How to get out of the 90-10 rule

[4fletch]

I have used scent eliminates and large amounts of cow scents. The last one The bull came in down wind stopped At 30 yards know something isn't right stood there for 3 minutes turned and walk away. I do take a shower wash my hair
Every day with a non scented soap. Spray hair cap boots clothes down twice a day. And A liberal amount of cow scent on my cap and a  taped to my bow. When I call bulls I'll set up with a tree between him and me that's if he comes in where I think he will LOL.  So when his eyes are blocked from view I draw my bow. And
With a reed in my mouth I can cow call when needed to stop him for a shot. Another problem I have is poor hearing from blasting shot shells before hearing protection came out. The hearing aids with the pickup behind the ear will not give you directional as to what direction the bull is calling from you have to have the aids that are totally in the ear to be able to know what direction to expect him to come in. And never give up even in mid day. Easy to say but you never know

[high country]

Paralysis by analysis......don't let it burn your day! I've seen guys lock up for hours because "they heard something."

[4fletch]

Long ago I bugled a bull over the edge (west side brushy) seemed like I waited forever should have waited a little longer , the next day I saw where he came out and raked a tree. Definitely don't want to waste a day waiting

[Magnum_Willys]

If you get in an area you can see bulls at a distance you will see them moving out at 600 yards plus as they catch your scent. Makes you wonder how you ever see anything on the westside - or maybe explains why you dont. 

[Duckhunter14]

In my humble opinion the number one factor in being in that 10%, is mental toughness. Having the most expensive truck, the fanciest gear, scents, calls, etc. It all means nothing if you give up after a couple tough days and tuck your tail between your legs and give up. When I read this post the first thing that popped into my head was a Podcast that I was listening to. Roy Roth is being interviewed by Cody Rich and they discuss this topic (not elk specific- but applicable). Roy was a hunter that I really looked up to and respected. I think he has a very good opinion on the subject. Not to mention he has some awesome stories; like crawling into a bear den with a bear still in it! Here is the podcast;

http://www.therichoutdoors.net/ep-005-roy-roth-hunting-alaska/

Persistence and perseverance fills tags. Find a hunting partner that keeps a positive attitude and never gives up and good things will happen.

-Clint 

[Cab]

I am no where near the 10% but thats mostly because I am still learning a lot about big game hunting(my 7th season) and this will be my first elk season. That being said I have had very good luck in terms of getting opportunities this last few years on deer in my former state which has a very low population. The mental toughness is 100% what is needed ESPECIALLY if you are not the most seasoned hunter. I would always tell myself that "What I lack in experience, I make up for in perseverance". If your having a bad day and cant seem to find what you're after the best thing you can do is not to go home but to make a plan and burn some boot leather. Exploring and understanding the area you hunt inside and out takes a lot of time so instead of packing it in, go to parts you have yet to scout. When it's bad weather, when it's cold or when its late in the season when everyone else is at home warm in bed you should be out in the woods grinding to the last min of season. I once had a beautiful buck on the last day in the last hour come walking in and if a doe didn't bust me I would have closed the deal. Remember they have to be perfect all the time, you just have to be perfect once.

[Duckhunter14]

I am no where near the 10% but thats mostly because I am still learning a lot about big game hunting(my 7th season) and this will be my first elk season. That being said I have had very good luck in terms of getting opportunities this last few years on deer in my former state which has a very low population. The mental toughness is 100% what is needed ESPECIALLY if you are not the most seasoned hunter. I would always tell myself that "What I lack in experience, I make up for in perseverance". If your having a bad day and cant seem to find what you're after the best thing you can do is not to go home but to make a plan and burn some boot leather. Exploring and understanding the area you hunt inside and out takes a lot of time so instead of packing it in, go to parts you have yet to scout. When it's bad weather, when it's cold or when its late in the season when everyone else is at home warm in bed you should be out in the woods grinding to the last min of season. I once had a beautiful buck on the last day in the last hour come walking in and if a doe didn't bust me I would have closed the deal. Remember they have to be perfect all the time, you just have to be perfect once.

