How would you kill this elk?

[ElkNut1]

How did you know those elk were there? Did you hear them or see them go into that timber?

ElkNut/Paul

 

[MikeWarren33]

Nope, just walking real slow in an area I thought looked good.

 

[ElkNut1]

Thanks, I also meant to ask what was the aprox time of the morning or afternoon?

ElkNut/Paul

 

[MikeWarren33]

Probably 3 hours before dark.

 

[vanish]

A side note: You mentioned that when you saw them, you dropped to a knee. While that seems instinctual, be careful with that, as that sudden movement will often be noticed, as opposed to if you just stood still.

 

[ElkNut1]

OK, they were kicked out of their bedding area. Good chance if you returned they were not to be seen again.

Some guys like sneaking around hunting elk like they would Deer, most don't do well, it's a low odds of success. At that time of early evening I find it best to settle in & listen for elk to sound off, this can give me a direction to head & setup to call them over. Aprox 2 hrs or so before dark I will start calling to locate elk or I will setup in areas I feel elk are within earshot & follow through with a Sequence creating curiosity which in turn can provoke a bugle or a physical appearance. I find this more productive than aimlessly walking around the woods hoping I can get a shot with my bow. Much higher odds of having the elk do the moving in most situations!

Locating these elk by sound at a distance will up ones odds of getting a shot opportunity at a bull like you came across & avoid accidentally bumping in & pushing them out! Good luck!

ElkNut/Paul

 

[MikeWarren33]

Duly noted Elknut. Problem is that I stuck a huge bull a few years back just aimlessly walking around and I always feel like I can replicate it.

 

[5MilesBack]

Duly noted Elknut. Problem is that I stuck a huge bull a few years back just aimlessly walking around and I always feel like I can replicate it.

Ya, stumbling into elk is very possible. I did that for years rifle hunting them, and was very successful at it. But while hunting the rut.......use that to your advantage with calling. If I had to give up hunting the rut, I'd give up hunting elk. Won't go back to non-rut hunting.

With a traditional setup, I can't imagine being successful at all just walking around.

 

[ElkNut1]

Hey I hear ya man! In my early years I too was a sneaker, fact is for me I just didn't know any better, I didn't call as I too had the fear of running elk away instead of to me. Still today I'm not above putting a stalk on a bull when a specific situation occurs. Truth be told I realized I was loosing out on a lot of elk encounters so I did what I felt was best to rectify it, I started to learn to call. More than that I started diving into doing my best to break down the language or emotions of elk sounds. Over the years it has payed of a hundred fold, I now call in more elk than ever before & employing a stalk is a rare occurrence because of having so much confidence in calling elk in. Plus calling them is a super adrenaline rush, I can't hardly imagine archery elk without calling everyday I'm in the woods.

Once I got a decent handle on their language it started making it so much more fun. Something for you to consider, employ both calling & stalking & broaden your chances, by doing this you will gain the needed confidence & not shy away so easily from calling when you know in your gut it's the right thing to do! Good luck & have fun chasing those bugles, it never gets old!

ElkNut/Paul

 

[VO2Max]

Unless the old man is just incapable of beating up the mountains for a few days, I'd be trying to hunt as a team so if that happens again, you can have him back out and try some soft calling and hopefully get the bull to cut that 25 yards off of the distance out of curiosity.

To me, this ^^^ is the best option

 

[chindits]

Stop beating yourself down. If you are doing a beat down over the no cover caught in the open scenario. You did good if you froze and were undetected in the wide open country with no cover. Just a wind swirl could of busted you or a cow glancing in your direction. If you are beating yourself up because of your actions after the elk left and were actually back in the timber, well that's your option. It was very altruistic of you not to make a go of those elk because your Dad was sitting on a wallow. Too bad you and Dad don't team hunt, but at least he is getting out there and doing stuff with you whether he nocks and arrow all season or not. Maybe a memory to be cherished someday.

 

[Wapiti66]

Typical elk "encounter" You get so close and only need a to get a little closer, or an elk to take one step to clear vitals from behind a tree, wind to hold its position just a little longer, etc.... As you go on hunting you will be so close, but no cigar many times. Analyze your encounters and mistakes but don't be hard on yourself, most people screw up a lot of elk encounters before they get an elk. Its not an easy game even though some on here will tell you how easy elk are to kill. In the end there are a lot of variables to go wrong and eventually the elk still has to make a mistake....but the challenge of it is what makes the reward so great. As others said, a second person to call the elk to you is ideal. Sneaking in on elk within 25 yards is tough and most times will not work, but its not impossible. I think the key to this is making them think you are another elk and getting them to come to you the last 20-50 yards depending on how thick the cover is you are hunting. Good luck and keep hunting.

 

[MikeWarren33]

Thanks for all the input fellas! Extremely helpful.

Elknut, don't worry, I've got the app and I'm a slow play genius now after your podcast. Slow play for life.

Chindits, I wouldn't say I'm beating myself up about it. I love elk hunting. I love elk. But there's far more to this life than a week in the woods chasing elk. It's taken me a while to realize that, but by the grace of God I have.