The ElkNut1 Army :)

[Trophyhill]

What is it that draws you to the Elknut forum?

For me it's many reasons. Here's a small sample.

I owe a lot of my elk education to being affiliated to Paul thru several forums the last 5 years. I've met and or talked and chatted to who I would consider some of the best Elkhunter's in the world (even if some of us don't agree at times but I respect ya all) and continue to meet, chat or talk to guys all the time. The information when applied afield makes elk killers out of Elkhunter's. I have a whole lot to learn so keep it coming guys (and gals) Cheers!

[stringunner]

The information and conversations are great. Very educational and non-intimidating. I enjoy sharing tips,tactics and stories and reading all yours' as well. I also like the simplicity of the layout. Its easy to navigate. This is one of several forums I read on a daily basis and contribute to regularly.

[Toby]

Trophyhill, it's guys like you that attract me to this forum. Easy to communicate with, very informative, and nonjudgemental. Before this site began, I had some conversations with Paul,his unselfishness and willingness to help draw me here, I rarely go elsewhere now. I would rather have the quality of this site than the quantity of others. Feels like home.

[ctdad]

Elknut1 has shortened the learning curve for me greatly.

This forum is very informational and very laid back and friendly. In a PM exchange earlier this week, Indian Summer told me that he "just wants to discuss elk hunting until he can go elk hunting". I like that and I'm stealing it. That's how I feel as well.

The best part of doing that on this sight is that the discussion is fun, friendly, educational and open. I enjoy debate and learning from others but I tire quickly of arguing and name calling.

The other thing I like about this forum is that there isn't a significant "fanboy" club to any particular pieces of gear or people. Those forums exist and turn me off as well.

[WapitiTalk1]

I'm here because someone has to keep an eye on all you vagabonds Teasing of course, this is a great group of folks. A friend of mine forced me, against my will, to watch Paul's DVDs three or so years back. What in the heck could somebody tell "me" about elk hunting! Well, after I watched the elk language interpretation VIDs, and some of the tactics offered, I felt more than a bit sheepish. In my opinion, it was probably the single most important collection of ground breaking elk vocalization interpretation information I had ever been exposed to. Holy hell, if I would have known much of old Elknut's philosophy years ago, many more elk would have bit the dirt by my arrow. I'm here to stay, as long as Paul will allow me to be part of this thing. Yes, Elknut Outdoor Productions is a business in the sense of the word but as many of you know, it's much more than that. He spent many, many years studying elk, capturing his observations, and eventually breaking the code as to what these big galoots are saying, needing, or displaying. I venture a guess that Paul will never be a millionaire from his business earnings but I guarantee you this as sure as I'm sitting here, Elknut will receive your phone call and discuss elk tactics till he's too old to pick up the phone anymore. The forum? Well, it's the best I've seen for sharing elk tactics that encompasses about everything a hunter would ever need to know. To the loyal members here, I consider you my friends (except that Trophyhill guy... he's shifty and has been rumored to use trail cams on Hawaiian beaches sometimes) and to coin old Swede's saying, "you're welcome in my camp anytime". I hope to have elky conversations with all of our existing members and the new ones that swing by for many, many years to come on this fine forum.

[baddaddy]

Paul has shortened the learning curve for me drastically.I love the fact his forum is very informational and very laid back and friendly. Its great not to have all the drama you find on other forums. There's a great bunch of guys and gals here.

[zpd307]

I have really appreciated everybody's friendliness! I came here to learn and everyone's willingness to teach has been awesome! I have felt completely relaxed around you guys....

[Kevrod3]

As much fun as everyone has on here, I know that everyone takes their elk hunting serious! More info on the site than all the sites I've read combined. Paul has taken the time to personally talk to me on the phone, and answered questions I didn't even know how to ask! He is a bundle of knowledge, as well as a ton of other guys on here. I appreciate you guys!

