Share a Tip - Epiosde #2

[WapitiTalk1]

Please share one tip from your elk tool kit. It can be something very simple or perhaps, a hunting strategy. Who knows, perhaps your tip will assist a newer elk hunter be successful this fall or in the years to come.....

[Swede]

When out hunting, be on the alert for elk at the same level you would be on the alert, if you knew it was open season, and you were the hunted. Stay in the shadows, advance cautiously, look constantly, and listen for any hint of elk. Learn to recognize their sights and sounds. Even after you call or rake, look and listen. Always expect elk, especially if you have not been seeing them.

[easeup]

get up. get the coffee going. get out there early. We don't care how tired you are.

[Elkduds]

Rifle hunters, lower the magnification on your variable scope every time you enter cover. 3x is more than enough for closer, faster shots.

[WapitiTalk1]

Test 'all' hunting gear well in advance of season, including items that worked fine the previous year.

[Swede]

Often it is not the most rigorous hunter that takes the game, but the most persistent and determined one that succeeds.
Whether you shoot a bow or rifle, always shoot at a specific spot on the animal. Do not shoot at an elk. Shoot at a specific hair or spot on the elk.

[rowdycwby1]

Break in your boots and know the in and outs of your gear before you hit the woods and always carry extra batteries.

[Toby]

Slow down, elk hunting doesn't need to be a race, stop-look-listen, you will see more elk. Slow down at shot as well, take just an extra second before you shoot to make sure everything is just right.

[Wyo67]

When you have a bull responding to your calls. Try and get on the same elevation level.

[Screaming_btf]

Make sure to use your sense of Smell, I can often smell ELK in thick dense woods or brush before I see or hear them if they are not moving or talking much.

[jmez]

Get out all of your gear and pack it in your pack and then go for a hike. Figure out before you leave home where things need to be to have a comfortable even and balanced load.

[Lefty]

Always be ready
For the next shot , the next elk, the next day, the next hunt, the next season

[newmrc]

New elk hunter here, last year was our first. Hunting wise, my tip would be, never assume an odd sounding bugle is a another hunter.

[BrentLaBere]

ALWAYS have fun and NEVER give up until the last minute

[itsnlkthing]

It's called hunting, not getting for a reason. Sure, dumb luck happens but consistent success comes from hard work.

[Washington Wapiti]

Have a workable plan in mind for how you are going to process meat and display a trophy (Euro? Full shoulder?) before you get an elk down. Knowing what you are going to do before hand will allow you to hit it right away and work quicker/smoother. The result will be less stress and improved meat quality.

[elkaholic]

Constantly check the wind, even if you're using some form of scent elimination. As some have said never give up or let your guard down, you never know when you may get a shot.

[Trumkin the Dwarf]

If you hunted hard and find yourself returning to camp having drunk less than 3-4 liters of water your legs will feel way worse the next morning . Hydration keeps the legs prepped for the next day of hunting.

[Trumkin the Dwarf]

Oh yeah... this one cost my buddy a chip shot to fill his extra cow tag last fall...

Archers! Never set up behind the big juniper... When the elk walks in, you will not get a shot. Cover behind you is just as effective in breaking up your outline, and lets you time your draw with a much better field of fire.

[JPD350]

Don't freeze up, if you find your legs or hands shaking uncontrollably just take a couple of real deep breathes and mentally go into kill mode. Do this type of deep breathing mental control exercise in your practice routines, or anytime you are watching an exciting elk hunting video.

[Steve G]

If you hunted hard and find yourself returning to camp having drunk less than 3-4 liters of water your legs will feel way worse the next morning . Hydration keeps the legs prepped for the next day of hunting.

Along these same lines, I always take an Aleve or something like that at the end of the hunt day, whether I feel wore out or not. We do a lot of walking on our hunts and taking an Aleve at bedtime helps ensure that you are not stiff and that you are ready to role the next morning.

[Toby]

If you hunted hard and find yourself returning to camp having drunk less than 3-4 liters of water your legs will feel way worse the next morning . Hydration keeps the legs prepped for the next day of hunting.

Along these same lines, I always take an Aleve or something like that at the end of the hunt day, whether I feel wore out or not. We do a lot of walking on our hunts and taking an Aleve at bedtime helps ensure that you are not stiff and that you are ready to role the next morning.

+1 on the Aleve, it takes the stiffness and soreness right out of these old bones and muscles

[JerryYong]

Always check to make sure your elk is dead! I just posted this tip in the "Craziest Elk Experiences" thread.

[under H2O hunter]

Remember that if you're hunting Colorado this season. Smoke indica at night to relieve your pain, Sativa to make you more focused. But take extra water to combat the cotton mouth.

[Drawnandpinned]

Hope for the best prepare for the worst (Grin)

[8seconds]

While a little off course, have you considered using an old 35mm film cannister to carry raw honey in? Hell of a kicker when you are out and about; refreshing and gets right into the blood stream. I know you love this "tip"