Coming In From The Cold

by **Swede** » 02 03, 2014 • [Post 1]

This is a follow up to Indian Summer's Lurker thread of last year. It brought in quite a few new people. Still there are many that have not joined in. Frequently I read the first time post of someone that has been lurking for quite a while on the forum. Certainly everyone and anyone is welcome to do that, but I wonder if or why there is a reluctance to join the conversation. Comments, observations and questions are always welcome. I believe the campfire conversation here is excellent. I am not trying to improve the quality, but there is room for more quantity. It does not matter if you are brand new to elk hunting or an old timer, there is a block of wood or a sturdy cooler you can pull up to get in the discussion. Out of respect to all, we keep the language clean, and personal attacks on people, for whatever reason, are not acceptable.

by **jrnorton4** » 02 03, 2014 • [Post 2]

Hi all,
Been lurking a few weeks, I'll be the first to take the bait and join up.
I've never been elk hunting, live in south Mississippi. Have been buying points in Wyoming for years, and some buddies and me said lets give her a shot. Just applied for Wyoming 38, type 1 tag, and if the trends of the last few years stay true, we should draw. If not, we are going bowhunting in Colorado OTC during the rut.
Trying to learn all I can between now and then, and do not plan for this to be a one time thing. We are already looking at going guided in 2016, just hate to wait til then to hunt these critters.
Anyway, don't have much to contribute unless its just newb dummy questions, but I hope to get good at it.

by **WapitiTalk1** » 02 03, 2014 • [Post 3]

Welcome to "the" elk forum jrnorton! Glad to have you on board. Grab a stump, your beverage of choice, and feel free to join in the conversations.

by **Indian Summer** » 02 03, 2014 • [Post 4]

Welcome Jrnorton. I already like you better than Swede and Phantom.

I think it's like we're married and get bored with each other sometimes. :lol:

OK... not: But I totally agree with Swede.... we have our regulars here.... we've been picking up a few here and there... but we could sure use more to brighten the place up.

No doubt Swede the internet has people conditioned. Gunshy if you will. Plus I think they feel like... who am I in the midst of all these seasoned elk hunters? But like many who already have.... more will see even if they have to lurk awhile that they'll fit right in no matter how much experience they do or don't have.

For me personally all I hope to see in a new guy or gal is desire. I couldn't care less about their experience. People with desire are a joy to teach. So bring it on lurkers.... before we track your IP number and show up at your damn doorstep like Christmas carolers bugling til your neighbors call the cops!

by **WapitiTalk1** » 02 04, 2014 • [Post 5]

Who's next? Honest, the initiation isn't that bad 8-)

Its dang cold out there, come on in and grab a log by the fire.

by **cnelk** » 02 04, 2014 • [Post 6]

With more people coming to the fire, I better go cut some wood with my new Stihl chainsaw I just got for my birthday...

Back soon - stay warm

by **Mofarmboy** » 02 04, 2014 • [Post 7]

I'll go next..... Names Seth I'm a 33yr old flat lander from Missouri that plays in the dirt for a living. My passions are hunting,physical fitness and tractor pulling. The whitetails,turkeys and tree stands of Missouri are getting old. My only experience out west has been Muley hunting in NW neb. And a rifle elk hunt in co. with my FIL in 06'.me and 3 other rookies are planning our first DIY elk trip to colorado this sept. whilst I was busy searching the web for advice RJ invited me over to this forum...... Said something about people passing out honey hole secrets like Halloween candy:)
Lookin forward to getting to know everyone..... If anyone needs advice on Missouri turkeys or whitetails hit me up!!!

by **WapitiTalk1** » 02 04, 2014 • [Post 8]

There you are. Welcome to 'the' elk forum Seth. Pull up a chair, beverage of choice, and some aspirin as your head may hurt after you start to absorb the quality and quantity of info available here. Honey hole info like Halloween candy? Probably not but you never know. Again welcome.

by **Mofarmboy** » 02 04, 2014 • [Post 9]

Looking forward to learning as much as I can before sept15.

by **cnelk** » 02 04, 2014 • [Post 10]

Whitetails, turkeys and treestands are getting old?
Did I read that right?

by **WapitiTalk1** » 02 04, 2014 • [Post 11]

cnelk wrote:With more people coming to the fire, I better go cut some wood with my new Stihl chainsaw I just got for my birthday...

