What does smelling elk mean to you?

[aorams]

When you smell elk... what do you do? Is there a way to understand whether or not the smell is from elk nearby vs. incidental or prolonged use of the area?

Thank you!

 

[PhotoHunter]

Knock an arrow!

 

[ceng]

I'm no expert, but last year in particular I smelled elk almost every time before we saw them. Sometimes I smelled them and followed the wind currents only to find beds, but when you get a good whiff it's probably wise to raise your awareness a bit. Another plus to hunting with the wind in your face whenever possible.

 

[elkguide]

Excitement level goes up and I am on even more alert than usual while hunting.

Has to be one of the best smells in the world!

 

[5MilesBack]

I'm like a pointer every time I smell one. I immediately pull out the wind checker to get an exact direction. Then I start working my way in one very slow step at a time until I find the source. I've walked over 100 yards before finding just a pee bed or wallow many times. If I'm downwind, I always smell them before I can see them.

 

[SHTF]

Good ol Wiff of that leathery smell. mmmhmm its a highlight to my September. Im still working on getting my first Elk down but yea as others have said get ready either your close to them or their Bed they where in not long ago. I live for that smell when Im out in the woods. It makes me happy. =) yep that was all meant to be a little weird hehe

 

[ElkNut1]

If it's a strong barnyard smell & not weak like it was a while ago they were there then I will call to get their location, this especially so in timbered country. If no response within 30 seconds I will setup & try to lure the bull over or to give their position away. Many times I've brought these elk or one of them right back if they weren't over 150 yards away. Creative mid volume bugling with moderate raking generally will pull the bull over your way, it can take 10-15 minutes before they show up! At times I will toss in a low cow whine to paint the picture I'm there displaying for a cow with bugling & raking. This has worked in many instances.

ElkNut1

ElkNut1

 

[Jarrod Renaud]

My thoughts are, damn, I can smell them... they're probably staring at me right now.

 

[LaGriz]

+1 on the comments of SHTF,
I too live for that smell that brings me back each September! I suffer with sinus issues here in South Louisiana. After a few days in the dry humidity of Rockies, I' m no longer "nose blind" and my sense of smell returns to a normal level. I truly look forward to that ripe musky barn yard smell described by ElkNut1 as a sign that I have gotten my lame ass into some elk that are very close! On occasion I have even smelled deer before seeing them or finding a fresh bed. The aroma of elk is much more potent.

LaGriz

 

[jaredgreen]

I can tell you what not to do! Don't immediately pull out your call and call without taking stock of your position and if you have good shooting lanes! Lol! Last year, I did just that, and he was bedded just over the edge of the bench I was on. I could hear him coming but had no time to move, and no shot when he appeared. Luckily, when he whirled, I stopped him with a bugle, then was able to move into a shooting lane. Worked out, but there would have been a lot less drama if I had moved to the edge of the tree line before calling!


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