early season hunting in a blind

[vandeman17]

I just got back from checking my camera after a week long soak and I had 100 pictures of elk. Some good bulls, some raghorns and what excited me the most was 2-3 true spikes! I also got pictures of about a dozen or so cows. My question is what you guys think about setting up there on opening morning of early archery season. I am thinking about bringing my ground blind up there and seeing if I can catch one of those spikes coming in... Thoughts, opinions? 

[singleshot12]

if it's on public land them elks change their routine as soon as the caravan of hunters start setting up camp before opening day.
Try to figure where they'll get pushed to and set up in route but stay as mobile as possible. I would leave the ground blind at home myself 

[vandeman17]

That is what I was thinking about too. The combo of the hunters showing up as well as the rut starting to kick off might change their habits.

[Button Nubbs]

It might also push some to you...

[Fullabull]

It's worth a try, if you see elk and do not mind sitting each day you would stand a good chance of some of the same elk coming through. At least in the first few days

Good luck!

Fulla

[vandeman17]

It's worth a try, if you see elk and do not mind sitting each day you would stand a good chance of some of the same elk coming through. At least in the first few days

Good luck!

Fulla

Fulla- Good to hear from you. How has your hunting been the past few seasons?

[Arrow]

I have the same situation with my trail camera but I’m going to set up a treestand instead. For me mornings always have the best activity because the elk are usually on the move and most vocal to help us locate and hunt and stock so there is no way I can sit still. My plan is to spend most afternoons and evenings up in the treestand hoping to get one passing through. Good luck!   

[vandeman17]

Funny you bring up that idea because I was thinking about the same thing last night. I just don't know if I could sit there in a ground blind while hearing bugles off in the distance.

[Fullabull]

Van,

Finally was able to get my son on our hunt last year for 4 days and he has a blast so he will be joining my dad and I again for another 4 days this year. Broke my ankle up pretty bad two years ago so the hunting has been a little tough but I should be able to get around a lot better this year. I'm looking forward to this years hunt

How did your Montana hunt go? Or was that this year you were looking at doing that?

Regards,
Fulla

[ribka]

I would second the tree stand idea. Find saddles in the area, escape routes, sedcondary trails  and bedding areas. I use a lightweight portable tree stand and am flexible and will move to different areas depending on elk behavior, travel patterns.  Once pressure starts they will be moving around.