Hunting Washington Forum
Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: dylanb on February 05, 2012, 07:21:02 PM
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What is the best single tip for a beginning bow hunter
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Practice
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Practice
Agreed. Pratice out of possition shots. Also look at Elk nuts web site. Paul has loads of info that wil lhelp you become a better Elk hunter. Oh and be were the Elk are wich means be perpared to spend alot of time scouting.
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Be in shape :twocents:
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An elk has the ability to pinpoint where a sound comes from. So if you are solo. Don't call when they are close except to stop them. If you have a caller. Get farther away from them!! Most newbies will be too close to the caller. I like to be 100yds ish. WIND WIND WIND. Always know it.
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Be persistent.
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When you get into where you think elk are. SLOW way down and look use your bino's even in thick timber. You can spot them before they spot you :tup:
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Love Elk. Simple as that.... you will make the rest happen.
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practice and enjoy,dont post pics with a flashlight on your bow,or call a house cat a bobcat.Practice shooting and know the wind at all times.But have fun dont get discouraged,it will all come together.. :tup:
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Lose the riffle, muzzle loader mentality.
Forget what you have learned.
Archery hunters are a breed all there own.
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Practice
Agreed. Pratice out of possition shots. Also look at Elk nuts web site. Paul has loads of info that wil lhelp you become a better Elk hunter. Oh and be were the Elk are wich means be perpared to spend alot of time scouting.
:yeah: i got his audio cd set for xmas and ive learned so much from them...all the encounters ive had with elk the last 5 years archery hunting could have turned out different if i had listened to these cds before i started calling
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1. Shoot Shoot Shoot - You need it to be second nature when it's crunch time
2. Learn to read the wind, it must be respected at all times
3. Understand elk calling and practice until season, unless you plan on spot and stalk hunting
Those are just a couple tips out of hundreds
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All of these are great tips but I would have to say all the practice and learning wind and slowing down doesnt matter unless you know where to find them. My biggest tip is to SCOUT! It really does make a difference. Even on public land
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Patients!!! In all aspects of the hunt.
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Think like an elk.
This takes in the field education and study. So many new elk hunters go afield thinking like predators not like elk. Elk spend their whole lives avoiding predators. The big ones are damn good at it even in times of rutting activity. Read all you can about elk as well as hunting elk.
Scout your chosen area well asking yourself questions like, "Why are they here right now?", "Why did they do that?" and "Where are they going?" When you're watching elk preseason challenge yourself by predicting their next move. If they do something different than what you predict figure out why?
Once you start thinking like an elk then start working on sounding like an elk. Even smelling like an elk! If you choose communication and fashion before origin and lifestyle you just might find yourself talking Spanish to a German.
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^ what website did you get that from that is awesome. Thanks you guys fir all the help I am really looking forward to next archery season
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All the comments have been spot on.
The only thing I would add is BE READY TO TAKE THE SHOT.!! I have a buddy that hunts as much a I do but never kills an elk. He has chances, he just doesn't make it happen. Now I am not suggesting taking unethical shots. Just be ready and if he is quartering away in your range take him. If he is SLIGHTLYquartering to that can work also. I have killed 8 elk in six years with my bow and only oe was perfectly broadside . Average yardage for my kills is 41. So be practiced and ready and confident and elk will soon reside in your freezer. :chuckle: :tup:
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my one tip.
Have some good calls, get with JPhelps and Bearmanric on here and get a couple of their calls, they each have a purpose. A lot of times you can get a bull fired up on one but not come in and then use a different one and it will bring the bull in.
Ok two tips - Leave the hoochie momma at home. Learn to call.
Joe
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While road hunting driver and shooter should always have a game plan. :yike: not really just joking. Don't overlook the idea of a treestand it can be very effective. I've killed 4 elk all from the same treestand.
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www.roehuntingresources.com
. . . absorb everything you can from the Elk Module, etc.
Beyond that, be in shape and keep a positive attitude, as your "luck" can change in an instant if you are persistent.
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Management......time, scent, noise, nerve and patience. Manage those things and you are in the top percentile.
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Lose the riffle, muzzle loader mentality.
Forget what you have learned.
Archery hunters are a breed all there own.
