Hi Risk Hi Reward Tactics

[Trophyhill]

Is a blown opportunity worth an elk education if you haven't been there and done that yet? Let's hear some hi risk strategies and hypothetical or first hand accounts that just may net an elk in the freezer this year. The more I hunt the more willing I've become to throw caution to the wind on my quest for an education of the elk kind. This is how I learn and put elk in my freezer. What say you?

[Trophyhill]

As an example when hunting 561 a few years ago I ran into an old timer who says to me (and keep in mind I'd only killed a few cows and was a very passive elkhunter at the time) the next bull you hear or see, just run in on him and see how he reacts. That coupled with Gregg beating aggressive into my head I knew it was time to stop being a wuss. Since then I haven't looked back and look forward to moving in on another unsuspecting elk.

[WapitiTalk1]

I ran into a young hunter a few times in my old stomping grounds in the NW corner of MT three years ago. He was driving around in small, beat up, old Honda car with his wife and two crumb snatchers stuffed into it. The roads he was on were borderline hi lock roads in a truck. During my stay there (2nd/3rd week of SEPT), the young guy had arrowed not one but two bulls and had not recovered either; that's the bad part of the story. The interesting part that relates to your thread David is that I asked him how he was archery elk hunt, during the rut, from the road by merely driving around? He told me that he drove the mountain roads right before daylight and right before dark and would bugle at every point that would carry down into a draw, up onto a sidehill, etc., and try to get an answer. When he got an answer, he would leave the road and his car......charge, crash, smash, through the alder jungle that is NW MT until he thought he may be close to the bull who answered and challenge him. When he got a follow on answer, he'd continue with his battle charge until he got close enough for a shot. I only saw him a few times but the young guy had two shot opportunities (at least that I know of) on bulls and for that, I'd say he was on to something Although I do not agree or condone with his methodology, his tactics were sound... Get an answer, aggress the bull, challenge him, and try to get a shot.

[Drawnandpinned]

Yeah I believe so at least u had them somewhat figured out but there can be so many factors in being successful and with a small shooting range I don't think anyone can be bad cause we learn from them last year I was calling for my cuz and we ruined a hunt over trying to get closer to fast lesson learned but for me I'd rather be close then nothing @ all

[twinkieman]

Is a blown opportunity worth an elk education if you haven't been there and done that yet?

Every encounter, blown or successful, is worth learning from.

[Trophyhill]

Is a blown opportunity worth an elk education if you haven't been there and done that yet?

Every encounter, blown or successful, is worth learning from.

I'll drink (my coffee) to that.