The Elk Thread

[tbeak]

Man it is a lot of meat. But I really enjoyed those Elk steaks today for dinner

[LWC]

Originally Posted by RdRdrFan

I leave this Thursday the 14th. Hunt starts on the 15th.

How did the Valle Vidal hunt go?

[03GruntUSMC]

Well my dream hunt is almost here. Got to Durango this evening, hunting otc bull elk starting Saturday. Saw a black bear as we got to town this evening. My first bear ever to see in the wild which was really neat. My buddy has a cow elk tag and a mule deer buck tag and I will have a bull elk tag. Got enough coolers in the bed of my pickup so hope to fill a few of them up.

[Hockley]

Originally Posted by old killer

US outfitters won a law suit against the new mexico fish and game over ten years ago.
In appeal they lost. 2 years later outfitter tags dropped from 12% to 10% and nonresident tags went from 10% to 6%. I would hate to see more drop. Soon the state will take over BLM land and there may be no tags if they open it to mining.

This is exactly why every person reading this thread needs to join Backcountry Hunters and Anglers.

[TWP]

Only a couple more weeks until AZ!!! Finally, all you guys have been done hunting elk for weeks, and I've just been sitting here doing nothing all fall, out west anyway.

Broadheads shot to 80 today, and I'm shooting better than I ever have. So ready to get gone and out of this dam heat!!!!!

[Felix40]

Good luck. Should be an awesome time.

[TWP]

Originally Posted by Felix40

Good luck. Should be an awesome time.

Thanks man! Do you have any of your meat bags for sale still?

[Chris Martin]

Originally Posted by TWP

Only a couple more weeks until AZ!!! Finally, all you guys have been done hunting elk for weeks, and I've just been sitting here doing nothing all fall, out west anyway.

Broadheads shot to 80 today, and I'm shooting better than I ever have. So ready to get gone and out of this dam heat!!!!!

Good luck, I'm rolling west in the morning to attempt AZ as well. Surprised to hear that they are still bugling a little in the mornings.


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[rhendrix]

Good luck gents! What units did y’all draw?

[Felix40]

Originally Posted by TWP

Thanks man! Do you have any of your meat bags for sale still?

Oh yeah. Still making deboned game bag sets when Im not trying to kill stuff.

[Puncher51]

I’ve been reading this thread trying to get from page 1 to the end.... dang there is a lot of good info. I’ll be going on my first western hunt next year and I’m trying to figure out exactly what i need. I’ve read yalls gear lists so i figure I’m on the right track. First two things I’m looking at purchasing is a pack and some boots. I have a hard time dropping $350-$400 on a pack that I’ve never seen in person and don’t know how it fits. Therefore If anyone has a good pack for sale I’d be interested. Or at least some pointers on which to look at. I just want a comfortable pack that can carry some weight. I’ll be camping from the truck and hiking in daily. Any ideas or recommdations I’d love to hear them. I’m 6’3”. Thanks.

[TWP]

Shoot me a PM with your information, I have a first generation Timberline 1 from Kifaru that I will sell you for a good price. But I have to finish using it on this hunt first. It is a small waist belt though, I am 6'1" and 215 if that helps.

Originally Posted by Puncher51

I’ve been reading this thread trying to get from page 1 to the end.... dang there is a lot of good info. I’ll be going on my first western hunt next year and I’m trying to figure out exactly what i need. I’ve read yalls gear lists so i figure I’m on the right track. First two things I’m looking at purchasing is a pack and some boots. I have a hard time dropping $350-$400 on a pack that I’ve never seen in person and don’t know how it fits. Therefore If anyone has a good pack for sale I’d be interested. Or at least some pointers on which to look at. I just want a comfortable pack that can carry some weight. I’ll be camping from the truck and hiking in daily. Any ideas or recommdations I’d love to hear them. I’m 6’3”. Thanks.

[popup_menace]

Originally Posted by Puncher51

I’ve been reading this thread trying to get from page 1 to the end.... dang there is a lot of good info. I’ll be going on my first western hunt next year and I’m trying to figure out exactly what i need. I’ve read yalls gear lists so i figure I’m on the right track. First two things I’m looking at purchasing is a pack and some boots. I have a hard time dropping $350-$400 on a pack that I’ve never seen in person and don’t know how it fits. Therefore If anyone has a good pack for sale I’d be interested. Or at least some pointers on which to look at. I just want a comfortable pack that can carry some weight. I’ll be camping from the truck and hiking in daily. Any ideas or recommdations I’d love to hear them. I’m 6’3”. Thanks.