Back soon - stay warm

Sweet! Nice Bday present. Oh, happy 30th Bday

by **Swede** » 02 04, 2014 • [Post 12]

Welcome to camp Seth. I see you have met some of the local characters already. Don't give up that tree stand too quickly. Be sure to bring it along on your September elk hunt. It could come in real handy. Pull up a block of wood near the fire and make yourself comfortable. I think I will go out with Brad to get that wood. Brad has a tendency to pick some pretty wet stuff if I don't watch him. Go ahead and swat RJ on the back of the head if he pours himself the last cup of coffee without starting another pot.

by **Mofarmboy** » 02 05, 2014 • [Post 13]

cnelk wrote:Whitetails, turkeys and treestands are getting old?
Did I read that right?

Getting old might have been the wrong words. Lets just say that I'd like a change of scenery like a nice secluded back country meadow with a ridge of dark timber kinda change!!!

by **Mofarmboy** » 02 05, 2014 • [Post 14]

Swede wrote:Welcome to camp Seth. I see you have met some of the local characters already. Don't give up that tree stand too quickly. Be sure to bring it along on your September elk hunt. It could come in real handy. Pull up a block of wood near the fire and make yourself comfortable. I think I will go out with Brad to get that wood. Brad has a tendency to pick some pretty wet stuff if I don't watch him. Go ahead and swat RJ on the back of the head if he pours himself the last cup of coffee without starting another pot.

Sounds like you all need some good seasoned oak wood. Got a couple trailer loads settin in the shed I'll throw a couple chunks on this morning to keep the fire goin for you all. Heading off to play farmer with 8in of snow on the ground and -10 wind chills...... Make sure that fires goin good when I return later I'll need to warm up.

by **jrnorton4** » 02 05, 2014 • [Post 15]

I can relate about the needing a change of scenery. I used to mourn the passing of another deer season, now I dang near celebrate. Now a turkey, that's a different animal altogether; I celebrate the end of turkey season because I am half dead from sleep depravation. I try my best to chase them before work at least 5 days a week. The only thing I have ever hunted out of state is turkeys in Kansas, and ever since I have been making left turns trying to head west. I'd move out there if my wife would, but I fear that is a lost cause. I don't know if I could deal with the cold out there either on a daily basis.

by **atfrith** » 02 05, 2014 • [Post 16]

I'll bite. Name's Anthony and I live and hunt in the beautiful state of Colorado. I've been big game hunting since I was 16 years old and my grandfather took my for a youth pronghorn hunt near Craig, shot my first elk the next year and its been an obsession every year since. Just started getting into archery the past couple years and have learned so much in just the past few months of lurking here that I figure joining in on the fun can only help more. I've been taking a friend of mine along the past few rifle seasons and it seems he has the elk bug as well, but like me, wants a bit more challenge and time in the fall woods that he will be attempting muzzleloader this year while I take to the bow. Cheers guys and hope to get to know each of you!

by **Swede** » 02 05, 2014 • [Post 17]

Welcome to the fire JR and Anthony. It is good to have a couple more experienced hunters in camp. It is good to have someone who knows good firewood too. We don't have any good Oak in elk camp. The best woods we have are Douglas-fir and Idaho tamarack. Just watch cnelk. He tries to bring in that Colorado Blue spruce for us. The fire from that wood has almost no heat.

by **Indian Summer** » 02 05, 2014 • [Post 18]

Welcome aboard Anthony. It sounds like you'll have as much to offer around here as you do to learn. Lots of people would kill to be in your shoes.

So let me get this straight... you can call in bulls and if they hang up outside of bow range your partner can shoot them with a muzzle loader? Interesting. Years ago a lobbyist came to Montana to try to gather public support for a September muzzle loader elk season. It never got off the ground. Probably best that way too. We hunt archery from the first Saturday of September until about October 18th with no competition. Then with the same license we can hunt with rifles from October 25th until the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Nice long seasons and everyone can use both weapons. I'm not so sure I'd care to educate/kill our bulls with boom sticks during the rut. For those interested we do have a few options where rifle hunting starts in mid September such as the Bob Marshall Wilderness. They are in places where humans can't get to in gun season and they even require serious effort in September. Just over the border into Idaho from the Bitterroot we can gun hunt in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness starting September 15th. I get a chance to see the difference September gun hunting makes over there. I see lots of 5 point herd bulls whereas in Montana and Wyoming I seldom see the herd bulls to be anything but 6 points. It's a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there.

