Post by: WapitiTalk1 on June 23, 2021, 08:16:23 PM
Post by: jrebel on June 23, 2021, 08:31:34 PM
Post by: Timberstalker on June 23, 2021, 08:39:28 PM
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on June 23, 2021, 08:41:30 PM
Post by: jeffro on June 23, 2021, 08:46:24 PM
Wind is everything
Hunt uphill from truck/ camp in morning, back down after the thermal shift.
Always a down hill haul out.
Bonus!
Post by: elksnout on June 23, 2021, 09:02:07 PM
elksnout
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on June 23, 2021, 09:09:44 PM
Odds are against you for killing an elk from your sleeping bag..... Seriously, if you're out in the woods there's always the possibility of tagging one.
elksnout
Another pearl. If your hunting in Elktember, be out after dark locating and up and at em at the butt crack of dawn getting below them, working up into them, working the morning thermals.
Post by: archerykraze on June 23, 2021, 09:11:21 PM
Post by: fishngamereaper on June 23, 2021, 09:19:07 PM
Don't always call and wait. Call and move, get where they don't expect you to be.
Post by: ASienkiewich on June 23, 2021, 09:29:34 PM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Igottanewknee on June 24, 2021, 06:30:48 AM
Don’t be too quiet.You just might sound like a predator.
Post by: trophyhunt on June 24, 2021, 06:40:22 AM
Post by: Alchase on June 24, 2021, 06:42:46 AM
Post by: headshot5 on June 24, 2021, 06:51:49 AM
Post by: mdbuck5x5 on June 24, 2021, 07:50:51 AM
Post by: trophyhunt on June 24, 2021, 08:35:37 AM
Post by: 7mmfan on June 24, 2021, 09:02:05 AM
Hunt all day!! I killed my biggest bull at 12 noon, plus killed more animals between 10-2.
:yeah:
Post by: b0bbyg on June 24, 2021, 09:08:44 AM
Hunt all day!! I killed my biggest bull at 12 noon, plus killed more animals between 10-2.
:yeah:
I have stumbled into some really nice critters walking back to camp. Learned the hard way to hunt back to camp watching some of those run off because I spooked them as I was not paying attention.
Post by: GASoline71 on June 24, 2021, 09:10:20 AM
Gary
Post by: vandeman17 on June 24, 2021, 09:16:46 AM
Post by: kisfish on June 24, 2021, 09:25:11 AM
Post by: blackpowderhunter on June 24, 2021, 12:44:01 PM
know the escape routes, and hunt them...only a matter of time until they get bumped by the guy who took 'your' spot.
Post by: slowhand on June 24, 2021, 12:56:40 PM
Also have spots A,B,C,D and yep even an E.
Because sometimes it's closed, there are 7 other trucks there today, they just started logging yesterday (no access), fire danger shuts all the access gates, or they sell the land to a timber company that wants $$$$$ for a lease to hunt your favorite spot.
I have seen all of that in My time as many of you have too.
Pearl "Use that off season time to build your list of locations and options." :twocents:
Post by: bracer40 on June 24, 2021, 01:50:15 PM
“It only takes one”
“It can happen in a single moment”
“Anytime now!”
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on June 24, 2021, 02:00:53 PM
Post by: vandeman17 on June 24, 2021, 02:09:02 PM
I find using a mantra to keep my head in the game “All Day!” Helps keep me focused and hopeful..especially after 4-5 days of no elk sounds, sightings or fresh sign.
“It only takes one”
“It can happen in a single moment”
“Anytime now!”
This is especially true in September when days are LONG and sleep is short
Post by: WSU on June 24, 2021, 02:27:08 PM
I find using a mantra to keep my head in the game “All Day!” Helps keep me focused and hopeful..especially after 4-5 days of no elk sounds, sightings or fresh sign.
“It only takes one”
“It can happen in a single moment”
“Anytime now!”
This is especially true in September when days are LONG and sleep is short
Don't hunt somewhere for 4-5 that has no fresh sign. LOL
Post by: slowhand on June 24, 2021, 03:11:20 PM
Solid pointI find using a mantra to keep my head in the game “All Day!” Helps keep me focused and hopeful..especially after 4-5 days of no elk sounds, sightings or fresh sign.