:yeah: :yeah: :yeah: :yeah: :tup: :tup:
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do not think like a rifle hunter ( and that is not a slam on rifle hunters) you need to understand how to get close to the elk, 40 yards or better. With a rifle the shoths can be longer. You need to know how to read what they are doing, what they are feeling and understand the ground you are hunting so you can stay on the elk. Never push them if you can help it. it is better to back away from them and hunt them later, I will wait two or three days before I go back on to the same elk I have been on. I know you cant always do this, but this is why I hunt away from the crowds. Good luck and lots of pratice as well shoot good equipment
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While road hunting driver and shooter should always have a game plan. :yike: not really just joking. Don't overlook the idea of a treestand it can be very effective. I've killed 4 elk all from the same treestand.
Scouting and tree stand placement are KEY to being successful. Also, get up higher in the tree (25 to 30ft minimum). Tree stand hunting elk is easier than you might think. You just need to know where they are at and pattern their movements. Remember, come opening day, their movements and habits can change due to all the local activity (i.e., hunters in the woods). I typically set up two, and sometimes three stands based on where they are going to be opening day and where they are going to go if they feel pressured. Of course, you need to be able to hit what you are shooting at, so start practicing NOW! (and not just flat ground) Set up a stand in your backyard and also practice shooting uphill and downhill.
ET
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Start saving money so you can hunt out of state every year.
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Aim small, miss small. Get into the habit of picking the smallest speck of dirt you can see to shoot at. Practice by putting a tiny sticker on your target and shoot at that. And, shoot all the time.
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Pack lots of mountain money! Youll need it after a bull runs you over after you squeak the mamma! :chuckle:
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Humility, you have to be able to accept being humbled, if not you will be frustrated and fail or not enjoy archery hunting....
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Even if you do everything mentioned before things may not go as planned..
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Take notes, take lots and lots of notes. Ever time you step out in the woods you need to make notes on weather, time of year, location, what you are seeing and where. Every time you have an encounter you need to pay very close attention to all the little details. What were they doing, pay attention to what you are or did do. Pay attention to whether they are eating, walking, running, where did they come from and where are they going and probably most important what time of day did you seem them in a particular spot. You will be amazed on how much info you will have to process after each day. You will quickly find that locating the elk is the easiest part of archery hunting. Archery hunting is a passion that will consume you. :twocents:
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Patience. If you have a feeling your going to blow a herd out before you can get close enough for a shot, your probably going to. It took a few herds spooked to the next county before I learned its best to back out when its not perfect
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What Buckmark said.
Stay mentally tough. It doesnt matter if you get winded or seen or....... They make great stories next week next month next year... Your next chance is around the corner.
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Persistence pays off. When everyone else has given up, that is when the elk come out. One more tip, make sure to put yourself in a position that is going to give you the best success. What I mean by that is scan areas before you enter and make a mental plan. Find natural excape routes they would most likely take. Hope this helps!
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wow what I have learnd on here is better than ant collage education. GO ELK HUNTING
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Learn how to call and dont over call. Dont educate critters
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Curious about archery gear a rifle will last for decades if taken care of, will a bow last as long, or will it need to be replaced periodically, or maybe parts of it?
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Hunt Idaho so you have a back up plan ; )
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Move to New Mexico! Best resident hunter elk state IMHO.
Dont give up on seeking permission on private land. Its hard work but pays off in the end.
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good boots,lots of time and many miles. be ready
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Move to New Mexico! Best resident hunter elk state IMHO.
Dont give up on seeking permission on private land. Its hard work but pays off in the end.
:yeah:
My hunting partner grew up hunting there, he still isn't used to hunting thick brush and not seeing huge herds.
But hunt a unit that is now hunter friendly. Meaning you have an opportunity for more than just spikes. Building confidence in your archery skills is very important. If you can successfully kill a cow, you won't second guess your abilities when that bull steps out. Archery hunting is a blast, you won't always be successful, but your skills as a hunter increase tremendously.
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Go in far and go deep or steep where the others won't dare. That's where they be.
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Befriend someone that knows what they are doing, it will save you years . I did it by trial and error, mostly error and it took me to long to figure it out. Get a call and practice, you don't have to be an expert to locate bulls. Get up high or deep before first light, the elk will head to bedding early during the season and you have to be ahead of them. Catching up is very hard. Have a great season. Mike
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Don't try to be where the elk are but where they are going to be. Find good ambush spots and bring a book sit and wait one out. Its not the most exiting way to do it but is very successful.
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Practice shots at diffrent angles,(high-low) as well as diffrent positions,(standing-sitting) the more confidence you have for any close shot, the better,,,,and BE READY!
