Elk Hunting

[WyoBowhunter21]

Alright guys. I have decided to give up hunting mulies this year. I am going to concentrate on killing a bull with my bow. I have killed lots of elk before but none with my bow. For those that archery hunt and only have a weekend to do it what is some advice. I have an area that looks promising but there is usually tons of pressure there. I have not ever hunted up high for bulls. I do not mind packing a bull/cow out at all. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[WyoElk]

Nothing you don't probably already know but spend more time scouting than hunting And you will do fine. If you can, use the pressure to your advantage. At least you know where the elk will not be.

 

[tipsntails7]

Be aggressive. Don't be afraid to move on the bull. And ditch the bugle the moment you locate him. In my opinion guys bugle way to loud, way to long and way to often, and are just not realistic. Real elk don't sound like stage callers. Some bulls sound terrible. I don't know what time of the year you will be going either but I always start as high as I can and work down in elevation till I find either them or good sign. Like the other guy said use the pressure to your advantage. Most people won take the time to hike around and get above elk. They will plow right for them. This will probably cause the elk to gain elevation. Hopefully right into your lap. Good luck, it is a blast

 

[WyoBowhunter21]

Thanks for the advice. I will going every weekend in September. It's 4 hours from where I am to where I hunt so we will see how much I get to hunt. I am hoping to pack in every Friday. Hunt Saturday and Sunday morning, pack out and drove back. What do you guys do if the bulls are call shy? I have called in a few bulls but they were mainly on limited quota tags. For other people.

 

[5MilesBack]

What do you guys do if the bulls are call shy?

I keep moving until I find a bull that wants to play. But also keep in mind, that for every bull that responds there are probably several more that may even come in silently without you knowing they're there.

 

[rodney482]

Hot days
dark timber
wallows
cow call a couple times every 30 min

Be mindful of thermals when choosing your setup

 

[Ross]

Many ways to play this game but I am with 5miles I keep walking until I create action or find action. Wallow sitting would be number two on the list.

 

[WyoBowhunter21]

Thanks guys. The last time I hunted this area I saw at least 25 people within 5 miles. This time I am going to get way off the beaten path though. I am hoping to head up scouting within the next couple weeks to try and find some activity.

 

[ElkNut1]

NA, later!

 

[wapitibob]

Thanks guys. The last time I hunted this area I saw at least 25 people within 5 miles. This time I am going to get way off the beaten path though. I am hoping to head up scouting within the next couple weeks to try and find some activity.

I'd find a different area. If I was a resident I'd be hunting south of the park.

 

[WyoBowhunter21]

Wapitibob- Are you talking Jackson? I have hunted up there for many years and life has a changed a bit up there.