“It only takes one”
“It can happen in a single moment”
“Anytime now!”
This is especially true in September when days are LONG and sleep is short
Don't hunt somewhere for 4-5 that has no fresh sign. LOL
Post by: Jonathan_S on June 24, 2021, 03:36:46 PM
Solid pointI find using a mantra to keep my head in the game “All Day!” Helps keep me focused and hopeful..especially after 4-5 days of no elk sounds, sightings or fresh sign.
“It only takes one”
“It can happen in a single moment”
“Anytime now!”
This is especially true in September when days are LONG and sleep is short
Don't hunt somewhere for 4-5 that has no fresh sign. LOL
Doesn't apply everywhere though. Sometimes you're hunting elk that are on a 2-10 day cycle and if you're on fresh sign...you're where they were yesterday.
Post by: fishngamereaper on June 24, 2021, 03:49:38 PM
Don't ask... :chuckle:
Post by: WSU on June 24, 2021, 04:06:50 PM
Solid pointI find using a mantra to keep my head in the game “All Day!” Helps keep me focused and hopeful..especially after 4-5 days of no elk sounds, sightings or fresh sign.
“It only takes one”
“It can happen in a single moment”
“Anytime now!”
This is especially true in September when days are LONG and sleep is short
Don't hunt somewhere for 4-5 that has no fresh sign. LOL
Doesn't apply everywhere though. Sometimes you're hunting elk that are on a 2-10 day cycle and if you're on fresh sign...you're where they were yesterday.
It was a joke more than anything.
Post by: gaddy on June 24, 2021, 05:21:45 PM
Post by: brew on June 24, 2021, 05:35:43 PM
Post by: Fidelk on June 25, 2021, 09:23:54 AM
Wind is everything
With respect to scent, on two occasions (one in snow) I have seen a herd approach the scent left by my boots and immediately turn and go in another direction. This can work against you or with the correct plan, for you.
Post by: CJ1962 on June 25, 2021, 09:39:47 AM
Post by: Dan-o on June 25, 2021, 10:21:08 AM
Post by: vandeman17 on June 25, 2021, 10:21:57 AM
Bring strong young guys.
Or dumb middle aged guys :hello:
Post by: Dan-o on June 25, 2021, 10:24:17 AM
Bring strong young guys.
Or dumb middle aged guys :hello:
Fair enough.
I am also willing to let dumb middle aged guys haul out my elk. :chuckle:
Post by: Rainier10 on June 25, 2021, 10:29:59 AM
Post by: Dan-o on June 25, 2021, 10:33:58 AM
I've gotten seriously dehydrated more than once (I'm a slow learner), to the point of impacting my ability to hunt.
Post by: vandeman17 on June 25, 2021, 10:42:55 AM
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on June 25, 2021, 04:52:48 PM
Post by: bigdub257 on June 27, 2021, 09:46:58 AM
Post by: trophyhunt on June 27, 2021, 11:31:35 AM
Post by: WyatBaker on June 29, 2021, 09:11:12 PM
Post by: bracer40 on June 29, 2021, 09:59:23 PM
another one I am working on, much like duck hunting, is knowing when to call and when to shut up. I don't think there is really any way to teach it but is more of just a lived experience and keeping a mental log type deal
Learned a couple of really good lessons on this the past couple of years...experience is such a great teacher...of course I have no idea how many animals I failed to see because I didn’t know when to shut up...or speak up
Post by: snarkybull on July 02, 2021, 07:21:38 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on July 02, 2021, 08:49:29 AM
Use trailcams from day one if not during scouting. That's where the elk are now.
Hunt until it's too dark to shoot.
Sous vide and freeze dinner meat ahead of time and it takes just minutes to sear and heat up in camp.
Make sure you always wear matching Sitka Gear. Elk are fashion conscious.
Post by: b0bbyg on July 02, 2021, 09:20:30 AM
Make sure you always wear matching Sitka Gear. Elk are fashion conscious.