[ElkNut1]

Kevin, I agree with you & others as well that there are some great elk hunters here on the ElkNut Forum that are happy & willing to share their hard earned knowledge with ones here they've never met, now that's class my friend. I know I appreciate everyone of them personally as well as all the newer elk hunters that feel comfortable in coming forward & asking questions to better themselves as elk hunters. It's one big ElkNut family with all willing to share with one another! I want to thank everyone for their participation as there would be no Forum without all of you! Heck, I just love taking elk! (grin)

ElkNut1

[Swede]

I'm here because someone has to keep an eye on all you vagabonds

Of coarse you keep an eye on the vagabonds. We are family.
I like sharing tips and that goes both ways, but I get the most out of sharing the enthusiasm new and would be elk hunters have. I would hope anyone that really wants to, gets to experience the thrill of a hunt. Be informed and have realistic expectations. Don't get caught thinking you have elk figured out. Remember the best we can do is to learn a few things that work for us, and take advantage of what we have gleaned from our education and experiences.

[Olydog09]

What first drew me here is the fact that in my opinion there is no one who has taken the time to share their knowledge more freely than Paul. Also he has done it in a way that makes it really easy to read what he writes, watch what his videos and go "aha" that is what the elk was saying or doing. I first heard of Paul when he posted an early season cold calling scenario on Archery Talk in great detail. Just that thread opened up a completely new "elk" world for me.

What keeps me here is his input and the input of a lot of very experienced elk hunters that give feely of their thoughts and adventurers in a nice friendly format.

[Csrbowhunter]

For me being from the Midwest I have to cut my learning curve any way I can. With Paul's DVDs and play book I think my learning curve was changed bye 3-5 years at least! The thing I love about being on this site is I can bounce ideas off guys that live in elk country not just sit here back in the Midwest and wonder if that would work. Plus I can get my elk hunting fix by talking to others on this site . The only thing people want to talk about here is deer hunting.

[Swede]

For me being from the Midwest I have to cut my learning curve any way I can. With Paul's DVDs and play book I think my learning curve was changed bye 3-5 years at least!

Paul's materials and the things you can learn here are much greater than even that. Trophyhill's thread about putting it all together asks the question about how we get to that point. Learning is the key. I have often written that I had 40 years of hunting experience when I started noticing Paul's posts on the internet in the 1990s. I had nearly 40 years of general hunting experience, but still had gaps in my understanding of productive elk hunting tactics, including useful calls. Reading and learning from him and many of you has filled in many of those gaps so I can be a more balanced hunter. I think I was better positioned to learn from Paul and others than a newbie, because I was raised near the forest, and worked and hunted Western forests most of my life.
One thing bugs me a little. I wonder if people really comprehend all that is discussed on this forum. Can you separate the wheat from the chaff so to speak? Doe's Paul's instructions or advise sound like something coming from a professor of astrophysics, or is it something you really understand and can apply? Does a young man coming from Kentucky really have a good idea what they are in for and do they understand what they should do in the elk woods? My gut tells me that is a very tall order, and we need to constantly keep shoring up that foundation.

[Trophyhill]

In short yes! Very easy to break down and understand for those who approach with an open mind and aren't "Stuck in a Rut" knowing what's in that PlayBook helps us "unlock the elk code" 1 encounter at a time. Combining your experience with what's in the PlayBook is a huge asset and shouldn't be taken lightly or with a grain of salt. Having encounters is paramount. The more encounters we have the more we start to recognize what Paul is talking about. It's like a light switch when you run into a situation and see it first hand. For the new hunter it might seem confusing or overwhelming because now they are doing something they've never done before. They're not hunting turkey's or rattling whitetails anymore. They are interacting and hunting elk. Quick and consistent success can be had for guys who really break down the elk code and The PlayBook is very helpful. So for the new guys don't worry about screwing up opportunities because you misread an encounter and confused chuckles with grunts or a challenge with a scream and use the wrong tactic. Keep The PlayBook information close to the vest and don't be afraid to use that info when opportunity presents itself. No matter your experience or skill set The PlayBook or what's inside it is another tool to assist, especially on the dog days of September. A guy can still keep it simple and use the info effectively. As you gain experience and knowledge 1 encounter at a time you add another weapon and that piece of the elk puzzle now falls into the "keep it simple" category. does that make sense?

[Swede]

Trophyhill: I am on the same page as you are, Bud. What you said makes sense to me.

