Talking to a biologist

[gabenzeke]

Does anyone ever get good information from biologists when researching a new area? I have a hunt coming up in Montana, and as I've done every time I hunt a new area I try to reach out to various people for information. But it seems like the responses are always really generic and it has me wondering if it's even worth the effort to get ahold of these people. What kind of questions are you asking?

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[Turkeyfreak12]

Ask specific questions and do your homework ahead of time. As a biologist myself who gets asked tons of questions on where game is or where to catch fish it gets old answering broad questions. Most of us want to see proof that you did your part and aren't just relying on us. Some are a pain and wont answer questions but others will be more then willing to help you out if you come in prepared.

 

[KHNC]

I usually start out with " Not looking for your honey holes, but.............."

 

[Mykolaivka887]

Yes, I've had luck talking directly to biologists the past 50 years or so. You need to have a knack for diplomacy though, when you approach them for information, especially nowadays with all the "not looking for anyone's honey hole, but .....".

 

[southernhive]

I have never called a biologist because I don't know what to ask. Plus, diplomacy is not one of my stronger characteristics.
Would a question like "What kind of food do elk usually eat in this unit?" Or would this be considered a dumb question.

 

[28outlaw]

Definitely ask specific questions. I wouldn't ask about a unit . Narrow it down. Tell them the are you are looking "I'm looking at drainage.... or basin... ask specifics about elk habits in that area". Don't be vague about the spot. Have a list about the area you are interested in.

 

[Mykolaivka887]

I have never called a biologist because I don't know what to ask. Plus, diplomacy is not one of my stronger characteristics.
Would a question like "What kind of food do elk usually eat in this unit?" Or would this be considered a dumb question.

For that particular biologist, he or she might not think it too overly strange to ask something like that, but that question really doesn't get you anywhere, for the simple fact that elk are predominantly grazers, as opposed to being browsers.

 

[gabenzeke]

To clarify, yes I provide specifics. In this most recent example I listed creek drainages and why I'm targeting the area ( seems to have seeps that could be wallows or watering holes and there are lots of benches that would appear to be great for bedding). I asked what calf recruitment is like, and cited recent counts that show the overall unit is at objective and asked if the time of year that we will be there would be good to encounter elk or if they prefer to be higher or lower in elevation. But I get the elk are all over the place and counts look good response. I never feel like I am getting much more than what could be communicated in an auto reply. I know these guys are busy, and I would never ask them to straight up point me to where elk are, but I just always seem to strike out even with specific questions. So more or less looking for what information you guys include in your questions.

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[gabenzeke]

I have never called a biologist because I don't know what to ask. Plus, diplomacy is not one of my stronger characteristics.
Would a question like "What kind of food do elk usually eat in this unit?" Or would this be considered a dumb question.

I've tried asking about food in years past, but it seems that elk are nomadic grazers. So trying to key in on specific grasses or crops likely won't get you any closer to where they will be when you get there.

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[sndmn11]

I think the only appropriate question is asking if they had the tag, what size animal gets shot.

 

[Mykolaivka887]

Well, you could try this approach when talking to that particular biologist; "I've never been in your region and I drew a tag there. Not sure why I put in for a tag in this particular unit, because I know nothing about it, nor anything about the animals that reside there. I've not been successful with gleaning any information or knowledge from books, magazines, chat room forums, YouTube videos, or televised hunting shows. Are there animals in the unit I applied for? If so, where would you suggest I start trying to find them?".

 

[Mojave]

It depends on the individual more than the agency.

Federal Employees (Fish and Wildlife, BLM, Forest, Corps of Engineers) might help, might not. They are good about road access, because they are using the same roads daily.

State Game and Fish agency employees in New Mexico generally don't help at all. At least when I call they don't.

People generally suck, and those that work in wildlife management have the same problems you do.

Call between 0900-1400 their time, but never between 1100-1300. They have the same life problems you do, spouse, kids, church, bills, and the drama of a million tax payers who think they are owed something by an individual biologist because they drew a tag.

Friday and Mondays are the worst days to call. As most federal employees have a compressed schedule, in that they work 0700-1600 M-TH, and every other week they work on Friday 0700-1500. Or they work four 10 hour days. So the odds are that you will miss them on Friday.

