Post by: Todd_ID on April 17, 2017, 10:16:08 PM
There are some excellent elk hunters on here, so let's hear how you broke into the 10%.
I am, I think, in that 10%, so here's what I think matters.
Wind always blows: even when it isn't. That matters big.
Use wind powder.
Pack and clothing noise is noticed and should be 0.
Be a good shot. Shoot 3D through the summer.
Take the first shot you know you'll kill it with. Be ready for it.
Use a sharp bladed broadhead.
Use the heaviest arrow you can find.
Use a rangefinder.
Don't shoot outside your range.
Shoot a bow you can pull in any situation at any angle.
Hunt midday, don't go back to camp.
Learn what your calling is saying to the elk.
Practice your calling.
But, realize elk are now the worst callers in the woods.
Work on stealth steps that make no noise.
Get fleece stalking booties.
Use your vacation days only in September.
7 days is not enough for a quality hunt.
Goggle Earth is your best friend.
An area must have lots of elk to kill elk repeatedly.
Use harvest reports to your advantage.
Talk to the biologists but have questions ready in advance.
And, an Hoochie Mama replicates an elk perfectly. Really.
Post by: carpsniperg2 on April 17, 2017, 10:24:39 PM
Post by: Rainier10 on April 17, 2017, 10:32:20 PM
You have to hunt in a target rich environment, lots of elk lots of opportunity.
Be in elk shape before the season starts.
Hunt hard all day everyday.
Pain is temporary.
I cover lots of ground until I find elk and then I go right at them.
Practice calling and know what they are saying so you can respond.
Shoot your bow a lot, you have to be able to make any shot when the opportunity arises, I really think this is the key for me.
Post by: highside74 on April 17, 2017, 10:34:12 PM
Don't drink to excess in camp.
Go to bed at a decent hour.
Get up when you are supposed to.
Don't hunt where they aren't. If you aren't finding elk within 2 days in areas where sign looks fresh don't keep hunting there expecting them to come back. Herds make loops that could take 7-15 plus days to complete. If you waste 2 or 3 days of a 5 day hunt looking at sign and finding no elk your just gonna end up in that 90% bracket.
Wind keeps more elk alive than any other thing. You can fool their eyes and ears but never their nose.
Don't be overly quiet. Herds of elk are loud by nature. Predators are quiet by nature.
Don't be afraid to push through brush and make noise. Brake sticks, roll rocks.
If you blow elk out don't be afraid to stick with them. More times than not you can eventually get back on them.
Post by: Oh Mah on April 17, 2017, 10:47:46 PM
Post by: dreamunelk on April 17, 2017, 10:55:31 PM
Get in shape!
Be prepared to hunt multiple GMUs.
Go were the 90% don't.
Post by: Reidus on April 17, 2017, 11:04:20 PM
Dude can read all the tips and tricks he wants but if he's satisfied going home with an un-notched tag 9 out of 10 years, he's probably not going to improve.
Lot of people seem to think its luck when guys tag out year after year.
Post by: huntnnw on April 17, 2017, 11:40:06 PM
Post by: Wanttohuntmore on April 18, 2017, 04:55:47 AM
Sneak into the area where the elk are. Don't blast in like many do (although if they are rutting hard this sometimes works).
Post by: greenhead_killer on April 18, 2017, 06:27:19 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 18, 2017, 06:34:44 AM
Post by: D-Rock425 on April 18, 2017, 06:59:18 AM
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on April 18, 2017, 07:56:31 AM
Post by: Rainier10 on April 18, 2017, 08:08:43 AM
Post by: b0bbyg on April 18, 2017, 08:09:38 AM
Some may not want to post this but if you have a pile of advice let us know how you have done the last x number of years 1 for 5, or 5 for 5.
Just helps put some context behind all the advice as it seems much of it conflicts. I am sure there are times where noisy versus stealth make sense, as well as patience over pressuring.