[ElkNut1]

Again, thanks for the comments folks! It's great to hear the different views & opinions, all have their place!

The reason for the Playbooks birth was because of the request of 100's of hunters who bugged me to no end who had the DVD's & CD's. These hunters wanted something that they could take with them in the woods to help refresh what they had watched & listened to on the DVD's & CD's. I listened to them for two years before I finally got around to putting the Playbook together since most hunters do not take DVD or CD players with them on their hunts (grin) The Playbook would not have come about without them! It's not something ones need to memorize by heart, it's guidelines & direction given to those who desire to cut their learning curve down some. The methods, techniques & sounds discussed are there to help ones build their knowledge before having to set foot in the woods, this is important to many since not all elk hunters have the luxury of living in elk country as some of us do.

The Playbook is sorta like taking maps with you in the woods. Whether you hunt new areas or familiar areas it can take years to learn them intimately, we all pour over maps of the areas we hunt & the aprox vicinity to familiarize ourselves of spots we intend to hunt or checkout. As we enter these areas we don't leave our maps behind, we take them with us even though we looked them over like the bible in the comforts of our homes countless times. The Playbook is similar, we take it with us so we can refer to it if & when needed or just in case". It's also great to review on the mtn at noon or back at camp after an encounter or just to see what advice may be in it to help them to get bulls to sound off when elk may be quiet! Lots of bulls have fallen because of the info shared in it, it may not be for everyone but it does have merit that cannot be denied as do the DVD's.

Here's a couple of photos hunters like folks here have sent to me! These were from a contest a few years back & this thread reminded me of them, these are great guys to share. Thanks!

ElkNut1

[Triplebhunters]

What is it that draws you to the Elknut forum?

For me it's many reasons. Here's a small sample.

I owe a lot of my elk education to being affiliated to Paul thru several forums the last 5 years. I've met and or talked and chatted to who I would consider some of the best Elkhunter's in the world (even if some of us don't agree at times but I respect ya all) and continue to meet, chat or talk to guys all the time. The information when applied afield makes elk killers out of Elkhunter's. I have a whole lot to learn so keep it coming guys (and gals) Cheers!

+1

[slim9300]

#1 reason is to become a better elk hunter! There is always room for improvement.

#2 reason is to pass the time until September with the next best thing.

[Washington Wapiti]

I really like what everyone has said here. It is because of this forum and Slim's #2 reason, that my time watching Outdoor Channel and hunting videos has seriously diminished. Thanks a alot guys! I would much rather come here, learn and talk about the real thing than watch overblown, glorified, horn-hunting highlights. I don't want to think in terms of a cow or smaller bull being a lesser animal, that is taken as a "managment decision" or some other nonsense. They are all worthy animals and should be respected. Everyone has their personal goals of course and that is fine. It is just the highly commercialized and marketing-driven gobbly-gook that makes it so annoying. I've perused other forums over the last few years but like ctdad, I also grow tired quickly of arguing, name calling, and bad attitudes. So, many forums I've never bothered with. I believe like learning anything, the bookwork and real world experience has to be synthesized. Just like in college, we typically had field trips to go along with whatever measurement techniques or theories we read about in class. I haven't read the Playbook yet (ordering that puppy tomorrow), but at this point I've had so many botched opportunites or observations I know there are going to be "aha moments" that pop out at me. Just like when I read Swede's book. These aha moments helped me get my first elk this last year. A couple of Pauls vids helped me finally get sounds out of a diaphragm. They're not perfect but I'm not spitting all over the place, or nearly swallowing and choking on the thing anymore either! We have Paul, the mods, the sponsors, and the vets . . . there is a wealth of knowledge here. Everyone contributing here is what makes the forum what it is, and what keeps me here . . . group hug!

