What part of Bethel is the best place for Big Bulls?

[Prospector308]

After 12 years of applying for Bethel unit, I finally got my Bull tag for Modern firearm. Anybody have any advice on where to find a big bull. I am not going to waste this tag on anything less than a 4 point Elk. Since, the forestry management has been thinning out the trees where I use to hunt I am not seeing the big 5x5's & 6x6's in the last couple of years. I use to see big bulls all the time, of course, it could be because of the weather "no snow". Anybody have any ideas or places I should hunker down, would be much appreciated. I have been using aerial maps to pick some possible big bull spots. Hopefully, I can find a decent bull Elk, everybody tells me any bull Elk is a good bull Elk.

[huntandjeep]

 Spend some time up around Bear Lake. I see quite a few in there every year. We took 4 off Bethel in 2001. And I put a buddy and his dad on 5 or 6 different bulls in that area last year. Buddy tagged out and his dad ate his tag. Cougar Canyon can also be productive if weather comes in. Good luck

[ICEMAN]

Prospector, waiting 12 years, you better spend some gas and time up there before your hunt.

[MtnMuley]

Prospector, waiting 12 years, you better spend some gas and time up there before your hunt.

If you have been waiting 12 years for the tag, you should know where the bulls are in that unit.

You'd think, lol!

[hunterofelk]

Remember to have fun.  All the homework, scouting and preparing is the reason why you use your vacation time for hunting.

[PlateauNDN]

Prospector, waiting 12 years, you better spend some gas and time up there before your hunt.

   X's 2

Remember to have fun.  All the homework, scouting and preparing is the reason why you use your vacation time for hunting.

   X's 2

I'd help out but it's tough when you say you've waited 12 years for this tag and then you come on here with your very first post ask where the big bulls are with out doing any of your own homework first?  All I can say is get off the roads and you'll be fine.  Elk in different parts of that unit if you're willing to get off the road.

[LittleHunter]

I would say consenyrate on the thick cover. Bethel Ridge is a good area for bulls expecaly if you get some weather then you will get some herds that travel throw. The only down fall i think Bethel Ridge has is i think it gets hunter a lot mainly road hunter and your lazzy hunter that like to walk 100 to 200 yard off the road and sit. If i had a bull tag for Bethel i would consentrate on thick cover with food and water sources near by. Look for fresh track and try to scout from a vantage point and glass the edges of thick timber do to the fact that i think it get hit hard for deer season. That's what i would do hope it helps.

[turbo]

My group drew 5 bull tags for modern in that unit this year. Lots of scouting in our future!!

[Prospector308]

Thanks for all the great info. Yes, I should know where the bulls are at, and I do. I usually see 60-80 cow Elk every year and usually 5-6 Raghorn bulls in the last 2 years (Sometimes it takes a little luck to see the right one). I am just making sure what areas to avoid during my permit season. Now that I do have a bull tag I don't have to waste my time looking for Spikes. The more knowledge I have where all the permit hunters are going I will be steering clear of them and find my own honey hole. I like hunting spots that nobody else dares to go. Thanks again and good luck to everyone this year.

[PlateauNDN]

Thanks for all the great info. Yes, I should know where the bulls are at, and I do. I usually see 60-80 cow Elk every year  Where you see cows, there's bound to be bulls.  and usually 5-6 Raghorn bulls in the last 2 years my experience is these guys tend to lead you towards bigger bulls with cows but, not always. (Sometimes it takes a little luck to see the right one). I am just making sure what areas to avoid during my permit season. avoid the roads is the best one. Now that I do have a bull tag I don't have to waste my time looking for Spikes. The more knowledge I have where all the permit hunters are going I will be steering clear of them and find my own honey hole. I've ran into hunters in the field and lots of times they pushed the animals towards me.  Not all the time and usually it's good to run into another hunter to gather valuable info. I like hunting spots that nobody else dares to go. again, get off the roads and walk-in Thanks again and good luck to everyone this year.  X's 2 on this comment

[Bigtine96]

Part of the fun is doing all the scouting and finding where the bulls are, nothing more satisfying than figuring it out and harvesting a bull.

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Check out the feed lot. Lots of feed and water nearby.