My only advice is keep after it, once you screw up enough you will learn many things to be more careful of which will help get you more chances. :tup:
Post by: highside74 on April 18, 2017, 08:24:00 AM
Post by: WSU on April 18, 2017, 08:28:56 AM
The biggest factor for me is time. You can't just hunt weekends and hope to have any regular success. I'm generally successful when I can devote a lot of time to hunting and scouting. Lately, with a business, 3 little kids, etc., I've had less time available and generally been less successful.
Post by: hunter_sean08 on April 18, 2017, 08:39:13 AM
If you're limited on the amount of days you can actually hunt, make sure you take at least a couple of weekends in the summer to find out where the animals are. They may not be in the exact same spot come hunting season, but chances are they won't be far unless you're in unit subject to migratory patterns and said migration has started. Get off the roads and jump into the deep dark timber. Find the watering holes and wallows. Find their trails. Have a plan and execute that plan. Not all is lost if you can only hunt for a few days.
Post by: SilkOnTheDrySide on April 18, 2017, 10:01:14 AM
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Post by: Oh Mah on April 18, 2017, 10:34:30 AM
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on April 18, 2017, 10:46:53 AM
This quote from rocky sums up my take on it. It seems no matter how much I shoot, how many miles of training I log, how many scouting hours I have put in, How dialed my equipment is. At some point in the majority of my elk hunts I hit a point where throwing in the towel seems like a reasonable option. Weather, wind, blown stalks, other hunter pressure, horse wrecks, truck trouble, broken gear, broken body, broken mind. Keep moving forward, till the season is over or a bull is down.
Post by: WSU on April 18, 2017, 10:53:55 AM
" It aint about how hard you hard you hit, its about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward."
This quote from rocky sums up my take on it. It seems no matter how much I shoot, how many miles of training I log, how many scouting hours I have put in, How dialed my equipment is. At some point in the majority of my elk hunts I hit a point where throwing in the towel seems like a reasonable option. Weather, wind, blown stalks, other hunter pressure, horse wrecks, truck trouble, broken gear, broken body, broken mind. Keep moving forward, till the season is over or a bull is down.
This is basically why I said time is important. It seems like it takes quite a few encounters to seal the deal. Add in all the other issues and time becomes critical.
Post by: Todd_ID on April 18, 2017, 11:05:17 AM
Good point. I got 2 last year. Three the year before. One the year before. Two the year before, etc. I guess I average 2 a year: and probably average 1.25 cows per 1 bull. That's hunting 3 states and buying second tags as much as I can, but it feeds a lot of families.
Some may not want to post this but if you have a pile of advice let us know how you have done the last x number of years 1 for 5, or 5 for 5.
Just helps put some context behind all the advice as it seems much of it conflicts. I am sure there are times where noisy versus stealth make sense, as well as patience over pressuring.
I'm not at all opposed to shooting a cow. Those tags are only approved in areas that can support the harvest.
I guess that's another tip to increase success is to not rule out hunting areas where cow harvest is legal. They're pretty tasty.
Post by: Todd_ID on April 18, 2017, 11:14:24 AM
Post by: snarkybull on April 18, 2017, 12:19:54 PM
Cow calls can mask a noisy stalk.
Cows fill the freezer.
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Post by: jstone on April 18, 2017, 12:24:25 PM
Post by: LeviD1 on April 18, 2017, 07:44:29 PM
Post by: Oh Mah on April 18, 2017, 07:48:16 PM
Post by: jstone on April 18, 2017, 08:23:19 PM
Post by: BoneCollector1 on April 20, 2017, 08:56:49 PM
Post by: 4fletch on April 24, 2017, 12:50:36 PM
Every day with a non scented soap. Spray hair cap boots clothes down twice a day. And A liberal amount of cow scent on my cap and a taped to my bow. When I call bulls I'll set up with a tree between him and me that's if he comes in where I think he will LOL. So when his eyes are blocked from view I draw my bow. And
With a reed in my mouth I can cow call when needed to stop him for a shot. Another problem I have is poor hearing from blasting shot shells before hearing protection came out. The hearing aids with the pickup behind the ear will not give you directional as to what direction the bull is calling from you have to have the aids that are totally in the ear to be able to know what direction to expect him to come in. And never give up even in mid day. Easy to say but you never know
Post by: high country on April 24, 2017, 01:02:30 PM
Post by: 4fletch on April 24, 2017, 01:29:47 PM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on April 24, 2017, 01:49:06 PM
Post by: Duckhunter14 on April 24, 2017, 03:05:24 PM
http://www.therichoutdoors.net/ep-005-roy-roth-hunting-alaska/
Persistence and perseverance fills tags. Find a hunting partner that keeps a positive attitude and never gives up and good things will happen.
