West Side Early Archery

[swashington2128]

Hey guys, I am down in San Diego working until right before the opener. New to Elk hunting and no time for scouting so here is my question. I am going down south on the coast to a place I went for rifle season last fall. Big hills with a creek running through it in a ravine. Where will the elk generally be this time of year, up high or down in the cool ravines?

Not asking for anything specific, just where I should concentrate my efforts. During rifle we found a couple of bulls up high and some cows above the ravine near a very heavily used bedding area. In general the area is either clear cut or very thick 10+yo reprod.

Any advice is appreciated.

[MLBowhunting]

Sounds like you have a good area.   

[Jonathan_S]

Thick reprod and cool, wet areas will hold the elk in the September heat. You probably already know you're hunting the rut so hunt accordingly. Don't be discouraged just because they might be quiet. The hotter the weather and pressure gets, the more reclusive they become.

[swashington2128]

Thanks for the input, there are lots of logging roads going up to the top but it is a real pain in the butt getting down in the creeks. Found a way down last year so I think I will focus on that. Solo hunting so if I get one it will be fun getting it out of there.

Don't know anything about calling (like I said new to Elk) but would a cow call be good to locate bulls during the early rut or should I just concentrate on sneaking around until I find them?

[deerhunter_98520]

Cow calling could be very helpful...just be ready for that bull to come in silent also

[swashington2128]

Thanks guys, gonna be a good year, as long as I survive two weeks of solo hunting Utah for Elk and Mule Deer I will be ready for home hunting. Hope the body makes it through it. Getting old sucks!

[Elkterd]

Pay attention to the Alders, they love them,and ditto on them coming in silent Rosie's are notorious for it, good luck