Post by: pianoman9701 on December 02, 2012, 06:51:03 AM
I went hunting a new area with washelkhunter in the Ryderwood unit. We'd been road hunting due to our unfamiliarity. We had been driving around a while without seeing anything and finally saw three or more cows running through the woods. At the time, I was smoking a cigar and put it out, got out of the truck and trailed after the cows but lost them. We took another logging road to loop up around them and I got out and walked up a spur, this time with my re-lit cigar. I got about a 1/4 mile up the road with the wind at my back and this huge cow steps out from behind a brush pile at 20 yards, looks at me and then just turned into the woods and walked slowly away. I followed. Wind still at my back, cigar in my mouth puffing away. She continued meandering and I continued to stalk. I cow called she called back! No alert whatsoever.
This went on for about another 1/4 mile until she was about 35 yards and stepped into this tiny opening which looked clear for a shot. I drew and fired and the arrow struck a tree, having passed right in front of her.
There is no question in my mind that the wind was constantly in her face. I could see the smoke. She looked back towards me several times, yet meandered slowly and never even trotted until I shot. For me, it was conclusive that the smoke covered my scent completely and may even have calmed her. I'm going to be smoking a lot more cigars in the woods from now on. I've heard many stories before about guys sitting down to have a smoke only to have an elk step out. This seems to me to be solid proof that smoke completely cancels out human scent. What are your experiences like this?
Post by: shoot-em-dead on December 02, 2012, 07:03:14 AM
Good luck with that. It may work once in a while but not always. That cow was getting away from you just not as fast as one that was totaly spooked. she knew something wasn't right and she didn't hang around. I bet that doesn't happen again.
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on December 02, 2012, 07:06:57 AM
Post by: Bullkllr on December 02, 2012, 07:21:34 AM
I've had elk, typically in groups, see me or smell me, but then continue to walk right by like I wasn't even there. Almost like they know your going to get one of them, and they are willing to make that sacrifice.
Almost every hunting season I have a blacktail -typically a doe or spike- that will literally follow me around like it's curious or has no idea what the heck to make of me.
A couple years ago we had spotted a small bull on a ridge up above us. Only problem was I was sure he had spotted us on the road we were on. As we were trying to put together a plan to stalk him, he literally came crashing down the hill and ended up about 8 feet from my hunting partner. It was obvious he saw us, they came to us instead of spooking. :dunno: Seems like lone elk, especially younger animals who are used to the security provided by the lead cows sometimes don't know what to do right away when they are caught on their own.
I've also seen elk that had been pushed and were very tired do things that most elk would not do.
An elk's sense of smell is so finely tuned, if they can smell the smoke, they can smell the smoker. Maybe the cigar smoke did confuse the elk enough to get her to not spook immediately. :dunno:
Who knows? But I do know that sometimes animals just do the unexpected. I think if they didn't, harvest rates for many hunters would be lower than they are already.
Post by: Kioti on December 02, 2012, 08:16:02 AM
It makes a difference ya know.... :chuckle:
Post by: 400out on December 02, 2012, 08:23:32 AM
Post by: MountainWalk on December 02, 2012, 08:25:32 AM
Post by: ICEMAN on December 02, 2012, 08:27:18 AM
My uncle bowhunted deer and elk for years as he smoked cigarettes, did not hurt his hunt that bad...
Post by: pianoman9701 on December 02, 2012, 08:27:53 AM
I want to know what kind of cigar it was...was it a maduro, perhaps a Macanudo, or maybe even a Arturo Fuente.
It makes a difference ya know.... :chuckle:
It was a nice cigar - Baton maduro Belicoso. And 400out, I'm still hungry, hungrier than ever! :drool:
Post by: Bean Counter on December 02, 2012, 08:30:29 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on December 02, 2012, 08:36:56 AM
I've heard that smoke will cover your scent, but prefer to play the wind myself. You have to remember some animals are just like humans...Not the brightest in the herd.
I crested a ridge during early season, had a cow and a calf take off running, a second cow at 30 yards looked at me and went back to eating. I drew, put the pin on her, then let down because I had a bull tag and it was the first day of the season. A good lesson in survival of the fittest I guess.
I'm not sure I would rely on the cigar trick just because it worked once.
I may not rely on it, but when I want a cigar, I'm lighting up!
Post by: shoot-em-dead on December 02, 2012, 08:59:16 AM
I've heard that smoke will cover your scent, but prefer to play the wind myself. You have to remember some animals are just like humans...Not the brightest in the herd.
