Camping Proximity

[JGH]

I know this has likely been covered before, but let's discuss it again.

Help me choose a spot to camp close enough to the elk without spooking them. I'll be using a packed-in base camp and, if needed, a spike camp from there.

Last year, I had a great camp spot, but it was a 1.5-2.0 mile walk to the elk. If I had to, I'd camp there again in a heartbeat, because it's got water, shelter, and although in the week I was there the elk near camp became fewer and fewer, the major concentration of elk remained un-alerted by my camp.

But ... it sure would be nice to save the legs a little bit.

Options are to crowd them by anther half-mile (but water would be scarce) or pack in from the other direction, where I think I could camp near water, but I'd be 500-800 feet below the elk and still a mile away.

So ... options are:

1. No changes from 2013 = 1.5 to 2 mile walk to get into elk

2. Crowd them by a half-mile from that direction, but give up easy access to water for camp

3. Camp below the elk, closer, but with a stinking hike every day

I plan on scouting more this summer to weigh my options, but my questions for this crowd are like this:

1. I like to camp near water (particularly if we have horses, though we likely won't keep them in camp the whole week). How do you camp near water without risking disturbing elk?

2. Would you rather be camped on a ridge, with good glassing, or in a valley, with good water?

Dang -- this would be so much easier if I could just put up Google Earth or a topo ... I can trust you guys, right?

[Madison COunty]

I would camp in the same spot, you are right by the water. What's 1.5 to 2 miles? Sounds like a nice walk to me.

[Swede]

It sounds like the option to hanging back 1-5-2.0 miles is to risk spooking the elk. I would be as careful as possible and take the risk. You know how it worked for you staying farther away. Take the risk, and if it does not work as well, at least you learned something. If you move closer, it is still a mile or farther to the elk. Where ever I have been that is more than adequate.

[cnelk]

John
You are hunting wilderness. Non Res can't hunt there unless with a guide or resident (you) is along.
So post those coordinates!!!

Water is nice especially with horses.

Moving closer wouldn't be a deal breaker. Are you sure the elk moved because of your presence or just moved because they can?

If you want to move closer, 1/2 mile from the elky area should be ok.
I for one know what saving 4 miles a day means and if I can do it, I will.
But that means you are committing yourself to that particular area?

[Indian Summer]

I wouldn't give up elevation. It sounds like the hike right now doesn't mean gaining elevation to get to where you want to be. I think you already know the answer: Stay put. I don't have a friend in Jackson to be able to hunt wilderness and another guy down in Afton to lease horses from so yeah... post up the map and I'll see if I can help with your problem.

[ElkNut1]

I'd stay where I camped originally, 1-2 miles is expected & much more on a normal day of elk hunting. More importantly is find out what those elk do? Feed to bedding, catching them in transition or the area they are using to head to their beds would be a huge plus in your favor ambush style! No need to call for location when you already know they're there! Find their trails, saddles or benches they're moving on & get in their way, watch the wind.

ElkNut1

[JGH]

You're right, of course.

I'll likely stay where I was ... but may still try a spike camp a night or two.

What do you look at for that?

Maybe I'll start a new thread!

[cnelk]

So I guess that means no map or coordinates... dang