Post by: Jayhole on April 20, 2023, 10:29:44 AM
I've been wanting to learn how to hunt for a few years now. Every time someone I know says they'll take me they always have to cancel at the last minute. So, for the last two years I've been reading threads all over and watching YouTube videos by guys like elk101 and angry spike. I've been practicing calls and took up archery last summer. I think I'm at the point where I don't want to waste anymore time looking for a mentor and am just going to dive into this solo.
I'm leaning heavily towards gmu 654. Specifically Elbe Hills for early archery. I like this place for a few reasons... I live close so I can spend a lot more time scouting and hunting there, I've heard elk bugle in there mid sept., and the success rate seems as good as any other gmu that is mostly public land. With my job I should be able to hunt it a few days in the beginning, a few days in the middle, and the last couple days if needed.
So what do you guys think? Is this a decent area for someone who's willing to get off the roads and bushwhack through the thick stuff? Any hazards an inexperienced guy should know about? Basically, am I heading in the right direction?
Thanks!
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on April 20, 2023, 10:36:35 AM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on April 20, 2023, 10:37:01 AM
Post by: jrebel on April 20, 2023, 10:38:30 AM
Find another new hunter and learn together. A lot of seasoned vets don't like to share their special spots....thus the last minute cancellations.
Let us know how the first year goes!! Enjoy all aspects of the hunt and don't be disappointed if you don't kill something.....that's not what the hunt is about.
Post by: Mfowl on April 20, 2023, 10:38:57 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on April 20, 2023, 10:43:05 AM
Things to REALLY take seriously are shot placement and logistics of actually getting an elk out before it spoils.
Arrows are not bullets. What can look like a broadside shot may actually be quartering too enough to become a one lung hit aka a nightmare. Before touching off your shot glance at the placement of the front legs. Is the near side leg behind the offside leg putting the shoulder blade rearward? Things like that matter. Every year we hear stories of "the perfect hit" that results in a lost animal.
Guts out and hide off ASAP hide off and quarters off if going gutless. Remember it's not rocket science. You may not do a pretty job of it your first few times but you just gotta dive in and get the chore done with.
Good luck and shoot straight. :tup:
Post by: Jayhole on April 20, 2023, 10:48:36 AM
Go for it. What have you got to lose?Exactly
Post by: Jayhole on April 20, 2023, 10:49:13 AM
I had a friend who came up to our elk camp once in a while to bs and drink our beer. He didn't hunt. He was liquored up one night and some newbies stopped by looking for tips on where to go the next morning. My friend said heck for $20 I'll take you guys out myself. They jumped at the chance. He drove em out to the first dirt road past camp the next morning went to the end of it, got out for a smoke and a big 5 point bull walked into the clearing in front of them and the newbie dumped it. I think it was the first elk in the wild my friend had ever seen. There ya go!That's hilarious
Post by: phildobaggins on April 20, 2023, 10:50:43 AM
I had a friend who came up to our elk camp once in a while to bs and drink our beer. He didn't hunt. He was liquored up one night and some newbies stopped by looking for tips on where to go the next morning. My friend said heck for $20 I'll take you guys out myself. They jumped at the chance. He drove em out to the first dirt road past camp the next morning went to the end of it, got out for a smoke and a big 5 point bull walked into the clearing in front of them and the newbie dumped it. I think it was the first elk in the wild my friend had ever seen. There ya go!
What a story LMAO
Post by: Jayhole on April 20, 2023, 10:55:00 AM
You aint gonna kill an elk watching Youtube videos of other guys going it!!! I would say you have done your homework and now you need to just get after it. Close to home is always a bonus as you can dedicate more time....in all aspects of the hunt (scouting, hunting, post hunt research, shed hunting).Yeah I'm definitely getting itchy to just get out there. Mainly wanted a mentor for learning to track and field dress. I learn better hands on. I won't be disappointed if I don't kill anything. My main goal this first year is to locate elk during season. If I can't call any in or get a shot I'll still consider it a success!
Find another new hunter and learn together. A lot of seasoned vets don't like to share their special spots....thus the last minute cancellations.
