Adapting Your Hunting Style

[Swede]

I was conversing with the Elknut about how we adapt our hunting techniques to fit out hunting area. In addition I am sure our hunting style needs to be tailored to our abilities. Sometimes I read a post where it appears one way of hunting is being touted as superior. I find that some work better in certain areas than others. Some ways of hunting are more flexible and can be adapted to different situations and hunting abilities. Still, there is always a time and place for spot & stank hunting , still hunting, calling (R&G) and tree stand hunting. Often these techniques are not equally suited to an area. If you are dead set on one style, then you need to do you homework to determine a good place to hunt.
I tree stand hunt mostly. I hunt a high pressure area (running and gunning does not work well there), I also have poor eyesight, hunt alone much of the time, and more than qualify as a senior citizen. No old geezer jokes please.
Why and how do you hunt the way you do? What is the advantage you find with that style? What other hunting styles work well in your area? Also, are you just starting out, or have you taken elk using the type of hunt you prefer?

[Trophyhill]

Wow so many variables to consider but I agree we should adapt to what's going on around us in the elkwoods. The 1 dimensional hunter has lower odds of killing IMO

[Lefty]

Well I discovered that in open country calling mostly doesn't work during sunup. In fact it is almost the opposite
Glass and more glassing. then either stalk or get in front of them if they are moving.
I dont deal with elevation but distance. at times feeding elk really cover ground where I hunt
I usually have a steady consistent wind 10-25 mph

[Toby]

Until now it has been mostly run and gun. Why, well living in the Midwest I get plenty of tree stand hunting for white tails, and getting a conversation going is such a thrill that I find that to be nearly as exciting as taking a bull. I love exploring big country and running and gunning lends itself well to covering ground.

As i will be hunting solo this year and am approaching that senior citizen milestone, I am going to mix things up a little, try some spot and stalk, and although I won't bring a tree stand along, I may try to ambush some elk from the ground if I find the right location.

[welka]

Sometimes you have no choice to adapt if you still want to hunt especially if it's a physical issue. I have to switch to hunting elk to tree stands due to a bad wheel that can't make it any more. Will miss the spot and stalk game, but at least I still get to hunt! Good luck to all.

[Swede]

Welka: Does the area you hunt offer some good tree stand hunting opportunities for elk, within your hiking range and terrain limitations, or are you going to have to find a new area? If you know some good spots to hang your stand, you should be fine. If you are starting over, maybe we can help if you are interested. I made the switch years ago and have come to enjoy tree stand hunting greatly. I have no regrets, since I have learned to be even more lethal than I was before.

[WapitiTalk1]

Swede offered: "Often these techniques are not equally suited to an area. If you are dead set on one style, then you need to do you homework to determine a good place to hunt. Why and how do you hunt the way you do? What is the advantage you find with that style? What other hunting styles work well in your area?"

I have predominately used a R&G method which has worked for me in the pretty thick areas I've hunted. I should have added site specific tree stand deployment before this year although I must learn to be more patient.

A potential main hunting area switch this year will necessitate/warrant an expansion of situational hunting style(s) on my part. Additions to my tool kit this year of a tree stand, an EMG Slip System, and a final model of a Poison Arrow decoy (when Mr. James kicks them out), will aid in the various hunting styles that may be appropriate for the area. I may have to finally invest in a better set of binos as area B has much more open terrain to observe from a distance. Sooo, R&G, tree standing, spot/stalk, and ambush may all be deployed as singular or combination better choices dependent upon where I ultimately locate the stinky beasts in this new elk area. Great thread Swede. You always get me to thinking.

[Swede]

Let me add a point of clarification on my earlier point. Most elk hunting areas have a good or descent place to hang a stand. I was thinking about Welka's situation. I have no idea where he hunts, but to maximize the opportunity to get an elk from his stand, I would think about some things. Maybe the area he has hunted has great tree stand locations. Then things are just dandy. On the other hand if the tree sand locations are a long hike, difficult to access on bad legs, or they are marginal where he can get to, then he would do well to consider a new area best suited to tree stand hunting.
I am hoping to be able to hunt until I an 80. Maybe that is not attainable, but that is my hope. After that I would just like to hang around camp and bore hunters with stories about the good ole days. Hopefully I can continue to hang out here and nauseate folks with Swede's tips, and advice to the younger generation. Anyway, until the time comes when I hand my bow off to a grandson, I too need to continue to plan, scout and review areas to make the best of the time the Lord gives me to hunt.