-Clint
Post by: Cab on April 25, 2017, 04:39:57 PM
Post by: Duckhunter14 on April 26, 2017, 03:54:12 PM
I am no where near the 10% but thats mostly because I am still learning a lot about big game hunting(my 7th season) and this will be my first elk season. That being said I have had very good luck in terms of getting opportunities this last few years on deer in my former state which has a very low population. The mental toughness is 100% what is needed ESPECIALLY if you are not the most seasoned hunter. I would always tell myself that "What I lack in experience, I make up for in perseverance". If your having a bad day and cant seem to find what you're after the best thing you can do is not to go home but to make a plan and burn some boot leather. Exploring and understanding the area you hunt inside and out takes a lot of time so instead of packing it in, go to parts you have yet to scout. When it's bad weather, when it's cold or when its late in the season when everyone else is at home warm in bed you should be out in the woods grinding to the last min of season. I once had a beautiful buck on the last day in the last hour come walking in and if a doe didn't bust me I would have closed the deal. Remember they have to be perfect all the time, you just have to be perfect once.
Well said. :tup:
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on April 26, 2017, 04:00:25 PM
Post by: snarkybull on April 26, 2017, 06:35:50 PM
Some may not want to post this but if you have a pile of advice let us know how you have done the last x number of years 1 for 5, or 5 for 5.
Does 4 out of 6 OTC qualify me? The other two included a smorgasbord of eff-ups on my part mixed with horrendous luck and malfunctioning equipment.
additional points I was reminded of:
Have a darn good hunting partner. This CANNOT be overstated. I can count on mine to go out most if not all of the 13 days, even when he tags out first, and I do the same. Text messaging is your best friend when in cell range. 4 eyes beats the snot out of 2.
Seriously, it is mostly about spending as much time as possible in areas that elk frequent and having some freaking patience. I like to think of myself as a hole in the woods, and do not usually call. Mostly, DO NOT LEAVE a good spot just because they are not there right now. The grass is not always greener on the other side, and moving gets you noticed.
Post by: grundy53 on April 26, 2017, 07:17:57 PM
Don't just figure out where elk like to hang out. Figure out where they go when spooked.
Go where the elk are. Even if it isn't a mile from the road.
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Post by: 4fletch on April 26, 2017, 08:07:07 PM
Post by: cem3434 on April 26, 2017, 08:30:37 PM
Post by: h2ofowlr on April 26, 2017, 09:05:24 PM
Post by: buglebrush on April 26, 2017, 09:35:40 PM
Hunting rutting elk there's no need to wear fleece booties. Elk are extremely loud animals in the woods. Make noise! If you are to quiet and calling elk usually are keen to it. I break branches on purpose, roll rocks and etc .. I've called elk in with just making natural noise
I agree with this. The more agressive I get the more opportunities I have. Sure you may blow a few, but you will miss far more chances by nibbling around the edges. However, never ever fight the wind. I will absolutely wait / hike / do whatever it takes to get the wind right, but once it's right I will charge in with no regard whatsoever for how much crashing and stomping I make. It totally helps sell your calling IMO.
Also, find their bedding areas and kill them there. :twocents:
Post by: b0bbyg on April 27, 2017, 08:40:59 AM
Some may not want to post this but if you have a pile of advice let us know how you have done the last x number of years 1 for 5, or 5 for 5.
