What do y’all do when the elk are just too high up?

[Hnthrdr]

That is indeed an impressive level of fitness. There are no stairs here though. And I am assuming that you'd be carrying hunting gear. The avalanche chutes have some sheer walls in them. There's a reason these elk are safe. There are hiking trails on nearly every mountain in this area. This mountain has none.

For sure, I’m no stranger to nasty off trail climbs that’s why I said two hours, avalanche chutes for sure present a challenge, but I’d guess they aren’t living there 24/7

 

[Dos Perros]

These elk are safe from you and everyone else.

How do they get up there? These them Swiss Alps reverse rappelling elk?

 

[Fartrell Cluggins]

For sure, I’m no stranger to nasty off trail climbs that’s why I said two hours, avalanche chutes for sure present a challenge, but I’d guess they aren’t living there 24/7

Best I can figure, they call the upper reaches of this mountain home. It is the perfect environment for them. A nice balance of meadows and spruce cover. Great lookout points and escape routes. What it looks like on a topo doesn't give a good account of the challenges the avalanche chutes present for lateral movement. The climb is just part of the issue. Climbing with a full complement of hunting gear is another issue. Climbing quietly enough in loose rocky conditions to get within shooting range is yet another challenge. Then, if you kill one, the real challenge begins. Going back to the OP, making another 2000 feet in elevation isn't always as simple as an hour or two.

 

[Fartrell Cluggins]

How do they get up there? These them Swiss Alps reverse rappelling elk?

I am not an elk hunter. I am in elk country vacationing and doing some hiking, biking and wildlife watching. How would you make your approach to the elk on the red X?

 

[Dos Perros]

I am not an elk hunter. I am in elk country vacationing and doing some hiking, biking and wildlife watching. How would you make your approach to the elk on the red X?

I'd climb through the clouds and come in above them.



In all honesty, that does look pretty steep. I would try to figure out where they are drinking and make a play there.

I killed a bull in this spot by just getting after it. It's not evident in the topo but there were cliffs right above him, thankfully none below. Lust and greed will make you do illogical things sometimes.

 

[Fartrell Cluggins]

The party was over when that elk hit the ground huh? I imagine that it was one hell of a packout. How many trips, and how far to a vehicle?

Going back to the comment that gaining 2000 feet is a 1-2 hour affair, coming in from above probably is the best strategy, but to make that happen it's going to be close to an all day affair. The entire mountain is as steep as the screen shot I posted.

 

[Fartrell Cluggins]

This is what part of the herd looked like from my porch 5.5 miles away. It gives some perspective on how steep the terrain is. The meadows, while steep, are relatively smooth. The avalanche chutes are the game changers.

 

[Hnthrdr]

Best I can figure, they call the upper reaches of this mountain home. It is the perfect environment for them. A nice balance of meadows and spruce cover. Great lookout points and escape routes. What it looks like on a topo doesn't give a good account of the challenges the avalanche chutes present for lateral movement. The climb is just part of the issue. Climbing with a full complement of hunting gear is another issue. Climbing quietly enough in loose rocky conditions to get within shooting range is yet another challenge. Then, if you kill one, the real challenge begins. Going back to the OP, making another 2000 feet in elevation isn't always as simple as an hour or two.

To be honest I’m not a big fan of bumping elk just to bump them, but it might be worth it to clear them out of their safe haven and then go from there?

 

[sndmn11]

I go hunt pronghorn

 

[Dos Perros]

The party was over when that elk hit the ground huh? I imagine that it was one hell of a packout. How many trips, and how far to a vehicle?

It was fun until my pack belt ripped off and the sole of my boot came loose as I was shuttling meat down to the trail. 3 dudes 2 trips each maybe 4 miles downhill. A bear relieved us of one game bag of meat. It was my first bull so honestly I was pretty thrilled.

 

[Ucsdryder]

Leave him alone. He’s used to road hunting antelope! 30 foot ascent is a lot!

I’ll take an elk 2000 feet uphill alllllll day long. The one that gets me is 2000 feet downhill in a hole. Elk pack really easy downhill.

 

[Johnny Tyndall]

Never leave good snow/waves to look for something better. I'd imagine it's the same for elk.

 

[well_known_rokslider]

Elk hunting in and of itself is wildly inefficient, just as part of its nature. I've hated it as much or more as I've loved it. You need about 100 things to come together to kill an elk with a bow, many of them outside your control. If you're looking up mountain to elk you can get to, about 90 of them are at least checked off. Most times you'll climb up there and get to maybe 97 or 98 and blow it. Doesn't make it a waste. Then you're onto the next chance to push all your chips in. It only takes one.

 

[Johnny Tyndall]

What are they doing for water?

 

[Loo.wii]

Call me so i can kill it for you

 

[Ross]

You climb after them exact reason I have never worried too much about other hunters going uphill long distances, it hurts and you sweat a lot. Not many are willing to put forth that kind of effort day after day so you tend to have the mountain to yourself.

 

[Minute_of_Antelope]

You climb after them exact reason I have never worried too much about other hunters going uphill long distances, it hurts and you sweat a lot. Not many are willing to put forth that kind of effort day after day so you tend to have the mountain to yourself.

I should print this off and make it my pre-hike speech every morning at 0430

 

[Loo.wii]

I should print this off and make it my pre-hike speech every morning at 0430

This is my mountain, There are many like it but this one is mine. There are elk on this mountain so I will climb this mountain. The mountain is steep but I will shoot an elk. THIS IS MY MOUNTIAN !

 

[Fullfan]

Easy, start climbing

 

[Indian Summer]

Are you hunting or just a spectator? Come up with a plan! Here’s the plan: Watch where they go in the morning. Take all day to gain elevation and go up there and find the money spot to sit down and let them come to you.