The Elk Thread

[TWP]

Well, just got done putting all of my bivy pack gear in new spot in the garage, and got the feeling that is is getting into application time and it is always physical prep time of the year. Figured I would start a thread concerning anything and everything with the ol wapiti.

Always see LOTS of folks who chime in on the elk live hunts each year, and they always say that they would LOVE to hunt elk, but don't know how, who, what, where, or when. Well, hopefully this can build over the winter months and we can help each other out and learn a thing or two from the more seasoned elk hunters on here.

[TWP]

I will start I guess.

Training:
Starting a Westside Conjugate/Crossfit hybrid system to start gaining strength for the cold months and work on some conditioning as well.

Gear:
Started a "Glass Fund" to get purchase some higher end glass compared to my cheap stuff. Not sure what size or brand yet....would LOVE some Swaro ELs, but may have to go used to do it.

Money Grab aka Draws:
Started doing my research on Montana and Wyoming, not going to give NM another dime after they passed the new bill. Will also be putting in to start earning points towards a ewe big horn tag in MT as well. If I don't get drawn, again, I will see about returning to one of two OTC units in CO that I've hunted recently.

[Kokanee]

Subscribed!

Training:
Cardio, more cardio and cardio still. Leg work and backwork to improve endurance, typical lifting regimen for upper body & core work to keep the girls happy. P-90X is not my freind!

Gear:
Lighter bow for next year in the plan. No glass needed for the most part as terrain is too dense in zone 71 CO. New camo that will bridge the gap between morning, day and night temps better than current, Sitka is looking to get the nod.

Form:
Shooting at least once a day at full heart rate and AT.

Calling:
Take the training wheels off and ditch the Carlton bugle and learn the Primos blue reed and diaphragms for all around utility.

2012 is going to be a full 9 months of work for September!

[Bisch]

Well I have a guided elk hunt in CO for next Sept already paid for! I guess I need to start working out a little to get in shape for the mtns. Last time I was up there it was no problem but that was about 5yrs ago and I am not getting any younger.

Bisch

[Cam-Mac]

This past fall was my first elk hunt- was an incredible time with a great bunch of guys. Really looking forward to going back, but like was said above, my cardio workouts will start much sooner than they did last year. Probably within the next 30-45 days. It was brutal .

Subscribing to this thread...

[traffic]

This is giong to be one to follow because I have always wanted to go elk hunting and have not been able to get any of my buddies interested. Thanks for all the tips that have come and or coming in the future.

[hbuck]

I have been hunting elk here in Oregon For over thirty years. I agree with Kokanee learn to use a diaphram calls. Need both hands for bow. Carry different brands because of different pitch. You will only have a few times calling the same bull. They will get The sound of your call and if they dont see a bull or a cow will get call shy on you. I love chasing elk and hope I can go another thirty years.

[Brett C]

Subscribed

[tommyp]

well it is really not that long till application season begins...

[Maroon Blade]

Originally Posted by tommyp

well it is really not that long till application season begins...

Yup, for several states you'd better have it on your mind because before MLD Deer season is over their draws will have already passed

[Mudslinger]

No elk for me in 2012. Africa is already booked and paid for (except for a few trophy fees). All good suggestions and routines to follow. Just remember, no matter how much you train and such, you will never be fully good to go in the no oxygen atmosphere of the mountains!

[BETTERLUCKYTHANGOOD]

Originally Posted by Mudslinger

No elk for me in 2012. Africa is already booked and paid for (except for a few trophy fees). All good suggestions and routines to follow. Just remember, no matter how much you train and such, you will never be fully good to go in the no oxygen atmosphere of the mountains!

About three miles with a plastic trash bag over your head will take care of that.

[Split Arrow]

Subscribed. I'm putting in for Arizona and New Mexico for sure in '12. The AZ tag is a dream!

