Elk in August?

[CP]

I drew a Teanaway antlerless permit that runs Aug 1 – Sept 11.  I know the area well but I’ve never hunted elk that early.  I’m guessing I should hunt higher elevations, near water – streams, small alpine lakes, swampy areas ...  Hunt early mornings and evenings.  Bring lots of bug repellant!   

Am I on track? 

Any tips on caring for the meat in the heat?

Should be an interesting experience.

[vandeman17]

They will still be in summer mode so finding travel routes between water and cool bedding areas is where I would be focusing my efforts. As for field care, depending how far away from a cooler you are, I would try to keep in mind where any creeks or water is located. Hanging meat over creeks is a great way to cool down meat faster. 

[jrebel]

That time of year it should be easy to kill an elk.  The masses have not pushed them in to hiding.  Due to the heat and time of year I wouldn't shoot one far from the road.....with that said there is no reason to go far from the road with this tag.  Cow elk road hunting will get the job done!!! 

[h2ofowlr]

They start hunting them in August in Oregon.  Biggest thing is getting the hide off them immediately and getting them cooled down.  Your meat can sour quickly otherwise.  We typically remove the meat from the bone as well, so it doesn't bone sour and get it into a cooler.

Or bring a trailer with a box freezer and a generator.  You can always fire it up and throw the meat in it, until time to process.

[RadSav]

Bone out and hang bags as you work!  Even if it's close to the truck...get those big bones out!  Don't place in a cooler or directly on the bed of the truck.  make a plan so the meat can get circulation all around it while transporting out of the woods and to the butcher.  A few rolls of garden fencing works well.

[Duckslayer89]

I really wish I would be able to put in for this tag! Maybe someday we can apply for permits before designating

[CP]

Bone out and hang bags as you work!  Even if it's close to the truck...get those big bones out!  Don't place in a cooler or directly on the bed of the truck.  make a plan so the meat can get circulation all around it while transporting out of the woods and to the butcher.  A few rolls of garden fencing works well.

I must be slow, I'm not seeing how to use the fencing.

[kentrek]

Bone out and hang bags as you work!  Even if it's close to the truck...get those big bones out!  Don't place in a cooler or directly on the bed of the truck.  make a plan so the meat can get circulation all around it while transporting out of the woods and to the butcher.  A few rolls of garden fencing works well.

I must be slow, I'm not seeing how to use the fencing.

Id assume to use as a net to keep airflow on the meat

[Eli346]

 I'd suggest the 'gutless method' after the animal is down to keep the meat as clean as possible. We've been doing it for years and it's amazing how clean of a process it is, especially in the heat of summer!

[boneaddict]

I agree, hide off and bones out ASAP. 

[Scottystyle]

I have the same tag but probably won't hunt it as I have an Observatory bull tag too.  If I do get antsy and do hunt it, I probably will do it in the evenings... Close to the roads, and bring coolers with ice.  I've seen many bears in there too so that's a good bonus too 

[wheels]

water is the key i dont know about elevation matter to much where i hunt always seems higher you get less sign

[jrebel]

I have the same tag but probably won't hunt it as I have an Observatory bull tag too.  If I do get antsy and do hunt it, I probably will do it in the evenings... Close to the roads, and bring coolers with ice.  I've seen many bears in there too so that's a good bonus too 

Don't temp yourself.....stay clear of that area durring the cow hunt!!!!   Having a chance at a bull is priceless, don't waste a bull tag on a cow.  I know if it were me and I saw a fat cow uphill from the road, I'm not sure could not shoot it.  I would have to stay clear of the area. LOL  Good luck on either tag.   

[Scottystyle]

I have the same tag but probably won't hunt it as I have an Observatory bull tag too.  If I do get antsy and do hunt it, I probably will do it in the evenings... Close to the roads, and bring coolers with ice.  I've seen many bears in there too so that's a good bonus too 

Don't temp yourself.....stay clear of that area durring the cow hunt!!!!   Having a chance at a bull is priceless, don't waste a bull tag on a cow.  I know if it were me and I saw a fat cow uphill from the road, I'm not sure could not shoot it.  I would have to stay clear of the area. LOL  Good luck on either tag.   

It's a good problem to have right    I'm aware I probably won't get another bull tag, I'm gonna stick with that 

[RadSav]

Bone out and hang bags as you work!  Even if it's close to the truck...get those big bones out!  Don't place in a cooler or directly on the bed of the truck.  make a plan so the meat can get circulation all around it while transporting out of the woods and to the butcher.  A few rolls of garden fencing works well.

I must be slow, I'm not seeing how to use the fencing.

The rolls are about 6" in diameter.  Just lay them down like you would three or four logs.  Then lay the meat on top.  This lets air circulate all around the game bags instead of allowing heat to get trapped by just throwing them on the truck bed.  Down in Oregon our archery seasons always opened in August.  Meat spoilage was a common problem from guys throwing meat bags on the bed of the truck.  One day at the local butcher showed us this trick.  Was surprised at how well it works.