Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: ganghis on September 26, 2024, 10:37:16 AM

Title: spike elk strategy
Post by: ganghis on September 26, 2024, 10:37:16 AM: Hi All,
Wondering if people have specific strategies on eastside spike elk this time of year. Seems like the common suggestion you see in western hunting is to locate a herd w bugling, and then to cow call on the periphery in hopes a spike that's hanging on the fringes will come in. But it seems like this suggestion is developed from experience in Montana/Colorado/Wyoming where herds can be pretty big and there are multiple satellite bulls, etc. Where I hunt eastside herds tend to be pretty small, say the herd bull pushing 8-10 cows around. Still haven't connected on a spike - or even seen one while hunting in WA. Kind of seems like a needle in the haystack especially since you're competing with everyone else to find one. Any general tips?

Thanks!
Title: Re: spike elk strategy
Post by: carlyoungs on September 26, 2024, 11:26:41 AM: In my Eastside elk hunting, the spikes are all just random. Sometimes solo, sometimes a couple spikes together, one hanging out with some cows, or spikes in the herds with big bulls and cows. I haven't found a way to just target spikes. Seems to me they are just running around with all the other elk. Some years I see multiple spikes throughout the season, some years I see zero. I would say just keep finding the elk and you will eventually find that elusive unicorn.
Title: Re: spike elk strategy
Post by: buglebuster on September 26, 2024, 11:28:30 AM: Spikes are relatively easy in high elk areas in the timber. Get in where you know there’s elk, and where they like to hang. One thing I’ve noticed about spikes is they are pedophiles. Sit there with lost calf sounds and you can easily call in spikes that are tailing the main herd. Get ready because usually there is more than one.
Title: Re: spike elk strategy
Post by: ganghis on September 26, 2024, 03:00:36 PM: Thanks guys! Never would have guessed this thread would have turned in to one on pedophilia - too funny. I'm going to have to learn that lost calf call!
Title: Re: spike elk strategy
Post by: NOCK NOCK on September 26, 2024, 07:13:47 PM: Quote from: carlyoungs on September 26, 2024, 11:26:41 AM
In my Eastside elk hunting, the spikes are all just random. Sometimes solo, sometimes a couple spikes together, one hanging out with some cows, or spikes in the herds with big bulls and cows. I haven't found a way to just target spikes. Seems to me they are just running around with all the other elk. Some years I see multiple spikes throughout the season, some years I see zero. I would say just keep finding the elk and you will eventually find that elusive unicorn.

This is my experience too.