Heres another one, stay within your comfort zone. Meaning, for now, stay with the 35-40 yrd shots. Would suck to have a trophy bull that was working his way in to you get hit at 90yrds, and never to be found!! Belive it or not this dose happen, wether it be arogance, or just afraid it wont keep working your way. Respect your hunt!
I stated trophy bull, but in all honesty anything i get with a arrow is a trophy to me, a doe, or a cow has the same nutritional value as a buck, or bull :twocents:
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Thanks guys these are all very helpful tips but about the calling is a locater bugle a high pitch short one or a long growler I have herd a few awensers on this question
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Dylan if you really want to call elk imho you should get elknuts cds and dvds he will also work with you as you progress. And it's the best available imo
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I would scout as much as possible, Google maps is a great resource. Find an area with good sign learn excape routes, find heavy stands of timber, and be ready to work elk dont come easy.
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Dylan if you really want to call elk imho you should get elknuts cds and dvds he will also work with you as you progress. And it's the best available imo
:yeah:
Buy his CDs and listen to them in order. Then repeat over and over and over again. Until you have all the different elk sounds and their meanings memorized. And practise A LOT to sound like them. Believe it or not its not how well your call sounds its more about what your saying when you call.
The best way to learn how to call elk within bow range is with elknuts cds.
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where do you find his CDs?
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www.elknut.com
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You can also send a pm with questions hes elknut1 on here
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Do you recommend the playbook, Bugling Bull and Beyond series 1-4, or Sounds by the Elk? I can't afford to buy all three sets.
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me eather i spent to much on my dang bow :chuckle:
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A lot of good advice here.
you can hunt in a state like AZ (if successful drawing a permit)...with great numbers of 300+ class of trophy bulls during the prime rut.....and if that wind is blowing your scent/smell downwind to the elk, you won't score; even in an elk hunter's paradise like AZ.
the wind moving your scent downwind to the elk is your worst enemy in archery hunting.
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Dylan/pianoman I spent a couple hours trying to give you an answer (i listen to the cds alot anyways). I think bugling bulls and beyond is where I would start. That being said I would do what I could to get the audio playbook too. Its 40 bucks that will help you avoid years of mistakes, literally years, and thats when things go right.lol. There is nothing that can substitute experience but there are alot of info that will make a hunter willing to bust his butt a successful hunter. I think the advice I would add is be ready to pack, they are big, its warm, and you usually need to be miles in and down. The further from the road the more likley calls will work. Have fun and good luck you guys live in a great elk area the only thing that sucks is some guys drive 200+ miles to hang out in your neighborhood ( :chuckle:)
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dylanb, Pianoman, thanks for your interest! I figured I'd chime in here & share a couple of thoughts! First off there is no one thing that's going to make you a good successful elk hunter, it's a variety of things that must come together each year for consistent success! No doubt you were looking for hunters to all share their ONE THING & maybe you could start putting the pieces of the puzzle together! (grin) It's a good idea, remembering them all is another thing! Elk hunting can be tough especially on general season hunts where there's much hunting pressure! But aside from that hunters can still be successful every year with the right attitude & work ethic!
It's very true that ones must be in shape, be a decent caller, know the country you're going to hunt, play the wind, be persistent, understand the various elk sounds, how to hunt pre-rut, main rut, post rut, etc. Yes the list goes on, but it's not too tough to get a handle on such answers, if you love elk hunting then you will have a great motivation to keep pushing forward to learn as much as you can. As mentioned there's no replacement for burning boot leather in the elkwoods! But, there is info that can be shared & learned that will shave off years to the learning curve that can be used & injected to your elk hunts to help you be successful now! No kidding! This is especially so if you are willing to take the first legal elk, this should be ones mindset on general season hunts if he or she hasn't taken many elk yet! This will break the ice & build ones confidence that you can do it!
I realize times are tough & I'm more than happy to help you out if you're interested in some of the info we share! I'll share any of it right here freely if you'd like, but find that most like to view or read it at their own leisure in the comfort of their homes. If this is how you are or anyone else here I will be happy to help you folks out with costs. I will give a Promo Code here that will save you 15% off nearly all products we carry. That Code -- FS15off -- can be used one time per user, anyone here can use this if they so choose too. My recommendation would be the consider Package # 1 under combo packages, that package is loaded with important elk info! Here's the link http://stores.elknut.com/Categories.bok?category=COMBINED+PACKAGES My website is www.elknut.com If you have any questions ask them here or you can email me at elknut@elknut.com I hope this helps some out! Thanks all for your recommendations!
