Whats predictable????

[Kevrod3]

So I'm thinking of a million different things that can happen in elk country... is there anything that a novice elk bow hunter can expect every time?

Please refrain from using phrases as "Expect the unexpected!" I understand there aren't absolutes in hunting but there has to be some high percentage actions and conversely reactions that will pull the odd in our favor to be more successful this season.

Examples Such as always know your wind/thermal in any and all situation. Bad wind = Elk gone

[Lark Bunting]

My motto this year is to be more prepared than last year. One thing I am debating is my hunting boots. I have some nice Cabela's hunting boots but they rubbed my calves bald and produced a rash from hell. Make sure your footwear of choice is comfortable. My son also blistered badly from his boots. We spent an hour tending to his blisters and he ended up back at camp to change into his running shoes so he could hike around more. The one absolute I can think of is that if your feet are miserable you will not be covering ground. Take care of your feet.

[Toby]

Get in good physical shape. You don't need to be in triathlon shape, but if you are not in good shape it will absolutely reduce your odds of success.

[Trophyhill]

Predictable is that you will blow opportunities which at times you will have no control over because your getting your feet wet. What can be predictable though if you have it in you is to be prepared mentally for that so you won't dwell on what could have been and go create another opportunity.

[Swede]

This may be close to what you said you did not want to hear, but it is worth remembering: Elk will show up when you let your guard down. Keep your weapon close and your eyes open. Listen for that snap of a twig. sometimes I have likened the sound you get from an elk coming in, to being like a ghost stepping on a cotton ball. Listen for it and be ready. Stay in the shadows where you are not exposed. Hunters not being prepared to shoot has saved many elk's lives.

[Mikeha33]

Last year was my first year elk hunting, and what I wasn't prepared for, or even considered being predictable was, NO ELK! We didn't see, hear, or smell an elk our entire hunt. It was discouraging, and emotionally exhausting. So, predict a mental challenge, between you and yourself. Make sure you win

[WapitiTalk1]

Here’s a different slant/answer to your question of what is predictable. An elk’s “need” for food, water, and cover is predictable. These spots are almost never in the same place (and a particular group of elk may have several to many of each type of area stored in their GPS) so pre-season scouting and/or former knowledge of the hunting area and identified elk patterns between these areas is extremely important. It takes time to pattern elk, and, their patterns are sometimes not easy to determine without extensive study. Relying solely on rutting bulls answering location bugles (or spotting them with glass) is not enough to effectively hunt a group of elk in September. Know their patterns and you’re ahead of the power curve when Bullwinkle sounds off (or when you spot them with optics). You now know where he’s “probably” moving to once he leaves the footprints he bugled from (or standing when spotted). From this point you can either already be, or moving to, where the group is transitioning to. My point? Don’t chase elk if you don’t have to, cut em off at the pass

[AmericanBwana]

Know their patterns and you’re ahead of the power curve when Bullwinkle sounds off (or when you spot them with optics). You now know where he’s “probably” moving to once he leaves the footprints he bugled from (or standing when spotted). From this point you can either already be, or moving to, where the group is transitioning to. My point? Don’t chase elk if you don’t have to, cut em off at the pass

One line I heard this year is "You can't out walk an elk". They can move pretty quickly even when not spooked. I watched one herd cover a mile and a half in 15 minutes this fall, and another group cover a 1/4 mile in the time it took to briefly turn my head and talk to my hunting partner.

And sure as shooting, the elk will show up when you are not paying attention. I usually get busted when moving from point A to point B, or during a break.