Need to Know

[Fireant11]

Was out this last week and had a couple of situations where we jumped some elk.  In one case, two spikes were eating on the side of an opening.  They winded us and took off.  In the other case, I walked up to about 25 feet from a cow and 1x2 that were bedded.  They got up, and ran.  The cow stopped, then trotted a bit further, stopped again then left.  The 1x2 got the heck out of Dodge.

What I need to know is:
    - will the elk return to these places or will they now avoid these areas?  If they return, how long does it take (an hour, a day, ...)?
    - in the case of the cow who stopped then trotted off, should I have continued to follow her, or would she make a loop back eventually going to the same bed?

The ground was dry and crunchy, so I knew I couldn't follow her to get a shot off.  What I did, was parallel her a bit, then turn away from her and headed back to the general bed area.  She didn't come back.

Heading back out in the morning, so if any of you see this and can respond, the would be great.  Thanks!

[cjensen]

Generally elk wont blow out of an area unless you go through their bedding area.  If they got a visual and smelled you and were in their bedding area then it is quite possible they could move on to a new area.   A lot of hunters try to stay on the fringe of bedding areas and areas between bedding and feeding and call to the elk, but try not to walk through where they're bedded cause you can easily run them out of the area.  If its the last day go for broke, but otherwise watch where they bed and try to figure out where and when they'll come out. 

[coachcw]

If there's preasure in your area , I'd say run and gun covering a ton of ground keeping the wind in your favor , if you don't bump them some one else probilly will. if your in a area with little preasure then try to fringe them and catch them moving to and from bedding . I found last week in the heat the elk wern't going very far from there water and you didn't have much choice but to make a move when the wind wasnt swirlling .

[rtspring]

For what it's worth, I rifle hunt. Last year I saw the same spike three different times over a period of 5 days before I finally got him. He stayed within a half mile square area and really thought he was safe. Each time I spooked him and couldn't get a shot I just backed out. But I think the reason for him thinking he was safe was I never saw another hunter the whole season in this little area of woods he was hanging out in.

Good luck.

[Fireant11]

Thanks all!  Heading back out.  Hope the turn in weather will also make a turn for success!.