10%

[MattB]

IMO many hunters haven't figured out the elk are not deer, and do not adjust their hunting style accordingly.

 

[ELKCRAZED77]

I believe its pretty close.. But I believe you get from the elk hunt what you put in it. I live in West Virginia so scouting is really tough. But I eat sleep and breath elk hunting. I am planning for next year before this year ends. I read about elk and tactics that others use. Every fall I try them out. I have tagged 3 bulls in 5 years with a bow and out of all my buddy's that hunts with me I have had the most opportunities. I hunt very aggressive not much sitting and waiting I try to make my own luck. Most guys seem to have the hunt them where there going to be and I stick to hunt elk where they are mentality. My area has declined in elk numbers and the wilderness is getting more people hunting in it. Not to mention the hundreds of stinking moo cows running around!!

 

[no limits]

I believe its pretty close.. But I believe you get from the elk hunt what you put in it. I live in West Virginia so scouting is really tough. But I eat sleep and breath elk hunting. I am planning for next year before this year ends. I read about elk and tactics that others use. Every fall I try them out. I have tagged 3 bulls in 5 years with a bow and out of all my buddy's that hunts with me I have had the most opportunities. I hunt very aggressive not much sitting and waiting I try to make my own luck. Most guys seem to have the hunt them where there going to be and I stick to hunt elk where they are mentality. My area has declined in elk numbers and the wilderness is getting more people hunting in it. Not to mention the hundreds of stinking moo cows running around!!

did you have a opportunity too shoot a cow elk and pass the shot the other two years you didn't get a bull ?

 

[ELKCRAZED77]

My first year no shot opportunities. Had 4 cows and bull at 67 yds got winded.Then my third year had a herd of cows coming in got busted.

 

[BroodBuster]

I'm 0 for 3 with a couple of real good opportunities but no tag! Spike only units really suck.

So I'd say what tag one has can make a real big difference. Spike only units I'd guess are well below 10%. But two of the four of us drew cow tags this year and I'd bet they are at 50 to 100%. I'd be stunned if both don't get one with the number of cows running around.

 

[no limits]

Another thread just got started "chances at cows" this is what I'm getting at,people passing on legal elk opportunities. Cows and or small bulls are getting passed up for bigger bull opportunities,I still think opportunity % is quite a bit higher than success %.

 

[ckleeves]

I really don't think most hunters in Co hunting on OTC tags are passing any legal bull, and quite a few aren't passing up cows.

 

[Colbyqueso]

Boots on the ground. Brown its down. Meat in freezer. If you see an animal. Be happy that you where lucky enough to even see it. I have talked to many hunters that pass on Elk because they still have a month to hunt. And then never see another. Be happy with what you get. You should never hunt in the land of what if? Your freezer and your belly will be empty.

 

[ktowncamo]

Interesting thread. I initially think that's too low. I've been really fortunate in my 5 yrs as a bow hunter for elk I've harvested 2 bulls and 2 cows. Missed one shot in year one and hit a cow in the shoulder year one but she never went down. But when thinking of the effort I recall MANY days hunting solo while friends didn't or wouldn't hunt. Last year alone I went into one particular canyon 7 days and finally killed after 2 missed shots and drawing back 5 times. Gotta put in the time and miles IMHO.