Meeker, Buford area advice

[mikec]

I’m going on my first ever elk hunt! I drew a cow tag for the first rifle season; I will be hunting outside Buford off east beaver/sleepy cat road. Has anyone hunted this area over the last few years and if so did you see or kill anything what did you think of the areas elk herd? How was the hunting pressure how far did you hike to get away from the crowds? Being my first time hunting elk I planned on hunting the edge of the dark timber where the timber meets meadows or water holes. I figure elk like whitetails here in PA can find foods everywhere but water is in a more limited supply. any advice on the area will be appreciated. I’m not looking for a spot just advice on the best way to up my odds on this once in a lifetime hunt thanks

[elkmtngear]

I've hunted not far from that area as the crow flies, for quite a few years. Never rifle hunted it, but from what I heard from an outfitter friend, the elk tend to hole up in the dark timber during rifle season. Most of his success came from dropping off hunters at pre-set locations, and making a drive through the timber to get the elk to move across openings so they could get an open shot. It is an area that gets a lot of hunting pressure, but there are a lot of elk there.

Look for dark timber pockets a couple miles from the roads...that is where the elk will go when pressured. Plan on putting a lot of miles on your boots, so you can learn the country. It is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and I know you will fall in love with it, as I have over the years.

[elkmtngear]

Oh, and there is water everywhere in that country. I just take a one liter bottle when I hunt, and re-fill it as I go.

[twinkieman]

Mike, chances are this will just be your first hunt of a lifetime, hunting elk is ADDICTIVE . You will know you are addicted when you can only think of hunting elk Sorry , I don't have any knowledge of the area you will be hunting. Good luck have a great hunt.

[mikec]

thanks for the reply! I will get there Thursday morning so I will have 2 days to scout the area and I have been walking 3 miles a day since may 1st to make sure im in shape for this trip. I cant wait to get out there

[husky390]

I have a friend who hunts bulls in that area for first rifle season. He's from Kansas and has been pretty successful. Last year they had a freak storm dump 2' of snow starting Saturday night and everyone bailed off of the mountain. We were in the area for 2'nd season and I was walking through knee deep snow and the roads were a quagmire. My advice, plan for every type of weather, especially lots of snow, i.e. tire chains, warm clothes etc. Since you're coming from PA, I'd plan a few alternate areas in lower elevation to hunt so in case it does snow and you have to bail, you can still hunt. Good luck to you, I'll be up in the area again trying to fill my cow tag too.