Does 4 out of 6 OTC qualify me? The other two included a smorgasbord of eff-ups on my part mixed with horrendous luck and malfunctioning equipment.
additional points I was reminded of:
Have a darn good hunting partner. This CANNOT be overstated. I can count on mine to go out most if not all of the 13 days, even when he tags out first, and I do the same. Text messaging is your best friend when in cell range. 4 eyes beats the snot out of 2.
Seriously, it is mostly about spending as much time as possible in areas that elk frequent and having some freaking patience. I like to think of myself as a hole in the woods, and do not usually call. Mostly, DO NOT LEAVE a good spot just because they are not there right now. The grass is not always greener on the other side, and moving gets you noticed.
Thanks for the advice, and yes 4 for 6 is awesome. That is double what I have accomplished in the last 6 :tup:
Post by: Wetwoodshunter on April 27, 2017, 09:41:24 AM
1. Hunt more days, I used to hunt 5 days for elk, now I shoot for 11-12.
2. Learn how to call and call well, learning how to call opens up a ton more scenarios.
3. Don't be afraid to chase a bugle into a hole. Elk like nasty spots, I have killed ALL my elk in F'D up spots to get them out.
4. Follow the game main trails, but check the wind. This takes a lot less energy opposed to side hilling and hiking 7-8 miles a day you will run into the elk every few days. Once you find them hunt them.
5. Check wind, check wind, check wind.
6. Don't be afraid to draw your bow. Last year I drew on 3 elk as they were looking at me between 15-30 yards none of them busted, but they do tense up.
7. Practice shooting, one of my buddies is an outfitter he told me that 50-75% of his clients miss. Pick a spot, and elk has a huge kill zone, people get sloppy, this causes misses. I started slowing it down last year and talking myself through my shot mentally.
8. Cold calling brings in elk, when I'm exhausted I will set up in an elk area and cold call. Mostly cow and calf and heard noises. I have had whole herds come in 2 hours after I started.
9. If you have a unit you have success in, guard that secret and keep hunting it. Success CAN be measured in encounters, encounters will eventually get turned into harvests. You will find new wallows, and know escape routes as well as trails better. Most likely I'm hunting the same unit I hunted last year and I have a game plan for day 1, day 2, day 3 etc until I find the elk so I can hunt them effectively.
I wouldn't say I'm in the 10% but the last 2 years I filled my tag with a bow. Last year I called in elk inside 30 yards 4 times in 11 days. For me its like something clicked, I used to hunt and feel like I didn't know what I was doing. Now I still have those moments but my confidence is way different every time I go in the woods I feel like I have a good chance at harvesting an elk or getting in close.
Post by: Rainier10 on April 27, 2017, 10:05:55 AM
TONS of great information in here.
Lots of stuff that I do and I agree with that I didn't put in my reply of what gets you into the 10%.
Getting in and staying in that 10% may be getting a little harder if everyone follows the advice in this thread but as my signature line says, "I didn't say it would be easy, I said it would be worth it."
Post by: Crunchy on April 27, 2017, 11:27:29 AM
Post by: 4fletch on April 27, 2017, 01:43:49 PM
Down ( in thick brush where there may be elk.)
, and a time to go in slow n quite ( this mode I will take a few steps
stop , as I take a step as I go to put my foot down I feel what is under my boot before
I place all my weight down, feeling for a branch etc. if needed I will then shorten or lengthen so as not to make a noise. Use your eyes to first scan right to left then slowly Move your headroom the left and scan again.) animals see
Movement so move slow I mean real slow when necessary . Practice draw n shoot until it is first nature you want to be able to do this in your sleep. Learn by your mistakes and Mistakes made by others and pay attention listen to others what they have to say weed out the bull poop
Post by: Machias on April 27, 2017, 02:53:19 PM
If you want to gain a lot of elk hunting knowledge in a short amount of time, I would recommend hunting out of state that has a better season and less hunting pressure. You will learn 10 years of hunting Washington elk knowledge in 2-3 years out of state.