6'3" is pretty tall, and I'd bet kifaru would put you in a 26 or 28" frame. A new top end pack will set you back anywhere between $575-$700. I bought an Exo Mountain Gear K2 3500 a while back. I absolutely love it and really like the fact that buying new means you have a great warranty backing your gear. I have hauled up to 100# on it and the pack did great. Steve and Lenny (the owners) are also super nice. I don't need boots now as you do, but boots and a pack are the two things I will not be skimping on for my first trip. Yes, it is all expensive, but I don't even want to imagine going backpacking with sub-par boots or a pack.

I am not a western hunter, just a research freak that has an elk hunting obsession. If you want to Talk about comparisons between gear attributes, just PM me and I'd be glad to tell you what I've researched in the last few months.

[Puncher51]

Thanks guys for offering to help. I will send you both PM’s. Thank y’all again!

[TWP]

So you have hunted out west? Or no? Have looked at the Exos several times, but after getting to know the Denver/Wheat Ridge guys at RMSGear and Kifaru, I️ will probably do the same thing again. And be ready to spend $900 to $1000 once you get your pockets, etc. Crazy “sport” spending a fortune to go live like a hobo in the sticks.

BUT, you do not need that kind of gear to get rolling. Especially if you are truck camping, biggest thing is boots. Everything else is just how tough you want/need to be. MANY critters still get hauled out with a Kelty Cache Hauler. I’ve hiked out two hind quarters bone in with one, worked just fine. Just way more sore when we get done.


QUOTE=popup_menace;12911829]6'3" is pretty tall, and I'd bet kifaru would put you in a 26 or 28" frame. A new top end pack will set you back anywhere between $575-$700. I bought an Exo Mountain Gear K2 3500 a while back. I absolutely love it and really like the fact that buying new means you have a great warranty backing your gear. I have hauled up to 100# on it and the pack did great. Steve and Lenny (the owners) are also super nice. I don't need boots now as you do, but boots and a pack are the two things I will not be skimping on for my first trip. Yes, it is all expensive, but I don't even want to imagine going backpacking with sub-par boots or a pack.

I am not a western hunter, just a research freak that has an elk hunting obsession. If you want to Talk about comparisons between gear attributes, just PM me and I'd be glad to tell you what I've researched in the last few months.[/QUOTE]

[popup_menace]

TWP, I am NOT a western hunter... yet. I spent about 3 months comparing packs and saving money to get my Exo. I use it every day and have used it with heavy loads and a day hunting pack for pigs where my walk in is 1 mile and some change. That's all the experience I have with it. Before that I used a cheap hiking backpack for tucking, which was stupid. Had back problems almost immediately. Thankfully the nicer frame pack solves that issue!

[tbeak]

Not comfortable like the expensive packs but I pack out with an army Alice pack frame. Boots without a doubt are important

[Texans42]

You can’t go wrong with EXO or Kifaru. I’ve Used both duplex and K2. 99% of people won’t see a big difference. If you are really tall(with long torso) you might prefer Kifaru because they offer a 26” frame. I haven’t tried the MR new frames but until they sell packs and frames separately they aren’t an option in my opinion. Other option is Stone glacier.

Dallas Safari club will most likely be the closest place in Texas where you can maybe find all of them to try on.

Boots wise... everyone is different. Just trial and error.

[Texans42]

talented double post

[TWP]

Three sleeps and then I’m gone! Shot great out to 80 this morning with broadheads. I’m kind of pivoting on areas though, going to be hot. Was going to focus on some way off areas that the biologist recommended, but going solo I’m afraid four trips in that weather may cause some spoilage. Going to the dark stuff and find cooler temps in the pines. We’ll see what happens.

[TWarren]

Originally Posted by TWP

Three sleeps and then I’m gone! Shot great out to 80 this morning with broadheads. I’m kind of pivoting on areas though, going to be hot. Was going to focus on some way off areas that the biologist recommended, but going solo I’m afraid four trips in that weather may cause some spoilage. Going to the dark stuff and find cooler temps in the pines. We’ll see what happens.

