Close to home in a unit with low elk numbers, or 4 hours from home with more elk?

[jlrichesin]

I am trying to decide what would be better for hunting elk. I live within minutes of elk hunting, but game management units that have low elk numbers. I am on the fence on if it is better to hunt a unit closer to home so that I can scout the area more often, or if it is better to hunt units further away from home, that have more animals? Any thoughts?

 

[belly-deep]

I prefer to go where the elk are. But I know some locals that do really well in some low density units.

 

[rbljack]

Sounds like a good problem to have! LOL..my answer is both! Or do you have to choose a specific area to get a tag?

 

[5MilesBack]

I have always said that I would rather hunt a unit with one good bull and very little pressure, than hunt a pressured unit with elk running around everywhere. If it's just me versus the elk I have a pretty good chance of taking a good bull. But if there's a bunch of other hunters involved, the chances decline rapidly.

 

[avluey]

My 2 cents is like 5Miles, so long as both areas hold elk I'd be more interested in how much pressure the areas get and how much of the area is not accessible by ATV/vehicle. If you're looking to rifle hunt a bit more pressure and road access may be OK as you can take advantage of it, but if you're going with the bow I like to get as remote as I can and still get a bull out as you'll have a much better chance of encountering vocal bulls.

 

[jlrichesin]

I can do both, but I don't want to waste a lot of time scouting that much area. Maybe if I know where some elk are locally, try that early and then move on to a unit with a little more elk if that does not pan out. Maybe I am just overthinking it.

 

[Northernpiker]

I'd check both out(wish I had your problem). I think that knowing an area that's local gives you more hunting chances and a getaway spot is an excellent option sometimes. Once you know them both you might prefer one over the other.

 

[jlrichesin]

I'd check both out(wish I had your problem). I think that knowing an area that's local gives you more hunting chances and a getaway spot is an excellent option sometimes. Once you know them both you might prefer one over the other.

That is good advice. I think that I will roll with it this season and really hit both areas hard. Might plan a little longer trip for the further area and hunt around the house on weekends and before and after work since it stays light for much longer during that time.

 

[theleo91386]

The units in the upper right hand corner of the map you're looking at get a lot more pressure than the ones near you. I'd avoid the rat race and try to find good pockets of elk close to home.

 

[robby denning]

What 5miles said for sure. You'll tend to kill more good bulls hunting that way.


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[njdoxie]

I prefer less people, if there's less elk so be it. I hunt a low density elk unit that has fewer hunters, but I'm fortunate to know a couple pockets that hold elk reliably.

 

[jlrichesin]

I have been leaning towards that as well. I just need to get out there and find them prior to the season to know where they are at. Here in Oregon, the Elk and Deer archery tag are during the same season. Do the Big Mule deer Bucks hang out in the same country as the Big Elk? It seems to be according to Robby's book. I am new to this backcountry stuff. I have been so used to driving the roads and doing quick hour walks and back to the truck to a new spot so that is the reason for the questions. I have been pretty successful taking small bucks that way, and a few small spike bulls, but trying to turn it up a bit, ok maybe a lot and get some big animals.

 

[missjordan]

We do a little bit of both, hunt the weekend and maybe three day hunts close to home in an area that has a lower population density but way better trophy quality. Only downside to that area is your always skirting private land no matter where you hike. The more elk area has a lesser trophy quality, all public lands, but also more pressure from hunters. Both areas have their pros and cons but overall would rather spend our time in the area where there is more elk and farther from home because of the private land issue.


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[5MilesBack]

Some of the biggest bulls I've seen are living in spots that 90% of the hunters will pass right on by to "get to the good hunting spots".

 

[robby denning]

Hmmmm. I don't think I said big bucks/bulls in same places. It's true in some places but I tried to make the point you need to focus on one if you want to take the best bucks (or bulls).


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[jlrichesin]

That is correct , sorry I should have said that the way that I read that, as well as my research on elk, is that Big mule deer, and big elk seem to like the same terrain. For example, north facing slopes, thick cover etc.

 

[robby denning]

Yes I'd agree with that. And sometimes they are in same place


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[RAHC]

Its better to focus on one then move on to the other. I've had way more success doing it that way. Like the "Book" says you have to devote a significant time to one species or another to really be successful. Its better time management.

Back to your first question on traveling or not? I prefer to hunt where the density is greater. You know at least there is a high population and if you hunt hard and are patient you might have a better chance. You might not know the area further away any better but if you put time in you will and it could pay off.

 

[cgasner1]

I fought this same battle this year and left my old honey hole best decision I ever made hunting the closer elk the bulls were much bigger I let 3 walk bigger than anything I ever killed holding out for a big one I'd recommend learning the close stuff very very well those elk are predictable to a point after you find them they keep getting easier to find. But I'd also keep the other spot in mind for after day 6 of hitting it hard and you need a change of scenery

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[bobhunts]

Not sure about Oregon even though I was born there. But here in Colorado most of the places that are close to home get hammered hard being close to where we all live. But there are places there that people never look at and drive right past. Look at those. I have a friend that has shot two elk within 40 miles of my town that grossed just under or just over 400 inches and one of them was on the RMEF elk tour. I tend to not rifle hunt like he does as I bow hunt. Found the best bulls I have seen in places most are not willing to do the leg work. I used to think this way too! If the elk are way down in a canyon and your first though is " How would I get it out of there" and choose to hunt somewhere easier you disadvantage yourself. Go chase them! The elk are where they feel safe! Good luck and spend time pre season scouting because it pays off. Even if other hunters show up you already know where they are.