Wallow Strategy

[Flatlander89]

I know everyone will have different ideas on this but how do you approach hunting a wallow or a water hole when you plan on being there long enough to see a wind/thermal change? Have setups on two sides? Leave when the thermals switch? Found a few good spots but not sure how to hunt them. Also, do you hunt close enough to shoot across the water or would you focus on one side? Thanks

 

[Swede]

Set up in a tree stand about 25 feet up. Sometimes I go higher if I am down in a basin, and may go up less if I am on a hillside or ridge. I would recommend you select a tree position where the elk do not see you as they come in, and if possible have some limbs and branches behind you so they won't catch any movement.

 

[Coveyleader]

There was a post on this just last week. If I could add to my post last week relating to your question, it would be that there is nothing wrong with hunting a wallow on the down thermals, or up thermals as long as it's consistent. What you will find in most cases however is that once the morning thermals switch from going down slope to up, the sun is up, and the wind normally starts and that is where the problem comes into play. You don't have a steady wind any longer which usually means the elk will pick you off prior to arriving to the water.

The same goes for getting in the stand too early in the evening. The winds will be blowing all over normally until just prior to dark, say 2 hours depending on terrain. If you get in too early, you may bust elk that were on the way in which is the last thing you want.

In my opinion, for what it's worth, you will get more results from your new found spot if you hunt it cautiously. Meaning early AM until winds start up and you can no longer maintain a steady wind direction, and late in the day when you're walking in to the stand and it's hitting you in the face going up and not changing.

The key to killing elk over water is not letting them know you're there and consistent thermals is the time to do it.

 

[Swede]

I agree with Coveyleader if you are hunting from the ground. I hunt wallows and water holes 95% of the time. I hunt all day every day. I just go high. Occasionally a down draft will hit me, and it can be a problem, but that is actually quite rare. I go high so my scent does not go to the ground nearby. Some of what I look for is a tree that is positioned where down drafts will go down the dray and not affect the majority of the area. Updrafts are no problem as the warm air takes scent higher. If you are questioning what is happening with your scent, take a squeeze bottle of corn starch and see where it is going.