Solo Elk Tips

[Skyhigh]

As the title says. What is your advice for heading out solo. Purely looking for advice on what to do in situations you encounter. I am in good shape (and getting better) and work in the mountains (during the summer) so I know my limits to that respect.

 

[cnelk]

Be prepared for a frontal shot

 

[Ross]

Stay positive, have fun and always be ready don’t get caught with your bow down

 

[marktole]

I can’t claim to have done a ton of elk hunting solo, but one thing I am always wary of is when my deadline to kill an elk is if I am by myself.

Example, if you’re hunting in a spot 4-5 miles from the trail head and you have 7 days to hunt, you obviously can’t kill an elk on the last night and expect to get it all out alone before you have to be back to your other obligations. How long it would take to get it out would vary from person to person. Sounds like maybe you have an idea on the physical part of that already.

My other piece of advice would be to have a buddy who is able to come help pack before going on the hunt if at all possible.

 

[Arctic Hunter]

Have packers lined up, just in case. You might think you won't need them, but it's nice to have that in your back pocket if you change your mind.

And bring a book to read at night.

An in reach is nice too. I love hunting solo, but it's also nice to check in with people (or contact somebody with horses to come haul meat out).

 

[Ten Bears]

I hunt 95% of the time solo.

Best advice I can give is to be really honest with yourself about physical condition and mental toughness and plan accordingly. Don’t be afraid to take a day off to regroup out there. You have a long ride home and you will immediately regret leaving early or not being in good enough shape. and have fun.

 

[Tony Trietch]

Arctic Hunter already said what I think is most important for a solo hunter. Have SEVERAL local packers names and numbers on your phone before you leave home. I call them before I get there just to remind them that I am planning on killing and elk and if it's to hot or if it's to far from the truck, I will need assistance.

As far as hunting solo for elk, it's not as easy to call them in by yourself and you may want to have an open mind to your strategy to get one dead.

 

[5MilesBack]

You didn't say whether rifle or archery. In either case do your homework ahead of time on areas to hunt. Hit them hard when you get there, and move on if there's no sign of activity. If you're looking for advice on calling setups etc........there's a bunch of stuff out there. Check out Elknut, Chris Roe, and Elk101. But the best way to learn all that is to do it and learn from the encounters.

 

[cnelk]

If archery season, you're going to find out how long the days are and even tho the nights are short, they too seem long.

 

[Skyhigh]

You didn't say whether rifle or archery. In either case do your homework ahead of time on areas to hunt. Hit them hard when you get there, and move on if there's no sign of activity. If you're looking for advice on calling setups etc........there's a bunch of stuff out there. Check out Elknut, Chris Roe, and Elk101. But the best way to learn all that is to do it and learn from the encounters.

It will be archery, I am planning to start during the first week of the season, a couple days after opener to avoid the associated pressure of opener.

 

[cnelk]

I chose the wrong spot opening morning last year.

Opening weekend can be great, dont underestimate it

 

[Nickofthewoods]

Can you be more specific on the situations you are wondering about? As you can see above, having a solid pack-out plan is pretty high on everyone's list for going solo. I'll second a good book for the situation of down time at camp.

 

[Sam's dad]

Hunting solo is great. Have fun with it be prepared for a heavy pack out. Trekking poles are key.

 

[Skyhigh]

Can you be more specific on the situations you are wondering about? As you can see above, having a solid pack-out plan is pretty high on everyone's list for going solo. I'll second a good book for the situation of down time at camp.

Particularly with elk, like the final bit before a shot occurs. Most videos I have watched have a caller behind the shooter, but that won't be possible for me being alone. I have a pretty good handle on my capabilities for packing the elk out when I get one down, and will have backup plans (packers, have a buddy in the area).

I just don't know what to do in elk hunting where I would be calling. I am fairly confident I can spot and stalk one if there is an opportunity to do so.

So a specific situation, let's say I let out a location bugle, hear a bull about a half mile away reply. I start walking closer to the bull, what do you do then? How do you gauge the bulls attitude towards my calling? What would be the ideal set up (topography, thick vs. medium, vs. low cover, set up behind a tree or in front). Obviously this will dependent on the location somewhat, depending wherever I end up, but if I can influence it in any way, what should I look for?

 

[Skyhigh]

I chose the wrong spot opening morning last year.

Opening weekend can be great, dont underestimate it

I probably will adjust as I get slightly closer as well. I will have a week to scout during the first week of august (perks of being a student still), if the weather looks really good for opener I will probably go out then. If I have a super awesome spot found while scouting I will probably go out early and try to get on unpressured elk. Everything being equal though, I feel like the few days after opening weekend would have the lowest hunting pressure, I may be wrong though and if you have seen something different I would like to know when you think is best.

 

[Whiskey_Fish]

Not sure if your location permits it, but my preferred process for solo hunting earlier in the season is to hunt patterned animals and trails/water/etc rather than bugling and calling a lot. I will use cow calls to pull a bull into a shooting lane or catch his attention near a wallow or water source etc. It has worked well for my partner and I the last few seasons.

I tagged out day 2 on a wallow and he got it done the following week on a saddle with a heavy trail. We obviously rely on substantial scouting and some trail cam work too.


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[CJF]

Have a guy with a horse on speed dial!

 

[Ross]

In your scenario I move in quick I prefer thicker cover.....to mask my moves as I’m a gambler and prefer to lose on my terms...once inside of a 100 always checking wind I’m gauging his attitude has he continued to bugle rake do I hear other elk......I’m looking ahead for shooting lanes and then starting the raking and calling game I will press hard always keeping wind in my favor a lot just goes on autopilot after 38 years and thousands of encounters

 

[Wentworth6]

This is a big help. Can you tell me how to find people in each unit who will pack out. Game wardens, processing places. ( I do my own)
Thanks

 

[elkduds]

This is where it gets tricky in CO. You need a permit to operate for $ on public lands. Outfitters have the few permits available, and they keep busy w their hunter clients. Many will pack game if they have a wrangler who isn't busy, but that is uncertain. You could hear "no," after your elk is laying there looking massive.

So I don't solo hunt farther in than I can pack out solo.