Alkali muzzy bull tag... Billdo Got bull.. Westside 6x6

[Bob33]

The challenges of hunting YTC have been well stated: (1) it is a huge area of over 500 square miles; (2) there are 16 training areas, and any or all can be closed at a moment's notice: the elk you see before the season may not be huntable during the season; (3) there are generally not a lot of elk on YTC; (4) access is restricted: there is only one entry point, and you cannot enter the base earlier than two hours before sunrise and must be off no later than two hours after sunset.  If you want to hunt some of the more distant areas, it can take an hour or more just to get there from the entrance each day.

I've hunted for anterless elk a few times since 2006.  I have seen elk but they are few and far between in my opinion.  My experience is that they are usually near the edges of the training center, rather than in the the middle portions.  The southern and northern edges are good places to start.  There are often some elk in the northwestern corner that come on and off the training center in the Badger Pocket farmlands.  It's a several mile hike to get to the area but it's a good place to look.

If you spend enough time there scouting, you may be able to find out from some of the staff on base where they've seen elk.

I agree that calling is probably a poor method because the terrain is so open that elk can see for several miles in most instances.  Get up high with binoculars and spotting scope, and spend a few hours glassing.

[billdo5]

Thx for the advice

[billdo5]

My dad got drawn for this and i was wondering i on where we should be scouting or just any info that will help us... i expect to call in another big bull for him this year...

I was coming back from the Pasco Sportsman Show going north on 240 almost to highway 24. I saw nearly 50 elk on the westside of 240. Maybe that might help somewhat.

Anything big ...

[CAMPMEAT]

My dad got drawn for this and i was wondering i on where we should be scouting or just any info that will help us... i expect to call in another big bull for him this year...

I was coming back from the Pasco Sportsman Show going north on 240 almost to highway 24. I saw nearly 50 elk on the westside of 240. Maybe that might help somewhat.

Anything big ...

Couldn't tell. No horns then. There was quite a few though.

[JODakota]

A good caller can call in a blind bull

you sound like quite the *censored*

Lol. That is what I was thinking. He's asking for help and getting advice, but just doesn't seem to want to take it. Funny.

[billdo5]

I only listen to the people that know what they r talking about.

[colockumelk]

I only listen to the people that know what they r talking about.

In that case I would listen to this guy. I'll leave it at that.

leave the calls at home. take an extra spare. wear tough boots. scout. have a backup plan.

[adamR]

I only listen to the people that know what they r talking about.

for someone needing help you sure are stubborn and cocky aren't ya... good luck on your tag!  Calling sounds like a good idea!

[link]

I only listen to the people that know what they r talking about.

And you're the judge of that?

[cem3434]

I only listen to the people that know what they r talking about.

If you want some help, then you might want to start listening. Best of luck to you and hopefully your calling skills are as good as you think.

[ellensburgpo]

I only listen to the people that know what they r talking about.

A good caller can call in a blind bull

you sound like quite the *censored*

Lol. That is what I was thinking. He's asking for help and getting advice, but just doesn't seem to want to take it. Funny.

Good luck...

[Mr Mykiss]

Yes good luck and remember to get good video of that big one that you call in out there. And remember, it's never to early to make a play for the HWDB of the year!!

[slim9300]

A good caller can call in a blind bull

The best elk hunters on the planet adapt to the situation, even if they are world champion callers. Just ask (Paul) Elknut, or Corey. I suggest you do what is best to kill that big bull, versus doing what you have your mind set on. To do any differently is setting yourself up for failure in my humble opinion. This is coming from a guy that FAR prefers calling in his bulls. And for the record it's been a long time since I didn't come home with a punched elk tag. I'm curious how many elk you have personally killed and how old you are.

What I mean is that if a bull is clearly taking a route that allows you to ambush him at close range without him ever knowing you are there, you are making the wrong decision to call. And like I said earlier, ask any good elk hunter, they will say the same thing. The other possibility is that this hunt may open your eyes to what Paul has been saying for years.


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[buglebuster]

If your such an awesome caller, enter the hunt-wa calling contest. I suspect you'll probably win.

if you are dead set on calling, i would bring a montana decoy... or 2.

[Romulus]

Calling elk is about much more than winning a calling contest. The worst sounding bugles I have ever heard were actually elk. Success in calling hunter wise bulls is much more dependent on when you call and what your set up situation is rather than the sound of your call.  I dont doubt you have called in lots of bulls. It is relatively easy to call in bulls especially in limited areas if you are willing to put out effort. However it is not easy to call in hunter savvy trophy bulls and the elk in the Alkali tend to be spooky. And unless they visually see something like a decoy to make them think they see what is calling they will hang up and you will be limited in set up locations so if the wind is not right you will be screwed. If you listen you can learn. You are probably a good hunter for your age but experience is paramount as many of us have made every mistake in the book but over time knowing all the ways we failed is what gives success today. I knew it all when I was 20 also. If you keep your mouth shut and your ears open I can guarantee you will have a lot more bulls dead when you are 30 than if you think you know it all. Good luck.