I'll start getting ready for the hunt (if drawn) in the spring- lots of cardio and lifting. It's a grind if you don't take getting in shape seriously- and being out of shape also cuts down on your chances of getting a nice bull!

[TWP]

Kokanee, I hear you on the lighter bow. Went to the traditional side and this is one of the big reasons why...plus it is just more fun.

Also, don't buy Sitka until you check out KUIU!!! Awesome stuff at a lot better prices! Made by Jason Hairston, one of the founders of Sitka, who left when they sold out to Gore. Nice guy, can call him and talk gear if you have questions.

Originally Posted by Kokanee

Subscribed!

Training:
Cardio, more cardio and cardio still. Leg work and backwork to improve endurance, typical lifting regimen for upper body & core work to keep the girls happy. P-90X is not my freind!

Gear:
Lighter bow for next year in the plan. No glass needed for the most part as terrain is too dense in zone 71 CO. New camo that will bridge the gap between morning, day and night temps better than current, Sitka is looking to get the nod.

Form:
Shooting at least once a day at full heart rate and AT.

Calling:
Take the training wheels off and ditch the Carlton bugle and learn the Primos blue reed and diaphragms for all around utility.

2012 is going to be a full 9 months of work for September!

[TWP]

Originally Posted by hbuck

I have been hunting elk here in Oregon For over thirty years. I agree with Kokanee learn to use a diaphram calls. Need both hands for bow. Carry different brands because of different pitch. You will only have a few times calling the same bull. They will get The sound of your call and if they dont see a bull or a cow will get call shy on you. I love chasing elk and hope I can go another thirty years.

What is the best call for some with a very small mouth and a very very strong gag reflex? I carried mine in my mouth for a week before my last hunt and still gag every time.

[Kokanee]

TWP, I had never heard of Kuiu before!? Thanks for the tip! I will have to check them out. Sitka is over the top pricey! They are in the same price point as the normal non-hunting related alpine gear I buy, but any better deals for good quality lightweight clothing that won't get me killed at elevation is a plus. Primos Micro's are the smallest that I have seen so far, but I haven't looked too hard. They fit my mouth, which is small as well, but didn't cause me to gag. I can't make any sound out of them that doesnt' sound like a drowning cat yet though!

This year was my first elk hunt and I wasn't blindsided by much, I got what I expected. I am familiar with altitude and performance as I am climbing in CO at least every other month come May. What I was surprised at was the animal itself! You can make noise when in a bugle or cow call tit-a-tat with a bull. They don't spook for much else than sight or smell of a non elk species - White Tail schooling out the window. They will almost always circle down wind to get your scent if they don't see another elk on first glance. Got nailed twice that way when my buddy calling lost me and I got out from between he and the bull. And lastly, they have some out of this world hearing telemetry! They can pinpoint your location a half mile away by just one bugle! Phenomenal!
Next year is going to be split between base camp and back country camp to increase hunt time. Travelling up in the dark and cold takes too much time and I want to beat the others to the herd!

[MIHunter]

subscribed!

[TWP]

With your climbing experience and equipment, you should just do it ala Cameron Hanes style that I do as well. Camp goes wherever you go. I too got tired of humping it up and down the mountain back to base camp. So, what to do??? Carry camp with you! I LOVE camping on elk once I find them. Then early up and I'm golden for getting in on them. Most effective way that I know to hunt elk in DIY public land hunting. But then again, hunting out of a truck on private land would be cool with me too. Just can't afford it. ha ha ha

Originally Posted by Kokanee

TWP, I had never heard of Kuiu before!? Thanks for the tip! I will have to check them out. Sitka is over the top pricey! They are in the same price point as the normal non-hunting related alpine gear I buy, but any better deals for good quality lightweight clothing that won't get me killed at elevation is a plus. Primos Micro's are the smallest that I have seen so far, but I haven't looked too hard. They fit my mouth, which is small as well, but didn't cause me to gag. I can't make any sound out of them that doesnt' sound like a drowning cat yet though!