:yeah:
Post by: elkboy on April 27, 2017, 05:25:54 PM
Post by: bracer40 on April 27, 2017, 08:22:02 PM
The newbees that are reading this thread are very fortunate, there was Very little info like this back in the 70's 80% of my knowledge was trial and error. Which brings up, pay attention to this thread every piece of advice here has been proven to get you close to your elk. There is a time to cover ground ( stop every so often and look , glass ahead so you don't run up to bedded deer or elk.) time to slowStick to the shadows, use trees and brush to break up your profile...always cool to sneak into elk....
Down ( in thick brush where there may be elk.)
, and a time to go in slow n quite ( this mode I will take a few steps
stop , as I take a step as I go to put my foot down I feel what is under my boot before
I place all my weight down, feeling for a branch etc. if needed I will then shorten or lengthen so as not to make a noise. Use your eyes to first scan right to left then slowly Move your headroom the left and scan again.) animals see
Movement so move slow I mean real slow when necessary . Practice draw n shoot until it is first nature you want to be able to do this in your sleep. Learn by your mistakes and Mistakes made by others and pay attention listen to others what they have to say weed out the bull poop
Post by: 4fletch on April 27, 2017, 08:49:48 PM
Post by: jstone on April 28, 2017, 07:22:06 AM
Post by: snarkybull on April 28, 2017, 02:58:51 PM
6. Don't be afraid to draw your bow. Last year I drew on 3 elk as they were looking at me between 15-30 yards none of them busted, but they do tense up.
Excellent point, buddy. Every elk but one that I have killed with an arrow watched me draw. I have never had one spook because of the draw. Never. Blacktails, yes, but not elk.
Post by: romaknows on April 28, 2017, 06:48:10 PM
6. Don't be afraid to draw your bow. Last year I drew on 3 elk as they were looking at me between 15-30 yards none of them busted, but they do tense up.
Excellent point, buddy. Every elk but one that I have killed with an arrow watched me draw
. I have never had one spook because of the draw. Never. Blacktails, yes, but not elk.
Good to know, anyone else notice this?
Post by: Eric M on April 28, 2017, 07:08:53 PM
Post by: cryder on May 02, 2017, 07:45:45 PM
Post by: Shaqdiesel on May 02, 2017, 08:41:21 PM
Post by: High Climber on May 02, 2017, 09:07:02 PM
I've busted plenty of elk while drawing back, especially bulls coming in to calls. Sometimes there is no choice but to draw while an elk is looking your direction, but obviously it's not the preferred choice. If he is walking wait until his head disappears behind a tree, if he is feeding wait until his head is down, if he is raking a tree he most likely can't see you. Have a cow call in your mouth to stop him for the shot. It's cliche but PICK A SPOT! Aim small miss small! The first 15 years I bow hunted I was the epitome of the 90% 0-15! The last ten years I am 10-10 all OTC in a "crappy" west side unit that I know like the back of my hand! 4 bulls, 6 cows. Like others have said the single biggest factor to success is Quality time spent in the field! A positive attitude is a must! Good luck to you guys I am getting pumped for September!!
6. Don't be afraid to draw your bow. Last year I drew on 3 elk as they were looking at me between 15-30 yards none of them busted, but they do tense up.
Excellent point, buddy. Every elk but one that I have killed with an arrow watched me draw
. I have never had one spook because of the draw. Never. Blacktails, yes, but not elk.
Good to know, anyone else notice this?
Post by: buglebrush on May 02, 2017, 10:43:29 PM
6. Don't be afraid to draw your bow. Last year I drew on 3 elk as they were looking at me between 15-30 yards none of them busted, but they do tense up.
Excellent point, buddy. Every elk but one that I have killed with an arrow watched me draw. I have never had one spook because of the draw. Never. Blacktails, yes, but not elk.
This is funny because my experience is totally different. I now try to always draw before the bull can see me. Have been, and seen buddies busted numerous times for drawing. Have killed or called in a bull a buddy killed at least once every years for twenty years now. Most years more than one.