 

[Jaquomo]

Know this - whatever they tell you, they likely have told others who have asked the same questions. They are being helpful, but you aren't the only one calling them.

 

[gabenzeke]

Well, you could try this approach when talking to that particular biologist; "I've never been in your region and I drew a tag there. Not sure why I put in for a tag in this particular unit, because I know nothing about it, nor anything about the animals that reside there. I've not been successful with gleaning any information or knowledge from books, magazines, chat room forums, YouTube videos, or televised hunting shows. Are there animals in the unit I applied for? If so, where would you suggest I start trying to find them?".

Gee, thanks. I'm sure that will work.

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[Mykolaivka887]

Gee, thanks. I'm sure that will work.

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No problemo

 

[stanginthe11s]

have any of you tried indirect questions ? meaning instead of asking about elk ask about the resources you know the elk want to use. you can find everything you need to know about the animal you're hunting with research on the web. if I know elk love rose hips then I might say hey Mr. biologist, if I wanted to collect rose hips would this area and time of year be my best choice?
they get asked by tons of hunters about how to find game animals, be different and you might get more answers. kinda like when you get to a new town you don't say where's the lonely girls, instead you say where's the local bar and what time do they close lol.

 

[Mule3006Elk]

All good info but it depends on the biologist. They may or may not be willing to really dig in and help. They may get tired of the hunting phone calls and hunters asking what drainage can I find the game. I have spoken to biologist many times and only really had one that was overly helpful with black bear info. Others provided generic answers. Keep in mind I have a degree in biology so I can carry on this conversation fairly easily and some simply don't want to help or maybe they don't think it's an important part of the job. Maybe they are working on a project or a write-up thats due the next day and they don't have 15-20 minutes to chat about hunting locations. Maybe they love the animals and don't want to help you find them. Maybe they hunt themselves and figured it out on their own without external assistance. Who knows! But it never hurts to ask.

But honestly if you really know how to e-scout and have 5-10 glassing locations set up you should be fine. I never found finding game hard even my first year hunting.

 

[Bighorner]

"I know you've never met me, but will you give me the top secret intel you didn't give the 50 guys before me".

When there have been a million articles written on scouting and they all include call the local biologists you can expect a canned answer everytime.

Honestly we are all busy try and email asking some specific questions (not where is the game at) or ask if they have time to chat. No one is sitting by the phone hoping you call.

Good luck.

 

[cnelk]

The last time I called to get information, I asked about where outfitter camps were and where the typical/popular hunting camps were located. I knew for a fact they had this info.

After that, I asked about a certain drainage or two to confirm what I had already escouted.

I had my questions written down in my phone so I was prepared when they returned my call.
Rarely will they answer the phone.

 

[MTSasquatch]

For what it’s worth from a wildlife biologist:

When I get called by the public asking about the area I cover, my responses will always mirror the caller. If they are enthusiastic, read up, easy to talk with, courteous, and understanding, I will be all of those in return. And vice versa.

I’ve had people call dead serious wanting to know where the big bulls are as if hunting is only about antlers- not entertaining that. I’ve had people call telling me on a 10 minute diatribe that they are the best elk hunter in the west, then proceed to ask a string of questions that even a novice elk hunter should know- not entertaining that. I’ve had people ask me where I would hunt in the area, after I tell them I hunt the area, as if I would give up my spots- not entertaining that.

Then I’ve had folks call who are excited to chat with me, have a decent understanding of elk, are prepared, courteous of my lack of time, don’t ask about spots, and ask what they can expect to see or experience- I’ll give them whatever time I have to chat. They ask where I tend to see grizzlies concentrate in areas or respond to the onset of hunting seasons, both good things to know for safety and for finding game. They ask questions that lead to finding critters, rather than which mountain they keg up on (honey holes). A few of those guys still keep in touch to let me know how the hunting in the area has been for them, which is useful to track trends.

But every bio is different, and I work with many across several agencies who don’t answer calls, questions, or the like. So, your mileage in this endeavor may vary. A previous poster spoke to times of day or days of the week to call. Poster is spot on in my opinion. Good luck!