Solo elk hunt strategy

[vandeman17]

Just wondering how you guys and gals would approach a solo September archery elk hunt in Eastern Wa?

As of now, I will be going it alone since my old man drew a tag in another unit so he will be hunting over there. As of now, I have three potential stand locations scouted with cameras hung. I have scouted the unit 4 different weekends and have plan a,b and c for areas I like. I am hoping to find some wallows or water sources for some mid day hunts but how would you set up your mornings and evenings if not in a stand? I am a decent caller but been burned a few times by bulls coming in silent and busting me.

Side note, first bull bigger than a spike or tiny raghorn is fair game 

[Skyvalhunter]

Sounds like a good plan

[Elkcollector82]

Just wondering how you guys and gals would approach a solo September archery elk hunt in Eastern Wa?

As of now, I will be going it alone since my old man drew a tag in another unit so he will be hunting over there. As of now, I have three potential stand locations scouted with cameras hung. I have scouted the unit 4 different weekends and have plan a,b and c for areas I like. I am hoping to find some wallows or water sources for some mid day hunts but how would you set up your mornings and evenings if not in a stand? I am a decent caller but been burned a few times by bulls coming in silent and busting me.

Side note, first bull bigger than a spike or tiny raghorn is fair game 

I wouldn't let being "burned" by bulls coming in silent. Put calling on the back burner. That means your calling had their attention if they came in. Also sounds like you have a pretty good strategy. I would just throw in calling in the mix and you should be good. Good luck. 

[Elkcollector82]

Another thing when calling solo. When you get in close or they are coming in talking. And you make your last call. Move ahead or back from that last calling position. Then go silent and be set up and ready. They can pin point a call location pretty good. So be aggressive. Just don't stay in the same spot you made your last call from.

[Band]

I use my boots to find active elk corridors and bedding areas and then set up trail cams in strategic locations to get a feel for times and direction of travel so I know where to sit and wait opening morning before the sun comes up.  Over the course of scouting sessions I document such places on a topo map and keep it handy while hunting.

I have a new area with two scouting days under my belt and a third coming up in 2 weeks and am feeling very confident about my chances for success this year.  The only wild card is how many other hunters know about this area and when/where they'll be tromping through the woods, which could, of course completely screw up (or help) my plans for success.

[TheHunt]

I am in the opposite situation than you.  I solo hunt every archery elk season and have been very successful.  But I have my son this year.  So this should be fun but I have to change my tactics.  Two people make way more noise than one.  I can move very quickly and quietly to get on elk.  We will see what happens next.  I was considering taking him into the National Park and call in some elk to see how it all works out prior hunting season.  That way I am not messing with anyone's elk and I am only educating stupid park elk anyway. 

[pianoman9701]

This...

[summertime blues]

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