How to be a Successful Elk Hunter..with Poll

[WapitiTalk1]

OK, it has been said that 10% of the hunters take 90% of the elk. I feel this isn't too far from the truth. So, how is this accomplished each year, by pretty much the same hunters? Most all elk hunters actually hunt in an area that contain elk, right? That said, why is it that seemingly the same percent of say 100 hunters in the field are able to create those sought after shot opportunities year after year? I've emplaced a poll (you can make multiple choices) that I'm hoping folks chime in on but open discussion is certainly encouraged.

[chester]

Days in the field is number 1 far and above everything else. That’s where you learn how elk behave and where the like to hangout.

[ljsommer]

Good idea for a post, elk are a total mystery to me. Definitely studying/learning for the next 5-10 years.

[WSU]

Days in the field and understanding elk.  Once you understand elk, you can kill them calling, still hunting, spot and stalk, etc. Then, you still have to be at the right place at the right time and have everything work out, which is a function of time spent hunting.

[7mmfan]

Knowing elk mannerisms,or elkisms, and what makes them tick. That could include but is not limited to; cow/bull talk, basic needs (food, water, security, breeding), and how those all align depending on time of year. Each season is different, sometimes just a day or two making a significant difference in where you find animals, and what will appeal to them or drive them away.

Knowing the ground inside and out helps a lot, but once the shooting starts, a lot of the scouting you've done preseason goes out the window. Finding where they went, and what their new schedule is, is key. You have to be adaptable on the fly and not assume that just because they were here last year, or last week, and something worked then, doesn't mean any of that is true today.

I live by the notion that elk are elk, and you find them where you find them.

[vandeman17]

Knowing elk mannerisms,or elkisms, and what makes them tick. That could include but is not limited to; cow/bull talk, basic needs (food, water, security, breeding), and how those all align depending on time of year. Each season is different, sometimes just a day or two making a significant difference in where you find animals, and what will appeal to them or drive them away.

Knowing the ground inside and out helps a lot, but once the shooting starts, a lot of the scouting you've done preseason goes out the window. Finding where they went, and what their new schedule is, is key. You have to be adaptable on the fly and not assume that just because they were here last year, or last week, and something worked then, doesn't mean any of that is true today.

I live by the notion that elk are elk, and you find them where you find them.

i only voted for one and it was knowing elk. The more you know about the "why" and not the "how" will help you kill more elk

[emac]

Good idea for a post, elk are a total mystery to me. Definitely studying/learning for the next 5-10 years.

The way things are going in this state you wont be hunting elk in Washington in 5-10 years and if we are it will be a selected few that draw

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[Mudman]

All of them and more but really I think its about location, knowledge and time spent in woods.  Time spent is #1 no matter skill level because you learn improve and adapt to become better at all things almost.   The 10% seems to be the hunter is always in a good location and in proper spots based on elk behavior of their respected hunt method/area.  For example my Dad had a great run for years in a specific unnamed local.  It was modern and a pumpkin patch with good amount of elk.  He hunted swamps.  Close to road, far, but he hunted elk hideouts.  He did very well killing many bulls and 2 big ones.  He didn't care about pattern, trails, feed, etc.  He knew hunters were chasing em and they were hiding so swamps did very well as guys don't hunt swamps much.  Don't wade through beaver damns and raging creeks.  When it failed he did more of a traditional scout method to locate but was always searching for another hidden bowl with swamps.  It works when pressures are high.    So here is a guy in simple clothes, a rain coat of orange, smoking a cig.  No binos, rangefinders, fancy knives or other gear.  Just a knife, cigs and coat and worn out 308 rifle having more success then  most did at the time.  Go figure eh?  Wisdom is hard to measure.  I have learned from him but not had his success.

[DOUBLELUNG]

Hunt states with large elk populations
Hunt states that don't have antler point restrictions
Have lots of time to hunt
In Washington, buy the multiseason tag when you have the opportunity and be proficient with all three weapons.
In Washington, cruise the roads predawn for roadkill elk 

[Rainier10]

I picked four and in this order.  All of the ones on the list are important but these are my top four and the reason for each of them.

1. Location, you have to be in an area that holds elk and lots of elk, more elk, more opportunity.
2. Days in the woods, you have to be in the woods as many days as it takes to learn about the elk and increase your chances at an opportunity.
3. Physical conditioning, the better shape you are in the easier it is to stay after them and in the woods.
4. Persistence, even with everything stacked in your favor something can and will go wrong.  You can't give up, you have to keep trying.  I have killed elk one hour into opening morning and with two hours left in the day of the last day of the season.

You never know when all the stars are going to align but you have to be ready and be there when it all does come together.

[KFhunter]

Private property, access to.

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[Bob33]

Hunt where the elk are. If you don't none of the rest makes a bit of difference

[Karl Blanchard]

As for the 90/10 thing, Not all Indians in the tribe were hunters.  Some had to weave baskets and stuff

Elk are no different than any other animal.  They all require the same things.  Learn what those are and at what times they need each thing.  Mental toughness and persistence wins the day every time

[flyfishWA]

persistence location and days in field along with knowledge of the local elk herd dynamics.

