Hunting Washington Forum
Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: Tbob on August 29, 2019, 02:07:36 PM
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So I want to know how you all deal with hot weather and quiet elk woods..
So my scenario is, opener archery in WA, we’re on a 10 day backcountry elk hunt and the woods are hot (mid 80’s for the highs) and there is no calling action. No bugles and nothing responding to location bugles and cold call set ups throughout the day. I know there’s elk in the area as I have them on my trail cams.. so at this point what do you guys do to get that tag filled? It’s a 3pt bull min unit.
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Go out at night if need be find an elk middle of the night. Then shadow it until morning from a distance is not to have your wind be smelled In a switchy wind area which is most of the world. So like on an opposite Ridge Line. Follow them to their beds get within 100 yards of them after they beaded cow called to see if the bull will answer. If and when he does hit him with your bugle and challenge him into a fight. All along knowing your thermals and coming in downwind whether you have to walk 5 miles to do it or not you will not beat their noses.
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When it is hot and quiet, we also like calling at night to find responsive elk. Actually I like to do that anyway. Fairly often you can find them again in the early AM. Getting them to stay responsive in the daylight is the tricky part, when it is the hot and quiet time. I would also allow quiet elk the chance to come in to your calls. We aren't very good sitters and tend to keep on walking looking for ones that are in the mood to talk back to you. But we have had times when sitting for lunch or just when you find an area that seems like there should be something around, that after calling, if you given them enough time the curious quiet ones may work their way to you (because we always call a bit if we're going to sit for any amount of time). In the last few years we killed a couple that way.
Good Luck!
Mike
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If its that hot and you can find water with signs of activity, that can be productive. Like others said, calling at night is another great option and one I plan to employ this coming week.
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Find main trails to water
Deep cool canyons with benches
Cow call, they still might sneak in