ElkNut1
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Don't do it. It never ends, your sleep is gone, your wallet will be empty and you can't take your dog! :chuckle:
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dylanb, Pianoman, thanks for your interest! I figured I'd chime in here & share a couple of thoughts! First off there is no one thing that's going to make you a good successful elk hunter, it's a variety of things that must come together each year for consistent success! No doubt you were looking for hunters to all share their ONE THING & maybe you could start putting the pieces of the puzzle together! (grin) It's a good idea, remembering them all is another thing! Elk hunting can be tough especially on general season hunts where there's much hunting pressure! But aside from that hunters can still be successful every year with the right attitude & work ethic!
It's very true that ones must be in shape, be a decent caller, know the country you're going to hunt, play the wind, be persistent, understand the various elk sounds, how to hunt pre-rut, main rut, post rut, etc. Yes the list goes on, but it's not too tough to get a handle on such answers, if you love elk hunting then you will have a great motivation to keep pushing forward to learn as much as you can. As mentioned there's no replacement for burning boot leather in the elkwoods! But, there is info that can be shared & learned that will shave off years to the learning curve that can be used & injected to your elk hunts to help you be successful now! No kidding! This is especially so if you are willing to take the first legal elk, this should be ones mindset on general season hunts if he or she hasn't taken many elk yet! This will break the ice & build ones confidence that you can do it!
I realize times are tough & I'm more than happy to help you out if you're interested in some of the info we share! I'll share any of it right here freely if you'd like, but find that most like to view or read it at their own leisure in the comfort of their homes. If this is how you are or anyone else here I will be happy to help you folks out with costs. I will give a Promo Code here that will save you 15% off nearly all products we carry. That Code -- FS15off -- can be used one time per user, anyone here can use this if they so choose too. My recommendation would be the consider Package # 1 under combo packages, that package is loaded with important elk info! Here's the link http://stores.elknut.com/Categories.bok?category=COMBINED+PACKAGES My website is www.elknut.com If you have any questions ask them here or you can email me at elknut@elknut.com I hope this helps some out! Thanks all for your recommendations!
ElkNut1
Wish I'd known you were the Vortex dealer when I bought my 10/42 talons last summer. Nice glass.
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Curious about archery gear a rifle will last for decades if taken care of, will a bow last as long, or will it need to be replaced periodically, or maybe parts of it?
I've shot the same bow for 11 years now. Find a bow that fits you well and you are comfortable with and beside changing string and cabels when need they will last.
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My Hoyt has a lifetime guarantee. They'll fix it or replace it if it breaks. I've already had one replacement of an 8 year old bow by them.
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Curious about archery gear a rifle will last for decades if taken care of, will a bow last as long, or will it need to be replaced periodically, or maybe parts of it?
I've shot the same bow for 11 years now. Find a bow that fits you well and you are comfortable with and beside changing string and cabels when need they will last.
Thank you I have considered trying a bow mostly because it seems to have more opportunity than the other weapons, but taking the time to get effecient with one plus the fact I have been a rifle hunter for so long change would be hard at times. Appreciate the feedback :tup:
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dylanb, Pianoman, thanks for your interest! I figured I'd chime in here & share a couple of thoughts! First off there is no one thing that's going to make you a good successful elk hunter, it's a variety of things that must come together each year for consistent success! No doubt you were looking for hunters to all share their ONE THING & maybe you could start putting the pieces of the puzzle together! (grin) It's a good idea, remembering them all is another thing! Elk hunting can be tough especially on general season hunts where there's much hunting pressure! But aside from that hunters can still be successful every year with the right attitude & work ethic!
It's very true that ones must be in shape, be a decent caller, know the country you're going to hunt, play the wind, be persistent, understand the various elk sounds, how to hunt pre-rut, main rut, post rut, etc. Yes the list goes on, but it's not too tough to get a handle on such answers, if you love elk hunting then you will have a great motivation to keep pushing forward to learn as much as you can. As mentioned there's no replacement for burning boot leather in the elkwoods! But, there is info that can be shared & learned that will shave off years to the learning curve that can be used & injected to your elk hunts to help you be successful now! No kidding! This is especially so if you are willing to take the first legal elk, this should be ones mindset on general season hunts if he or she hasn't taken many elk yet! This will break the ice & build ones confidence that you can do it!
