Hi all,
Preparing for my 2nd Colorado Elk archery hunt (and 2nd hunt ever). I’m looking for some feedback on my strategy this upcoming season. The unit experiences moderate rainfall and has a lot of dark timber that is peppered with aspen groves.
Last season I had 4 different encounters with elk, all <50 yards. 1 satellite bull feeding, 4 cows on the move, 1 mature bull feeding, 2 satellite bulls bedded.
Aside from the mature bull, all of these encounters were in the same aspen grove between 9400-9600’. The aspen grove was located within a saddle, with a creek running through it. 3/4 encounters were around dusk.
Each encounter resulted in the elk spotting us at the same time we spotted them. We always had the thermals in our favor, but a random switch in the prevailing wind would blow us out every time. It was common to experience swirling wind in this saddled aspen grove, which I think is why the elk favored it.
My thoughts:
Plan A: Sit horizontally to this Aspen grove, such that I avoid the swirling wind. Maybe 200-300 yards. The challenge is not knowing which direction the elk will be traveling from. If my spot is to the right of the grove, and they are traveling towards me, I risk blowing them out with a right-to-left prevailing wind.
Plan B: Try to guess nearby feeding/bedding areas and try to intercept them on their way, positioned above/below their route of travel depending on thermals.
Grateful for any feedback and advice. Thank you!
Preparing for my 2nd Colorado Elk archery hunt (and 2nd hunt ever). I’m looking for some feedback on my strategy this upcoming season. The unit experiences moderate rainfall and has a lot of dark timber that is peppered with aspen groves.
Last season I had 4 different encounters with elk, all <50 yards. 1 satellite bull feeding, 4 cows on the move, 1 mature bull feeding, 2 satellite bulls bedded.
Aside from the mature bull, all of these encounters were in the same aspen grove between 9400-9600’. The aspen grove was located within a saddle, with a creek running through it. 3/4 encounters were around dusk.
Each encounter resulted in the elk spotting us at the same time we spotted them. We always had the thermals in our favor, but a random switch in the prevailing wind would blow us out every time. It was common to experience swirling wind in this saddled aspen grove, which I think is why the elk favored it.
My thoughts:
Plan A: Sit horizontally to this Aspen grove, such that I avoid the swirling wind. Maybe 200-300 yards. The challenge is not knowing which direction the elk will be traveling from. If my spot is to the right of the grove, and they are traveling towards me, I risk blowing them out with a right-to-left prevailing wind.
Plan B: Try to guess nearby feeding/bedding areas and try to intercept them on their way, positioned above/below their route of travel depending on thermals.
Grateful for any feedback and advice. Thank you!