Good luck with your new venture. Keep us posted on your planning progress and I hope to see some pics in the meatpole thread later this year.

By the way Swede... I'm really enjoying the heck out of your book. Your personality shines through in every sentence. I think it's a must have for every archery elk hunter. Such an easy tactic to use and really... you can't go wrong and do anything but good using the tree stand tactic.

by **atfrith** » 02 05, 2014 • [Post 19]

The muzzleloader thing doesn't appeal to me for that reason exactly. And actually ive been trying my hardest to convince him to give archery a try as I think he'd enjoy it. And when/if it comes down to it, no that situation will not be allowed. He's aware that my archery tag (or his if he decides to go that route) comes before the smoke pole. But at the same time i'm torn, the past few years of taking him along rifle hunting hasn't quite bitten him as much as it has myself over the years. I just enjoy being in the woods, brown down or not, each trip is successful to me. But he has yet to harvest his own and I think if I can put him in the woods with a bugling bull, present him with a shot opportunity, smoke pole or not that would put a smile on my face, and quite possibly be hooks him for life.

by **Indian Summer** » 02 05, 2014 • [Post 20]

Elk hunting is demanding both physically and mentally. People need success to maintain a positive attitude and self motivation. Good partners aren't always easy to find. If he's a good friend and you'd like him to be your partner I think it might be a good investment in your own hunting to let him kill an elk as soon as he gets an opportunity. Help him pack it out and mention that you'd like him to keep coming along while you bow hunt. No doubt he'll have some added spring to his step because he got to kill his first elk plus he can experience bow hunting. Maybe you can teach him some calling. At the very least teach him about setups so he can rake trees, stomp, etc to help you close the deal. if he's a part of that I'd bet he'll be more interested in doing some bow hunting himself next year. Can/will he shoot a cow in ML season? If so I'd encourage him to get any elk under his belt. Tell him you'll let him shoot first if he can legally kill a cow so that you can have your chance to hunt too. It sounds like you have a potentially good partnership in the works. There's a value to that.

by **atfrith** » 02 05, 2014 • [Post 21]

Yup, the current plan is for him to draw for a cow elk MZ, me an OTC bull archery. Then we'll also be joining my uncles and father during the 2nd rifle with leftover tags. I like to get out as much as possible!

by **Mofarmboy** » 02 05, 2014 • [Post 22]

Swede wrote:Welcome to the fire JR and Anthony. It is good to have a couple more experienced hunters in camp. It is good to have someone who knows good firewood too. We don't have any good Oak in elk camp. The best woods we have are Douglas-fir and Idaho tamarack. Just watch cnelk. He tries to bring in that Colorado Blue spruce for us. The fire from that wood has almost no heat.

We got no lack of oak around here. This area of Missouri has a good mix of oak ridges, creek bottoms to farm and fescue for cattle. We are blessed with some of the best turkey and deer hunting in the Midwest. Just threw a few logs on the fire in the shop. Now it's off to the basement to lift some heavy objects then out to the shop for a little basketball practice/cardio with the kids!!!

by **Indian Summer** » 02 05, 2014 • [Post 23]

atfrith wrote:Yup, the current plan is for him to draw for a cow elk MZ, me an OTC bull archery. Then we'll also be joining my uncles and father during the 2nd rifle with leftover tags. I like to get out as much as possible!

