- Thread Starter
- #121
bz_711
WKR
- Joined
- May 7, 2012
- Messages
- 806
You're definitely on the right track with getting some close encounters like that. Have you had the opportunity to tag any elk with firearm or be along with anyone else once they've tagged out? I think helping someone else break down an elk and pack out is the best way to get experience and see what you'd be capable of if hunting by yourself. There's also a big difference in getting a medium cow/spike bull off the mountain vs. a heavy 6x6 bull.Started archery when I was in middle school about 2004. Never got anything the few times I went tree stand hunting. Ended up traveling all over and doing everything except hunting archery. Now I'm trying to get back into it now that I own a business and can take time off. Went to Colorado last year. Saw one bull and I couldn't tell if he was legal even though he was 40 yards away. I was behind a tree and couldn't get out without him seeing me and I was shaking uncontrollably so it was hard to get my binoculars out without him hearing me. Also I had my dog with me lol. He is a service dog. Saw 5-6 cows and 2 little guys. Was about 5 yards away from one of the cows but again couldn't pop up and when I did she ran like hell.
Turns out god was actually looking over me and made sure I didn't kill something, because the only thing I was correctly prepared with was boots. The road to the trail was closed so I ended up hiking 11 miles in by myself. This year I have some spots that are close before I venture far off. Awesome experience. Any advice would be welcomed.
My advice to all hunters would be sleep in a tent. Even outside your truck. The noises you hear can help you. I heard bulls screaming at 3 am and I wouldn't have heard that. Heard a pack of coyotes. Was awesome. If you are in your truck you aren't helping anything IMO unless it's that cold.
Man, still happens to the best of us...my first couple practice sessions each year always have a gag or two I seem to get used to it quickly and then never have a problem during season. As others suggested I think you could cut a better fit and eventually get it worked out for you. Also - I would agree that even if you just can't...you're fine using external calls. My first 3 bulls all came using external cow call and external blue reed bugle tube...they work.Help: I cant get over the gag reflex for the elk diaphragm. I took a class to see if that would helpful not great yet. I've heard are leave it in your mouth all day etc.....so working on that part. What else about NEW diaphragm calling? Tips are appreciated! (going on year 2 of archery hunting)
Good Luck!
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