I crested a ridge during early season, had a cow and a calf take off running, a second cow at 30 yards looked at me and went back to eating. I drew, put the pin on her, then let down because I had a bull tag and it was the first day of the season. A good lesson in survival of the fittest I guess.
I'm not sure I would rely on the cigar trick just because it worked once.
I may not rely on it, but when I want a cigar, I'm lighting up!
I smoke cigarettes and I have to agree 100% with you there. When the feeling comes on I smoke, even if I just put one out. I'm not man enough for cigars though, they give me a headache.
Post by: Kowsrule30 on December 02, 2012, 02:07:21 PM
I've heard that smoke will cover your scent, but prefer to play the wind myself. You have to remember some animals are just like humans...Not the brightest in the herd.
I crested a ridge during early season, had a cow and a calf take off running, a second cow at 30 yards looked at me and went back to eating. I drew, put the pin on her, then let down because I had a bull tag and it was the first day of the season. A good lesson in survival of the fittest I guess.
I'm not sure I would rely on the cigar trick just because it worked once.
I may not rely on it, but when I want a cigar, I'm lighting up!
I smoke cigarettes and I have to agree 100% with you there. When the feeling comes on I smoke, even if I just put one out. I'm not man enough for cigars though, they give me a headache.
I smoke cigs as well... Have had deer and elk down wind and not a thing spook... A few years ago I was walking up an old fire line between trees and I heard an elk chirp... I stop and litstened... Hell there were elk all around me.... Every direction and the wind was swirling... I was stuck and waiting for them to blow out... I lit a smoke and sat by a tree watching it go every which way.... Ended up smoking two before a spike stepped out 60 yards uphill in a clearing... They finally spooked when the ml smoked though...
Post by: GHETTO GUIDE on December 02, 2012, 02:26:33 PM
Post by: deerslyr on December 02, 2012, 02:33:36 PM
Post by: Deer slayer on December 02, 2012, 07:53:36 PM
Post by: pianoman9701 on December 03, 2012, 04:54:41 AM
This sounds like a Wacky Tobackie cigar story? Too bad you missed.
wacky tobacky archery elk season doesn't open until the 6th! :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: boneaddict on December 03, 2012, 05:36:12 AM
Quote
I may not rely on it, but when I want a cigar, I'm lighting up!
and the correlation....
Quote
So I got my first shot on an elk in 11 years
Post by: pianoman9701 on December 03, 2012, 06:18:18 AM
I think the revelation should be....QuoteI may not rely on it, but when I want a cigar, I'm lighting up!
and the correlation....QuoteSo I got my first shot on an elk in 11 years
I had not smoked while hunting until this past Saturday. :dunno:
Post by: boneaddict on December 03, 2012, 07:33:08 AM
Post by: boneaddict on December 03, 2012, 07:33:46 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on December 03, 2012, 07:51:59 AM
(make sure you knew I was just teasing you)
:tup: I always assume the best from you, sir.
Post by: PlateauNDN on December 03, 2012, 08:34:01 AM
Oh, maybe you just stink. :chuckle:
:o this sounds like a logical explanation to me? :dunno: :chuckle: There's always next time, keep at it. :tup:
Post by: pianoman9701 on December 03, 2012, 09:18:11 AM
Oh, maybe you just stink. :chuckle:
:o this sounds like a logical explanation to me? :dunno: :chuckle: There's always next time, keep at it. :tup:
At least I don't smell of bear fat and teepee juice (I have no idea what teepee juice is or would smell like). I really thought I'd hear that nice deep thump. The sound of the arrow hitting wood was an unpleasant surprise.
Post by: PlateauNDN on December 03, 2012, 09:57:33 AM
Oh, maybe you just stink. :chuckle:
:o this sounds like a logical explanation to me? :dunno: :chuckle: There's always next time, keep at it. :tup:
At least I don't smell of bear fat and teepee juice (I have no idea what teepee juice is or would smell like). I really thought I'd hear that nice deep thump. The sound of the arrow hitting wood was an unpleasant surprise.
I haven't tried bear yet so I wouldn't know and teepee juice??? :o :o :o (I'm going to use that one that's to funny, teepee juice!!! :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: ) I heard teepee juice works fine when you're out hunting, it attracts all the big bulls. :chuckle: :tup:
Post by: pianoman9701 on December 03, 2012, 10:18:41 AM
Oh, maybe you just stink. :chuckle:
:o this sounds like a logical explanation to me? :dunno: :chuckle: There's always next time, keep at it. :tup:
At least I don't smell of bear fat and teepee juice (I have no idea what teepee juice is or would smell like). I really thought I'd hear that nice deep thump. The sound of the arrow hitting wood was an unpleasant surprise.
