Gonna give westside elk hunting a shot this year, tips?

[JeffRaines]

I have a west mod fire elk tag, and I'm gonna give it a shot. This will be my first year elk hunting so my expectations aren't unrealistic - I know its likely going to be a learning experience and nothing else and thats okay.

I already have an area picked out - I have a vail permit so I'm likely going to be hunting vail. As far as weapons go, I'll likely be carrying around my 7mag, but I do have a 30-30 that I could bring in for brush hunting(if thats productive).

That leads me to the topic at hand - are there any tips you guys want to offer a first year hunter for this area? Anything I should know?

Thanks guys. Looking forward to getting my boots on the ground!

[KM1986]

I hunted the vail a few years ago for deer. Never did see an elk up there. There is a little sign of them in some places so they must be around somewhere. There is a ton of clearcut in there so probably wont really need a brush gun. I know that's not terribly helpful but its what I know from my one year in there.

[JeffRaines]

I hunted the vail a few years ago for deer. Never did see an elk up there. There is a little sign of them in some places so they must be around somewhere. There is a ton of clearcut in there so probably wont really need a brush gun. I know that's not terribly helpful but its what I know from my one year in there.

I've seen some bulls so far in there while not really looking for them. While they weren't trophies by any stretch they would sure fill a freezer, and anything legal would make a great first elk!

I might be open to trying other areas, I'm just afraid most public land is going to turn into an alligator f***house during modern.

Also, tips don't have to be vail specific. I'm thinking literal tips, as in "hey don't forget to do this" or "when you're busting brush try x" not "go to xxx and shoot the bull that lives there"

Thanks!

[Thefisherman83]

Elk are tough to come by up there that time of the year, your going to have to find some fresh sign and hit the timber.  They seem to be constantly on the move, so day old sign will not likely yield anything.  The numbers are low and the pressure is high so they will be nowhere near the roads. 

[Smoke]

Roosevelts are not very vocal, so calling won't help ya much, tho they sometimes will come to a cow call.... best bet is scout the area, find where they bed and water, then find a worn trail inbetween and set up an ambush spot...

[Eli346]

I don't think you'll find Vail very productive for elk. They are there in places but for some reason they're mostly around the fringes of the boundaries, probably because that is where some of the private farms and ranches are. I wouldn't use a 30-30 for elk although it can be done. they're a tough animal so the 7 mag will be better whether you're in timber or a clearcut. I can't imagine there would be a lot of people up there come elk season but if there are it will probably better your chances by moving them around. I'd hunt the edges of the clearcut and timber or deep timber. They love steep and deep!