Take the low road or high road?

[Broken arrow]

Ok so I met this bull (from a distance) he is/was in this nasty steep hill side. Right off a major trail anyone but an elknut wouldn't even think about going after him! So my question is take the lower road? Dangerous rockslide up to him or hike miles up and around through nasty thick steep mountain to get to him? If he's there next year I'm going after him.

[JohnFitzgerald]

Thermals or wind direction?

[easeup]

if the wind is right, I like the hi road. I am quieter easing down than crawling up and can usually see a little better. But the wind is first consideration and for how long.

[Trumkin the Dwarf]

Wind is the first consideration...That said, I would always prefer to drop down on an animal. Make sure you've got some packing help/SAR lined up.

[>>>---WW---->]

Of course, the wind is (THE) major consideration in any stalk or setup. Thermals are usually going down early in the morning and late in the evening and usually up during the rest of the day as the sun warms up the hillside, You should get an idea of the timing of these thermals in the area so you don't get caught when they shift.

Other than that, I have always figured it easier to call a bull that is above me than it is to call one that is down hill from me. Of course there are always exceptions!! LOL! I call it the up hill advantage and elk seem to like having that advantage .

Remember when you were a kid and played King Of The Hill? The guy on the top always had the advantage. Elk are no different. So if the wind and/ or thermals are right, go at them from the low road.

[Broken arrow]

I've seen him twice. Once in the evening and once at midday. I agree WW that working him from below would be easier. If I come from below I can only reach him from one location on the southern end otherwise It's pretty much cliffs. Now from the top I have a little more versatility. But wind direction isn't ideal for either not sure I'm willing to make the climb up in the dark. He beds to the north with a predominately south wind. Thought about staying high then as he feeds past in the evening dropping down to his leave and coming in from behind. Just not sure he will want to turn around and come back for a fight or girlfriend. It's so nasty up there that even from 1/2 mile you can hear rocks rolling down the hill as they feed along.

[JohnFitzgerald]

Have you patterned him? Does he move off his thrown before dark and or after it gets light? If he does, try to catch him lower. If hunting him in his bed is the only option, spend some time on top learning the wind pattern and keep good notes. Especially time and temperature because it might just help the following year if things fall through. But make sure your are far enough away so that you don't get odor carry.

If you have a window, move in on him from the top and drop the hammer. It might take a few days, so don't be in a rush to commit. If you blow it you'll probably have to wait until the following year for another opportunity.

[Broken arrow]

Won't say patterned but he came from the same area both early evening and midday. I think for me it's his boldness to say look at me I'm right here come get me that has me wanting to battle with him. I'm ready to play

[JohnFitzgerald]

Playing the "who out smarted who" game is fun.