jaunt from where I spend most of my earlier huntin' hours takes a bit longer....... .

Seems I'm gonna need to somehow learn to 'anticipate' a bit better or learn to effectively take the 'ole 'Texas Heart Shot'...........kiddin'....can't go there.