As I anticipate a first Elk hunt in 2010...I would love to hear/see anything from those that have done it. Where/When/Weather/Pics/Advice/Gear suggestions...any info at all would be appreciated.
Just ask anyone who knows me, I can’t rattle on long enough about it. Still looking for my first elk, hoping that my 3rd time will be a charm! My first 2 trips were certainly eventful. At times your first trip can be overwhelming. Don’t hesitate to pause for a moment here & there to take it all in. Comfy well broken in boots can not be overstated. Not sure of the type of trip you have coming, but whatever daypack you choose, make sure it fits & rides well on you. Get in shape, hiking up & down the mountains is tough enough, I can’t imagine what it will be like packing one out, but I am REALLY hoping to find out. Everyone says it’s VERY difficult. Some of the more memorable events The first time I had a close encounter with a bull elk, my heart was literally pounding out of my chest. It was like someone was punching me every time it beat. It was crazy. He came into 20-25 yds(facing me) before spooking. I stopped him at 50 yds, at an extremely sharp going away angle. I passed. I got to watch a very big & very ticked off herd bull put on a bugling show one morning. Even from 300 yds away he was quite intimidating. I was full draw on a medium size bull at 14 yds and didn’t have a clear shot. I was full draw on a big herd but at less than 10 yds when he decided to bolt thru my shooting window instead of walk. This occurred just moments after a cow stopped one step past that same window (how I realized it was there) I needed a cow to take one more step at 35 yds all I could see was her neck & chest forward of her shoulder I missed a spike at 45 yds due to a limb deflection. I had several other cows less than 30 yds but the thick brush barely even allowed me to see them, let alone shoot. The footsteps were right one top of me. And I got to share these hunts with some really great guys that I just cannot say enough good things about.
Bowhunting elk is just as good as it gets as far as I am concerned. I've been hunting them 7 years in a row and off and on for 8 years before that. Figuring out what gear you NEED versus what you want is diffiuclt. Packing in a bunch of extra weight is not a good idea. If you are a flatlander near sea level like myself, take it easy the first day or two to let yourself become acclimated. The evelation sickness can ruin a day of hunting. Don't get impatient with elk. It will either happen or it won't. If you try to force it, it won't. When calling, if at all possible, the bull will come in downwind to the call. So, if you are alone, you have to call and then move 60-70 yards upwind, so that when he is trying to circle around the call you can skewer him. If there are a couple of you, position one guy 75 yards or so upsind of the caller, not directly in front of the caller. If it comes straight in (unlikely) the caller can shoot it. If it circles around (likely) the other guy can shoot it. If you are hunting where calling is not successful, then listening for bugles and hiking like mad to get ahead of them is your best bet. That is your best bet for any herd bull as well b/c 99% of the time they are not going to leave their cows to come to a call. Typically, they will just move their cows in another direction to avoid contact. The sounds, the smells, the excitement of bugling bulls and hearing them rip trees apart as a response to a bugle is just so awesome. I hope you enjoy yourself and good luck! Edit: try to stay above them if at all possible. Also, buy a big hard plastic sled for dragging out the meat. It makes it much easier than carrying it out on your back.
Well, all I can say is once you go, you will always think of the high country in September. To me, elk hunting provides an experience that can not be duplicated. I can remember my first trip in 1995, the planning started a year ahead of that. Like you, I read, watched and learned everything I could about elk and elk hunting strategies. I decided to drive for the "overall" experience. Upon arriving in the country, I was amazed at what I was seeing. At that point, I decided that being there was rewarding and if I didn't get an elk, the trip was still successful.....it was that point I knew I was hooked !!!!! I was fortunate that year to take a 4x4 the first evening and saw plenty of elk. I shared that trip with my father who went out everyday with me as a non-hunter. Him being there when those elk came through that part, that vision is imprinted on my mind like it was yesterday. Since then I have returned and made 9 trips to Colorado during September. I have been fortunate to harvest 5 bulls and assist my friends in taking 2 bulls as well. My wife and I visited the camp during the summer of 2007 and she has encouraged me each year to take my trip. I was going to pass the year prior to our wedding as a concern to spending the money and she insisted I go, that year I again harvested another bull on the third day. To me, elk hunting is not an option, its a passion. I know a day doesn't go by for me without thinking about my next trip to the west. I wish you the best and know that the experience you are about to take can not be expressed to others thru a keyboard or by pictures. SUGGESTIONS : Do not cut corners on boots, packs or gear....you can harvest a bull with a 300 bull, but I assure you if you spend less than that on the first three items, you will not enjoy your trip. When you leave camp, have enough to survive spending the night.