I haven't tried bear yet so I wouldn't know and teepee juice??? :o :o :o (I'm going to use that one that's to funny, teepee juice!!! :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: ) I heard teepee juice works fine when you're out hunting, it attracts all the big bulls. :chuckle: :tup:
Love the new avatar, Plat.
Post by: TikkaT3-270Shortmag on December 03, 2012, 11:29:45 AM
Post by: PlateauNDN on December 03, 2012, 02:30:48 PM
Oh, maybe you just stink. :chuckle:
:o this sounds like a logical explanation to me? :dunno: :chuckle: There's always next time, keep at it. :tup:
At least I don't smell of bear fat and teepee juice (I have no idea what teepee juice is or would smell like). I really thought I'd hear that nice deep thump. The sound of the arrow hitting wood was an unpleasant surprise.
I haven't tried bear yet so I wouldn't know and teepee juice??? :o :o :o (I'm going to use that one that's to funny, teepee juice!!! :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: ) I heard teepee juice works fine when you're out hunting, it attracts all the big bulls. :chuckle: :tup:
Love the new avatar, Plat.
You're not following the real revelation Piano. Need I remind you.....
Post by: deerslyr on December 03, 2012, 02:42:16 PM
Post by: pianoman9701 on December 03, 2012, 02:43:41 PM
Post by: jackmaster on December 03, 2012, 02:48:16 PM
Post by: washelkhunter on December 03, 2012, 02:59:55 PM
Post by: Russ McDonald on December 03, 2012, 03:07:52 PM
Post by: Elk whack master on December 03, 2012, 03:14:04 PM
Post by: pianoman9701 on December 03, 2012, 03:22:15 PM
Man I thought I was going to cry teepee juice. That is some funny chit there :chuckle: :chuckle:
This is no joke. Teepee juice strong medicine. It puts hunter on trail of brother elk. Back in the teepee, it puts the spring back in bow, like young yew branch. Mrs Pianoman makes me drink it whenever the moon,...whenever there is a moon. Even when there's no moon. She make me drink it lots. Afterwards, she soars like a hawk. Sometimes bow hurt much.
Post by: Chesapeake on December 03, 2012, 03:34:56 PM
More than a few times I've shot at an elk in a herd and had the entire herd dance (take a few quick steps) then just mill about looking at the dead or dying elk while I stood and walked over there.
This year when I shot my bull I had to literally chase the herd off, and still a spike and another raghorn paced back and forth barking at me from maybe 20 yards, I have pics, while I walked up to my elk. The bark was funny. It was the real sharp start to a bugle. Not like the normal cow bark.
Many times I've stalked elk and they busted me and didnt even seem to care. Much like the OP describes.
Its funny how it goes. Sometimes you cant hardly sneak in on a herd and other times you could mow several down with a muzzleloader.
I dont think a cigar has anything to do with it. I've had similar encounters and I havent smoked since 1999.
Post by: PlateauNDN on December 03, 2012, 04:45:09 PM
Thats an old pic of Pianoman. Hes been scalped for a week now.
His avatar pic is the old one, the revelation pic is from when he first came to live in my village and now the recent scalped pic is the one in my avatar. That was him running around after leaving his teepee from long night of his bow standing firm and strong for the first time. He thought it was funny taking my warbonnet and glasses and running around like he was chief... :bdid: :bdid: :bdid: He is not yet a man because he has not provided meat for the village or brought me my robe. >:(
Post by: Deer slayer on December 03, 2012, 08:44:53 PM
Post by: hornhunter1987 on December 04, 2012, 10:33:33 PM
Post by: RadSav on December 04, 2012, 10:58:28 PM
So I got my first shot on an elk in 11 years and missed. Really thick reprod and I think it must've have hit one of those invisible branches. I found the arrow - no blood. But here's the incredible part. My wind was in her face throughout the entire stock and she was never on alert. I was smoking a cigar.
Is that the first time in 11 years you smoked a stogie? I do believe that most animals are not as sensitive to smoke as most believe. But, I don't think it could possibly mask the stink of the human body and all our domestic environment smells. The difference between humans and dogs smell has been explained as, "When people smell the pot on the stove we smell "soup". A dog on the other hand smells onions, carrots, potatoes, beef, flower, salt and pepper.." I'd bet ungulates are very much the same.