That's a GREAT plan. Perfect actually. He gets to shoot the first cow that presents a shot and he can't be tempted by bulls. If and when you join your uncles and father will you be hunting the same place? I'm thinking that you may learn enough where you bow/ML hunt to go up there with your rifles and pick up where you left off.

by **tdirks** » 02 05, 2014 • [Post 24]

Swede, this isn't my first post but I must say that I lurked for as long as this site has been in existence and only recently have contributed anything. Why? Well I have bowhunted for 50 yrs. but have only recently found the time and resources to elk hunt. Three years of unsuccessful (only in terms of taking an animal) hunting later, my personal involvement is still limited to answering questions like, "What is your favorite knife?" Also, communicating on the internet with someone I am not acquainted with is something I have never done. To me bowhunting is a fairly personal thing and enjoy it with a close friend or two and my son. I have learned more and more however that my elk quest needs input from others especially since I cant hunt in my back yard like I do for whitetails, and so I have come to appreciate this site and those of you who contribute so faithfully!
Cnelk, the choice of a Stihl saw is a good one! I have cut many, many cords of wood with my 041 FarmBoss since it was purchased in 1976. Heated both my home and shop with wood for 30 years.

by **Swede** » 02 05, 2014 • [Post 25]

tdirks: It is truly good to have your here. I know I speak for all of the forum is saying welcome to our elk camp. I respect where you are coming from. My concern is that there may be people lurking that are reluctant to join in because, they don't think they know enough to contribute, or they believe someone will humiliate them, or they are expected to think a certain way, endorse people or products, or do, or not do certain things. If that is anyone's reason for just lurking, let me put your mind at rest. People are respected here as equals. Once in a while someone gets very close to the boundary of what is acceptable conduct. I don't know just who gets their post edited by Elknut. He doesn't consult with me on whom he calls or e=mails, but a few have heard from him. No one wants anyone to leave, but this forum is not going the way of some other hunting forums.
On this site kids. women, men, old hunters

, people of color, newbies, and anyone I have omitted are welcome to join in the conversation. We don't all agree on everything, which is good, but we are respectful. Just look at how we treat John Fitzgerald and RJ.

by **Mofarmboy** » 02 06, 2014 • [Post 26]

tdirks wrote:Swede, this isn't my first post but I must say that I lurked for as long as this site has been in existence and only recently have contributed anything. Why? Well I have bowhunted for 50 yrs. but have only recently found the time and resources to elk hunt. Three years of unsuccessful (only in terms of taking an animal) hunting later, my personal involvement is still limited to answering questions like, "What is your favorite knife?" Also, communicating on the internet with someone I am not acquainted with is something I have never done. To me bowhunting is a fairly personal thing and enjoy it with a close friend or two and my son. I have learned more and more however that my elk quest needs input from others especially since I cant hunt in my back yard like I do for whitetails, and so I have come to appreciate this site and those of you who contribute so faithfully!
Cnelk, the choice of a Stihl saw is a good one! I have cut many, many cords of wood with my 041 FarmBoss since it was purchased in 1976. Heated both my home and shop with wood for 30 years.

From one newbie to another...... Welcome. I've only been on here a couple days and have learned more about elk hunting than I did researching the web the last 3 weeks. I ask a lot of questions hopefully these guys don't get tired of answering

Those stihls are good saws. My dad gave me a farm boss super for Christmas 10yrs ago and it starts on the 3rd pull everytime. I'm actually paying for some of my elk trip by cutting cedar cord wood. So me and the stihl are getting to spend a lot of time together!!

by **cohunter14** » 02 06, 2014 • [Post 27]

Swede wrote:tdirks: It is truly good to have your here. I know I speak for all of the forum is saying welcome to our elk camp. I respect where you are coming from. My concern is that there may be people lurking that are reluctant to join in because, they don't think they know enough to contribute, or they believe someone will humiliate them, or they are expected to think a certain way, endorse people or products, or do, or not do certain things. If that is anyone's reason for just lurking, let me put your mind at rest. People are respected here as equals. Once in a while someone gets very close to the boundary of what is acceptable conduct. I don't know just who gets their post edited by Elknut. He doesn't consult with me on whom he calls or e=mails, but a few have heard from him. No one wants anyone to leave, but this forum is not going the way of some other hunting forums.
On this site kids. women, men, old hunters , people of color, newbies, and anyone I have omitted are welcome to join in the conversation. We don't all agree on everything, which is good, but we are respectful. Just look at how we treat John Fitzgerald and RJ.