[WapitiTalk1]

I really like what everyone has said here. It is because of this forum and Slim's #2 reason, that my time watching Outdoor Channel and hunting videos has seriously diminished. Thanks a alot guys! I would much rather come here, learn and talk about the real thing than watch overblown, glorified, horn-hunting highlights. I don't want to think in terms of a cow or smaller bull being a lesser animal, that is taken as a "managment decision" or some other nonsense. They are all worthy animals and should be respected. Everyone has their personal goals of course and that is fine. It is just the highly commercialized and marketing-driven gobbly-gook that makes it so annoying. I've perused other forums over the last few years but like ctdad, I also grow tired quickly of arguing, name calling, and bad attitudes. So, many forums I've never bothered with. I believe like learning anything, the bookwork and real world experience has to be synthesized. Just like in college, we typically had field trips to go along with whatever measurement techniques or theories we read about in class. I haven't read the Playbook yet (ordering that puppy tomorrow), but at this point I've had so many botched opportunites or observations I know there are going to be "aha moments" that pop out at me. Just like when I read Swede's book. These aha moments helped me get my first elk this last year. A couple of Pauls vids helped me finally get sounds out of a diaphragm. They're not perfect but I'm not spitting all over the place, or nearly swallowing and choking on the thing anymore either! We have Paul, the mods, the sponsors, and the vets . . . there is a wealth of knowledge here. Everyone contributing here is what makes the forum what it is, and what keeps me here . . . group hug!

Nicely put Shawn... Oh, there will be "no" group or any type of hugging in Idaho this year High fives are perfectly acceptable though

[Trophyhill]

I really like what everyone has said here. It is because of this forum and Slim's #2 reason, that my time watching Outdoor Channel and hunting videos has seriously diminished. Thanks a alot guys! I would much rather come here, learn and talk about the real thing than watch overblown, glorified, horn-hunting highlights. I don't want to think in terms of a cow or smaller bull being a lesser animal, that is taken as a "managment decision" or some other nonsense. They are all worthy animals and should be respected. Everyone has their personal goals of course and that is fine. It is just the highly commercialized and marketing-driven gobbly-gook that makes it so annoying. I've perused other forums over the last few years but like ctdad, I also grow tired quickly of arguing, name calling, and bad attitudes. So, many forums I've never bothered with. I believe like learning anything, the bookwork and real world experience has to be synthesized. Just like in college, we typically had field trips to go along with whatever measurement techniques or theories we read about in class. I haven't read the Playbook yet (ordering that puppy tomorrow), but at this point I've had so many botched opportunites or observations I know there are going to be "aha moments" that pop out at me. Just like when I read Swede's book. These aha moments helped me get my first elk this last year. A couple of Pauls vids helped me finally get sounds out of a diaphragm. They're not perfect but I'm not spitting all over the place, or nearly swallowing and choking on the thing anymore either! We have Paul, the mods, the sponsors, and the vets . . . there is a wealth of knowledge here. Everyone contributing here is what makes the forum what it is, and what keeps me here . . . group hug!

Nicely put Shawn... Oh, there will be "no" group or any type of hugging in Idaho this year High fives are perfectly acceptable though

You have to kill something first

[WapitiTalk1]

You have to kill something first

Elk will die this year.. perhaps several. I've gotta get a bigger one than you David.. that's my driving force in life now

[Washington Wapiti]

Nicely put Shawn... Oh, there will be "no" group or any type of hugging in Idaho this year High fives are perfectly acceptable though

LOL! I hope you don't have a tendency to miss, I'd hate to take a fresh one in the face!

[Washington Wapiti]

I really like what everyone has said here. It is because of this forum and Slim's #2 reason, that my time watching Outdoor Channel and hunting videos has seriously diminished. Thanks a alot guys! I would much rather come here, learn and talk about the real thing than watch overblown, glorified, horn-hunting highlights. I don't want to think in terms of a cow or smaller bull being a lesser animal, that is taken as a "managment decision" or some other nonsense. They are all worthy animals and should be respected. Everyone has their personal goals of course and that is fine. It is just the highly commercialized and marketing-driven gobbly-gook that makes it so annoying. I've perused other forums over the last few years but like ctdad, I also grow tired quickly of arguing, name calling, and bad attitudes. So, many forums I've never bothered with. I believe like learning anything, the bookwork and real world experience has to be synthesized. Just like in college, we typically had field trips to go along with whatever measurement techniques or theories we read about in class. I haven't read the Playbook yet (ordering that puppy tomorrow), but at this point I've had so many botched opportunites or observations I know there are going to be "aha moments" that pop out at me. Just like when I read Swede's book. These aha moments helped me get my first elk this last year. A couple of Pauls vids helped me finally get sounds out of a diaphragm. They're not perfect but I'm not spitting all over the place, or nearly swallowing and choking on the thing anymore either! We have Paul, the mods, the sponsors, and the vets . . . there is a wealth of knowledge here. Everyone contributing here is what makes the forum what it is, and what keeps me here . . . group hug!

