Elk Season Opener - what would you do? British Columbia.

[markathome]

Hey Guys and Gals.

...I have a dilemma.

I am new to both archery and my region here in the Koots (but not new to elk hunting) so I'm getting a lay of the land and at the same time shooting a million arrows a week. Maybe more.

I am trying to decide how to set my self up well this summer so I'll be sorted out and not making decisions on archery opener.
Given family, work, vacations - I have one scouting weekend per each month June/July and August.

For an opening day game plan I am thinking one of two options:

Option One: Close to home and learn it like my own backyard.
I did scout this past weekend and found a prolific zone with lots of rubs/beds and put eyes on two bulls (one big boy and one jr.) and a cow. This zone is about a two hour drive and three/four hour hike to get to. Open timbered with clearings.


Option two: Further from home and is the grass greener option?
I'm tempted to explore an area that is 4-5 hours away with longer/steeper approaches but has a historically much higher density elk population. Higher elevations. More hiking.

What would you do?:

Burn a weekend heading to the greener grass zone and see if the biologists can count? Or stick closer to home and pack in water/check cams.

My heart wants me to go see the green grass (adventure! new basins!), but my brain is telling me to use my time wisely on the elk in hand.

 

[PVHunter]

As another person with limited time and an increasing number of family commitments, I'd stay closer to home. I've learned this the hard way hunting in state and out of state as well. You're telling yourself four to five but in my experience that usually means more like five (without the hike). It sounds like you''d be sitting down to glass at the closer spot right about when you'd be stepping out of the truck in Shangri La. It'd make for a long day, but your closer spot is also a doable one day out and back. Ten hours of driving without hiking accounted for isn't doable in a day.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

Closer to home for sure

 

[jchamwv]

June, July and August don't equal elk in September. Spend a weekend learning the access points/roads/trails to each place. If you have to bale on the close to home hunt because of pressure or lack of elk you will already know how to get around in the farther away area. Save the vacation for hunting.

 

[markathome]

Thanks guys - All good points. I'll spend my next scout mission for option one and gain more beta. ANd good call from JC - it is important for me to have a plan B if Aug 31 shows no bulls.

I'm going to punt this over to the elk forum. Classic new guy mistake using the wrong spot lol.

 

[Beendare]

I would check them both...then make the call.