Thanks a lot, now I have to go buy more Sitka. I'll let the wife know it's your fault :chuckle:
Post by: pianoman9701 on July 02, 2021, 09:29:19 AM
Make sure you always wear matching Sitka Gear. Elk are fashion conscious.
Thanks a lot, now I have to go buy more Sitka. I'll let the wife know it's your fault :chuckle:
Wives, on the other hand, are not camo fashion conscious. They can't tell the difference between new camo and old camo. Most also don't know how many guns are in your safe at any given time. The More You Know...
Post by: snarkybull on July 02, 2021, 09:47:54 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on July 02, 2021, 09:51:20 AM
Post by: Buckjunkie on July 02, 2021, 10:28:51 AM
If you didn’t draw a tag, go along with someone who did draw. Get experience even if you aren’t pulling the trigger.
Elk aren’t the same everywhere. Success in one environment doesn’t equal success in another.
Elk will find the nastiest area during season. Be prepared physically to go where they are.
And like others have said, bring strong young guys along to help pack. It will give you the confidence to go where the elk are.
Post by: Axle on July 02, 2021, 07:20:29 PM
When the elk are completely and totally silent and non-vocal, there is a reason for it. Imitate them.
My lips are sealed :chuckle:
Post by: Twispriver on July 02, 2021, 07:23:23 PM
In the last 35 years I've averaged an elk about every other year including a six year dry spell. Thinking back on it I can say that a large majority of the elk I've taken came to me while either standing still while sneaking along a trail or sitting on stand instead of me sneaking up on them. So my hunting strategy for elk is basically a very slow moving post up into the wind.
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on July 02, 2021, 08:02:35 PM
WapitiTalk1, these are the real pearls!
Ha, no doubt. I’m enjoying the ride :chuckle:
Post by: b0bbyg on July 04, 2021, 07:27:58 AM
I hunt elk because it's fun but I'm not obsessive about it so I'm not sure I have any pearls to offer.If you are killing Elk that often I would say you are doing much better than most :tup: So your advice so hold weight in my opinion,
In the last 35 years I've averaged an elk about every other year including a six year dry spell. Thinking back on it I can say that a large majority of the elk I've taken came to me while either standing still while sneaking along a trail or sitting on stand instead of me sneaking up on them. So my hunting strategy for elk is basically a very slow moving post up into the wind.
I can say I screw up a really good chance at least every other year if not more often :chuckle: Good at getting close and finding elk, poor at closing the deal.
Post by: snake on July 04, 2021, 07:59:36 AM
Don't underestimate the moon phasePlease elaborate... I'm listening.
Post by: trophyhunt on July 06, 2021, 12:08:36 PM
From what I understand, when the moon is full and bright, the elk tend to stay up during the night longer. Then they bed more during the day, less active. But, when the moon is gone, the elk tend to be less active at night, normal daytime activities. So if you only have a certain time to take off for hunting, look at the moon phase and pick the week when the moon is gone.Don't underestimate the moon phasePlease elaborate... I'm listening.
Post by: pianoman9701 on July 06, 2021, 01:15:43 PM
I always check the moon phases for choosing the most dark nights during my trip, if possible. This year will be tough with the FM on the 20th of Sept.From what I understand, when the moon is full and bright, the elk tend to stay up during the night longer. Then they bed more during the day, less active. But, when the moon is gone, the elk tend to be less active at night, normal daytime activities. So if you only have a certain time to take off for hunting, look at the moon phase and pick the week when the moon is gone.Don't underestimate the moon phasePlease elaborate... I'm listening.
