Turnbull elk hunt

[getreal711]

I've drawn the disabled antlerless hunt in turnbull. They only allow us 1 day to scout prior to the hunt. I drove most of the area open to hunt late morning to get an idea of the area and the boundaries.  Curious if anyone has hunted this refuge and know the more probable areas to find the herd. I know it's limited access and draw only. Any help would be appreciated.  I have 6 days to get it done but trying to be as successful as possible. I will be out late afternoon doing some calling to see if I can locate anything.

[Henrydog]

I hate to be a Debbie Downer, but with Turnbull they are either there or there not.  The herd roams off the refuge to private all the time.  You can go days and see nothing, or you can see them in the parking lot.

[HoopsNHorns]

I had the late season rifle cow tag last year.  I spent two full days out there.   Walked the whole area (I had the south part of the refuge).  Unfortunately, didn't cross an elk track.  Saw some old sign so they were there at some point.   Hopefully they'll be in there during your hunt.

[getreal711]

Mine is the south part as well. We are going to go in again right before dark and see if I can get some bulls to bugle. Just to try and locate anything.

[andersonjk4]

The first few days may be slow.  Like others have said, they are either there or they arent.  But if you don't see anything over the first 3 days, make sure you are back out there for the weekend.  General muzzleloader season opens in the area on the 4th, so the private land in the area will likely see some pressure which may push some elk back onto Turnbull. 

[getreal711]

I will be there everyday thru the 6th. So if the herd is in there I will find them. Thanks for the tip.

[Pathfinder101]

Hope you have a great hunt.  Post pictures!

[getreal711]

Seen a handful of elk this morning but nothing close enough to get a shot at. We will see how it goes as the next few days progress.

[getreal711]

Anyone know how the east side elk react to a heavy oct rain? Bed down until it lets up and then feed would be my guess. But asking someone who has more experience than myself.

[Ridgeratt]

Are you still required to remove all the fur,fins,feathers and hooves from the area?

[getreal711]

We have to debone and leave the carcass with the new cwd rules. And drop off the head at a collection site.

[getreal711]

Well found a small herd today (a bull with about 7 cows and calfs) and had a great shot opportunity and missed. They were moving and I led the cow but was a little high. So hopefully i get a few more chances to get er dun.

[getreal711]

This morning while setup over a know elk highway i spotted a animal headed straight towards me. It was antlerless but a cow of the wrong species. It was a cow moose that came up and started feeding about 100yds to my left. Probably 15 minutes later to my right about 30yds came a lone 5x5 bull elk. He walked in front and surveyed the area about 50yds ahead of me. Looked my direction and then towards the moose. Looked confused after he winded either her or us. And headed straight away from me into the field and disappeared. Haven't seen anything since.

[redi]

Shucks. Lots of action sounds like. Stick with it you will succeed

[getreal711]

At about 6 a bull moose passed my spot within 200yds. Then right at dark I spotted a lone cow elk at about 700yds in front of me. Cow called to see if she would come closer. But she soon started getting harassed by a pack of coyotes. It got too dark to proceed. But I will be there again at daybreak.

[stickbuck]

Love the updates! Can’t wait for tomorrow’s update. Good luck!


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[Mfowl]

Good luck getreal! Hope you get one!

[Rutnbuxnbulls]

getreal thanks for the updates! I been following along to see what is going on in area. I’ll be hunting nearby multi season tag so I’ll try to bump a cow your way if you can bump a bull my direction! Good luck! Archery season was quiet. Hoping for elk action this week.

[getreal711]

Been pretty quiet in here the last couple days. Heard a few muzzy shots but nothing on the ground. Keeping with it and see what we can find.

[jrebel]

Wishing you luck!!  Hope you find one.

[getreal711]

Too bad it's a cow tag

[getreal711]

Nothing today but a bull moose.

[Dan-o]

Turnbull is a cool place though, huh. 

Enjoy your hunt. 

[getreal711]

Definitely a great spot to explore and hunt. Have seen lots of beautiful animals and country. Today is our last day. Hopefully we can locate some elk and make it happen.

[getreal711]

Today ended at dark with a bull coming near to where we setup an ambush for the evening. Didn't see any cows but they may have been dispersed because of a large pack of coyotes harassing the bull. Had a fun hunt even if we are going home empty handed. And for those who think a disabled hunt is a walk in the park think again.  It's still hunting and searching for your animal. The difference being a little less walking and in this case a little less competition from other hunters. But also less hunters moving the animals around. Im ready for another if the draw is kind to me.

[nwwanderer]

The only time I took a 'walk in the park' with elk they nearly ran me over, good job, keep at it!!!!!

[Dan-o]

Sounds like a great time was had. 

Best of luck drawing next year.

[getreal711]

Now I need to figure out where and how to use my eastern firearm elk tag. I refuse to join the pumpkin patches searching for those elusive spikes. And my mobility isn't good enough for most areas. I need to find an any elk area and a good hunting companion. So maybe not this year.