Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: Mr Mykiss on September 06, 2011, 01:11:35 PM

Title: Thnking of treestanding my big bull...
Post by: Mr Mykiss on September 06, 2011, 01:11:35 PM: So I'm taking a few days of (Yes, I have a big bull tag and I'm taking a few days off). So of course all I'm doing is thinking about elk... opportunities I've screwed up, etc. So here's the deal: I've found an area that is GOOD however the wind is constantly a problem and I have to be more or less out in the open. There is a very, very good place for me to hang a treestand and I'm thinking that I should do that. I've never hung a stand during the season so I wanted input, here's my plan...
1. Hang the stand around 3pm
2. Hang it 15-20'
3. Have it ready to go by 4pm
4. Sit in stand until dark
5. Repeat next morning
6. Repeat next evening
7. Etc...
Title: Re: Thnking of treestanding my big bull...
Post by: vandeman17 on September 06, 2011, 01:24:21 PM: If it were me and depending on the type of stand and where you are hunting, I would hang my stand mid day and leave it there so you can hunt it each morning and evening without making the noise and all that comes with hanging it each day. If you can do that, then you can sneak in and out each time and hopefully be there when the big boy comes around. :twocents:
Title: Re: Thnking of treestanding my big bull...
Post by: 42 Willys on September 16, 2011, 10:32:28 AM: Good luck on the tree stand elk hunt....if you know they're in the area it is definitely doable. I've set my ladder stand up in the past (for white tail deer) midday, put out some scent, came back the next morning and had good success. A friend had access to private property east of Kent and got a huge bull from a makeshift tree stand. It was a constantly used elk area until they logged it off and ruined it.
Good luck
Title: Re: Thnking of treestanding my big bull...
Post by: Mr Mykiss on September 16, 2011, 11:24:47 AM: Too late... never got to use the stand :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Thnking of treestanding my big bull...
Post by: et1702 on September 16, 2011, 11:32:37 AM: Treestand hunting elk is a VERY good idea. I just shot my cow elk this year on opening day out of a tree stand. My buddy shot his out of a different treestand on the 8th of Sept. He had opportunities each day and finally connected. he also had a couple big bulls beneath him (but, no bull tag).

If wind is a problem, get up as high in the tree as you can go. Even with good wind, 15 feet is not enough! Elk do look up, unlike most deer. At a minimum, you should be 20 to 30 feet above the base of the tree. Also, if possible, make sure your tree is on the uphill side of the trail or area you are anticipating the bull to come from. This will also help keep your scent up higher in the trees.

Just remember, you will be shooting downhill and your arrow will not drop as much. My buddy actually missed his first shot and the elk came right back. He still shot high on the second shot and "spined the elk. Dropped her like a stone but he had to hurry up and climb outta the stand to finish her off thru the vitals.

Also, if you go to "ElkNuts" web site, he has a book about treestand hunting RM Elk. The guy that wrote it is 95% successful taking elk every year from his tree stands!
Title: Re: Thnking of treestanding my big bull...
Post by: AKBowman on September 16, 2011, 06:50:03 PM: Also, if you go to "ElkNuts" web site, he has a book about treestand hunting RM Elk. The guy that wrote it is 95% successful taking elk every year from his tree stands!

I would not recommend that book. That is unless you dont already know the extreme basics of hanging a tree stand, if you're familiar with the basics of hanging a tree stand (for deer or elk) than it is kind of a waste of time, only IMO.

Best of luck!