Hunting Washington Forum
Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: buck n rut on July 21, 2016, 06:36:36 AM
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Due to having a baby due a week befor September I'm not gunna be able to hunt like I want to. I've been thinking of putting some tree stands out. I've got good trails from feed to bed areas. How high should I go up a tree? How far back from the trail should I be? Any input would be a awesome. Thanks
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Get a good idea of what the wind does in your area. I prefer to be higher in the tree (20ft or so) and around 20 yards off the trail if possible. A lot of this will depend on the terrain. Make sure your approach to your stand, doesn't let the wind blow down the elk trail, and that you are not crossing the trail when getting in to your stand. Additionally, try to get an idea of when the elk are moving through and try to be there about an hour before they get there. I'm not much of a treestand hunter, but I've had times where I'm getting into my stand and I'm still pulling my bow up to the stand on a string, and here come the elk.
Above all use a harness and stay safe! :tup:
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A stand sounds like the way to go for elk in your situation. A tree stand is merely a variation of the age old method of hunting by staying in one place and watching for animals to come to you. Pick the location based on sign, etc. and then let the terrain and vegetation dictate the best stand placement, whether up in a tree or something else. I.e. Let the goal of tagging an elk be your starting point rather than a tree stand, which is merely one of the methods to reach the goal.
In some combinations of terrain and vegetation, up in a tree is the best place for the stand. For other places, on the ground may be as good or better because it gives you an option to move a bit to see the game or optimize a shot, etc. I sat on an elk stand for several hours at the narrowest spot between two trails, a good place but I could only see one of the trails. I heard a slight sound behind me, turned around, walked ten feet to where I could see the other trail, and killed a 6 point bull at a range of 40 feet. I got the bull because I could move on the ground... but a tree stand might have allowed me to watch both trails. :dunno:
And GOOD LUCK! Congratulations on the baby.
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Get a good idea of what the wind does in your area. I prefer to be higher in the tree (20ft or so) and around 20 yards off the trail if possible. A lot of this will depend on the terrain. Make sure your approach to your stand, doesn't let the wind blow down the elk trail, and that you are not crossing the trail when getting in to your stand. Additionally, try to get an idea of when the elk are moving through and try to be there about an hour before they get there. I'm not much of a treestand hunter, but I've had times where I'm getting into my stand and I'm still pulling my bow up to the stand on a string, and here come the elk.
Above all use a harness and stay safe! :tup:
:yeah:
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Hardest part about stand hunting is finding the right trees. I usually go out about now and bring my climber and limbing saw. I also do some scouting right after the season.
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Minimum 20' high.
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Minimum 20' high.
. X2 been tree standing for 5 years or more. do it right and its very productive I wrote a article for WSB a while ago think it was called tips and tactics hunting on the ground if I remember correct you can check the back issues off this site and go threw them lots easy read
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Stand hunting for elk can be very effective. I have taken approximately 10 elk from one. You need to account for winds and shooting lanes just like you would on the ground. My stand is probably 15 ft at most off the ground, I think the biggest factor is limit your movement while in the stand or when prepping for a shot on an animal coming in. My stand is set where I can get animals coming from below or above me so keep your head on a swivel. I've sat for days without seeing a thing and then it all changes in a minute. I've also barely gotten set and pulled my bow up to me when I've had animals walk in. Also don't be afraid to use a call while sitting, especially to stop or pull an animal in. You just never know what may walk in on you or even land on you so it can get entertaining. I think this is a very overlooked method to take elk.
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Thanks for all input guys really appreciate it. Wat all be hunting is a 500 acre chunk of state land with big timber down the middle and nasty reprod on both sides. Nice green fields on both sides. Creek down the middle of big timber with a main trail following it from one field to another. Lots of deer and I've got plenty of elk on camera. Helps that it's any elk unit to. So first elk that walks by is getting stuck.
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Thanks for all input guys really appreciate it. Wat all be hunting is a 500 acre chunk of state land with big timber down the middle and nasty reprod on both sides. Nice green fields on both sides. Creek down the middle of big timber with a main trail following it from one field to another. Lots of deer and I've got plenty of elk on camera. Helps that it's any elk unit to. So first elk that walks by is getting stuck.
654?
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Iv taken 9 out of 12 elk out of a tree stand it's affective if done right. My stands are right around 15 ft up. But like anything if there is a lot of guys tromping threq the area pushing the elk they seem to dry up is my experience. Can never get to a stand too early either.
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there are no other people that I no of hunting the land. It is a mother to get threw the first 100 yards of reprod to get to a trail.
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Cow call is very productive from the stand, even called a wolf in once
