Keeping It Basic

[Swede]

RJ just reminded me it is my turn to set another log on the fire. It looks like we have a ways to go before I will be getting too far away, so let me ask a question of all you elknuts. How complicated does elk hunting need to be? How much of success is based on knowing the fundamentals and just going out and giving it what you know? Did you not get your bull last year because you lacked knowledge? I have always considered myself one that knows just a few things, and I just continue to do what works for me. All I know has been written in the book or here on the forum, I guess. Do you think you know enough? What do you think would help you as far as information is concerned? Is calling complicated? Is tree stand location a big unknown? What do you think?

[Toby]

I like a simple approach and that works for me,but I also realize that the more knowledge we have, the more options we have. I live in the Midwest and only get to hunt for 10 days or so each year I can see that living in the West and being able to scout and observe elk more frequently would be a huge benefit. I usually run and gun, it would be helpful to me to know that what I am saying to the elk is the right thing. With the help of this forum and Paul's dvd's, I am learning. So, I don't think it needs to be complicated, but I also believe we should strive to learn as much as possible, always good to have options.

[GWH]

I think you can be very successful keeping it simple, but the way I look at it, the more I add to my game, the more chance I have to be successful. I would say I didn't get my bull last year due to lack of knowledge because I feel like I messed up in a few situations, however, I did pass on several bulls and did get a shot at a nice bull but failed to execute. What I think would have helped the most last year is having a better idea of what the elk were saying and how to respond in that situation.

[timberland]

What I see is the biggest factor in being successful is putting the time in. First on the mountain and second pursuing knowledge. I also have a "superstition" that the odds dictate that I will be one minute closer to success for every minute in pursuit. I put ten times the effort last time than my comrades and I'm the one that had the bull walk in front of. They called it luck, I called it playing the odds.

[Trophyhill]

Until I learned to "keep it simple" I had (and at times still do) overthink which complicates the situation which leads to blown opportunities. I think if a person learns to "read the encounter" correctly then it really is simple

[elk-n-walleye]

I think I/we can over complicate things sometimes. Last year I was going back and forth with an bull trying to get him to come in. I did this because this was my first archery hunt and for months leading up to the hunt I researched and learned what my options were in certain circumstances. In previous years if I heard that bull I would have snuck in on him or dogged him until I gained the upper hand with out a second thought. I may or may not have got a shot off with that strategy but the way I played it (overthinking it) he went quiet and I had no way of finding him so I definitely didn't get a shot.

Having said that I still wouldn't trade my archery hunt last year for any other experience. I love hunting these elk and I had a blast. This year I will have more learning and experience with archery hunting and shooting my bow. So hopefully I'll get an arrow in a vital organ and not another shoulder blade.

[Swede]

I think you hunters are getting to the core of what I was asking. When I talk about keeping it simple, I am not advocating ignorance. John Fitzgerald had a way of breaking things down so that they were simple. I would advocate knowing all you can. To understand elk sounds and recognize options, but when it is time to make your move, keep it simple. What is the elk saying? What do I do as a hunter, to get him to respond the way I want.
After everything settles you can analyze what happened, plan for your next encounter and move on.
I just heard a bugle come through the timber. Was it a lip bawl bugle, challenge or just a location bugle? hummm??? I'm not sure. What do I do? What should I say to this bull if anything? I want to keep my options open and not run off the bull on this mid September early morning.

[LckyTylr]

I think the most complicated aspect that comes to mind for me is two-fold.

1. Finding elk DURING the season. I know where they are in the summer and early season, but since they aren't bugling (at least not in my experience) in the early season, they are difficult to get within archery range. When they finally start interacting, it's like they have changed postal codes and I can't find them until the last weekend.

2. Getting them within archery range as a solo hunter that's never killed an elk before. It's always a learning experience, should I call and advance, should I call and retreat, should I gamble on the wind staying the same, should I . . . ?

I feel like I have enough knowledge to kill elk in areas where they experience less pressure (don't we all). I feel like I don't have the experience to pull it off repeatedly in high-pressure areas . . . solo.

[mongopino915]

Keep it simple. Can't kill an elk at camp so I am out all day looking for elk until dark. Keep it simple so I look for fresh elk sign until I find them, play the wind and cow call softly once followed by a simple bugle about 10 minutes later. Keep it simple so I wait for like NLT 60 minutes in the same area with an occasional breaking of tree branch, rolling of a rock, racking of a tree, and/or low soft chuckling. Keeping this simple approach seems to work well for me in high pressured OTC public land.

Keeping it simple. When the elk are vocal, so am I.

Keep it simple. Just hunt hard, long, and blend in with the elk flow.