This year was my first elk hunt and I wasn't blindsided by much, I got what I expected. I am familiar with altitude and performance as I am climbing in CO at least every other month come May. What I was surprised at was the animal itself! You can make noise when in a bugle or cow call tit-a-tat with a bull. They don't spook for much else than sight or smell of a non elk species - White Tail schooling out the window. They will almost always circle down wind to get your scent if they don't see another elk on first glance. Got nailed twice that way when my buddy calling lost me and I got out from between he and the bull. And lastly, they have some out of this world hearing telemetry! They can pinpoint your location a half mile away by just one bugle! Phenomenal!
Next year is going to be split between base camp and back country camp to increase hunt time. Travelling up in the dark and cold takes too much time and I want to beat the others to the herd!

[Whirlwind]

[QUOTE=Kokanee;4553464]TWP, I had never heard of Kuiu before!? Thanks for the tip! I will have to check them out. Sitka is over the top pricey! They are in the same price point as the normal non-hunting related alpine gear I buy, but any better deals for good quality lightweight clothing that won't get me killed at elevation is a plus. Primos Micro's are the smallest that I have seen so far, but I haven't looked too hard. They fit my mouth, which is small as well, but didn't cause me to gag. I can't make any sound out of them that doesnt' sound like a drowning cat yet though!


The Kuiu camo is about the same price as sitka. The designer of Kuiu worked or maybe still works for sitka. check out Core4element camo too. You can find good deals on camofire and get the whole set. I got pants, shirt, jacket, suspenders, belt and cap for like $250.

[Whirlwind]

Originally Posted by TWP

What is the best call for some with a very small mouth and a very very strong gag reflex? I carried mine in my mouth for a week before my last hunt and still gag every time.

You really need to check out all the mouth pieces. Some are smaller than others but not everywhere sells all the sizes. Abe and sons makes good calls. I try to stay away from the blue reed primos call as it doesn't sound that good.

[TWP]

[quote=Whirlwind;4553619]

Originally Posted by Kokanee

TWP, I had never heard of Kuiu before!? Thanks for the tip! I will have to check them out. Sitka is over the top pricey! They are in the same price point as the normal non-hunting related alpine gear I buy, but any better deals for good quality lightweight clothing that won't get me killed at elevation is a plus. Primos Micro's are the smallest that I have seen so far, but I haven't looked too hard. They fit my mouth, which is small as well, but didn't cause me to gag. I can't make any sound out of them that doesnt' sound like a drowning cat yet though!


The Kuiu camo is about the same price as sitka. The designer of Kuiu worked or maybe still works for sitka. check out Core4element camo too. You can find good deals on camofire and get the whole set. I got pants, shirt, jacket, suspenders, belt and cap for like $250.

KUIU is quite a bit cheaper compared to Sitka. Jason Hairston is one of the two founders of Sitka. But yes, there a lots of cheaper stuff that will work just fine. Might want to check out Kryptek (sp) as well. They are at Cabelas.

[ladrones]

The toughest part of a quality elk hunt is getting drawn.

[Whirlwind]

[quote=TWP;4553698]

Originally Posted by Whirlwind

KUIU is quite a bit cheaper compared to Sitka. Jason Hairston is one of the two founders of Sitka. But yes, there a lots of cheaper stuff that will work just fine. Might want to check out Kryptek (sp) as well. They are at Cabelas.

Yes depending on what you buy Kuiu is cheaper. I believe the Kryptek is alot like core4.

[Whirlwind]

You don't always have to put in for draws. This was a DIY public land OTC tag. Killed it last week in Oregon.

[Whirlwind]

[ladrones]

why blot your face out?

[Whirlwind]

Not my face. I was there guiding when it was killed by my buddy. Didn't want to post his face without permission from him.

