HELP! Elk and Reprod

[KP-Skagit]

I am a total novice elk hunter. Hunted westside elk this weekend for the first time and was fortunate enough to get into the elk from day one. The area was a mix of clearcut, 30 year old second growth and 10+ year old reprod. The elk were almost exclusively sticking to the reprod and I was wondering what advice/strategies folks have for dealing with that.

The first night I heard them moving through the reprod and there was a spur that ran parallel to the direction they were moving. I snuck down the spur with herd maybe just 10 yards below me (cows calling back and forth, really cool). Eventually, they popped up and crossed the spur. I got a look at 9 cows before I ran out of light and they were still coming. Could have easily been a bull that stepped out so I count that one as well played.

The second day I relocated them, feeding in the reprod not far from where I left them the night before. I spent 3 hours within 50 yards of what I figure to be about 50+ animals. Never saw one and they finally moved off deeper in.

I am a deer hunter and am not used to animals that are as loud as elk. Is it possible to slip into the reprod with the wind right and walk up on them with them just thinking you are another elk?

I did go in there after the elk left just to see what it was like. There were areas where you could see 10 to 15 yards but if you are glassing it from above it is impenetrable. Of course any open area was also blessed with 3 to 4 foot salal. Moving silently is a no-go.

Any input appreciated!

[Stalker]

At some point you are going to need to make a move in order to get eyes on them.  Work the wind and use somecow calls.  Also use binoculars to improve your chances of getting eyes on antlers sooner.  Move slow and go about 10-15 steps, get glass up and give a good look at the area ahead. You are at a serious disadvantage with all of those eyes and other senses so all you can do is try.  Let us know how it works out.

[Stein]

Yeah, you can but the wind in there can be tricky.  Reprod is tough, the best luck I have had is finding where they will be, setting up and letting them come to me.

You can be pretty noisy, if you think you may have been busted you can blow a cow call or two.  I would walk, pause, walk, pause, instead of a steady walk so you sound less person like.

You could also try calling them over to you, they are pretty curious if not alarmed.

Anyway, finding the elk is a huge piece of the puzzle, keep at it and you will get a chance.

[X-Force]

If you can’t get above the reprod to look into it you can get the the wind right and work in. Elk are noisy so you can make some noise moving in.

[KP-Skagit]

Thanks for the input! I am a still hunter through and through so sneaking and looking is right up my alley. Just not used to being able to get away with making noise! I will need to pick up a cow call to cover my tracks.

It all may come apart if the wind shifts but oh well.

Unfortunately, other life demands probably won't let me get back after them this year but I have the bug now and will be out there next year.

[pianoman9701]

If you can’t get above the reprod to look into it you can get the the wind right and work in. Elk are noisy so you can make some noise moving in.

Great advice. This works when the woods are bone dry, too. If you can't be quiet, be loud and stomp.

[SeatoSummit88]

Reprod is great when you are looking down onto it.  Reprod is not so cool when you are 5' something inches and the brush is as tall or taller than you.  Advantage: Elk.  As mentioned, when you are on their levels, they will wind you before you knew the wind was a factor. Or they will hear you trying to tip toe over that pine cone. If there is not much pressure around (from other orange suits), and they are sticking within their daily route, I would not leave.  I would either wait at the most used spur road crossing and get as close as possible to the brush, blend in, scent up, chirp in hand and patience. Otherwise, if you know they use that reprod trail like clock work; set a blind up and make it as natural as possible. Scent, look, position to trail. Set up the night before and get cozy...Wait and make your move from the blind.

Do you know where they funnel to when they cross the spur.  You could post up on either side depending on their schedule.  Good luck. Atleast you saw Elk on Day 1