Good luck! Where are you headed that has an archery season this late?

[Chris Martin]

Originally Posted by TWP

Three sleeps and then I’m gone! Shot great out to 80 this morning with broadheads. I’m kind of pivoting on areas though, going to be hot. Was going to focus on some way off areas that the biologist recommended, but going solo I’m afraid four trips in that weather may cause some spoilage. Going to the dark stuff and find cooler temps in the pines. We’ll see what happens.

It's been warmer than it normally is suppose to be right now. I'm seeing anywhere between 20-100 elk a day since Friday. Mostly moving first and last light.
Got on a bull that is still bugling pretty good, but he's with about 60 cows and other little bulls. He's a 5x6 280"ish middle aged bull. Literally had 50 elk in bow range this am, but he stayed out at 100 yds. Only bull I've heard bugle. Had opps at a few little guys, but have been trying to hold out for something bigger. Water has been key if you can find somewhere that's secluded. I only brought 1 trailcam, wish I had brought more to get down their pattern. Pic is of a smaller bull in the herd.


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[TWP]

Big boys should be by themselves by now right? Just seeing big herds? Now I’m really messed up!!! First 5x5 gets into range is gonna get a carbon meat seeker sent it’s way.



QUOTE=Chris Martin;12926223]

It's been warmer than it normally is suppose to be right now. I'm seeing anywhere between 20-100 elk a day since Friday. Mostly moving first and last light.
Got on a bull that is still bugling pretty good, but he's with about 60 cows and other little bulls. He's a 5x6 280"ish middle aged bull. Literally had 50 elk in bow range this am, but he stayed out at 100 yds. Only bull I've heard bugle. Had opps at a few little guys, but have been trying to hold out for something bigger. Water has been key if you can find somewhere that's secluded. I only brought 1 trailcam, wish I had brought more to get down their pattern. Pic is of a smaller bull in the herd.


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[TWP]

Well, I didn't get it done in AZ. Found some big elk, a couple the biggest I've ever seen on the hoof. But the closest I got was 149 yards before the brush and everything got too thick and loud for me to get any closer. Saw a ton of coues deer and got to do a lot of talking to God being solo for a week. Spoke with some locals and scouting and sitting waterholes seems to be the ticket. How awesome is it to be able to prowl around thousands upon thousands of acres of public land hunting elk on your own?!?!?!

Anyway, next year looks good for a WY tag and a Colorado draw tag, so not all hope is lost.

[LWC]

Originally Posted by TWP

Well, I didn't get it done in AZ. Found some big elk, a couple the biggest I've ever seen on the hoof. But the closest I got was 149 yards before the brush and everything got too thick and loud for me to get any closer. Saw a ton of coues deer and got to do a lot of talking to God being solo for a week. Spoke with some locals and scouting and sitting waterholes seems to be the ticket. How awesome is it to be able to prowl around thousands upon thousands of acres of public land hunting elk on your own?!?!?!

Anyway, next year looks good for a WY tag and a Colorado draw tag, so not all hope is lost.

Sounds like a fun hunt anyway! Killing ain't always the prize.

[drthornton]

Anyone ever Archery Hunted Unit 49 in Colorado? A buddy of mine and I have the points and are considering hunting it this year. We have access to a cabin above Fairplay as well. Thanks Shoot me a PM or email at drthornton@live dot com

[Gclyde28]

Im starting to do some research for a backpack archery elk hunt next year with a buddy. I've read a good amount of info on this thread but had a question im not sure if i saw the answer to.

I found some overlays for google earth that show elk summer/winter ranges, concentrations, migration patterns etc. but when im looking at this what patterns should I generally plan around for archery elk? Will they still be in their summer ranges during archery season or will they have started to move some towards their winter range areas? Any other advice would be greatly appreciated as we are very early on in the planning process. Havent narrowed down a unit or anything yet but we are thinking its going to wind up being an OTC Colorado Archery tag.

From reading this thread we are also leaning towards a wilderness area so that it is a little easier to get away from the crowds and people with atv's, unless a better option for us comes along.