[hbuck]

What unit were you hunting in Oregon? Looks like the coast range didnt think bow season was open there last week end. Twd primos has small dome calls. They fit into roof of mouth better. I have taken larry jones calls and cut them down. I carry 5 to 6 different calls on me and use every one of them. When a bull answers the call that is what I use on him till one of us makes a mistake.

[ladrones]

Did you guide your bud are was it an all DIY hunt?

[ELKAHOLIC]

There is a thread called (The everything ELK thread) search it good info there.

As for me I will still be putting in for WY. CO. UT. NM. AZ. and maybe NV.

[Whirlwind]

Originally Posted by hbuck

What unit were you hunting in Oregon? Looks like the coast range didnt think bow season was open there last week end. Twd primos has small dome calls. They fit into roof of mouth better. I have taken larry jones calls and cut them down. I carry 5 to 6 different calls on me and use every one of them. When a bull answers the call that is what I use on him till one of us makes a mistake.

Nope this was rifle. Just stating that you don't have to draw to kill a big bull!

[Whirlwind]

Originally Posted by ladrones

Did you guide your bud are was it an all DIY hunt?

I knew where the elk were since I had been scouting. He didn't have time to scout so I guided him to the elk that I had been seeing. No I didn't get paid. I guess you can't call it a DIY as I had did most of the work. He just pulled the trigger. That's what good friends are for.

[Kokanee]

Nothing wrong with helping a brother out! Hey, that's why most hunt in pairs right? One to call, one to shoot! Or one to call, and shoot when you are way out of position because you don't have any idea what direction the bull is headed (Toward caller!).

I will say I have the man crush on Lance Armstrong and Cameron Haynes. Have read all their books more than once! I just can't find anyone crazy enough to follow me on my bike the distances and places I go, nor into the woods that I wan't to go. My buddy that invited me this year is slowly warming up to a back country hunt, but not sure if he is going to do it for more than one night! I am definately not into doing that solo as I have tried before (Mountaineering) and wound up back at the trail head at 2:00am in the dark 'cause the spookies got to me! I suppose that if I had my Rino with me and I could see where base camp was in relation to my back country camp, that might change my situation if my buddy say no way?

[Whirlwind]

Originally Posted by Kokanee

Nothing wrong with helping a brother out! Hey, that's why most hunt in pairs right? One to call, one to shoot! Or one to call, and shoot when you are way out of position because you don't have any idea what direction the bull is headed (Toward caller!).

I will say I have the man crush on Lance Armstrong and Cameron Haynes. Have read all their books more than once! I just can't find anyone crazy enough to follow me on my bike the distances and places I go, nor into the woods that I wan't to go. My buddy that invited me this year is slowly warming up to a back country hunt, but not sure if he is going to do it for more than one night! I am definately not into doing that solo as I have tried before (Mountaineering) and wound up back at the trail head at 2:00am in the dark 'cause the spookies got to me! I suppose that if I had my Rino with me and I could see where base camp was in relation to my back country camp, that might change my situation if my buddy say no way?

Yeah Cam Hanes is a Beast. Been lucky enough to have met the guy on many occasions. He shops at the same Archery shop that I use.

[TWP]

Originally Posted by Whirlwind

Yeah Cam Hanes is a Beast. Been lucky enough to have met the guy on many occasions. He shops at the same Archery shop that I use.

Is that Wayne's place? Was up there a few summers ago, had a buddy at school in that neck of the woods. Cool country up there.

[hbuck]

I have been camping on the edge of a walk in only area. Every year it gets a little h arder. This year buddy shot a nice mulie about mile and half from camp. It was a heck of a pack. The thing I liked the most was I didnt see anybody else out there. We usally take off from camp in the morning and have kinda a set time when we meet back at camp. We tell each other the area that we will be hunting and that way we cover more dirt. I would love to hunt some privated land cause I do think animals are not pressured as much.

