Eff it! Should I just go for it?

[boneaddict]

Your best mentor will be Mother Nature herself.   You get back what you put into it.   

[bearpaw]

You just need to go hunting, but you have picked one of the harder hunts to start with, I would recommend starting with rifle deer, better odds of success and you can get some experience handling a dead animal. If the first animal you walk up to is an elk you could very well be in over your head!

[Jayhole]

Territorial, messed with our trail cameras, took the SD cards out, flipped the cameras upside down. Met a couple guys who were not nice at all.  Hasn't stopped us from going back.  And it shouldn't stop you either. You may run into these types anywhere you hunt. Have met a few who have been very pleasant and happy to talk strategy and what way we are going/they going.

That's lame dude. But glad to hear you met some cool people

[Jayhole]

What Karl said, both times. Success the first years is not measured in kills, but in how many times the elk taught you something. Once you have one on the ground, you need to have a plan for getting the meat cooled and out quickly. Hiking at night with meat is part of that.

I hear ya!

[Jayhole]

Yes Go for it.....  It's all about the experience.  You will learn best as you go, everyone makes mistakes just learn from them, don't get discouraged.  If you get something don't be afraid to field dress it.  Just try not to cut into the intestines or the stomach.  Cool the meat as soon as possible.  Don't be afraid to process your animal.  It is called butchering and you will butcher your first few animals but you will learn the different muscle groups and how they connect.  It is way cheaper to make your own summer sausage and jerky vs having a butcher do it.  Good Luck.

Thanks!

[Jayhole]

As others have said, if you are going to hunt the Elbe Hills, or any of the Mashel Unit, do not leave anything in your vehicle. It will get stolen.

Yeah I almost feel like it's best to leave my truck unlocked so I don't get a busted window. Maybe take out some fuses so it can't easily be stolen

[Jayhole]

Watch the wind at all times for sure
If you do arrow an elk give it time don't go looking for it right away. Atleast 30 minutes.
Look for fresh sign.
The 2 most likely times you'll find elk are in the morning and evening. So commit to be out in position in the dark when the sun comes up. Then in the afternoon hunt commit to stay out till its end of shooting light. Don't head back to camp when its getting dark stay until dark.
Like others have said, you just have to get out and do it. There's only so many opening days in our lifetime.

Thanks!

[Jayhole]

Just go, I taught myself big game hunting although I did have a couple guys show me the ropes with waterfowl.  Archery elk is a hoot, the weather is usually nice, you don't have to pack around a ton of clothes, hiking is easier and you usually hear an elk somewhere.

I agree your expectations should be in line with the statistics.

Thanks! I also had some friends take me duck hunting last fall. That was some of the most fun I've ever had!

[Jayhole]

Your best mentor will be Mother Nature herself.   You get back what you put into it.

Thanks! I'm going to try to put as much as I can into it!

[Jayhole]

You just need to go hunting, but you have picked one of the harder hunts to start with, I would recommend starting with rifle deer, better odds of success and you can get some experience handling a dead animal. If the first animal you walk up to is an elk you could very well be in over your head!

I hear you! I was originally going to start with deer but that hunt fell through. I'm not opposed to hunting deer. I've just sort of become obsessed with elk the last couple years

[Alchase]

After 4 pages of advice, you got this 
Go out and scout until it gets stinky, then you have found elk. 

[Jayhole]

After 4 pages of advice, you got this 
Go out and scout until it gets stinky, then you have found elk. 

Thanks!

[blackymaster20]

Elbe hills has a bunch of elk. That's a good starting point. Just get out and hunt and you will learn as you go.

[Jayhole]

Elbe hills has a bunch of elk. That's a good starting point. Just get out and hunt and you will learn as you go.

Thanks!