Turnbull Elk Hunt

[Learo2000GT]

Hello-

A buddy of mine drew spike bull for Turnbull and we hiked about 7 miles on the southwest and saw some tracks but nothing that exciting.  Today was scout day (get 1 day before hunt). We are able to hunt the southwest unit. IWas wondering if anyone has any prior experience with this tag that might be willing to share a bit of intel . Thanks so much Doug

[hunter399]

I think your looking for a guy named LtDennis  or something like that. He seems to know a lot about that area.

[Learo2000GT]

I think your looking for a guy named LtDennis  or something like that. He seems to know a lot about that area.

Hey thanks so much….I will send him a pm and appreciate the lead. 

[hunter399]

I think your looking for a guy named LtDennis  or something like that. He seems to know a lot about that area.

Hey thanks so much….I will send him a pm and appreciate the lead.

Not sure if he'll help or not.
I would go BS with some of the employees there.
Never know what might slip out .
Ask if they have done any forestry type work.
Controlled burn ,tree thinning,or anything like that this year.
Elk might hang out there.
Always be looking close at private property. Elk tracks coming and going from the refuge.

That's all I got , good luck.

[BULLBLASTER]

Ive only hunted out there in sept, but the elk had small pockets they would frequent. Its truly a hunt of “if they are there you have a hunt, if they arent you try again tomorrow”
Make a loop checking the spots with sign each day and hope they turn up.
You just dont get endless huntable area.

[LDennis24]

Like Hunter399 stated they did a prescribed burn but I don't think it's in that area. Alot of the elk have moved off the refuge this time of year but if you do find one it's most likely going to be a bull. Try to concentrate on the area right along the South Western border and as far South East as you can get as well.  Feel free to PM me with any other questions. I know the DNR forestry guy but he is not going to have alot of info on where the elk are now. They are moving for winter at this point.

[hunter399]

Like Hunter399 stated they did a prescribed burn but I don't think it's in that area. Alot of the elk have moved off the refuge this time of year but if you do find one it's most likely going to be a bull. Try to concentrate on the area right along the South Western border and as far South East as you can get as well.  Feel free to PM me with any other questions. I know the DNR forestry guy but he is not going to have alot of info on where the elk are now. They are moving for winter at this point.

Sorry ,got your Avatar name wrong. My bad.

[LDennis24]

No problem  I don't know if they even saw my response but hopefully they find something out there.

[andersonjk4]

I had a cow tag in there last year. I only saw bulls. Including this spike.

Look at the size of his body compared to the other bull! And it’s not clear from the picture, but that one side was a huge smooth spike.

PM sent to OP.

[Learo2000GT]

Good Morning-

First off, thanks so much this is great intel.  Being walk-in only this really helps out...

This AM I decided to stay in as my friend went out as I didn't want to make more noise and scent for him.  The rain and warm bed may have been a motivating factor as well

I heard from my friend, and he has not seen anything as of 10 AM.

Yesterday when we were scouting, we found tracks of two separate small groups of elk, and they went to the SW over the boundary fence.   

I heard from him a few minutes ago, and he has not seen anything and all the snow is melted, so seeing tracks is not as easy....


I appreciate the PM's and all the intel.  I will let you all know how we do after this evening's hunt.

Oh yeah, we went to the Turnbull HQ and spoke to a ranger who was very pleasant in not providing even a sliver of intel. 

Take care and once again, thanks much

Doug

[Learo2000GT]

Quick follow-up....  is calling this time of year to try and locate elk a viable tactic?  I realize they are out of rut, but I wasn't sure if Elk talk over distances for other reasons and if that could be a way to get a general idea of their location.  I am thinking it isn't and would probably do more harm than good but thought I would check. 

Thanks again Doug

[carlyoungs]

When I was archery hunting last weekend,  there were elk talking like crazy. Got into a group of about 80 that were cow calling and there were bulls bugeling. I had never had that in the late season.  I know they were talking to each other so maybe calls would work 

[Rutnbuxnbulls]

That spike bull hunt on Turnbull can be tough.  I've had the Sept cow tag in there two times and had varied levels of success, never filled the tag but had great encounters one year, nothing the next.  I'd try any tactics you can, elk are social so calling might help, especially lost calf or cow sounds.  Check out videos by Joel Turner on lost calf noises.  Spikes are eager to check out other elk it seems sometimes more than a wise older cow, that's how I filled my tag this season, a curious spike came into my set up and opening day I tagged out.  Decoy set up can help with that more open country.  DM if he wants to borrow mine.