[WapitiTalk1]

Didn’t put it in the original poll choices but how about aggressiveness?  I seldom go a year without shot opportunities and aggressiveness is a significant part of my methodology and has been for years.  Anyone know what I’m referring to? 

[Jonathan_S]

Finding totally unpressured elk makes it seem stupid easy but heavily pressured elk makes it hard all the time

[Magnum_Willys]

Location, location, location. 

[grundy53]

When you find an area that elk frequent learn it inside and out. Figure out where they are going to go when pressured. Use hunting pressure to your advantage.

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[hughjorgan]

Scout, be proficient with your weapon of choice to make the most of limited opportunities, being in good shape for after the shot, knowing elk behavior and being persistent.

[Tbar]

I rely on two things, dumb luck and persistence.

[Jonathan_S]

Use hunting pressure to your advantage.

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But avoid when possible!

[BeerBugler]

Know a good area OR know the area good.....that simple

[TommyH]

Didn’t put it in the original poll choices but how about aggressiveness?  I seldom go a year without shot opportunities and aggressiveness is a significant part of my methodology and has been for years.  Anyone know what I’m referring to?

  I’ve called in more than I can remember, some came in on a string... some not so easy, some took the work of 2 or 3 of us, intense back and forth calling!! and  scrapeing and thrashing everything around. Sometimes the bull will just push his cows the other direction, keeping up with them and coaxing the cows in closer, and eventually the bull coming into a fight!!
I love September.

[dvolmer]

Location, location, location.

Along with Access, Access, Access!!!!

Location and Access are the main ingredients for a successful elk hunt!  All other things can be learned.  But you can be the best elk hunter in the world, but if you don't have the space and permission its going to be a long hard season.  That is why Washington is such a bad elk state unless you draw the coveted tag, have access to hard to reach public land (horses etc), or have permission to hunt some special super good private land. 

[WSU]

Aggressiveness is another key, at least for me.  There are plenty of times every year that I move quickly to get into position, including running at times. Quick, decisive movement has resulted in a lot of shots that I wouldn’t otherwise get. Knowing when do that and when to sneak is part of knowing elk, which was my original vote along with time in the woods.

[hunterofelk]

I think location(lots of elk and low hunter density), physical condition, knowledge of elk mannerisms, amount time spent afield and some hunter luck help the most in my personnel experience.  Before I left Montana,  the years 1984 to 1987,  hunting was very successful on raghorns and cows.  This was after college when I was living at home and saving money to move out of state.  I spent an enormous amount of time in the mountains around Livingston and there was an upsurge in the elk population.  In the country I hunted I just knew when and where to look. I had young knees and lungs and stamina.  I didn't have a wife and kids to worry about or heavy job to tie me down.  Best years of my life.  I moved to Seattle for work and then being a successful elk hunter was off and on and more off.

[TwoBear]

Location is everything.  You can be an elk ace but if the elk are not there, all the knowledge is for naught. A very close second is time in the field.  Everything else pales in comparison to these to factors. 

[KFhunter]

The #1 factor to success is hunting where there's a lot of Elk.   

Go to Arizona, you trip over Elk, even a newbie can call in a rag horn or spot a giant bull across the way.  Go to New Mexico, they don't have a point preference system so it's like a lottery, but dang you can get into some nice Elk hunting...CO, MT..all have fantastic Elk hunting.  ID isn't the top three on my personal list of best states to hunt for elk, but it's still leaps and bounds better than Washington.

I've said it before lot's of times, if you can hunt Elk in WA you can hunt elk anywhere.  I'll be hunting several different states next fall, I'd be a busy dude if everything hit so I'd skip WA and ID 

[Tbob]

This thread is awesome!!!!

[Stein]

Be in areas where elk are and hunt hard for as many days as you can.  The rest often takes care of itself save for a few bits of luck.  If you can get into elk often you will either be a good hunter or become one pretty quickly.

[Pathfinder101]

This thread is awesome!!!!

 

[Mudman]

Results tell me its about elk knowledge, location and persistence/time in woods.  Which are a combo like stated in bottom choice.  So there it is.  Location and experience.  Could not agree more.

[Bullkllr]

I rely on two things, dumb luck and persistence.

 
I'd add working harder than most; being willing to go farther in or deeper.

And it might seem obvious (but critical); hunt elk that don't know they're being hunted. Once they know they're being hunted success goes waaayyy down.

[Pathfinder101]

I rely on two things, dumb luck and persistence.

 
I'd add working harder than most; being willing to go farther in or deeper.

And it might seem obvious (but critical); hunt elk that don't know they're being hunted. Once they know they're being hunted success goes waaayyy down.

I talked to a game bio last year that said "Walk 3 miles and start hunting".  I think that is generally pretty good advice...