[jbird77]

I'm heading out Dec. 3 for Mora, New Mexico. My father in law surprised my BIL and I with an Elk trip for the three of us. We will be hunting on private land that belongs to a good friend of his. We've been privileged enough to hunt there once before and my FIL took a 6x8. This year my FIL and I were given cow tags and my BIL got the Bull tag. I would love another chance at a bull, but who's gonna complain about free airfare, lodging and a chance at a cow!

With all that said I've been running about three times a week and ran a few 5k races. Now even though we will be elk hunting, this is not a very demanding hunt. I love the THOUGHT of a DIY backcountry elk or mule deer hunt, but I just don't know how hard it would be to make it happen. I've subscribed to DIY magazines but I honestly get confused trying to get all the application dates and info in order, much less the fact of taking off in my truck to somewhere foreign and trying to learn the terrain and kill an animal in a two week time frame. It is something that I would love to do, but I'm afraid I'm to good at making excuses. For you guys that can make it happen, I'm a big fan and love to see the stories and pics, so keep it up. Anyway I'm off to do some running at the park! Come on Dec. 3

[TWP]

What are some specific questions about the draw system that you have? We will see if we can answer them. I'm sure there are some gurus on here that can help with the process.

[TWP]

I need better inlaws! Ha Good luck, make sure to live hunt it if you can.

Originally Posted by jbird77

I'm heading out Dec. 3 for Mora, New Mexico. My father in law surprised my BIL and I with an Elk trip for the three of us. We will be hunting on private land that belongs to a good friend of his. We've been privileged enough to hunt there once before and my FIL took a 6x8. This year my FIL and I were given cow tags and my BIL got the Bull tag. I would love another chance at a bull, but who's gonna complain about free airfare, lodging and a chance at a cow!

With all that said I've been running about three times a week and ran a few 5k races. Now even though we will be elk hunting, this is not a very demanding hunt. I love the THOUGHT of a DIY backcountry elk or mule deer hunt, but I just don't know how hard it would be to make it happen. I've subscribed to DIY magazines but I honestly get confused trying to get all the application dates and info in order, much less the fact of taking off in my truck to somewhere foreign and trying to learn the terrain and kill an animal in a two week time frame. It is something that I would love to do, but I'm afraid I'm to good at making excuses. For you guys that can make it happen, I'm a big fan and love to see the stories and pics, so keep it up. Anyway I'm off to do some running at the park! Come on Dec. 3

[Whirlwind]

Originally Posted by TWP

Is that Wayne's place? Was up there a few summers ago, had a buddy at school in that neck of the woods. Cool country up there.

Yes it's Wayne's place.

[drthornton]

Good thread!

Training:As much as I can right now sitting a stand 8 hours+ per day

Gear: My big purchase this off season was a a big mutliday pack. Picked up the KUIU Icon 6000. It will be at my doorstep in 2 days. Got pretty much everything else. I stocked up on Sitka last year off camofire.com. In the marker for a big base camp tent though.

Apps: Yes never too early to think about apps. Will be applying for WY...if not drawn will apply for NM and if not drawn CO OTC. Points in UT, NV and AZ.

For those who have not gone Elk hunting before...a pair of premium, well fitting boots should be tops on your list!

[Mudslinger]

I have an aversion to diaphram calls, gag constantly and have never learned to use them after years of trying. I like the Abe & Son's bugles, the Power Bugle from E.L.K. Inc. (my favorite) and just about every cow call known to man. I have probably 40 cow calls and will switch calls out almost everyday if not from morning to evening hunt and I always carry about 5 or 6 different cow calls to sound like a few different cows. The Power Bugle has different bands than you can switch fairly easily and sound like small to big mature bulls. They have definitley worked for me and others.

[ladrones]

Originally Posted by jbird77

I'm heading out Dec. 3 for Mora, New Mexico. My father in law surprised my BIL and I with an Elk trip for the three of us. We will be hunting on private land that belongs to a good friend of his. We've been privileged enough to hunt there once before and my FIL took a 6x8. This year my FIL and I were given cow tags and my BIL got the Bull tag. I would love another chance at a bull, but who's gonna complain about free airfare, lodging and a chance at a cow!