Well said. 

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

I agree that 7 days is not enough time and hunt sun up to sun down. Two full weeks is minimal time. Normally we don't kill elk in camp but there are folks that do.

[snarkybull]

Some may not want to post this but if you have a pile of advice let us know how you have done the last x number of years 1 for 5, or 5 for 5.

Does 4 out of 6 OTC qualify me?  The other two included a smorgasbord of eff-ups on my part mixed with horrendous luck and malfunctioning equipment.

additional points I was reminded of:

Have a darn good hunting partner.  This CANNOT be overstated.  I can count on mine to go out most if not all of the 13 days, even when he tags out first, and I do the same.  Text messaging is your best friend when in cell range.  4 eyes beats the snot out of 2.

Seriously, it is mostly about spending as much time as possible in areas that elk frequent and having some freaking patience.  I like to think of myself as a hole in the woods, and do not usually call.  Mostly, DO NOT LEAVE a good spot just because they are not there right now.  The grass is not always greener on the other side, and moving gets you noticed.

[grundy53]

Learn how to use hunting pressure to your advantage.

Don't just figure out where elk like to hang out. Figure out where they go when spooked.

Go where the elk are. Even if it isn't a mile from the road.

Sent from my E6782 using Tapatalk

[4fletch]

Calling elk is a tool one needs in his her tool box. to begin with    I like to cow call first of all. Bulls will answer a cow call with a bugle. Time to check the wind lay of the land and be aggressive. When you think you are 50 / 100 yards from him find a set up spot,cow call with a grunt tube aiiming behind you this way the bull will think you are farther away then what you are and walk by you giving you a going away shot. If the area is brushy stand in front of the brush not behind it. Going back to the start if after 10 minutes or so you don't have a reply from a cow call   bugle a locator call. I like to cow call first because often a herd bull will leave the area with his cows. Use cow calls to call cows also be aware this sometimes won't work if you are out in the open as elk look for other elk so a decoy will come in useful if you so choose to use one. Many times a Leary  bull  will circle you to get a sniff of you so you should check the wind and circle him so he can't wind you get semi close and start cow calling behind you

[cem3434]

Lots of sound advice. 

[h2ofowlr]

Those that spend the most time in the woods seem to gain the greatest knowledge.  Spend time scouting, tracking and watching from a distance.  Learn the patterns and the different spots the animals use.  If you get a few miles off a beaten path, you will get away from 80% of most hunters.

[buglebrush]

Hunting rutting elk there's no need to wear fleece booties. Elk are extremely loud animals in the woods. Make noise! If you are to quiet and calling elk usually are keen to it. I break branches on purpose, roll rocks and etc .. I've called elk in with just making natural noise

I agree with this.  The more agressive I get the more opportunities I have.  Sure you may blow a few, but you will miss far more chances by nibbling around the edges.  However, never ever fight the wind.  I will absolutely wait / hike / do whatever it takes to get the wind right, but once it's right I will charge in with no regard whatsoever for how much crashing and stomping I make.  It totally helps sell your calling IMO. 

Also, find their bedding areas and kill them there.   

[b0bbyg]

Some may not want to post this but if you have a pile of advice let us know how you have done the last x number of years 1 for 5, or 5 for 5.

Does 4 out of 6 OTC qualify me?  The other two included a smorgasbord of eff-ups on my part mixed with horrendous luck and malfunctioning equipment.

additional points I was reminded of:

Have a darn good hunting partner.  This CANNOT be overstated.  I can count on mine to go out most if not all of the 13 days, even when he tags out first, and I do the same.  Text messaging is your best friend when in cell range.  4 eyes beats the snot out of 2.

Seriously, it is mostly about spending as much time as possible in areas that elk frequent and having some freaking patience.  I like to think of myself as a hole in the woods, and do not usually call.  Mostly, DO NOT LEAVE a good spot just because they are not there right now.  The grass is not always greener on the other side, and moving gets you noticed.

Thanks for the advice, and yes 4 for 6 is awesome.  That is double what I have accomplished in the last 6