Sat Sep 11 Waxing Crescent Scorpio
Sun Sep 12 Waxing Crescent
Mon Sep 13 First Quarter Sagittarius
Tue Sep 14 Waxing Gibbous
Wed Sep 15 Waxing Gibbous Capricorn
Thu Sep 16
Fri Sep 17 Waxing Gibbous Aquarius
Sat Sep 18 Waxing Gibbous Aquarius
Sun Sep 19 Waxing Gibbous Pisces
Mon Sep 20 FULL MOON
Tue Sep 21 Waning Gibbous
Wed Sep 22 Waning Gibbous Aries
Thu Sep 23 Waning Gibbous Aries
Post by: Igor on July 06, 2021, 02:08:42 PM
I always check the moon phases for choosing the most dark nights during my trip, if possible. This year will be tough with the FM on the 20th of Sept.From what I understand, when the moon is full and bright, the elk tend to stay up during the night longer. Then they bed more during the day, less active. But, when the moon is gone, the elk tend to be less active at night, normal daytime activities. So if you only have a certain time to take off for hunting, look at the moon phase and pick the week when the moon is gone.Don't underestimate the moon phasePlease elaborate... I'm listening.
Sat Sep 11 Waxing Crescent Scorpio
Sun Sep 12 Waxing Crescent
Mon Sep 13 First Quarter Sagittarius
Tue Sep 14 Waxing Gibbous
Wed Sep 15 Waxing Gibbous Capricorn
Thu Sep 16
Fri Sep 17 Waxing Gibbous Aquarius
Sat Sep 18 Waxing Gibbous Aquarius
Sun Sep 19 Waxing Gibbous Pisces
Mon Sep 20 FULL MOON
Tue Sep 21 Waning Gibbous
Wed Sep 22 Waning Gibbous Aries
Thu Sep 23 Waning Gibbous Aries
I read a very interesting article a while back about how well deer and elk can see at night. Different studies have shown that they see 20 to 50 times better at night then humans, due to they way their eyes are constructed. So, what humans see as total darkness appears to them as something akin to twilight. The article did not discuss in detail how this affects their nocturnal feeding habits, but it was an interesting read anyway.
Post by: vandeman17 on July 06, 2021, 03:07:10 PM
Don't underestimate the moon phasePlease elaborate... I'm listening.
As was discussed earlier, moon phases can effect daytime activity depending on the weather. This is especially important during the rut in that you are more likely to have warm/clear days in september then you would later in the season. As the moon gets brighter, there will be more activity at night because its still light plus cooler. I have found that during full or fuller moons, the mid day activity can be better than it would be on little to no moon when the elk would other be taking a mid day break.
Post by: hike2hunt on July 07, 2021, 06:13:55 PM
Post by: Alchase on July 07, 2021, 06:38:03 PM
Don't underestimate the moon phasePlease elaborate... I'm listening.
As was discussed earlier, moon phases can effect daytime activity depending on the weather. This is especially important during the rut in that you are more likely to have warm/clear days in september then you would later in the season. As the moon gets brighter, there will be more activity at night because its still light plus cooler. I have found that during full or fuller moons, the mid day activity can be better than it would be on little to no moon when the elk would other be taking a mid day break.
I grew up hearing it it was a clear night, with a good moon, the elk/deer will half to be kicked out of bed.
Meaning they stayed up all night eating, because they could.
Post by: vandeman17 on July 08, 2021, 10:16:37 AM
Don't underestimate the moon phasePlease elaborate... I'm listening.
As was discussed earlier, moon phases can effect daytime activity depending on the weather. This is especially important during the rut in that you are more likely to have warm/clear days in september then you would later in the season. As the moon gets brighter, there will be more activity at night because its still light plus cooler. I have found that during full or fuller moons, the mid day activity can be better than it would be on little to no moon when the elk would other be taking a mid day break.
I grew up hearing it it was a clear night, with a good moon, the elk/deer will half to be kicked out of bed.
Meaning they stayed up all night eating, because they could.
Correct and during the rut, bulls and bucks will be chasing tail all night and not as active during daylight hours
Post by: 7mmfan on July 08, 2021, 09:34:44 PM
Don't underestimate the moon phasePlease elaborate... I'm listening.
As was discussed earlier, moon phases can effect daytime activity depending on the weather. This is especially important during the rut in that you are more likely to have warm/clear days in september then you would later in the season. As the moon gets brighter, there will be more activity at night because its still light plus cooler. I have found that during full or fuller moons, the mid day activity can be better than it would be on little to no moon when the elk would other be taking a mid day break.
