Eff it! Should I just go for it?

[Jayhole]

You could start out by doing some deer hunting. They're much easier to take care of when you're by yourself.

That actually was the original plan a couple years ago! But something happened. I just became mesmerized by elk. The way they look and act in their habitat. Especially in the rainforest. The way they sound. I'm just so drawn to elk hunting its all i can think about. Which is weird because I've never actually done it. Plus a buddy gave me a bunch of elk meat and it's freaking delicious!

[salmosalar]

The best part of elk hunting is the preparation.........That is not true. It is the hunting.

However the preparation is fun as well.  You could have any number of youtube videos loaded on your phone for if you kill an elk. There are plenty that walk you through it. You can buy any number of books that list the exact things that you need to be prepared.

Tracking is the hard part. I will tell you that when you take a shot, mark the location. Drop a hat or something. Then mark where the animal is. Then wait. Don't lose those 2 spots though.

You can do it all yourself. It is possible. Certain Roosevelt hunters have even laid a very doable plan/ process as to how to find them and hunt them. If you listen to enough podcasts and/ or read enough, you can come up with a plan for scouting, calling and killing. It's all out there and it is fun to learn.

I had multiple bulls within 20 yards last year. I had never called a bull before. You can do this.

Additionally, you may find someone between then and now to hunt with. Any amount of time spent prepping  and scouting now can only help.

[Twispriver]

Your elk tag doesn't come with a warning label but there are some things that you should know going in.

Elk hunting can be addictive.
Elk hunting has been known to cause marital discord.
Elk hunting can cause a loss of productivity at work.
Elk hunting can deplete financial resources.

[2MANY]

Make sure you buy a Tweaker Tag as well.

Plenty in that unit.

[Jayhole]

The best part of elk hunting is the preparation.........That is not true. It is the hunting.

However the preparation is fun as well.  You could have any number of youtube videos loaded on your phone for if you kill an elk. There are plenty that walk you through it. You can buy any number of books that list the exact things that you need to be prepared.

Tracking is the hard part. I will tell you that when you take a shot, mark the location. Drop a hat or something. Then mark where the animal is. Then wait. Don't lose those 2 spots though.

You can do it all yourself. It is possible. Certain Roosevelt hunters have even laid a very doable plan/ process as to how to find them and hunt them. If you listen to enough podcasts and/ or read enough, you can come up with a plan for scouting, calling and killing. It's all out there and it is fun to learn.

I had multiple bulls within 20 yards last year. I had never called a bull before. You can do this.

Additionally, you may find someone between then and now to hunt with. Any amount of time spent prepping  and scouting now can only help.

Thank you for the encouragement!

[Jayhole]

Your elk tag doesn't come with a warning label but there are some things that you should know going in.

Elk hunting can be addictive.
Elk hunting has been known to cause marital discord.
Elk hunting can cause a loss of productivity at work.
Elk hunting can deplete financial resources.

I'm experiencing all that already and I haven't even gone!

[highside74]

No elk in the Elbe Hills. A pack of roaming rabid Opossums got them all.

[Jayhole]

Make sure you buy a Tweaker Tag as well.

Plenty in that unit.

Living not far from there I sadly am more than familiar with the drug camps. A little worried about leaving my truck unattended for days at a time

[Jayhole]

No elk in the Elbe Hills. A pack of roaming rabid Opossums got them all.

Do I need a small game license for those?

[trophyhunt]

Make sure you buy a Tweaker Tag as well.

Plenty in that unit.

Living not far from there I sadly am more than familiar with the drug camps. A little worried about leaving my truck unattended for days at a time

I know its a pain, but if you are gonna be gone long, I'd get someone to drop you off.  I'd be worried sick the entire hunt if I left my rig alone for days in that area.  I pretty much self taught myself with elk hunting, takes years to learn even a little.  Biggest thing to remember, Keep that wind in your face!!  If you are hiking into a spot and the wind is at your back, they will absolutely know you are coming long before you get there.  Take your time and be patient, trust your gut, always pay attention to far and close things around you.  Hunting elk is life, and being alone doing it can be one of the greatest experiences of your life.  If you are young and starting out, I'd dive right into the back country!!  Good luck.

[glocksWetrust]

Were you gonna camp ? Or were you planning on going out each day you plan to hunt ?

[cpawlowski19]

Make sure you get a good pack with meat hauling capability. Size is up to you whether you’ll be out just a day at a time or a few nights. Finding, harvesting and cleaning the elk is one thing. Being able to bring all of that meat out is another.


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[builtfordtough]

I have tagged along with my bil on his archery hunts and have hunted muzzy season in the Mashel 2 years.  My best advise is watch the wind.  Where we go its deep and steep and the wind changes constantly at all times of the day.  We have been busted down there on more than an handful of times.  I keep telling him this place is unhuntable but 1 of these yrs we will get lucky.  Be persistent.  When you find your spot sneak in and out. Another piece of advice is get ON X.  Depending on where you are hunting there is a ton of private and timberland in that unit so pick your location wisely and know the boundaries.

[Jayhole]

Were you gonna camp ? Or were you planning on going out each day you plan to hunt ?

Hadn't really decided yet. Could do either. I think a few scouting trips will help me decide.

[Jayhole]

Make sure you get a good pack with meat hauling capability. Size is up to you whether you’ll be out just a day at a time or a few nights. Finding, harvesting and cleaning the elk is one thing. Being able to bring all of that meat out is another.


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This is probably the one thing I dont have yet