[Swede]

In post 7, I gave a scenario that is quite common. The bull I heard is not real close. Keeping to basics, what do I need to do? First I want to close the distance. Second I need to stay down wind of the bull. Third and this is simple too. I do not want to be seen. I will never get the bull if he knows what is in store for him. This is very basic isn't it?
After I have closed as much as I know I can without being detected, then I have to make a decision or two. Is the bull still bugling? If so can I move ahead farther? If I don't hear him any more, and I don't see anything, is he still close by? Keeping it basic, why not try a little cow talk. That is easy and is not going to cause a panic with elk in the area. Work up from there after giving the cow calls time to work for you. Keep it basic.
Would something else work better? Maybe. But what? I can always try a bugle if what I just tried did not work.
Bulls are curious at times, they like cows, and they don't want to share them with other bulls. What did the bull say? Either give him what he wants to draw him in, or what he doesn't want to hear to cause him to confront you. Use your reasoning to determine why you will make the call you are going with. Just the basics.

[Trophyhill]

In post 7, I gave a scenario that is quite common. The bull I heard is not real close. Keeping to basics, what do I need to do? First I want to close the distance. Second I need to stay down wind of the bull. Third and this is simple too. I do not want to be seen. I will never get the bull if he knows what is in store for him. This is very basic isn't it?
After I have closed as much as I know I can without being detected, then I have to make a decision or two. Is the bull still bugling? If so can I move ahead farther? If I don't hear him any more, and I don't see anything, is he still close by? Keeping it basic, why not try a little cow talk. That is easy and is not going to cause a panic with elk in the area. Work up from there after giving the cow calls time to work for you. Keep it basic.
Would something else work better? Maybe. But what? I can always try a bugle if what I just tried did not work.
Bulls are curious at times, they like cows, and they don't want to share them with other bulls. What did the bull say? Either give him what he wants to draw him in, or what he doesn't want to hear to cause him to confront you. Use your reasoning to determine why you will make the call you are going with. Just the basics.

Another thing Rod (Slickstalker) mentioned to me a few years ago was "it is easier to escalate an encounter than to de-escalate"

[Lark Bunting]

As a new hunter I find myself getting overwhelmed by reading too much. I have to step back and think about the basics: figure out where the elk may be, be prepared to call the elk as close as I can, be prepared to take a good and ethical shot, and be prepared to take care of the animal in the field.

It's simple, right?

[Swede]

Lark: It can be simple, but not easy. Work the basics well, and you can be successful. The reason I wanted to engage in this campfire discussion is because so many newer hunters seem over whelmed with all of the learning that they feel is needed to get an elk. The thought, though not specifically stated, is "if I don't know everything and do everything, then I will not succeed." People that succeed often do a few simple basic things well. I doubt many know the difference between a some of the different sounds.
I like what Trophyhill just wrote. It is helpful in getting the right start.

[mongopino915]

In post 7, I gave a scenario that is quite common. The bull I heard is not real close. Keeping to basics, what do I need to do? First I want to close the distance. Second I need to stay down wind of the bull. Third and this is simple too. I do not want to be seen. I will never get the bull if he knows what is in store for him. This is very basic isn't it?
After I have closed as much as I know I can without being detected, then I have to make a decision or two. Is the bull still bugling? If so can I move ahead farther? If I don't hear him any more, and I don't see anything, is he still close by? Keeping it basic, why not try a little cow talk. That is easy and is not going to cause a panic with elk in the area. Work up from there after giving the cow calls time to work for you. Keep it basic.
Would something else work better? Maybe. But what? I can always try a bugle if what I just tried did not work.
Bulls are curious at times, they like cows, and they don't want to share them with other bulls. What did the bull say? Either give him what he wants to draw him in, or what he doesn't want to hear to cause him to confront you. Use your reasoning to determine why you will make the call you are going with. Just the basics.

Swede, totally like your calm and patient approach to elk archery hunting as most of my tactics are also about being patient and just kind of let things flow.

For me, the first thing to do is to figure out whether the bull I just heard is a loner or a herd bull and his intent behind his bugle. From there, it will further dictate my actions. We try to keep elk hunting/calling simple but it is a lot easier said than done. I will not hesitate to come thundering in with nothing but challenge screams and heavy grunts if the occasion calls for it. Not that simple but has worked multiple times, especially on herd bulls that are quick gather and leave.

[zpd307]

I was just taking to my hunting partner about this last night. I was trying to liken elk hunting to deer hunting. since I have hunted deer for 26 years I feel confident being able to shoot a deer anywhere I go. I know their behaviors, how they use their terrain, etc. I have been there and done and know what works and what doesn't. knowing all this allows me to be basic.... not knowing all of that with elk, I cant weed out what works and what doesn't. I believe its an experience thing......

[Swede]

Some tactics are more area specific than others. Experience should help you determine what is best for you. Adapt proven tactics to your hunt. I have messed up more than my share. Not done yet either. Still, if you do not get some things right once in awhile, you will eventually just throw in the towel totally frustrated. I believe by better managing the basics, a hunter can be totally effective, and build from there.
You do not need to be a great hotshot elk hunter to kill elk. Based on my experience, it is plain that anyone can kill elk if they are patient and persistent.

[Triplebhunters]

As basic as life itself, never stop learning and adapting to oneselfs immediate surroundings.
Dave