I grew up hearing it it was a clear night, with a good moon, the elk/deer will half to be kicked out of bed.
Meaning they stayed up all night eating, because they could.
Correct and during the rut, bulls and bucks will be chasing tail all night and not as active during daylight hours
However on clear nights with big moons, deer and elk will often get up midday to water or browse. Staying in the woods ALL DAY can lead to a lot of kills in those conditions. My biggest buck to date was killed at 12:30 on a full moon.
Post by: 2MANY on July 08, 2021, 09:53:38 PM
Post by: hunter399 on July 09, 2021, 06:02:39 AM
That's me so don't be taking my advise.
:chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on July 09, 2021, 07:46:17 AM
Never wear a cow elk costume during the rut.
:chuckle:
Post by: vandeman17 on July 09, 2021, 08:54:11 AM
Don't underestimate the moon phasePlease elaborate... I'm listening.
As was discussed earlier, moon phases can effect daytime activity depending on the weather. This is especially important during the rut in that you are more likely to have warm/clear days in september then you would later in the season. As the moon gets brighter, there will be more activity at night because its still light plus cooler. I have found that during full or fuller moons, the mid day activity can be better than it would be on little to no moon when the elk would other be taking a mid day break.
I grew up hearing it it was a clear night, with a good moon, the elk/deer will half to be kicked out of bed.
Meaning they stayed up all night eating, because they could.
Correct and during the rut, bulls and bucks will be chasing tail all night and not as active during daylight hours
However on clear nights with big moons, deer and elk will often get up midday to water or browse. Staying in the woods ALL DAY can lead to a lot of kills in those conditions. My biggest buck to date was killed at 12:30 on a full moon.
For sure.
Post by: b0bbyg on July 09, 2021, 09:58:14 AM
Don't take advise from the Elk hunter that buys tag every year but never harvest an Elk.
That's me so don't be taking my advise.
:chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
This is actually a really good point :tup: How many of us want to ignore/criticize what other camps do because it is us against them mentality. Took me several years to start opening up to the fact if another camp kills more elk than you do, they could probably teach you something.
Last 3-4 years I have been trying to be more friendly and learn & share what I can, without giving away honey holes of course.
Just because "that is the way our friends and family have always done it" does not make it the best way. Unless you are knocking over big bulls every year, in that case carry on and invite me along for a lesson!
Post by: scoutdog346 on August 11, 2021, 12:29:57 PM
Post by: branches on August 11, 2021, 08:43:13 PM
Post by: hillbillyplumber on August 11, 2021, 11:05:59 PM
Post by: hunter399 on August 12, 2021, 05:09:57 AM
Post by: slowhand on August 13, 2021, 11:05:22 AM
Nock another arrow immediately be ready for a follow up shot. I arrowed a nice bull last year (my third year hunting). Felt and looked like a good shot after going over it in my head again and again I believe I only got 1 lung due to shooting up hill. Anyhow I watched him buck once and stop for a few seconds before walking off to die. I should/could have shot him again when he stopped had I nocked another arrow. Unfortunately he went a long way into some really tall thick salal. I spent the last 2 days of the season looking for him never found him. I'll never make that mistake again.Ouch, I could feel the emotions while reading this.
Post by: Newb2020/509 on August 15, 2021, 12:36:53 PM
Post by: HornHoarder on August 15, 2021, 02:22:26 PM
Post by: Tallan1976 on August 17, 2021, 10:00:52 AM
Agree on the cow call at the ready!! One other thing I thought about was hunting alone! Don’t be afraid to hunt alone, guys in camp w ya is great, but actually out hunting, do it alone, less noise, smells and every decision is your own! Your buddy may not want to sit as along as you, or climb that steep hill just to check out one more spot. I’ve killed 99% of my bulls when I was alone. Now of course archery when the rut is on is totally different, a good partner you trust is key.
Sometimes you can bring a buddy and use him as a bird dog, especially if he has less experience than you and doesn't realize what you are doing :)
Post by: GOcougsHunter on August 17, 2021, 01:20:43 PM
Post by: highcountry_hunter on August 17, 2021, 02:10:11 PM