We will be after cows this weekend. My nieces have youth tags.

[Okiehunter]

not going to give NM another dime after they passed the new bill.

This is me too. I have already started looking at my points and thinking where in CO I might want to get drawn. Most likely do another OTC and keep adding points.

[Bowdark]

I have good luck putting in for Wyoming. Its a drive and you can get it done in 30 hours or so if you prep for it. Switch drivers, etc.

I flew up there year before last and I am kind of glad I didn't bag anything.( I shipped my bow and alot of my gear before I left.) That meat has to leave with you on the plane, that can be expensive.

I slept in Jackson and drove via BIL or Friend to south of town ( Hoback, Gibbs Creek, etc.) and sometimes on the N.W. side of the Tetons via Idaho near Targhee. And Mosquito Creek.

I love to call those bulls. Mouth reed( its easier than you think.)Cow talker also.

Nothing better than cow/spike meat. We use kiddy sleds to pack out. Never hunt less than 2 people for safety. We could carry sidearms, but we don't. Just pepper spray which is required.

I have seen some massive mulies and hope to hunt them one day. Though one of the BIL's friends told me the best thing to do is hike up with some bread, ketchup and matches and eat it up there, and walk back with a rack and cape~

One of these days I will get my bull.And hopefully my mulie.

Also, Idaho is over the counter with their tags, but they have been having wolf trouble. They suffered this season and last from wolf depredation.

Mi dos centavos.

[TWP]

Please leave us a review after you test out the Icon. Jason has one in the outlet that is like a siren song to me right now.

Originally Posted by drthornton

Good thread!

Training:As much as I can right now sitting a stand 8 hours+ per day

Gear: My big purchase this off season was a a big mutliday pack. Picked up the KUIU Icon 6000. It will be at my doorstep in 2 days. Got pretty much everything else. I stocked up on Sitka last year off camofire.com. In the marker for a big base camp tent though.

Apps: Yes never too early to think about apps. Will be applying for WY...if not drawn will apply for NM and if not drawn CO OTC. Points in UT, NV and AZ.

For those who have not gone Elk hunting before...a pair of premium, well fitting boots should be tops on your list!

[tommyp]

wyoming elk 1st on the list. then depending on those results... wyoming deer and antelope, colorado points all the way around, utah deer& elk points, sheep apply. idaho mt goat apply. nevada apply for mt. goat and deer. kansas deer point, and texas public land. also this year montanna allowed hunter to apply for points only would like tobank a few points have some future areas in mind. idaho archery elk is a good fall back option if for some reason plans are unsuccessful.

[Split Arrow]

[quote=Whirlwind;4553619]

Originally Posted by Kokanee

TWP, I had never heard of Kuiu before!? Thanks for the tip! I will have to check them out. Sitka is over the top pricey! They are in the same price point as the normal non-hunting related alpine gear I buy, but any better deals for good quality lightweight clothing that won't get me killed at elevation is a plus. Primos Micro's are the smallest that I have seen so far, but I haven't looked too hard. They fit my mouth, which is small as well, but didn't cause me to gag. I can't make any sound out of them that doesnt' sound like a drowning cat yet though!


The Kuiu camo is about the same price as sitka. The designer of Kuiu worked or maybe still works for sitka. check out Core4element camo too. You can find good deals on camofire and get the whole set. I got pants, shirt, jacket, suspenders, belt and cap for like $250.

I saw the deals on Camofire for Core4element and took advantage of them. I was pretty impressed with their gear and will be looking to buy more.

[marshrat]

I'm loving this thread. This is getting me really pumped up as I will be looking at OTC tags for my first year. I'm already getting some good info here. Thanks for doing this.

[TexasBow]

Good thread