Nicely put Shawn... Oh, there will be "no" group or any type of hugging in Idaho this year High fives are perfectly acceptable though

You have to kill something first

Haaaaa! Indeed!

[slim9300]

I really like what everyone has said here. It is because of this forum and Slim's #2 reason, that my time watching Outdoor Channel and hunting videos has seriously diminished. Thanks a alot guys! I would much rather come here, learn and talk about the real thing than watch overblown, glorified, horn-hunting highlights. I don't want to think in terms of a cow or smaller bull being a lesser animal, that is taken as a "managment decision" or some other nonsense. They are all worthy animals and should be respected. Everyone has their personal goals of course and that is fine. It is just the highly commercialized and marketing-driven gobbly-gook that makes it so annoying. I've perused other forums over the last few years but like ctdad, I also grow tired quickly of arguing, name calling, and bad attitudes. So, many forums I've never bothered with. I believe like learning anything, the bookwork and real world experience has to be synthesized. Just like in college, we typically had field trips to go along with whatever measurement techniques or theories we read about in class. I haven't read the Playbook yet (ordering that puppy tomorrow), but at this point I've had so many botched opportunites or observations I know there are going to be "aha moments" that pop out at me. Just like when I read Swede's book. These aha moments helped me get my first elk this last year. A couple of Pauls vids helped me finally get sounds out of a diaphragm. They're not perfect but I'm not spitting all over the place, or nearly swallowing and choking on the thing anymore either! We have Paul, the mods, the sponsors, and the vets . . . there is a wealth of knowledge here. Everyone contributing here is what makes the forum what it is, and what keeps me here . . . group hug!

Nicely put Shawn... Oh, there will be "no" group or any type of hugging in Idaho this year High fives are perfectly acceptable though

You have to kill something first

Dialing up the pressure David!

I don't know what all the fuss is about. I nearly tackle my partner every time I kill my elk. Lol.

[Washington Wapiti]

Everyone needs a good tackling dummy!

[Trophyhill]

I really like what everyone has said here. It is because of this forum and Slim's #2 reason, that my time watching Outdoor Channel and hunting videos has seriously diminished. Thanks a alot guys! I would much rather come here, learn and talk about the real thing than watch overblown, glorified, horn-hunting highlights. I don't want to think in terms of a cow or smaller bull being a lesser animal, that is taken as a "managment decision" or some other nonsense. They are all worthy animals and should be respected. Everyone has their personal goals of course and that is fine. It is just the highly commercialized and marketing-driven gobbly-gook that makes it so annoying. I've perused other forums over the last few years but like ctdad, I also grow tired quickly of arguing, name calling, and bad attitudes. So, many forums I've never bothered with. I believe like learning anything, the bookwork and real world experience has to be synthesized. Just like in college, we typically had field trips to go along with whatever measurement techniques or theories we read about in class. I haven't read the Playbook yet (ordering that puppy tomorrow), but at this point I've had so many botched opportunites or observations I know there are going to be "aha moments" that pop out at me. Just like when I read Swede's book. These aha moments helped me get my first elk this last year. A couple of Pauls vids helped me finally get sounds out of a diaphragm. They're not perfect but I'm not spitting all over the place, or nearly swallowing and choking on the thing anymore either! We have Paul, the mods, the sponsors, and the vets . . . there is a wealth of knowledge here. Everyone contributing here is what makes the forum what it is, and what keeps me here . . . group hug!

Nicely put Shawn... Oh, there will be "no" group or any type of hugging in Idaho this year High fives are perfectly acceptable though

You have to kill something first

Dialing up the pressure David!

I don't know what all the fuss is about. I nearly tackle my partner every time I kill my elk. Lol.

Just wanting to see how he performs under internet elk pressure I think I'll give him a passing grade