They are so many variables that can play into it. It's already been said that elk are where you find them. To add to that, just when you think you've "figured them out" they'll do something to prove you wrong.
I take 2 approaches, and neither bring any different results. It boils down to how...
I've been using a 300 WSM. Winchester 70 with a Leupold VX5. Slinging 180 grain Sierra Gamekings. Have had excellent results in elk and mule deer. Quite frankly, it's really hard on deer. Hit them in the boiler room and then go flop! The bulls and cows I've shot with it, hump up and fall over...
I've thought the same thing. I witnessed huge increases in the otc units in Idaho during the Covid fall. Then again the next season but slightly less. Getting out to the mountains was a natural outlet at the time. But now that things are back to normal mom and dad have allocate time and money...
It's rifle. Middle of October to first week of November. Usually I'm just looking for any bull. If i find a mature bull then that's usually where my focus goes. But inevitably other hunters bump elk. Or the mature bull seems to dissappear. Or groups of elk are only cows. Those are the typical 3...
Hello All,
Would love to hear your thoughts or experiences on something I'm finding myself questioning lately.
I usually stick to the theory of "don't leave elk to find elk". Meaning, if I'm hunting an OTC area and I'm finding a good amount of elk, but not finding what I'm looking for in a...
My 300 WSM has a 25 inch barrel. Using IMR 4350 at 66.5 grains and getting 3030 fps at muzzle. 180gr. Sierra gamekings. In good conditions it's pretty tight with 1/2 inch groups at 100yds. Killed a handful of elk and a few mule deer bucks with it. Out to 500 yards on some of those and it kicked...
That's awesome! It's certainly not rare to catch bulls bugling at that time. I'm curious if those experiences were in areas with healthy wolf populations. The vast majority of my OTC hunts are in areas with plenty of wolves (Idaho) and i would venture to say you're lucky if you catch them...
I'm assuming that will be in our around the rockies. Early winter weather plays a factor into it as well. It takes tons of snow to move a bull some times. But if they need feed they'll bounce just the same. Good luck! First week of November is my favorite.
They definitely do what they want... I'll add that they also go wherever they want! Ha.
Curious on your comment about 4 estrus periods. I've heard from more than 1 biologist that cows only cycle once. But the timing is dependent on their body conditioning go into fall daylight timing. What has...
My experience has been that I seem to find them not far from where they were rutting. As if the switch went off, or the estrus dried up, and they hit the first place they felt security and camped out.
I've seen/ heard others' experience that they traveled back to summer grounds or close to...
Hello All,
"FNG" here wanted to kick off my first posting with my personal favorite style of elk hunting.... and that is rifle hunting post rut bulls. I know... crazy.
Question/ prompt to you all = When a mature breeding bull has wrapped up breeding season, they "typically" seek seclusion and...