First timer over here!

[FletchDawg]

This bull was taken 600 yards from camp, by a rank beginner who had never seen a live elk. Never quit, keep grinding.

View attachment 405577

I quite certainly would crap myself if I saw that joker! Look at that dude

 

[Indian Summer]

It goes without saying that the latter in the year the more chance of snow. That becomes more true the higher you go in elevation. At lower elevations it comes and goes especially on the south slopes. But up high there are also wind blown slopes and make no mistake elk will scratch out a living up there before deciding to head lower and closer to your crosshairs. Regardless of how much snow there is what you consider deep is just another day in the life of an elk. Obviously they have to eat. 20 pounds per day. But they have all night and part of the day to do it. So if snow is in the picture don’t think you can sit down where life is easier on you and grass is everywhere. You’re better off up where life is tougher on you and snow is up nearly to your knees. And once you find them up there you’ll have a spot you can count on in the future. But you’ll work for it. If you’ve never been to boot camp or gave birth to a baby…. elk hunting might be the toughest thing you’ve ever done. Just like the military and child birth you just gotta take a deep breath and keep on pushing!

 

[PRC_GUY]

Your successful rate is less than 15%. I went twice and didn’t see anything, I will try again this fall , good luck.

 

[Amos Moses]

If you have 5 days to burn, get there at least a day before the season opens. I’d much rather lose a day of hunting to scout and learn.

 

[AaronMColeman]

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…

Since 2009, when all the Go Deep crowd started, I’ve concentrated all my elk hunting within 1 - 1.5 miles from my vehicle.

We’ve taken over 20 elk in that time in that distance from a vehicle.

Definitely doable. And wise.

I think the key word here is "concentrated". I do the same I focus on areas within 1-2 miles of the roads. Pressured elk don't go deeper, they go where they feel safe and have food and water. Sometimes that's deeper, often it's just deep enough for them to be comfortable. So I "concentrate" my efforts on areas closer, but follow sign and sometimes end up with a LONG hike out in the dark

 

[AaronMColeman]

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…

Since 2009, when all the Go Deep crowd started, I’ve concentrated all my elk hunting within 1 - 1.5 miles from my vehicle.

We’ve taken over 20 elk in that time in that distance from a vehicle.

Definitely doable. And wise.

I think the key word here is "concentrated". I do the same I focus on areas within 1-2 miles of the roads. Pressured elk don't go deeper, they go where they feel safe and have food and water. Sometimes that's deeper, often it's just deep enough for them to be comfortable. So I "concentrate" my efforts on areas closer, but follow sign and sometimes end up with a LONG hike out in the dark

 

[KHNC]

i would go ahead and rifle hunt instead of a bow that time of the year.

 

[FletchDawg]

It’ll be rifle for sure. Don’t own a bow…YET! Soon as I flash these pretty blues to the ol’ lady though it’s all over

 

[tdhanses]

Your successful rate is less than 15%. I went twice and didn’t see anything, I will try again this fall , good luck.

That is the avg of all hunters, bet the avg of new first timers is less then .01%

 

[FletchDawg]

That is the avg of all hunters, bet the avg of new first timers is less then .01%

So you’re telling me there’s a chance?! Yeah! I’m all in. In all seriousness I appreciate the words of wisdom from all. Very helpful in the planning stage.

 

[FletchDawg]

Sooo can you buy a OTC tag online? Is it just for a particular unit? When should you buy?

 

[AaronMColeman]

It’ll be rifle for sure. Don’t own a bow…YET! Soon as I flash these pretty blues to the ol’ lady though it’s all over

GET A BOW!

 

[FletchDawg]

GET A BOW!

I’m gettin there, I’m gettin there ol’ boy!! Gotta work that angle

 

[FletchDawg]

How about boots? I’ve bought and sent back Schnee’s, Hoffman’s, and Salewa. All too narrow in my normal size. Tried on a pair of Kenetreks today at a local store and they fit like a glove. Imagine that’s what I should go with if it fits good, but just curious on yalls thoughts

 

[cnelk]

Sooo can you buy a OTC tag online? Is it just for a particular unit? When should you buy?

Call the CPW and request a couple Regulation brochures be sent to you.
Put one in your bathroom and one near your couch.

Sooo much information to be read and reread.

 

[Doc Holliday]

Once you decide on a unit, research outfitters that offer drop camps and see if you can give them a couple hundred bucks to be on their pack out standby list. Probably won't need it but of you do it will be the best money you ever spent.

Do you have experience breaking down animals in the field and packing them out? If so, how big of animals? An elk is a massive critter, especially when they are laying there dead and all movement depends on forces you personally exert. Solo, breaking down and packing out a bull is an easy thing to talk about on the internet, but in practice is a hard thing for even experienced elk hunters.

 

[FletchDawg]

Deer, pigs, coyotes, quail, and ducks are my experience. So no experience breaking down or packing out an elk. Other than the internet machine and watching how to videos. That’s all I got though. As far as camp..I will more than likely be snagging one of those Kodiak canvas flex bow tents to throw up close to the truck and move on to other spots as needed. I do quite a bit of hiking and camping and will utilize It if I stay out and about with em. I snagged a stone glacier skyscraper tent awhile back, but might pack something lighter.

 

[FletchDawg]

Think I’ll break down a couple whitetails this year like you would an elk and pack them out a couple miles. An entire whitetail might get me close to an elk quarter weight wise

 

[sterlryu]

Went hunting with my buddies first two seasons, barely saw an elk, was successful my third season all alone - there's pros and cons to hunting solo (pro: don't spend the morning bickering over where to go, con: pack out)

 

[njdoxie]

Yours is not the first time this question is asked, it gets asked every year multiple times, review all the elk threads, many have your exact questions answered.