Swede, that is a great post and I can honestly say from the number of different forums I have been on that this one is all of that and more. It is by far the best forum I have been a part of. There are no 'stupid questions' and there are a ton of knowledgable people here who honestly want to help. Keep on strolling up to the fire guys. Even for someone who has been elk hunting for 18 years, I have already picked up a ton of great information from this site in the limited amount of time I have been on here.

by **Mikeha33** » 02 06, 2014 • [Post 28]

Swede wrote:tdirks: It is truly good to have your here. I know I speak for all of the forum is saying welcome to our elk camp. I respect where you are coming from. My concern is that there may be people lurking that are reluctant to join in because, they don't think they know enough to contribute, or they believe someone will humiliate them, or they are expected to think a certain way, endorse people or products, or do, or not do certain things. If that is anyone's reason for just lurking, let me put your mind at rest. People are respected here as equals. Once in a while someone gets very close to the boundary of what is acceptable conduct. I don't know just who gets their post edited by Elknut. He doesn't consult with me on whom he calls or e=mails, but a few have heard from him. No one wants anyone to leave, but this forum is not going the way of some other hunting forums.
On this site kids. women, men, old hunters , people of color, newbies, and anyone I have omitted are welcome to join in the conversation. We don't all agree on everything, which is good, but we are respectful. Just look at how we treat John Fitzgerald and RJ.

Great post Swede. I'd like to add to what you said a little bit about lurking and reluctance to join in. One thing that I am not afraid to do, and never have been is input my thoughts, knowing I don't actually know what the hell I'm doing, but not afraid of constructive criticism. Because of that, often times, in the threads where one is asked where you'll hunt, or how you'll hunt a certain area, given a map, I'll chime in, not knowing if I am right, wrong, or so far off I should be committed! When I do that, I put my honest opinion out there, as a very inexperienced elk hunter, just to get feedback on my thought process. By doing so, and hearing why and how I am right or wrong, I am learning more about how to think like some of these great elk minds do. The saying "You get out what you are willing to put in" rings very true to this forum. I have made some dumb comments about what I would do, and have been way off of what some guys would recommend, but I am learning from these "mistakes" way before I actually have to put them to work in a real hunting situation. It will most likely save me much frustration, by just simply listening to the responses to myself and others. Being a lurker will surely get you a decent elk education, but by actually participating and putting your butt on the line, and opening yourself up to advice, one can get much, much more out of these discussions. The accomplished guys that are on here LOVE to talk anything elk, so as a newbie, utilize this great resource, and you won't be disappointed!

by **BrentLaBere** » 02 06, 2014 • [Post 29]

Swede wrote:tdirks: It is truly good to have your here. I know I speak for all of the forum is saying welcome to our elk camp. I respect where you are coming from. My concern is that there may be people lurking that are reluctant to join in because, they don't think they know enough to contribute, or they believe someone will humiliate them, or they are expected to think a certain way, endorse people or products, or do, or not do certain things. If that is anyone's reason for just lurking, let me put your mind at rest. People are respected here as equals. Once in a while someone gets very close to the boundary of what is acceptable conduct. I don't know just who gets their post edited by Elknut. He doesn't consult with me on whom he calls or e=mails, but a few have heard from him. No one wants anyone to leave, but this forum is not going the way of some other hunting forums.
On this site kids. women, men, old hunters , people of color, newbies, and anyone I have omitted are welcome to join in the conversation. We don't all agree on everything, which is good, but we are respectful. Just look at how we treat John Fitzgerald and RJ.

Awesome post and he couldn't be more right on with it. If you want to expand your knowledge on hunting and having fun doing it this is the place to be. For those reasons posted above I found myself lurking my first year and decided to join. The learning curve here is faster than anywhere else, I promise you that. So if you are on the edge, join and notice the warm reception. We only have 7 more months to prepare, so hurry!!!! :shock:

by **mtnmutt** » 02 06, 2014 • [Post 30]

Mikeha33 comments were right on target. Extremely well written and so true.

As an extremely inexperienced hunter of anything, this forum's members have been my mentors.

A year ago, I chimed in on the lurker thread after lurking for 9 months or so.