Post by: bobcat on December 04, 2012, 11:05:48 PM
Post by: undertoad on December 04, 2012, 11:06:59 PM
Oh, maybe you just stink. :chuckle:
:o this sounds like a logical explanation to me? :dunno: :chuckle: There's always next time, keep at it. :tup:
At least I don't smell of bear fat and teepee juice (I have no idea what teepee juice is or would smell like). I really thought I'd hear that nice deep thump. The sound of the arrow hitting wood was an unpleasant surprise.
I haven't tried bear yet so I wouldn't know and teepee juice??? :o :o :o (I'm going to use that one that's to funny, teepee juice!!! :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: ) I heard teepee juice works fine when you're out hunting, it attracts all the big bulls. :chuckle: :tup:
Love the new avatar, Plat.
You're not following the real revelation Piano. Need I remind you.....
:chuckle:
I hunt out of an 18-foot tipi in Western Washington. When the rains kick in, I can show you some tipi juice.
Post by: pianoman9701 on December 05, 2012, 05:05:27 AM
So I got my first shot on an elk in 11 years and missed. Really thick reprod and I think it must've have hit one of those invisible branches. I found the arrow - no blood. But here's the incredible part. My wind was in her face throughout the entire stock and she was never on alert. I was smoking a cigar.
Is that the first time in 11 years you smoked a stogie? I do believe that most animals are not as sensitive to smoke as most believe. But, I don't think it could possibly mask the stink of the human body and all our domestic environment smells. The difference between humans and dogs smell has been explained as, "When people smell the pot on the stove we smell "soup". A dog on the other hand smells onions, carrots, potatoes, beef, flower, salt and pepper.." I'd bet ungulates are very much the same.
It's the first time I've smoked a stogie while hunting. Not the last, however.
Post by: PlateauNDN on December 05, 2012, 08:49:29 AM
did you hear about the unfortunate incident with the indian that won the tea drinking contest?................. they found him the next day dead in his tea pee
:yike: Hey! I love tea, green, black and especially earl grey! So it wasn't me. :dunno: :chuckle:
Oh, maybe you just stink. :chuckle:
:o this sounds like a logical explanation to me? :dunno: :chuckle: There's always next time, keep at it. :tup:
At least I don't smell of bear fat and teepee juice (I have no idea what teepee juice is or would smell like). I really thought I'd hear that nice deep thump. The sound of the arrow hitting wood was an unpleasant surprise.
I haven't tried bear yet so I wouldn't know and teepee juice??? :o :o :o (I'm going to use that one that's to funny, teepee juice!!! :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: ) I heard teepee juice works fine when you're out hunting, it attracts all the big bulls. :chuckle: :tup:
Love the new avatar, Plat.
You're not following the real revelation Piano. Need I remind you.....
:chuckle:
I hunt out of an 18-foot tipi in Western Washington. When the rains kick in, I can show you some tipi juice.
:yike: :yike: :yike:
Post by: Chesapeake on December 05, 2012, 11:37:55 AM
Oh, maybe you just stink. :chuckle:
:o this sounds like a logical explanation to me? :dunno: :chuckle: There's always next time, keep at it. :tup:
At least I don't smell of bear fat and teepee juice (I have no idea what teepee juice is or would smell like). I really thought I'd hear that nice deep thump. The sound of the arrow hitting wood was an unpleasant surprise.
I haven't tried bear yet so I wouldn't know and teepee juice??? :o :o :o (I'm going to use that one that's to funny, teepee juice!!! :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: ) I heard teepee juice works fine when you're out hunting, it attracts all the big bulls. :chuckle: :tup:
Love the new avatar, Plat.
You're not following the real revelation Piano. Need I remind you.....
:chuckle:
I hunt out of an 18-foot tipi in Western Washington. When the rains kick in, I can show you some tipi juice.
Do you happen to be a book writer formt eh Seattle area, hunt with a flintlock, know what the "circle jerk" is and where? Maybe not, but I've only seen one guy hunt elk from a teepee, maybe thats you?
Post by: pianoman9701 on December 09, 2012, 07:05:03 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on December 09, 2012, 07:06:25 AM
Post by: Elknut1 on December 09, 2012, 08:29:33 AM
ElkNut1
Post by: Austrian Hunter on December 09, 2012, 08:39:48 AM
I'm sitting at the bottom of the skid rd where I took the shot last week waiting for first light. Time for redemption!
Haha, I love it!!
Post by: pianoman9701 on December 10, 2012, 05:01:47 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on December 10, 2012, 05:28:44 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on December 10, 2012, 06:38:42 AM