[Texans42]

Originally Posted by Gclyde28

Im starting to do some research for a backpack archery elk hunt next year with a buddy. I've read a good amount of info on this thread but had a question im not sure if i saw the answer to.

I found some overlays for google earth that show elk summer/winter ranges, concentrations, migration patterns etc. but when im looking at this what patterns should I generally plan around for archery elk? Will they still be in their summer ranges during archery season or will they have started to move some towards their winter range areas? Any other advice would be greatly appreciated as we are very early on in the planning process. Havent narrowed down a unit or anything yet but we are thinking its going to wind up being an OTC Colorado Archery tag.

From reading this thread we are also leaning towards a wilderness area so that it is a little easier to get away from the crowds and people with atv's, unless a better option for us comes along.

For CO just toss a dart. Don’t over think it. Elk are always where you find them.

10 years ago it use to be deeper was best, hell now it seems the goal is to out hike the elk. Never seen so many people deep in the backcountry.

[Co Elk]

Originally Posted by 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.

I was born and raised in CO and lived most of my life there and it was hard to get anyone to and it's still hard to find buddies to hunt elk with, it hard work tough terrain and the altitude can be tough but it's worth it when you get elk.there is lots of public land to hunt elk on . Research the regs and talk to as many hunters you can and then go! Good luck

[Co Elk]

Originally Posted by Texans42

For CO just toss a dart. Don’t over think it. Elk are always where you find them.

10 years ago it use to be deeper was best, hell now it seems the goal is to out hike the elk. Never seen so many people deep in the backcountry.

During archery season the are still in summer range and it the best time if you go the last 10 days of the season. Don't let a lot of people in an area deter you look for fresh sign and follow it the will be hiding from the pressure but once you find that spot hang on it will get exciting

[Gclyde28]

Originally Posted by Co Elk

During archery season the are still in summer range and it the best time if you go the last 10 days of the season. Don't let a lot of people in an area deter you look for fresh sign and follow it the will be hiding from the pressure but once you find that spot hang on it will get exciting

We are tentatively looking at hunting the 16th-22th which is immediately following muzzle loader season. Since it is both of our first elk hunts we are hoping to catch them bugling so we can get the whole experience. It will also be nice to hopefully have them helping us out in locating them. We are going in with very realistic expectations and wont be holding out for any kind of trophy. Both of us would be thrilled to just take home some coolers full of meat.

[Texans42]

Originally Posted by Co Elk

During archery season the are still in summer range and it the best time if you go the last 10 days of the season. Don't let a lot of people in an area deter you look for fresh sign and follow it the will be hiding from the pressure but once you find that spot hang on it will get exciting

Really? all those elk at 6.5k’ I kept blowing out didn’t get the memo...... for the last 15 years. Elk are always where you find them. They are not strictly a mountain animal, they came from the plains.

[Etxnoodler]

Got a BA copper spur 2 tent. and a etekcity mini camp stove. One step closer to backpack hunting for elk, mule deer, and bear! Anybody have experience with this stove? How did you like it

[TWP]

Wyoming Application period has opened! Get your lottery tickets boys. AZ coming too.

[quackadikt]

NM proclamation came out today, for those of y'all wanting to start picking out hunts.

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[Grulla]

Looking for some info on unit 751 , my brother and I are gonna otc it in September probably around the 11th-24th curious about this time of year and what to expect as far where they might be this time of year .. . . Thinking of coming in from the north through unit 76 . We are planning on having camp on our backs . Any info would be greatly appreciated .

[TWarren]

Originally Posted by Grulla

Looking for some info on unit 751 , my brother and I are gonna otc it in September probably around the 11th-24th curious about this time of year and what to expect as far where they might be this time of year .. . . Thinking of coming in from the north through unit 76 . We are planning on having camp on our backs . Any info would be greatly appreciated .

I've never hunted it but backpack the wilderness every August since 2008.

The places I have spotted elk are better suited for mountain goats. So with that said, only advice I can offer is start working now to get in the best shape possible because, even then, the steepness and elevation will own you.

Also, pack some fishing gear in the chance you tag out.

[bsills]

If you were going elk hunting and could choose from the the following choices what would you pick and why?