[rosscrazyelk]

I am not trying to brag or anything just speaking from what I observe and have experienced.
Being successful means different things to different people.
As far as harvesting success I believe that I have faired on the upper end.
I have drawn 2 branches antler tags in Washington and have filled both.  In between those draws I have hunted for the elusive spike elk. I have taken my fair share. In the 20 years  I have chased spikes I have harvested  1 average every other year and sometimes multiple years in a row. I can only say I am higher than average comparing to people I know and the people I hunt with.  I know far better hunters than me.
 But how did my success come to be. I am not sure.
I would say a ton of *censored* luck and a whole lot of stupidity.
My friends have limits to where they will go to get an elk.  I will go where ever I have to to get an elk.
I have heard people say I will never go there for a cow  but then they go home empty handed.
Side story - we had a guy who begged to hunt with us,  after a few years we gave  in. His first year I saw a herd  of elk with a spike.  I told him to go get it.  He said it was too far.  So I went and got it. We have a rule to split meat but you gotta help.  So while we are down in this hole,  i look to him and say " you are down here now aren't ya". Could of been his...
 Back to my thought. 
Some of my friends don't go out every day. I go out every possible chance i get. Some only hunt dawn and dusk. Where i will  hunt from dawn til dusk.
I also will say having hunted the same area for 20 years i have gotten to know where they go (for the most part)
As far as luck maybe its instinct. I am not sure how to explain it.
I will say I am going somewhere based  on a hunch, feeling , not really sure how to explain it.
Also when you get back to a road you always run into people.  People love to talk.  I have harvested 3 spikes based on loose lips.
I am also a true believer that you get out what you put in.  Sure people get lucky but most the luck goes to the one who puts in the most effort.  But that's not always the case. 

[keith h]

I have been elk hunting since 1984. This year i took my 25th bull elk. I attribute my success to physical fitness and the "never give up" attitude.  I never scout, if i do its just the day before season.  What i do is cover miles and miles on foot.  Just keep walking.  Don't be afraid to go the extra mile.  Don't be afraid to walk back to the truck in the dark.  Don't be afraid of getting lost. No elk is too far. No elk is too deep in the canyon.  No mountain is too steep or tall. Just keep walking and be prepared for everything.   I also think that having a positive attitude helps.  Every time I'm hunting elk i expect to kill and elk.  If i didn't see one or kill one i must of done something wrong or did try hard enough.  So i try harder the next day. Just keep walking and sometimes you need to run.

[coachcw]

Hunt with Me.  Honestly use the wind , pay attention to every noise  (elk dont alway call back on there way in ) don't be afraid to call . if you see or hear a elk go for it , the worse thing that will happen is you don't kill him . and lastly if you think you have a bull patterned your most likely wrong  , so many time I have thought a bull was a slam dunk and he has done something different . I have pushed bulls for miles intill he finally had enough and came in . dont quit ever.

[buggy]

It really is a combination of all the options listed but if you simply know elk and their habits and have the physical ability then everything else falls into place.

Obviously there are people every year who stumble across an elk or it runs across the road in front of them but to harvest an animal every year (or most years) I believe you need to understand elk or "elkisms". This is assuming you are proficient with the weapon you are using.

[buggy]

Fun thread by the way!

[Mudman]

Just use Guides services for example.  Experienced people in GOOD locations.  Boom!

[KFhunter]

Just use Guides services for example.  Experienced people in GOOD locations.  Boom!

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[Pathfinder101]

It makes me sad that the #2 most popular answer in this poll is "quantity of days spent in the field during elk season".  I'm a teacher and for me 4 days in a row is all I'll ever get.  5 if it's a long weekend, but I haven't managed to get lucky with dates like that. 
BTW... if anyone wants to run for governor on the platform that we are changing "summer" to September, October and November, I'll be your campaign manager....

[Elknut1]

Yes, hunting 8-10 consecutive days would be a huge plus but not an end all! The issue most archery hunters have is not knowing how to handle any one bull they may hear or see! That is important if you are hunting OTC units where bulls are scarce to begin with. You do not have the luxury to go through a 1/2 dozen or more bulls to finally convince one to come your way especially if only coming across 1-2 in your stay for the week!

  Guys, learn the Slow Play Breeding Sequence from bottom to the top! By knowing its use you will up your odds in a staggering manner no matter the bull. A good setup & understanding the recipe of sounds needed is all it takes, you will have bulls coming to you in a natural manner thus avoiding suspicion as they close the distance! Bulls who are not suspicious have a habit to come straight at you thus avoiding coming in downwind, advantage hunter!

  ElkNut/Paul

[bwhntr350]

Did not vote nor did I read the reply's. This is all I know, I've taken 11 Roosevelt's with my bow in 19 years of hunting, which I haven't done since 2013, for various reasons. I hunt a place that my Dad started taking me to and that is the only place that I would elk hunt, in this state. Never thought I was a good hunter, average at best. Never thought I was a good archer...good butcher, or anything. Just always thought I was lucky and I had a good/great area to hunt.

If they ain't there, you ain't getting them, but with that being said, experience in the field, around elk, and being in tremendous shape, I would say trumps all.