Let us know how the first year goes!! Enjoy all aspects of the hunt and don't be disappointed if you don't kill something.....that's not what the hunt is about.
Post by: Jayhole on April 20, 2023, 10:58:48 AM
I don't hunt the area you mentioned but you should definitely get out there and start hunting! I would recommend studying up on field dressing/processing an animal once it's down. Especially an elk solo. It can be surprising how big they are once you are standing next to them. That being said, I do some of my best hunting and learning when I am out there solo. But it is nice to have help processing and packing out!That's what I was thinking! I might be able to convince my brother to tag a long for company and help. He's very physically fit and likes the outdoors. He's just super busy!
Post by: Twispriver on April 20, 2023, 10:59:56 AM
Post by: Jayhole on April 20, 2023, 11:04:21 AM
Jump in with both feet man. Many folks cuts their teeth with no mentors and figured it out. I'm not a Westside guy so couldn't speak to that area specifically but if you've heard elk there and it's close to home I'd say that's a winning combo.Thanks for the encouragement!
Things to REALLY take seriously are shot placement and logistics of actually getting an elk out before it spoils.
Arrows are not bullets. What can look like a broadside shot may actually be quartering too enough to become a one lung hit aka a nightmare. Before touching off your shot glance at the placement of the front legs. Is the near side leg behind the offside leg putting the shoulder blade rearward? Things like that matter. Every year we hear stories of "the perfect hit" that results in a lost animal.
Guts out and hide off ASAP hide off and quarters off if going gutless. Remember it's not rocket science. You may not do a pretty job of it your first few times but you just gotta dive in and get the chore done with.
Good luck and shoot straight. :tup:
Great point about the leg position!
Post by: Jayhole on April 20, 2023, 11:10:28 AM
Go out there as soon as you can and have a look around. When you find a few spots with old rubs and game trails in an area with feed, water mark them and when September rolls around go hunt them.Will do!
Post by: bobcat on April 20, 2023, 11:23:23 AM
Post by: Jayhole on April 20, 2023, 11:35:09 AM
You could start out by doing some deer hunting. They're much easier to take care of when you're by yourself.That actually was the original plan a couple years ago! But something happened. I just became mesmerized by elk. The way they look and act in their habitat. Especially in the rainforest. The way they sound. I'm just so drawn to elk hunting its all i can think about. Which is weird because I've never actually done it. Plus a buddy gave me a bunch of elk meat and it's freaking delicious!
Post by: salmosalar on April 20, 2023, 11:42:00 AM
However the preparation is fun as well. You could have any number of youtube videos loaded on your phone for if you kill an elk. There are plenty that walk you through it. You can buy any number of books that list the exact things that you need to be prepared.
Tracking is the hard part. I will tell you that when you take a shot, mark the location. Drop a hat or something. Then mark where the animal is. Then wait. Don't lose those 2 spots though.
You can do it all yourself. It is possible. Certain Roosevelt hunters have even laid a very doable plan/ process as to how to find them and hunt them. If you listen to enough podcasts and/ or read enough, you can come up with a plan for scouting, calling and killing. It's all out there and it is fun to learn.
I had multiple bulls within 20 yards last year. I had never called a bull before. You can do this.
Additionally, you may find someone between then and now to hunt with. Any amount of time spent prepping and scouting now can only help.
Post by: Twispriver on April 20, 2023, 11:45:56 AM
Elk hunting can be addictive.
Elk hunting has been known to cause marital discord.
Elk hunting can cause a loss of productivity at work.
Elk hunting can deplete financial resources.
Post by: 2MANY on April 20, 2023, 11:51:22 AM
Plenty in that unit.
Post by: Jayhole on April 20, 2023, 11:53:35 AM
The best part of elk hunting is the preparation.........That is not true. It is the hunting.Thank you for the encouragement!
However the preparation is fun as well. You could have any number of youtube videos loaded on your phone for if you kill an elk. There are plenty that walk you through it. You can buy any number of books that list the exact things that you need to be prepared.