I have almost zero advice to give others. Answers to my newbie questions have kept me from wondering aimlessly in the elk woods. I hunt smarter now.

by **Swede** » 02 06, 2014 • [Post 31]

I can only agree with what is said about the value of this forum. I was getting elk regularly before I discovered internet hunting forums and Elknut, but the learning curve I had was very long. I was raised in a little valley within the forest, and hunted and worked in the forest all of my life until I retired. I am still close to elk where I live. In a way I had all the advantages, but still my elk understanding was painfully slow. Reading posts by people like Elknut, WW, Indian Summer, Jacuomo, cnelk and some others sure opened my eyes. I too have learned a lot from these skilled hunters. RJ more than anyone else challenges my thinking and knowledge. I can only imagine what my elk hunting would have looked like if this forum, or one like it had been around 50 years ago.

by **pointysticks** » 02 06, 2014 • [Post 32]

cnelk wrote:With more people coming to the fire, I better go cut some wood with my new Stihl chainsaw I just got for my birthday...

Back soon - stay warm

what's up with that?!! you buy a woman (wife) a vacuum cleaner and it is sofa sleeping for week. wife buys a husband a chainsaw and it is high-fives around the campfire.

welcome aboard newbs..

by **cnelk** » 02 06, 2014 • [Post 33]

It was my son's idea...

by **Mikeha33** » 02 06, 2014 • [Post 34]

Let's see how good you are with that thing Brad! Try and open a beer bottle with nothing but the saw!!!

by **cohunter14** » 02 06, 2014 • [Post 35]

Either that or take a shot at that hat...I could have used that on a bunch of gear Sunday evening.

by **pointysticks** » 02 06, 2014 • [Post 36]

wow!!

i love big motored chainsaws with relatively short bars..that thing is awesome.

i'm still on my training saw..an ECHO. hahah.

by **cnelk** » 02 06, 2014 • [Post 37]

All done cutting firewood.
Sorry Swede, all these beetle killed trees make for poor firewood - burn hot and fast
Saw works good tho!

by **Mofarmboy** » 02 06, 2014 • [Post 38]

You guys probably don't have to sharpen chains near as often as us hardwood cutters do.
Looks like an old 73-87 chev beater truck. Those make great woodcutters probably owned a dozen of em this far in my life.

by **Swede** » 02 06, 2014 • [Post 39]

I have to agree with you there Brad. Lodgepole pine burns hot enough, but makes too much soot, but those pecker poles you have sure look like Lpp to me. If that is Lpp, let me remind you a set of tire chains on a good rope, run up and down your chimney will clean it out. Of coarse you still need to shovel out the stove. BTW: I used to make very sure I had my wood in the woodshed and stacked up by the 1st of June so it had all summer to get good and dry. You can consider that my tip for you today. :lol:

by **cnelk** » 02 06, 2014 • [Post 40]

Mofarmboy wrote:Looks like an old 73-87 chev beater truck. Those make great woodcutters probably owned a dozen of em this far in my life.

Thats my son's truck. 1984 Custom Deluxe - Its a great truck. Straight 6 - 4 speed - 4x4.
Cost me $1000

by **Mofarmboy** » 02 07, 2014 • [Post 41]

cnelk wrote:
Mofarmboy wrote:Looks like an old 73-87 chev beater truck. Those make great woodcutters probably owned a dozen of em this far in my life.

Thats my son's truck. 1984 Custom Deluxe - Its a great truck. Straight 6 - 4 speed - 4x4.
Cost me $1000

Nice!!! My first ride was a 78 k10 4x4 step side had a lot of fun in that old truck. You can fix pretty much anything on those old trucks with a handful of tools a 12pk and whatever cash is in your pocket. we still keep 2-3 around the farm for cutting wood and what not.

by **pointysticks** » 02 07, 2014 • [Post 42]

Swede wrote:tdirks: ........... welcome to our elk camp.

hey..that would make a pretty good name for this portion of this forum. "Elk Camp"

by **Hogslayer** » 02 08, 2014 • [Post 43]

