Mid day lull

[Poorse]

I hunted this past week and had elk talking very early and very late. We had a hard time pinpointing and making a play on them before they shut up or before it was dark. We were hunting denser backcountry with little pressure.

My question is, what do you guys do in that time between the elk vocalizing in the mornings and evenings to take advantage of your daylight hours in the mountains?

We found ourselves just sitting and waiting until they started talking again as not to bump them and kick them out of the area, or off their patterns.

I feel as though I take a week off to hunt but am only utilizing a couple hours per day chasing and trying to set up. Am I missing something? Any help appreciated, thanks!


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[5MilesBack]

That depends where I'm hunting. I have a few areas where I won't pressure them at all because it's small country, I know exactly where they are, and I want them to stay put.

But if I'm in big country and especially if it's getting down to under a week of hunting left......I go after them no matter where they are. Mid day can be a real treat when you get in close as a lot of bulls will respond. I'm heading back up tomorrow for the last week and I'll be pushing them hard no matter where I am or what time of day it is.

 

[BigAntlerGetter]

I also agree with the area I'm in, a lot of times if it's coming down to the wire and I can put them to bed in the morning I'll hunt them in the midday lull when they are bedded, I've found Bulls will use this time to go get some feed and water and I try to get between them and the water source. If not I'll go into the bedding area I'm either gonna get a shot at something or bust them out but if it's last minute what's it gonna hurt. I will also sit wallows or access trails and nap and hope one comes by. Or get into my position for an evening hunt if you pass through a transition area at 1030 in the morning to get to an ambush spot they are gonna care a little less than passing through it at 5pm to get to my spot. That's if I know where they are prolly gonna go in the evening.


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[mtnwrunner]

One of my buddies always tries to get them going in the morning and either watches them or knows where they bed. He packs a small compact hammock and finds somewhere to "hang" out during the day. He either watches his phone, takes a book or naps. Since he knows where they are, he usually figures out where they will be coming out or listens for them. He does very well and scores every year on a big bull. He passed on 2 six points just last weekend as he has a big one he has been watching.

Randy

 

[justinspicher]

I usually take a nap.

 

[Bar]

I use a different style than most elk hunters. I still hunt into bedding areas. I do a lot of scouting, so I have a good idea of where they are. So, early morning when they're moving from feeding to bedding areas I leave them alone. Other than observe them.

So, when most elk hunters are taking it easy. I'm hunting. I'm also going into areas that most hunters avoid. That being thick timber, blowdown etc. One of the advantages of this kind of hunting is even if I hunt an area that a bit crowded. I have solitude in the majority of my hunting. The later the season the more solitude, because the elk go deeper and deeper in the timber to avoid the pressure. The deeper they go the more hunters will avoid where they go during the day.

This type of hunting is not for everybody, but I find it effective and rewarding. One of the perks is you don't need to call and the elk don't need to be vocal either. I simply sneak into where they live. Some will say I take a chance of blowing out the herd. I haven't done that in decades. It's a learning process that takes time to learn, but once you have it figured out. It fills the freezer a lot.

One warning. It's usually pretty ugly getting the meat out.

 

[justin davis]

I avoid hunting in the bedding areas. My experience is that if you mess with elk and spook them out of their bedroom you can really bigger them and push them out of the country. Once they bed I leave them alone. Sure you might have some success but if you spook them you really screw it up.

 

[Bar]

That's why I never recommend it to anybody who isn't a hardcore still hunter. I was simply explaining what someone can do for mid-day hunting.

Most hunters will be better off taking a nap.

 

[Poorse]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'm headed back for one more week to hunt some smaller country and will try pressing them a little harder.

Might try some thicker bedding area still hunts as well if it looks like the area is getting hit harder by other hunters.

Really appreciate the input! Crunch time!


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[Bar]

Make sure the wind is perfect and not swirling. Otherwise, back out.

 

[elkyinzer]

I like to hike to a ridge where I can get above bedding areas and hear into two or three different little basins and eat, take a nap, read a book, carve some wood, and otherwise just fiddle around and pass the time. It gets a bit boring but usually one or two will sound off from their beds in the afternoon. Then I hunt down toward wherever I hear the elk in the evening.

 

[Poorse]

Thanks again for the advice guys. Ended up getting this guy still hunting a travel route on a quiet foggy morning.

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[elkguide]

Sweet!!!!

 

[screamin6x6]

Man that's great. Congrats on a fine bull.

 

[nvgoosehntr]

Nice bull - congrats!!

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[Poorse]

Thanks for the kind words. To those discouraged; keep at it, stay out there, be patient, stay positive and the encounters will eventually present themselves.

Use friends, family, and forums like this to bounce ideas off of and keep you encouraged.

Combining preparation/time spent in the mountains along with the knowledge learned from other successful hunters is a deadly combination.



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