Going after them in the morning!

[Martinhunter]

Well a week after shooting a deacent buck and not being able to retreive it, I spotted a herd of elk of about 20 back on my property this afternoon. I was able to get about 70 yards from them but that's it and about 20 yards out of bow range. I sat and watched them for about an hour hopeing for one to move toward me so I could get a shot, but it didn't happen, and it got dark so I backed out without them knowing that I was there. So I'm going to hit it first thing in the morning, I'm hopeing they'll still be were they were, most of them were bedded down so it seemed that they were feeling comfy. This time of year would cow calling work to get them to come toward me if needed. I'm kinda new at elk hunting so does anyone have any advise before I go out in the morning. Thans all!!

[grousetracker]

ive had cows leave the heard to find a calf,so try a calf call.

[Aneoakleaf]

Well you don't want a repete of the buck thing so keep your shots to 40 yards or less. The animals can move to fast and change the impact point of an arrow. Circle around to where you think they will exit , Keep the wind in your favor and yes cow calling does work but use it sparingly, they've been called a lot at this point and keep the volume way down.  If the wind is wrong back out and set up for tomarrow afternoon when they will return to the property, wear elk scent too and rub the evergreen tree branches to get scent off them and rub it on your hat to add cover scent.  Full camo especaly your arrow fleches.
Good luck!! Let us know how you've done!

[Snowman]

Good luck shoot straight!!  

[littlebuf]

if your not REALLY good at elk calling don't do it. right now if you don't sound absolutely right they will just head the other way. sneak up on um 

[PLUVIUSWAPITI]

Martinhunter, how are the elk doing around your area with the hoof rot. Hear that the herds around Crego hill and the Boisfort valley have been hit hard.

[Martinhunter]

Ya I've herd the same thing, but I also herd that it's not as bad as some people say.

[Sneekee23]

I was hunting out of Boisfort Valley on Tuesday and saw about 150 head and I would have to say I only noticed 20 or so animals limping.  I am no expert and I sure don't know the signs of hoof rot but they were def. walking with a limp.  This year is the first year that I have ever heard of the hoof rot but after talking to people it has been around awhile.

[BrushChimp]

That would be hoof rot. It is definitely a serious problem in Southwest Washington. Many animals have died because of it and many more will. If I was going to be hunting the late season I would shoot an animal with hoof rot because those animals are going to die this winter anyways.

Good Luck.

[Martinhunter]

Well I wish I had a story and pics to share but the elk were not where they were last night when we got in there this morning. I new they were in the area so we worked it pretty hard and did find 7 or 8 of them but again they were just beyond my comfort zone, about 65 yards. You know what was really weird was as soon as the sun came up and started shining there were deer absolutely everywere, probobly just enjoying the warm sun after the 15 degree night. I could have shot a huge doe but notched my tag on the buck I lost last weekend. I know the elk are still in my property so I'm gonna keep trying for them until the 15th or until I get one. I wish I was good at cow calling and knowing the different calls to let out, does anyone know a good source to learn these different voices and when to use them, I know that experiance is proboly the answere on that but I want to learn NOW!!

[littlebuf]

even if you were the best cow caller in the world more often then not this time of year the answer is still not to call. keep after it you'll get one

[wapiti hunter2]

This is the perfect opportunity to apply all of the other hunting skills you have learned about.  Scent control,  do everything you can, read about it DO IT!  Every time you find fresh elk S**t, rub it all over you , Keep at it.  you can wash later  Wind direction, be sure you can tell even the smallest changes, use it as your best weapon.  Stealth, your gear has got to be silent.  In this weather, you don't need rain gear so wool or equivalent.  Good luck.   

[poohdog]

I have taken lots of elk and never wiped sh-- on me and never will. Keep checking the wind.

[wapiti hunter2]

got it on your name though   

[carpsniperg2]

if your not REALLY good at elk calling don't do it. right now if you don't sound absolutely right they will just head the other way. sneak up on um 

x2

and if you try anything a calf is best this time of year.

[Basket Rack]

I have taken lots of elk and never wiped sh-- on me and never will. Keep checking the wind.

[SGM R]

Out of control Wapiti

[poohdog]

Thats a good one. Its part of the game when a person puts in a post.

[bobcat]

got it on your name though  

LOL  that was a good one...  

[Martinhunter]

Hey guys I'm willing to do whatever to stick one of these elk, even if it means rubbing crap all over me , and yes there is alot of fresh elk crap back there, so heck I might just try it, what do I have to lose?

[wapiti hunter2]

Oh. one more thing.  Go sloooooow when close.  i.e. inside 100 yards.  Listen to them.  They won't talk much and when they do is not very loud unless worried or frightened.  You may have to crawl on your belly.  Just keep the wind in your favor, be silent and go sloooow.  Good luck.  Look forward to the update.

[Martinhunter]

Ya when I saw them on Friday evening they didn't know I was there so I spent about an hour getting into range for a shot. The closest ones were about 100 yards away so I crawled on my belly and hands and knees for about 30 - 35 yards until I just couldn't get closer without being busted. It was the perfect spot that I ended up at, right behind a little slash pile, all that needed to happen was for one to come towards me but that didn't happen. Thanks all for the advise. As you read all my posts, I know I seem to want to recieve alot from all of you and never seem to give any and I'm sorry about that, I hope to at least be able to have pics to show soon.

[Aneoakleaf]

Hi Martinhunter,
you give back plenty, just by posting questians that others might have the same questians but didn't ask, I don't think we're about the kill picture, this is more than that. It's about encourageing and recieving encouragement or advice from others and it's definately entertaining...better than another CSI show. and at least we can know someone is out in the woods getting after the hunt when we're to sick, or busy or lazy .Some of us like me have been hunting for......EVER...ha you thought I was going to say XXXyears !   and we love to help newcommers!
So go get um... and have fun!
Annette

[Pathfinder101]

Hey guys I'm willing to do whatever to stick one of these elk, even if it means rubbing crap all over me , and yes there is alot of fresh elk crap back there, so heck I might just try it, what do I have to lose?

Just your dignity and your girlfriend...   Just kidding,  get after 'em...