Greenhorn drew Gila Tag - Let's hear your advice!

[NoWiser]

Hey all!

Well, my dad and I didn't draw a Wyoming general tag this year, so we threw our names into the hat for New Mexico. It was our first time applying and, wouldn't you know it, we pulled our 1st choice - 16A second archery season!!

My dad and I are just about as green as you can get when it comes to elk hunting. We spent 10 days in the Wyoming backcountry last September and had the time of our lives, but came home empty handed. We did get to interact with a number of bulls and saw some elk.

So, here is the deal. Let's hear your one bit of advice for two amateur elk hunters who have probably the best tag they'll ever have in their pockets. I can count the number of wild elk I've seen in my life on one hand and my dad probably can as well. I'm not looking for specific info on the unit, but advice in general. So, let's hear it! It could be related to calling techniques, gear, fitness, etc.. The only thing I don't want to hear is "hire a guide". Nothing against them, but it's just not our style.

Thanks in advance, I look forward to hearing some responses!

[WapitiTalk1]

Congrats to you and your Dad Jim! I'm sure you're in for an awesome hunt. Advice? If you don't have Elknut's products (DVDs/Sounds of the Elk CD/Playbook), I'd highly recommend you get them as soon as you can. In addition, pour over the Elknut Tips and Clips, and, Archived Tips sections at the top of this page. If you have specific tactics, calling, gear, etc. questions, ask away! Lastly, work on your calling (both of you) to ensure you can consistently/effortlessly make the basic sounds needed in the elk woods. RJ

[easeup]

send a PM and a gift card to trophyhill.

[NoWiser]

Thanks for the responses! I've got pretty much all of Mr. Elknut's stuff. It's the only CD that's been in my truck the last 14 months. I felt very confident calling last year but plan on stepping it up even further this year. I'm so excited. Sleep hasn't come easy the last few weeks!

[Trophyhill]

send a PM and a gift card to trophyhill.

Yes I camped in 16A and walked into the next unit. The Gila units are a once in a lifetime for many. There is a well known elk killer on this forum who hunted 16A with his pop a few years ago. Maybe he'll chime in. The Gila is special. Magnificent country and bigger than average elk compared to any other units I've hunted. I hunted the first hunt and the elk were just vocal enough to let me know they were there what an opportunity NoWiser! You'll still have to work towards you're success. Good place to start!

[NoWiser]

Thanks Trophy!

I have mixed feelings about this tag. Obviously I'm more than thrilled to have it, but I can't help but feel like it may be hard to take full advantage of it with our limited experience. On the other hand, I'm hoping that if we get into the elk, we can cram a few years worth of OTC elk encounters into one hunt and gain valuable experience, and maybe come home with a bull as well.

Last year our strategy was to try to chase bugles first thing in the morning, try to sit water or wallows midday, prepared to chase more bugles if a bull should sound close, and then to chase bugles again as the sun set. Is this a good strategy or is there a different way a guy should approach a hunt like this? Like I said, any bit of advice, no matter how small, will be taken into account and appreciated!

Are there any certain maps I should be looking at purchasing? I have the National Forest map, a map showing the burns in the unit and the year of the burn, and am currently working on a custom 36" X 48" map of the unit showing all roads, trails, burns, and tanks.

Thanks again!

[Trophyhill]

Thanks Trophy!

I have mixed feelings about this tag. Obviously I'm more than thrilled to have it, but I can't help but feel like it may be hard to take full advantage of it with our limited experience. On the other hand, I'm hoping that if we get into the elk, we can cram a few years worth of OTC elk encounters into one hunt and gain valuable experience, and maybe come home with a bull as well.

Last year our strategy was to try to chase bugles first thing in the morning, try to sit water or wallows midday, prepared to chase more bugles if a bull should sound close, and then to chase bugles again as the sun set. Is this a good strategy or is there a different way a guy should approach a hunt like this? Like I said, any bit of advice, no matter how small, will be taken into account and appreciated!

Are there any certain maps I should be looking at purchasing? I have the National Forest map, a map showing the burns in the unit and the year of the burn, and am currently working on a custom 36" X 48" map of the unit showing all roads, trails, burns, and tanks.

Thanks again!

I like the Nat Goe maps

[pointysticks]

hope this doesnt come out too bitter..but i know a family in texas that has drawn 16A many times. again this year.

i've often joked that they have naked pics of the governor caught in a bad position..but maybe they are just that lucky.

they do very well in that unit. they wont tell me any secrets, but it is GREAT unit. congrats. i think ANY elk shouldnt be that difficult. keep us posted.

[NoWiser]

No worries, Pointy. You don't sound bitter.

That's a lucky family. With draw odds in the low single digits they are doing very good! Maybe I'll be like them and keep drawing, but it's doubtful.

How are you liking your Kifaru? We were both waiting on them at the same late last summer, if I remember right.