Tracking is the hard part. I will tell you that when you take a shot, mark the location. Drop a hat or something. Then mark where the animal is. Then wait. Don't lose those 2 spots though.
You can do it all yourself. It is possible. Certain Roosevelt hunters have even laid a very doable plan/ process as to how to find them and hunt them. If you listen to enough podcasts and/ or read enough, you can come up with a plan for scouting, calling and killing. It's all out there and it is fun to learn.
I had multiple bulls within 20 yards last year. I had never called a bull before. You can do this.
Additionally, you may find someone between then and now to hunt with. Any amount of time spent prepping and scouting now can only help.
Post by: Jayhole on April 20, 2023, 11:55:55 AM
Your elk tag doesn't come with a warning label but there are some things that you should know going in.I'm experiencing all that already and I haven't even gone!
Elk hunting can be addictive.
Elk hunting has been known to cause marital discord.
Elk hunting can cause a loss of productivity at work.
Elk hunting can deplete financial resources.
Post by: highside74 on April 20, 2023, 11:56:46 AM
Post by: Jayhole on April 20, 2023, 11:58:39 AM
Make sure you buy a Tweaker Tag as well.Living not far from there I sadly am more than familiar with the drug camps. A little worried about leaving my truck unattended for days at a time
Plenty in that unit.
Post by: Jayhole on April 20, 2023, 12:00:41 PM
No elk in the Elbe Hills. A pack of roaming rabid Opossums got them all.Do I need a small game license for those?
Post by: trophyhunt on April 20, 2023, 12:07:53 PM
I know its a pain, but if you are gonna be gone long, I'd get someone to drop you off. I'd be worried sick the entire hunt if I left my rig alone for days in that area. I pretty much self taught myself with elk hunting, takes years to learn even a little. Biggest thing to remember, Keep that wind in your face!! If you are hiking into a spot and the wind is at your back, they will absolutely know you are coming long before you get there. Take your time and be patient, trust your gut, always pay attention to far and close things around you. Hunting elk is life, and being alone doing it can be one of the greatest experiences of your life. If you are young and starting out, I'd dive right into the back country!! Good luck.Make sure you buy a Tweaker Tag as well.Living not far from there I sadly am more than familiar with the drug camps. A little worried about leaving my truck unattended for days at a time
Plenty in that unit.
Post by: glocksWetrust on April 20, 2023, 12:21:40 PM
Post by: cpawlowski19 on April 20, 2023, 02:20:41 PM
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Post by: builtfordtough on April 20, 2023, 02:31:21 PM
Post by: Jayhole on April 20, 2023, 02:33:39 PM
Were you gonna camp ? Or were you planning on going out each day you plan to hunt ?Hadn't really decided yet. Could do either. I think a few scouting trips will help me decide.
Post by: Jayhole on April 20, 2023, 02:34:55 PM
Make sure you get a good pack with meat hauling capability. Size is up to you whether you’ll be out just a day at a time or a few nights. Finding, harvesting and cleaning the elk is one thing. Being able to bring all of that meat out is another.This is probably the one thing I dont have yet
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Post by: Jayhole on April 20, 2023, 02:38:12 PM
I have tagged along with my bil on his archery hunts and have hunted muzzy season in the Mashel 2 years. My best advise is watch the wind. Where we go its deep and steep and the wind changes constantly at all times of the day. We have been busted down there on more than an handful of times. I keep telling him this place is unhuntable but 1 of these yrs we will get lucky. Be persistent. When you find your spot sneak in and out. Another piece of advice is get ON X. Depending on where you are hunting there is a ton of private and timberland in that unit so pick your location wisely and know the boundaries.Thanks! I have OnX and have studied it very closely. Is the archery season pretty crowded in there?
