Wyoming Elk Preparation

[maine]

I am going on my first elk hunt this year and drew a general tag in the western zone of Wyoming. I reviewed the harvest data and herd populations in the various areas, made a spreadsheet and map and narrowed it down to a handful of units I am considering, based on where the grizzly population is the lowest as I will most likely be going solo. I won’t say the units because I know that’s frowned upon but feel free to DM me. It will be south of Jackson/Dubois. I subscribed to outdoor class (didn’t find it super helpful) and ElkNut (helpful) and have been watching some videos on scouting, tactics, etc. I’ve also been exercising and rucking in the mountains to prepare physically. I’m just wondering what else I can do to prepare, which books/videos/content I should follow to make the most effective use of my time for the next two months. I’m having a hard time narrowing down the huge swaths of land to where I should hunt. I am in MT and can make a few scouting trips. Should I call the local biologists to get a sense of pressure in the area, which areas of private ranches they tend to move toward, burn areas, etc? I’ve archery hunted deer for a number of years and am looking forward to the new challenge. I’m really just only going for a legal bull, maybe even a cow. Sorry if this post gives FNG energy, just really excited for the hunt and want to make sure I’m on the right track, and shift gears if need be. Also, if anyone else is going solo and want to help each other out, feel free to message me.

 

[LFC911]

Once every 4-5 year tag, grizzly country, no access to wilderness...I would consider hiring a guide for WY. Don't know if that's an option but that is my .02...I've gotten several emails from outfitters in the West zone that are looking for hunters and discounting their fees.

 

[maine]

Not really an option financially at the moment, prices online I’m seeing are quite out of my range.

 

[vladkgb]

I drew a south general tag this year, it will be my first time bow hunting Wyoming. I've narrowed down to a general area that has the most elk and highest harvest success and have been e-scouting it a ton. I already have a plan A of where I'm going to start and have plans B thru Z if that doesn't work out.

First I find areas that are furthest from roads and trails, then i find knobs to glass/call from and mark routes to them. Then I look at north facing thick timber areas in Google Earth and mark any wallows or meadows I see. Also mark benches and saddles in these areas, so I have a good idea of where they could be headed or coming from.

Make routes that take you in a big circle hitting up your glassing locations along the way and other points of interest like saddles and meadows.

I stay mobile and use a SxS or e-bike to get around, so my strategy is to get to those knobs before daylight and call, and keep moving, calling into different holes until I find Elk. The game is eliminating spots where Elk aren't.

As a FNG I've made the mistake of hiking 10+ miles per day in one area just hoping I bump into elk or one answers my calls. I ended up bumping elk and being exhausted. I'm going to do shorter hikes that take me to glassing knobs instead from now on. If I can take my vehicle there, even better. I'll also be changing spots often.

If you can scout it that will give you a huge advantage. I won't be able to since I live 12 hrs away.

For content, check out the Elk collective. I found it more useful than the courses you listed, even Elknut is in there. Elkbros academy is pretty good too. Remi warren's podcasts on Elk hunting are great too and free.

 

[wytx]

Lots of grizz over there, you sure about just South of Jackson and Dubois?

 

[huntnful]

I would initially look for some mid elevations burns if they’re available in your unit/units. They will more than likely have a healthy elk population!

Find some glassing vantages also. You can only hear elk from a few thousand yards, and that’s only if they’re talking. But you can see them from literally miles and miles away.

Don’t get too wrapped up in “talking to elk” and spend all of your time practicing a diaphragm. It’s a nice tool to have, but definitely unnecessary. They’re not a super wary animal because they create kind of a chaotic environment within themselves (they’re constantly moving, chewing & mewing) which makes them fairly easy to stalk in close too, without making any noise. Just get in the mix and let them move around until you kill one.

 

[taskswap]

Watch a video or two on the "gutless" method for field-dressing elk, if you haven't already, and get some good game bags. Lots of threads here on peoples' preferences for those.

Good luck!

 

[maine]

Lots of grizz over there, you sure about just South of Jackson and Dubois?

Like 60 miles south seems to have a bit lower populations besides the bighorns for the western region.

 

[maine]

Watch a video or two on the "gutless" method for field-dressing elk, if you haven't already, and get some good game bags. Lots of threads here on peoples' preferences for those.

Good luck!

Absolutely, thanks!

 

[maine]

I would initially look for some mid elevations burns if they’re available in your unit/units. They will more than likely have a healthy elk population!

Find some glassing vantages also. You can only hear elk from a few thousand yards, and that’s only if they’re talking. But you can see them from literally miles and miles away.

Don’t get too wrapped up in “talking to elk” and spend all of your time practicing a diaphragm. It’s a nice tool to have, but definitely unnecessary. They’re not a super wary animal because they create kind of a chaotic environment within themselves (they’re constantly moving, chewing & mewing) which makes them fairly easy to stalk in close too, without making any noise. Just get in the mix and let them move around until you kill one.

Thanks for the tip! That’s good to hear about the calling as I’m not very confident in that skill set. I’m pretty bad at the moment but want to at least be proficient enough to sound believable with a diaphragm if I can spot &stalk, get in close and make it happen from there. I appreciate the advise!

 

[maine]

I drew a south general tag this year, it will be my first time bow hunting Wyoming. I've narrowed down to a general area that has the most elk and highest harvest success and have been e-scouting it a ton. I already have a plan A of where I'm going to start and have plans B thru Z if that doesn't work out.