I am new to the forum and I found out about it from hunting-washington.com. I have heard a lot of great things about Elknut and his calling. Last year was my first year hunting archery elk in Washington and I was fortunate enough to get a 1x2 with eye guards. 15 yard shot straight on, I nailed him right in the neck. Not a shot I would usually take but I was confident from all the practice of shooting. Anyways this year I am going to be hunting bulls on the west side and want to get good at calling. I have watched about every YouTube video on mouth reed calls there is. My sounds are still off and I am recording them to see my progress. Small problem is I don't have anyone that is good at mouth reeds so I don't have a coach. I know it might sound bad asking for help on your first post but I would take any advice I can get. Right now I a working with the all-star reed along with the raging bull. I also picked up a bugling bull grunt tube.

by **WapitiTalk1** » 02 08, 2014 • [Post 44]

Welcome to "the" elk hunting forum Ryan. Glad to see you made the trip over. Recommend you spend some time in the links above (ElkNut Tips and Clips, and, the Archived Tips) for some light reading

.. There is a ton of great information from how to call to everything that is elk hunting. I'm waiting till probably around April but I'll get the "post up your elk sounds" threads going again. It's a good medium to have folks post up certain types of sounds and get feedback (constructive) from some very accomplished callers including the Elknut himself. Lastly, I'm not too shabby of a caller myself so maybe we can set something up this spring to do some practice sessions. Again, welcome! RJ

by **Hogslayer** » 02 08, 2014 • [Post 45]

Thanks phantom16. I take my elk hunting seriously. Guess I am the kind of guy that when I get my mind on something I can't get it off of the subject unless I conquer it. I would definitely take you up on your offer if you are up to it. I would meet you wherever is easiest for you. I am an electrician so let me know if you would need any help with anything.

by **Swede** » 02 08, 2014 • [Post 46]

Welcome to elk camp hogslayer. I like your tenacity. Hang in there and take RJ up on his offer.

by **MattVT** » 02 09, 2014 • [Post 47]

Good morning folks. Matt from Vermont here. Been lurking on/off for a while. Experienced whitetail tracker, novice elk/mule deer hunter. Primarily a rifle/mzl hunter, though I do hunt with my bow here a touch. Went on an awesome guided trip to WY with my father last year for his 60th birthday. Now I can't think of much else except getting back out there. Looking at CO in 2015 and am hoping to pick up lots of tips and tricks from you experienced guys. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

by **Indian Summer** » 02 09, 2014 • [Post 48]

MattVT wrote: Looking at CO in 2015

Next!

Welcome Matt. You're from deer tracking country home of the fames Benoits huh. Thick stuff up there. Numbers aren't that high either. Every client I had from up that way made a good elk hunter. Unlike people from elsewhere who were used to seeing deer around every corner, the guys from Vermont and Maine were always patient and persistent.

Welcome to elk camp bud.

I was going to send you a PM but you have to make 3 posts here before you can send/receive PMs. Surely you have two questions?

by **jswbga** » 02 10, 2014 • [Post 49]

this thread is timely for me.... I just found this forum today, but am glad to recognize some of the contributors (Brak/cnelk) off another forum I check frequently.

I'm looking forward to any wisdom I can find.

I'm a north TX flatlander. I've been deer hunting ALL my life (40), but took up elk hunting about 5 years ago. I've been bowhunting 4x and rifle hunting 1x for elk. I'm going back to Co for first rifle (or at least, thats the hope). I should draw my desired unit with a point.

I hunt with a group of 3-5 guys, depending on the year and the weapon. So far it looks like 4 of us will be in camp this year.

what I'm REALLY looking forward to is when my kids (8 and 9) are big enough to go with me. They still need to build up some leg stamina (heck, me too). Still not sure what to do about school, either.

Thanks in advance,

Shane

by **WapitiTalk1** » 02 10, 2014 • [Post 50]

Welcome to 'the' elk forum Matt and Shane. Glad you stopped by our camp.

by **cnelk** » 02 10, 2014 • [Post 51]

Howdy Shane!
Not sure if you noticed the other site is gone now, been replaced.

by **Swede** » 02 10, 2014 • [Post 52]

Shane it is good to have you here along with the others. The elk camp here is friendly and the coffee pot is usually full.

cnelk wrote:Not sure if you noticed the other site is gone now, been replaced.

Are you sure? Could it be that they are still arguing about some trivial point and calling each other vulgar names?

by **cohunter14** » 02 10, 2014 • [Post 53]

cnelk wrote:Howdy Shane!
Not sure if you noticed the other site is gone now, been replaced.