Post by: cpawlowski19 on April 20, 2023, 02:40:54 PM
Lots of good companies out there. Alps Outdoorz, Eberlestock, Exo Mountain, Mystery Ranch, Stone Glacier just to name a few. All depends on your budget but my suggestion is get the best pack you can and don’t buy twice.Make sure you get a good pack with meat hauling capability. Size is up to you whether you’ll be out just a day at a time or a few nights. Finding, harvesting and cleaning the elk is one thing. Being able to bring all of that meat out is another.This is probably the one thing I dont have yet
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Jayhole on April 20, 2023, 02:43:54 PM
Sounds good!Lots of good companies out there. Alps Outdoorz, Eberlestock, Exo Mountain, Mystery Ranch, Stone Glacier just to name a few. All depends on your budget but my suggestion is get the best pack you can and don’t buy twice.Make sure you get a good pack with meat hauling capability. Size is up to you whether you’ll be out just a day at a time or a few nights. Finding, harvesting and cleaning the elk is one thing. Being able to bring all of that meat out is another.This is probably the one thing I dont have yet
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Karl Blanchard on April 20, 2023, 02:46:38 PM
Post by: Jayhole on April 20, 2023, 02:59:04 PM
Another thing to add here...you've chosen to start with hands down the hardest method of take by choosing archery so tailor expectations accordingly. Guys hunt decades before finding success. The ones that are consistently successful treat each outing as a learning experience. Analyze and dissect everything. Connecting the dots of why things happen the way they do is paramount to success :twocents:Roger that! Thanks!
Post by: Wizekrakr on April 20, 2023, 08:05:06 PM
Post by: builtfordtough on April 20, 2023, 08:35:04 PM
I have tagged along with my bil on his archery hunts and have hunted muzzy season in the Mashel 2 years. My best advise is watch the wind. Where we go its deep and steep and the wind changes constantly at all times of the day. We have been busted down there on more than an handful of times. I keep telling him this place is unhuntable but 1 of these yrs we will get lucky. Be persistent. When you find your spot sneak in and out. Another piece of advice is get ON X. Depending on where you are hunting there is a ton of private and timberland in that unit so pick your location wisely and know the boundaries.Thanks! I have OnX and have studied it very closely. Is the archery season pretty crowded in there?
We hunt a fairly small public land spot and there has been a few bow hunters in there. Same for muzzy season. The "locals" have been hostile and not friendly at times
Post by: Jayhole on April 20, 2023, 09:29:09 PM
The elk are your teachers. You can hunt elk for decades and every encounter you have with them, they will teach you something new. Your preparation sounds like you are ready for school to begin. Get out to do some pre-season scouting and enjoy the experience. There's nothing like it.Right on man!
Post by: Jayhole on April 20, 2023, 09:36:08 PM
That sucks about the locals. Are they anti hunters or other hunters who are being territorial?I have tagged along with my bil on his archery hunts and have hunted muzzy season in the Mashel 2 years. My best advise is watch the wind. Where we go its deep and steep and the wind changes constantly at all times of the day. We have been busted down there on more than an handful of times. I keep telling him this place is unhuntable but 1 of these yrs we will get lucky. Be persistent. When you find your spot sneak in and out. Another piece of advice is get ON X. Depending on where you are hunting there is a ton of private and timberland in that unit so pick your location wisely and know the boundaries.Thanks! I have OnX and have studied it very closely. Is the archery season pretty crowded in there?
We hunt a fairly small public land spot and there has been a few bow hunters in there. Same for muzzy season. The "locals" have been hostile and not friendly at times
Post by: builtfordtough on April 20, 2023, 09:53:05 PM
Post by: Shawn Ryan on April 20, 2023, 10:27:55 PM
Post by: Scruffy on April 21, 2023, 12:19:52 AM
Post by: Alchase on April 21, 2023, 06:52:35 AM
Post by: Longfield1 on April 21, 2023, 07:31:46 AM
If you do arrow an elk give it time don't go looking for it right away. Atleast 30 minutes.
Look for fresh sign.
The 2 most likely times you'll find elk are in the morning and evening. So commit to be out in position in the dark when the sun comes up. Then in the afternoon hunt commit to stay out till its end of shooting light. Don't head back to camp when its getting dark stay until dark.
Like others have said, you just have to get out and do it. There's only so many opening days in our lifetime.