First I find areas that are furthest from roads and trails, then i find knobs to glass/call from and mark routes to them. Then I look at north facing thick timber areas in Google Earth and mark any wallows or meadows I see. Also mark benches and saddles in these areas, so I have a good idea of where they could be headed or coming from.

Make routes that take you in a big circle hitting up your glassing locations along the way and other points of interest like saddles and meadows.

I stay mobile and use a SxS or e-bike to get around, so my strategy is to get to those knobs before daylight and call, and keep moving, calling into different holes until I find Elk. The game is eliminating spots where Elk aren't.

As a FNG I've made the mistake of hiking 10+ miles per day in one area just hoping I bump into elk or one answers my calls. I ended up bumping elk and being exhausted. I'm going to do shorter hikes that take me to glassing knobs instead from now on. If I can take my vehicle there, even better. I'll also be changing spots often.

If you can scout it that will give you a huge advantage. I won't be able to since I live 12 hrs away.

For content, check out the Elk collective. I found it more useful than the courses you listed, even Elknut is in there. Elkbros academy is pretty good too. Remi warren's podcasts on Elk hunting are great too and free.

Congrats on your tag, hope it goes well! You seem quite prepared, I definitely will be doing much more scouting myself both on the computer and on the ground. I feel like being adaptable and having backup plans defending on weather/pressure/road conditions is huge. That seems like a really good strategy and makes a ton of sense. I really appreciate you imparting the lessons learned from your first experience to shorten the learning curve for me!! I know a lot of people use horses and ATVs/ebikes where allowed and that seems like a good option but I don’t know if I can swing it monetarily. I might try to find areas where I can park at higher elevations so that I can glass early without burning too much daylight or hiking in the dark in bear country. I also probably can’t go more than 2-3 miles from the truck since I’ll be solo and am worried about spoiling meat in the early season anyway. Very very helpful though thank you. I will check out that content, I’ve heard good things so it’s good to confirm it’s worth it.

 

[TAGPUNCHER]

I'm Pretty sure that at one time CONFUCIUS must have said; MAN WITH 25LB PACK COVER MORE GROUND, THAN 50LB FOOL...
The first day will work that out for itself.

 

[Crowmangler]

Contact multiple packers in the areas you're gonna be hunting. If you just have one, there's a chance are they may not be available right when you get an animal down. Getting the elk broken down & having a plan to get it out of the woods as quickly as possible is very important, especially in warmer temps. Also the longer it stays there the more chances it will become bear food. I wouldn't wanna go back near a kill site any more than I have to.

 

[Huntnnw]

Once every 4-5 year tag, grizzly country, no access to wilderness...I would consider hiring a guide for WY. Don't know if that's an option but that is my .02...I've gotten several emails from outfitters in the West zone that are looking for hunters and discounting their fees.

no need at all for a guide, tons of public land and elk to chase

 

[kpk]

I've spent ridiculous amounts of time looking at maps and aerial views online (like I'm sure everyone here) only to be humbled once boots hit the ground. I'm just finding out now that a BLM area I was looking at for access and camping, may not actually be accessible. That's all part of it. If you're close enough to make a long weekend trip and actually get eyes on the area and check roads I'd highly suggest you do so. Don't bet on option A panning out. You need B,C,D,E,F,G,H as well.

 

[mulecreek]

60 miles south of Jackson is largely out of the grizzly core range. Its possible to see them that far south but it would be rare.

Dont sweat only being able to get 2-3 miles from your truck. That is more than plenty. Wouldn't waste your time or the bio's asking about areas, that country is all solid for elk. Dont worry about the private ranches. So much NF land that will hold elk all season long. Pick a basin that looks like it should hold elk and go hunt it. Lather, rinse, repeat until you find them. Good luck!

 

[Muledeerfanatic]

Lots of elk and I would not worry about griz at all
If you can hit it right with some weather they come out and make it fairly easy in a lot of that country

 

[Coveyleader]

Be mobile, not sure you’re if you’re going archery or rifle, but I’d keep a mobile camp by the truck until I find elk.

 

[Marble]

If you have never been there, I would definitely make the trip there. Finding trailheads, camp spots, confirming road conditions, knowing where and what is available in town, etc. That will take a day and will prevent you from wanting time during season.

As for the hunt, if you are new to backpacking, I would take your gear with you and give everything a trial run overnight. You can also find glassing spots, elk sign etc.

Walking the trails will tell you about foot traffic during the off-season. Or horse traffic.

Sometimes I've picked a great basin to hunt, only to go in and find several outfitter camps.

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[maine]

Contact multiple packers in the areas you're gonna be hunting. If you just have one, there's a chance are they may not be available right when you get an animal down. Getting the elk broken down & having a plan to get it out of the woods as quickly as possible is very important, especially in warmer temps. Also the longer it stays there the more chances it will become bear food. I wouldn't wanna go back near a kill site any more than I have to.

Not sure how much I can rely on that from what I’ve read. Planning to just be 2-3 miles from the road so I can handle it on my own. Getting him field dressed quickly and the meat separated from the carcass and allowed to cool in the wind and shade seems important. Cleaned plenty of deer but will be my first elk so been watching a lot of videos most days