I realize times are tough & I'm more than happy to help you out if you're interested in some of the info we share! I'll share any of it right here freely if you'd like, but find that most like to view or read it at their own leisure in the comfort of their homes. If this is how you are or anyone else here I will be happy to help you folks out with costs. I will give a Promo Code here that will save you 15% off nearly all products we carry. That Code -- FS15off -- can be used one time per user, anyone here can use this if they so choose too. My recommendation would be the consider Package # 1 under combo packages, that package is loaded with important elk info! Here's the link http://stores.elknut.com/Categories.bok?category=COMBINED+PACKAGES My website is www.elknut.com If you have any questions ask them here or you can email me at elknut@elknut.com I hope this helps some out! Thanks all for your recommendations!
ElkNut1
Thank you for the gracious offer ElkNut. another order placed.
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This may be a little bit of topic but do you know if my youth elk points will transfer over if I archery Hunt next year I have 4 this year and dont want to waste them but I have been rifle hunting
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I believe they expire but if you have been putting in for other categories then they will continue to build.
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dylanb, Pianoman, thanks for your interest! I figured I'd chime in here & share a couple of thoughts! First off there is no one thing that's going to make you a good successful elk hunter, it's a variety of things that must come together each year for consistent success! No doubt you were looking for hunters to all share their ONE THING & maybe you could start putting the pieces of the puzzle together! (grin) It's a good idea, remembering them all is another thing! Elk hunting can be tough especially on general season hunts where there's much hunting pressure! But aside from that hunters can still be successful every year with the right attitude & work ethic!
It's very true that ones must be in shape, be a decent caller, know the country you're going to hunt, play the wind, be persistent, understand the various elk sounds, how to hunt pre-rut, main rut, post rut, etc. Yes the list goes on, but it's not too tough to get a handle on such answers, if you love elk hunting then you will have a great motivation to keep pushing forward to learn as much as you can. As mentioned there's no replacement for burning boot leather in the elkwoods! But, there is info that can be shared & learned that will shave off years to the learning curve that can be used & injected to your elk hunts to help you be successful now! No kidding! This is especially so if you are willing to take the first legal elk, this should be ones mindset on general season hunts if he or she hasn't taken many elk yet! This will break the ice & build ones confidence that you can do it!
I realize times are tough & I'm more than happy to help you out if you're interested in some of the info we share! I'll share any of it right here freely if you'd like, but find that most like to view or read it at their own leisure in the comfort of their homes. If this is how you are or anyone else here I will be happy to help you folks out with costs. I will give a Promo Code here that will save you 15% off nearly all products we carry. That Code -- FS15off -- can be used one time per user, anyone here can use this if they so choose too. My recommendation would be the consider Package # 1 under combo packages, that package is loaded with important elk info! Here's the link http://stores.elknut.com/Categories.bok?category=COMBINED+PACKAGES My website is www.elknut.com If you have any questions ask them here or you can email me at elknut@elknut.com I hope this helps some out! Thanks all for your recommendations!
ElkNut1
:tup:
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There is one thing that makes all the difference in the world. With all hunting and even more so with elk hunting. Persistence! I have spent 10x the amount of time to harvest a elk as I have to harvest a deer. With the right mind set and keeping after it day after day will make all the difference. A lot of hunters give up after not seeing much and don't keep hard at it. You can not kill them if you are not out there.
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get good at shooting up and downhill and range estimation, i missed a cow on the second day of the season, steep downhill in dark timber
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I see you're from Kelso, so you'll probably be hunting private timber company land. It's almost all locked up around here during the early season, which is perfect, so be prepared to walk in a few miles. Once you locate an area you plan to hunt, get to know it like the back of your hand. As I'm sure you know, there is no walking through the clearcuts around here with the way they currently log. You will see elk in them, so you need to know how to access every edge of the cut without having to walk 5 miles around on the road. Spend as much time as you can getting to know all the little patches of timber around the cuts.
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I got the CDs from Elknut1 yesterday and have listened to the first of Bugling Bulls. It's great stuff. Thanks for the suggestion, Tbar, and thanks for the extremely speedy service, Elknut1. Awesome.
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Scouting and perseverance. It may look like a good area. There may be lots of old elk sign, but that doesn't matter if the elk are not there right now. Scout to find multiple areas that way you have a Plan A, Plan B, Plan C and Plan D. Best laid plans can be ruined by other hunters, bad weather, or elk being elk and disappearing. Got to have a backup plan. If you can find elk the week before the opener and pattern them it can help your odds.
Perseverance because elk hunting isn't easy. Having reliable gear is a plus, it will let you stay out and hunt from before light to after light, day after day. 0/4 years archery elk hunting. Hundreds of miles hiked. It happens. Got to keep your head up and keep going!