I noticed that too Brad! If you check out the base site, it is still there and looks new. I am wondering if they are updating it...pm sent.

by **cnelk** » 02 10, 2014 • [Post 54]

Swede
We were referring to an old Colorado elk hunting site we visited for years and years.

by **Swede** » 02 10, 2014 • [Post 55]

Thanks Brad. I was thinking about a couple other sites that would help clean up the internet if they went away. IMHO

by **cohunter14** » 02 10, 2014 • [Post 56]

Swede wrote:Thanks Brad. I was thinking about a couple other sites that would help clean up the internet if they went away. IMHO

I know what you mean there Swede!

BTW, welcome Shane. PM sent...

by **Eldonvieira** » 02 10, 2014 • [Post 57]

Hi just found this site and am planning to elk hunt the first time this fall with my bow here in eastern idaho not sure which zone yet going to do some scouting this spring and summer the map post and ways post are really helpfull

by **WapitiTalk1** » 02 10, 2014 • [Post 58]

Welcome to "the" elk forum Eldon. Glad to have you on board! Pull up a log by the fire and grab your beverage of choice. Always some good elky conversations here.

by **Swede** » 02 10, 2014 • [Post 59]

It is good to have you here Eldon. Welcome to camp bud.

by **jswbga** » 02 11, 2014 • [Post 60]

the other site I normally visited was always gentlemanly. Only downside is participation was low (probably what kept it gentlemanly).

from what I've read on this site so far, I can tell I'm going to like this one.

thanks for the welcome.

shane

by **jswbga** » 02 11, 2014 • [Post 61]

Derek,

thanks for the welcoming PM. the forum tool wont let me respond yet, because I dont have enough posts to prove I'm not a spammer.

with as many posts as I've made in the past 12 hours, heck, I may be a spammer! ;P

you're not the same Derek I hunted with in 2012, are you?

shane

by **cohunter14** » 02 11, 2014 • [Post 62]

Hahaha, no problem Shane. No, I don't think we have met before...just know your posts from elkcamp.

by **Eldonvieira** » 02 11, 2014 • [Post 63]

Thanks for the welcome I am learning a lot here hope to put it to good use this fall

by **BuckyHunter13** » 02 15, 2014 • [Post 64]

I've been lurking since January, at least 40 hrs worth. Live in SE Wisconsin, going out to Co OTC unit with my dad and buddy. My dad's got some experience as he's hunted several years back before my HS football career derailed his elk trips. Now I'm 4 years out of college and we're getting out together for the first time. I'm hoping to lap him knowledge-wise so I can actively contribute to our hunt. I know he's lurking here too, although he might struggle with figuring out how to sign up.

This site is an amazing resource and I look forward to chiming in once I feel like I've got something to contribute... Even if it's just a good question.

Can somebody settle the thermals question for me. I'm pretty sure I read on here that they're sinking in the morning? That seems counterintuitive to me, but just as I was coming to terms with it I read in another elk book that the thermals would be rising in the AM and sinking in evening. Can someone clarify or point me to a thread that can clear this up? Thanks in advance for all of the people that contribute to this site.

Also, I just got a circular saw for my birthday as well as a Kuiu Guide jacket.

by **cohunter14** » 02 16, 2014 • [Post 65]

Welcome buckyhunter! Thermals should be down in the am and pm and up in the middle of the day. This can vary in any location, but for the most part it holds true. Continue reading and chiming in with questions. You will find that there are a ton of knowledgable elk hunters on this site who are more than willing to help.

by **mrganser** » 02 16, 2014 • [Post 66]

BuckyHunter13,
There is a great thread explaining thermals on here. I came across it yesterday while in here.
Welcome and enjoy the company and info!

by **zpd307** » 02 16, 2014 • [Post 67]

I agree with Indian's first post. most, like myself, come here to learn more about elk hunting. I don't think I have enough experience and feel that I don't have much insight to add. hell, I feel like a peon compared to some of you experienced guys. but..... the more I read on here the more I can see that you guys genuinely enjoy helping us peons outs. and I want to be able to be apart of it. sniffle sniffle