First Solo Report

[Backyard]

Well, I trained my @ss off for a year, read all I could, and studied every scenario that RJ and Paul could print. I didn't bring back any meat, but I did bring back a buttload of memories and newfound experience.
First off; the drive from MN out to CO and back really bites when you're solo. Especially the return trip.
I got into elk the second day out, right where I thought they might be. Sill hunting a slope with a saddle, I spied what looked like a leg, and after staring at it a while, it was confirmed by movement. I could make out a decent bull (I'm from MN so anything that ain't a raghorn is decent) and some cows through the timber. So I planned my first calling set-up and put it into motion; started with some light cow calls, nothing. Then I decided to turn it up an threw in a small bugle, then some whiney (not quite like the wife yet Paul) cow calls, still after a while they did seem interested. So I threw it all at em; bugle, whines(now like the wife), stomping and some raking. After about 10 mins I see movement coming in and get ready. It's a cow. she ends up getting within 13 yds, didn't shoot because I could now see the bull watching from back in the timber about 80 yds out. He doesn't ever respond and never moves and I cant now because of the cow which eventually winds me and lights out taking em all with her. Real cool 30 mins tho! Later that evening I pulled out Pauls book and tried to figure out what I had done wrong, and he had that exact scenario layed out in there about the sentry cow. Go figure. The only thing I can figure is they aren't rutting yet.
Another time that was kind of exciting to say the least was when I was moving down this game trail near midday very slowly still hunting and I hear what sounded like a low groan. At first I thought it might be my own stomach as I had just eaten a Cliff bar, but I glanced ahead down the trail and noticed that it took a sharp turn around some thick young pines and I see antlers rounding the corner. Well I jump off the trail and desperately attemp to nock an arrow, at the same time he hears me and bolts the other way. I grab my cow call and give him a couple mews real quick and am able to stop him about 60yds out but with alot of crap in the way. So now begins a cat and mouse game of trying not to get winded (it's swirling)and staying out of sight while I try to get him into a shot window. This lasts for about 45 mins. with him moving around me trying to get a glimpse or sniff of the "cow" the scared him. He ends up dissapearing after a while but wow, too fun! Again I think I would have had more success had they been rutting. They were just too quiet and not very receptive to calling while I was out there the second week of Sept. Never even heard a bugle the entire time, which is why I chose to go out then instead of opener which I usually do.
The part of the trip that I was worried most about previous to going was sleeping out away from anyone alone. No problem. One night however turned interesting when I was woke up by some cow talking not too far from the tent. I figured just my luck that they would move thru as I was sleeping. then suddenly there was some loud mewing right by my head. It sounded as if a calf had lost its mother and was going on and on right there. After a min or so I heard the cow return the call from a ways out and the calf dissapeared without making a sound. Way cool!
Lessons learned from my solo trip if any would be none really. I mean nothing really went wrong, I had quite a few encounters but not much for responses, they weren't rutting, nothing I could do about that. Or I ended up getting winded. I found em right where I thought I would, they or the wind just didn't want to cooperate. Still better than working anyday right?
Now comes the fun part: planning the next trip...

[Lefty]

The best hunts and the best story's do not need to end with meat in the freezer or horns on the wall!!

[JKaboom]

Sounds like most everything went well, just no shot opportunities. Thank you for sharing

[oldnovice]

Thanks for sharing that. I hope I can get that close this year!

[ElkNut1]

Good over view bud! Sometimes it's best to allow things to develop when you spot elk before they spot you! When no rutting action is happening slipping in silent ahead of their intended direction can prove successful. When employing blind calling sequences of any kind ones must expect that cows & spikes generally show up first so when using these be prepared to shoot them over the bull or many a setups as yours can go bad! Calling sequences can work awesome but must be used at the right time to pull a bull in first. Just food for thought! Sounds like you had a great time! Thanks!

ElkNut1

[Wapiti]

You put in the effort and still sometimes it doesn't happen. It doesn't mean your a failure..........in fact its the opposite !! It sounds like you had a great time and learned more about elk.

So what if you didn't shoot an elk..........that's why its called elk hunting and not elk shooting. As long as you had fun and enjoyed yourself and got to experience to great and beautiful places elk call home.....that's the success my friend !!

Come back next year and give a good try and you just may get to launch an arrow !!

There is nothing more majestic then a bull elk bugling and the moment the sound hits your ears...........its magic and warms your soul to the inner core !! That is elk hunting at its finest !!

Travis

[Backyard]

Thanks for the tips and support guys, can always use a little help from the experts . I need to add, (even tho it makes me look worse) that this wasn't my first elk hunt. I been out every other year since '99. With two sets of antlers on the wall. It was however my first solo. Albeit a great experience as always, I'd rather hunt with a partner next time.

Thanks again guys!

[Swede]

It is not unusual to hunt many years and have only rare success. Learning how to capitalize on different situations and to make better ones comes from posts like yours and reading others that relate. That is why we hang around here and share our experiences.

[Dr. Rx]

Way to go Backyard!.. Love the report!..
Kris