naturegirl Report post Posted September 5, 2012 We are getting closer to opening day, I'm very much looking forward to this hunt. I think I'm most excited about witnessing the rut for the first time. I've always been the one staying home with the kiddos for some reason...lol Do any of you have any last minute words of wisdom for me? My style is spot & stalk. Ill sit for periods of time to watch & listen but most of the time I'm moving slow. I do hear though that the slow walks can turn into running when you hear a bugle & are trying to close the gap. My personal goal is to only take what I consider ethical shots that are within my predetermined range. I broke this rule last week with a deer & shot out of my range. I shot under him. I recovered my arrow to verify the miss. it was clean&dry. Lesson learned thankfully without injuring him. I knew better . To all the other tag holders & helpers.....good luck, happy hunting, and straight shooting to you :0) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
123456 Report post Posted September 5, 2012 Baby wipes are your best friend in the woods. There is my last minute advice 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AverageJoe Report post Posted September 5, 2012 I chased my elk for 3 miles in that unit before i shot him. I was running for almost the whole three miles chasing his bugles. It was tough. Finally got him to turn around by bugling loud and nasty then raking a big branch against a tree. That got him mad at me. Literally he was looking to come tear me apart when i shot him at 30 yds. I had no luck at all cow calling. Seemed that sent them running in the other direction. Just something to think about. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AntlerObsession Report post Posted September 6, 2012 Get up early, listen to where they are at, and get where they are going, which is usually high. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigorange Report post Posted September 6, 2012 Get up early, listen to where they are at, and get where they are going, which is usually high. +1 cut them off and then chase them if you have to. Be ready to chase them 3 miles like averagejoe if necessary. And above all have fun! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
coues hunter Report post Posted September 6, 2012 Get up as early as possible and try to locate multiple bulls. A lot of hunters get started at daybreak and dont hear any bulls. Spend a couple hours listening and stalking in the dark and you'll already be in position by first light. Also, dont sit in camp during the day like a lot of hunters do. Cover some ground and call and always be ready to pin point a distant bugle. Good luck Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
200"mulie Report post Posted September 6, 2012 +1 on baby wipes 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sidwynder505 Report post Posted September 6, 2012 locate where they bed! it might take a couple of days or it may just take one?? but when you do!! dont be affraid to flash lite in just below the beds becuse you dont want to push them out of country!! so slip in there while its still dark an wait for them to come to you!! watch the wind!! it blows down hill in cool morning an switches when it gets warm and blows up hill when heat rises!! there is a fine line between the wind shifts that could put right where you want to be so they never smell you! when you make your move to get in frount of them about 100 yards below there beds!! alot of sent killer will help but not 100% but you watch the wind when make your move ! and im not kidding you when you pull it of!f elk well walk right up to you!! dont move cow's are always first!! bull is at the end alway pushin the cows! but before they close the last 100 yards to bed! they will mill around and by that time wind should be blowing up hill in your face so you can smell there sweet order!! LOL! not everytime it works that way ! but make a game plan anyway!! just a thought!!...good luck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elkaddict Report post Posted September 6, 2012 Enjoy each and every day, try to learn something about elk every day, and have fun. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
125coues Report post Posted September 6, 2012 I would always be and out listening it is great just to hear them in am.remember they are all trophy's .have a great time and don't forget the baby wipes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CouesWhitetail Report post Posted September 7, 2012 One thing I learned is that hunting slow isn't usually the best way to hunt elk. You generally will have to cover a lot of miles and it's very hard to get in front of them if you don't move quickly. So my advice, in addition to those ideas mentioned above is to be more aggressive than you normally are when hunting other game. Getting between the elk and their bedding areas is a great suggestion, as long as you keep the wind right. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Antmo23 Report post Posted September 7, 2012 If you can have a spotter right there behind you calling out ranges, in addition to a caller 50-100 yards away, I think that'd help a ton! I missed a heavy 6x7 opening day 2010, shot under him, thought he was on the same trail as his cows took at 41 yards. He was out at 55... Absolutely DRILLED a P&Y ponderosa though, lol. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
reganranch Report post Posted September 7, 2012 Heres some other equipment you will need in addition to baby wipes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
200"mulie Report post Posted September 7, 2012 I would do all day hunt pack a lunch with you and take a nap mid day. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
papa Report post Posted September 7, 2012 I would follow the advice given to you by 200"mulie. Hunt early be out way before daylight, stay all day elk will be moving read them then work them . I have taken several bulls through out my years all spot &stalk with most of my bulls during early afternoon. 4 years ago took a 365 at 1pm. Have a great hunt. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