Hunt will be in Chama, New Mexico Archery

Second week of of the season, little early for full rut but no moon/new moon
or
Last week, probably better rut action, but full moon.
Both would be a 5 day hunt.
Is it just personal preference, this will be my first elk hunt and wondered if either one would increase my odds? Getting pretty excited
Thanks

[Bort]

Bsills,

Are you hunting with Rio Brazos in Chama?

[bsills]

Originally Posted by Bort

Bsills,

Are you hunting with Rio Brazos in Chama?

No sir, headed to Fishtail Ranch.

[jaker_cc]

I just booked with an outfitter in Montana for this season. Points in Wyoming, Colorado, AZ.


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[Texans42]

Originally Posted by jaker_cc

I just booked with an outfitter in Montana for this season. Points in Wyoming, Colorado, AZ.


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It’s hard to just do points in AZ when most premium units have 1 or 2 lotto NR tags floating around.

[jaker_cc]

Originally Posted by Texans42

It’s hard to just do points in AZ when most premium units have 1 or 2 lotto NR tags floating around.

I'm not chasing the premium tags. 4 or 5 points will get me the units I'm looking for. Some deer units I'm looking at can be drawn every 3rd year. Trying to get it lined up where I can get a good hunt in Az, Colorado, and Wyoming with a year in between to chase mule deer

[LWC]

Originally Posted by jaker_cc

I'm not chasing the premium tags. 4 or 5 points will get me the units I'm looking for. Some deer units I'm looking at can be drawn every 3rd year. Trying to get it lined up where I can get a good hunt in Az, Colorado, and Wyoming with a year in between to chase mule deer

This is similar to what I'm trying to do.

[Deers & Beers]

Originally Posted by jaker_cc

I'm not chasing the premium tags. 4 or 5 points will get me the units I'm looking for. Some deer units I'm looking at can be drawn every 3rd year. Trying to get it lined up where I can get a good hunt in Az, Colorado, and Wyoming with a year in between to chase mule deer

I put in for most western states. What I try to do is have a short term, mid-term, and long term plan.

AZ the Elk unit(s) I want take 7-9 years so I count that as a mid-term. I'm at 7 so I'm close! After I blow my deer points in AZ I'm going to put in for a much easier unit, but I can't waste my points I have now.. WY I'll never catch up to max so I'm pretty much on the mid-term plan since nothing is "easy" to win there.. Utah and Nevada are pretty much all long term. NM I put in for easier units in the Guide Draw (although I DIY it). My goal is to try to get NM every other year or so.

Then I always have a back up plan if I don't win crap.. My current backup plan is leftover Coues hunting.. It's too much fun to pass up

[Texans42]

Originally Posted by jaker_cc

I'm not chasing the premium tags. 4 or 5 points will get me the units I'm looking for. Some deer units I'm looking at can be drawn every 3rd year. Trying to get it lined up where I can get a good hunt in Az, Colorado, and Wyoming with a year in between to chase mule deer

Even most low point units have a lottery tag pool not just high pp holder, but to each thier own

[TWarren]

Originally Posted by Deers & Beers

I put in for most western states. What I try to do is have a short term, mid-term, and long term plan.

AZ the Elk unit(s) I want take 7-9 years so I count that as a mid-term. I'm at 7 so I'm close! After I blow my deer points in AZ I'm going to put in for a much easier unit, but I can't waste my points I have now.. WY I'll never catch up to max so I'm pretty much on the mid-term plan since nothing is "easy" to win there.. Utah and Nevada are pretty much all long term. NM I put in for easier units in the Guide Draw (although I DIY it). My goal is to try to get NM every other year or so.

Then I always have a back up plan if I don't win crap.. My current backup plan is leftover Coues hunting.. It's too much fun to pass up

Might want to check the NM regulations. I think they altered the guided rule this year.

[jaker_cc]

Does anyone know the code for applying for just a pref point in Wyoming for deer and elk?


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[ELKAHOLIC]

Originally Posted by jaker_cc

Does anyone know the code for applying for just a pref point in Wyoming for deer and elk?


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Just wait until July then buy the points. $50 for elk $40 for deer.

[Deers & Beers]

Originally Posted by jaker_cc

Does anyone know the code for applying for just a pref point in Wyoming for deer and elk?


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Ya, it doesn't open up for points until later in the year