Spike Camp Distance

[Ucsdryder]

Here’s another variable. If there’s a fire ban I’m much less likely to spike out. Nothing worse than camping without a fire!

 

[Coveyleader]

Who has time for a fire unless it's to dry stuff out? I have barely enough energy to cook a mountain house.

 

[Coveyleader]

the better question would be, how far from your hunting area do you put your spike camp? 5 minute walk, 15 minute walk? you get the idea.

As close as I can without messing it up. I like getting up, and hunting. Many times I've had bulls, cows, etc bugling, mewing yds away from us while cooking our dinner in the dark.

You learn so much more being with the elk in the dark. Example, no bugles heard, all day, just blank. Right after dark, bulls bugling all night, and right before AM shut up. Classic sign of pressure! You don't hear those types of things from a camp next to the road but knowing there are elk there means you can set up accordiingly.

 

[cnelk]

Sure would be boring if everyone hunted elk the same way

 

[3darcher2]

This thread has me thinking I am on the right track. My plan for CO OTC was an area that looks to be relatively tough access and to camp on the edge of it. Basically it's 1700 feet and 2 miles from the truck, but those two miles are pretty significant time and effort wise. I wasn't sure if 2 miles was far enough, but it's the time and effort not expended every day, not the distance, and that's my goal.

 

[Coveyleader]

Sure would be boring if everyone hunted elk the same way

Coming from a guy who likes to express his opinion very openly............. Everywhere

 

[cnelk]

Coming from a guy who likes to express his opinion very openly............. Everywhere

Pot, meet kettle

 

[Poser]

This thread has me thinking I am on the right track. My plan for CO OTC was an area that looks to be relatively tough access and to camp on the edge of it. Basically it's 1700 feet and 2 miles from the truck, but those two miles are pretty significant time and effort wise. I wasn't sure if 2 miles was far enough, but it's the time and effort not expended every day, not the distance, and that's my goal.

2 miles and 1700 feet off trail can easily take 3-4 hours or even longer from what I’ve seen of spots like that, very very few people are willing to do it. Some fancy it until they get 60 minutes in, their lungs are blowing up and they turn around and can see their truck 1/3rd of a mile away.

 

[Indian Summer]

It’s not just about distance. It can be about elevation gain. Or maybe even getting past a barrier such as a river or cliff. Anything that gets you one step ahead of other hunters by putting you where you need to be before first light and allowing you to stay until dark without being concerned about getting past that barrier at the end of the day.

For me 2 miles and 1500 feet in elevation gives me the advantage I need. Once I’m there I avoid any impact on the elk other than killing one. I’m aggressive when the time is right and when it’s not I’m in observation and planning mode.

I wouldn’t consider the investment of time and effort unless it was a spot the elk can’t resist. If we kill a bull there and raise hell by bringing the horses up to pack out they’ll move out. But they don’t go far and if I let it rest for three days the area is worth hunting again. In 10 or 12 days of hunting we can kill two bulls there. Most elk hunters would agree that’s worth setting the camp.

It’s well worth the effort though. Firewood is plentiful. Hunting is literally right out the door. I get way more sleep and the morning “death march” is non existent. I could get there from base camp but I’m certainly not as fresh with the same spring in my step as I am when I walk out the tent door and I’m already there. I can hunt a killer high basin until pitch dark and be eating dinner in 30 minutes.

In my mid 50s it’s all a part of planning for the future too. Right now spike camp is more of a luxury but when I am in my 60s it’ll be a necessity if I want to keep consistently punch elk tags. Find your spot and dig in!

 

[2rocky]

Not so much miles as much as time to get there. Folks will hike an hour to get to a place before daylight. Not much more than that. 2-3 hours in is usually enough. With stock that can be 10 miles. As for distance from hunting area, I killed my biggest bull within view of the edge of trees my camp was in. But I think the sweet spot is over a quarter mile and down wind .

 

[Newtosavage]

Not that many years experience to draw on here, but for me it totally depends on the situation and what I've learned from scouting the previous few days. I don't spike camp unless I feel I need to. If I do, it's because I have very specific information I've learned over the previous few days of scouting. Also if I do, I have a plan to get the meat out before it spoils.

 

[5MilesBack]

You learn so much more being with the elk in the dark. Example, no bugles heard, all day, just blank. Right after dark, bulls bugling all night, and right before AM shut up. Classic sign of pressure! You don't hear those types of things from a camp next to the road but knowing there are elk there means you can set up accordiingly.

In one area I've had elk come through my truck camp in the middle of the night every year I've been set up there, they've even folded my mirrors back on the truck while they're coming through. One year they were chasing each other around my wall tent at 3:30am and pulled up a bunch of tent stakes. Last year we had a bull sneak in close in the middle of the night and let out a massive bugle right near my buddy's side of the tent. It was so close and loud he literally shot out of bed........I think even before he was fully awake. I was laughing. Then that bull walked to the other side of my truck, let out another screaming bugle, and then hung out across the road and screamed the rest of the night. The funny thing is.......I've rarely had anyone else camp in that area, and there are a few big spots to set up a nice camp. That's fine by me.

Even had a 300+ bull raking a tree 30 yards behind my camp at 10:30 in the morning. I was chasing a bull most the morning across the road and after putting everything in the truck, I'm in the tent and hear that raking. Then I grabbed my bow and tried to get an angle on him, then a cow that I didn't see, spooked and off they went. The funny thing is......I've set up my cams around camp when I'm not there and had over 1400 pics of vehicles going by in just one weekend. So this isn't a well hidden spot.

 

[Trimbandit]

One difference makes is the elevation you cover in those miles. I would stay 1 mile in if that meant 3000 feet of elevation. But generally 2-5 miles.

 

[Newtosavage]

I've had bulls keep me up all night at my truck camp right next to a state highway. LOL I even got out of the sack a couple times at 3 a.m., fired off a bugle and they responded straight away.