Post by: Stein on April 21, 2023, 07:34:54 AM
I agree your expectations should be in line with the statistics.
Post by: boneaddict on April 21, 2023, 07:41:56 AM
Post by: bearpaw on April 21, 2023, 07:59:13 AM
Post by: Jayhole on April 21, 2023, 11:32:13 AM
Territorial, messed with our trail cameras, took the SD cards out, flipped the cameras upside down. Met a couple guys who were not nice at all. Hasn't stopped us from going back. And it shouldn't stop you either. You may run into these types anywhere you hunt. Have met a few who have been very pleasant and happy to talk strategy and what way we are going/they going.That's lame dude. But glad to hear you met some cool people
Post by: Jayhole on April 21, 2023, 11:33:13 AM
What Karl said, both times. Success the first years is not measured in kills, but in how many times the elk taught you something. Once you have one on the ground, you need to have a plan for getting the meat cooled and out quickly. Hiking at night with meat is part of that.I hear ya!
Post by: Jayhole on April 21, 2023, 11:34:42 AM
Yes Go for it..... It's all about the experience. You will learn best as you go, everyone makes mistakes just learn from them, don't get discouraged. If you get something don't be afraid to field dress it. Just try not to cut into the intestines or the stomach. Cool the meat as soon as possible. Don't be afraid to process your animal. It is called butchering and you will butcher your first few animals but you will learn the different muscle groups and how they connect. It is way cheaper to make your own summer sausage and jerky vs having a butcher do it. Good Luck.Thanks!
Post by: Jayhole on April 21, 2023, 11:36:25 AM
As others have said, if you are going to hunt the Elbe Hills, or any of the Mashel Unit, do not leave anything in your vehicle. It will get stolen.Yeah I almost feel like it's best to leave my truck unlocked so I don't get a busted window. Maybe take out some fuses so it can't easily be stolen
Post by: Jayhole on April 21, 2023, 11:37:26 AM
Watch the wind at all times for sureThanks!
If you do arrow an elk give it time don't go looking for it right away. Atleast 30 minutes.
Look for fresh sign.
The 2 most likely times you'll find elk are in the morning and evening. So commit to be out in position in the dark when the sun comes up. Then in the afternoon hunt commit to stay out till its end of shooting light. Don't head back to camp when its getting dark stay until dark.
Like others have said, you just have to get out and do it. There's only so many opening days in our lifetime.
Post by: Jayhole on April 21, 2023, 11:39:04 AM
Just go, I taught myself big game hunting although I did have a couple guys show me the ropes with waterfowl. Archery elk is a hoot, the weather is usually nice, you don't have to pack around a ton of clothes, hiking is easier and you usually hear an elk somewhere.Thanks! I also had some friends take me duck hunting last fall. That was some of the most fun I've ever had!
I agree your expectations should be in line with the statistics.
Post by: Jayhole on April 21, 2023, 11:40:34 AM
Your best mentor will be Mother Nature herself. You get back what you put into it.Thanks! I'm going to try to put as much as I can into it!
Post by: Jayhole on April 21, 2023, 11:44:27 AM
You just need to go hunting, but you have picked one of the harder hunts to start with, I would recommend starting with rifle deer, better odds of success and you can get some experience handling a dead animal. If the first animal you walk up to is an elk you could very well be in over your head!I hear you! I was originally going to start with deer but that hunt fell through. I'm not opposed to hunting deer. I've just sort of become obsessed with elk the last couple years
Post by: Alchase on April 21, 2023, 08:27:53 PM
Go out and scout until it gets stinky, then you have found elk. :chuckle:
Post by: Jayhole on April 22, 2023, 10:44:13 PM
After 4 pages of advice, you got this :tup:Thanks!
Go out and scout until it gets stinky, then you have found elk. :chuckle:
Post by: blackymaster20 on April 24, 2023, 12:23:55 PM
Post by: Jayhole on April 25, 2023, 07:13:22 AM
Elbe hills has a bunch of elk. That's a good starting point. Just get out and hunt and you will learn as you go.Thanks!