Post by: Wetwoodshunter on May 03, 2017, 05:51:14 AM
6. Don't be afraid to draw your bow. Last year I drew on 3 elk as they were looking at me between 15-30 yards none of them busted, but they do tense up.
Excellent point, buddy. Every elk but one that I have killed with an arrow watched me draw. I have never had one spook because of the draw. Never. Blacktails, yes, but not elk.
This is funny because my experience is totally different. I now try to always draw before the bull can see me. Have been, and seen buddies busted numerous times for drawing. Have killed or called in a bull a buddy killed at least once every years for twenty years now. Most years more than one.
Interesting, maybe it's the way I set up. I always try to setup by standing in front of a tree or bush with my back close to it so I can draw. I also practice drawing slow with my pin on the target during the draw. I think the backdrop may mask the movement.
By all means it's better to draw and be ready when you know they are coming but I tend to fall apart when I hold my bow at full draw for over a minute and a half.
Post by: buglebrush on May 03, 2017, 07:16:42 AM
Post by: snarkybull on May 03, 2017, 08:27:12 AM
I can easily imagine them spooking easier if they are already on alert...if hunting pressure is high or they were called in and suspicious to begin with or the hunter had to stalk up to them.
Post by: Reidus on May 03, 2017, 10:21:07 AM
Maybe it's a Rocky vs Rosie thing.
Maybe it's an educated vs non-educated elk thing :dunno:
Elk seem to be more a product of the country they live in than rocky vs rosy. Hunting rocky's in thick country is similar to hunting rosies. Open country elk tend to be more visual based than vocal. Much easier to call elk in when you're hunting the thick stuff in my experience.
Post by: birddogdad on May 03, 2017, 11:39:14 AM
Post by: buglebrush on May 03, 2017, 03:30:05 PM
Definitely could be. Lots more cover here. Could also be a hunting style thing. I am mostly an ambush hunter, so hopefully the first time they sense me is when I draw. The first time they see or hear something they stare at it for a while to ascertain whether it is a threat. The second and subsequent times there is decreasing forgiveness. There is also a proximity factor. 30 or so yards seems to be a trigger for them where I have less time and more need of cover when closer, I have spooked plenty of them immediately without drawing at really close range. The closest I shot one was 15 yards, that cow just popped out into the clear and stared at me, but I had a huge stump right behind me and other little trees all around.
I can easily imagine them spooking easier if they are already on alert...if hunting pressure is high or they were called in and suspicious to begin with or the hunter had to stalk up to them.
I definitely always set up in front of good cover.
I almost exclusively call in elk, so that may have an effect. But the other issue over here is all the predators. Elk have to constantly be on their guard, and I've found them especially jumpy in drainages with excessive Wolf activity.
Post by: Shooting Stix on May 10, 2017, 05:19:20 PM
Post by: hunter_sean08 on May 12, 2017, 02:40:27 PM
Maybe it's a Rocky vs Rosie thing.
Maybe it's an educated vs non-educated elk thing :dunno:
Elk seem to be more a product of the country they live in than rocky vs rosy. Hunting rocky's in thick country is similar to hunting rosies. Open country elk tend to be more visual based than vocal. Much easier to call elk in when you're hunting the thick stuff in my experience.
I always approached hunting rosies a little bit differently then rockies but you are right, cover is going to be one of the primary differences between the two. I will say in my experience in hunting rosies, they don't travel nearly as far when they get spooked. A lot of it has to do with the cover and land features they can utilize. They could go one or two timbered draws over from where you spooked em and drop into some thick brush and feel safe. While it might take you a while to navigate those draws quietly and effectively, you won't travel near the distance you might travel if you were hunting rockies in open country. When I spooked a herd in Montana a couple years back, that herd went halfway up a mountain and traversed several steep, expansive draws before we finally gave up the pursuit. When we got to a vantage point that looked way up canyon, they were miles away and still moving up some nasty, cliffed out ridge in the snow that looked miserable. That country was much more open, so obviously the animals felt the need to cover some serious ground before stopping. It was really impressive to watch.
Post by: coachcw on May 31, 2017, 12:14:37 PM