How many of us are looking for our first elk?

by **Lark Bunting** » 08 19, 2014 • [Post 1]

I don't care if you've been doing this for years or if this is your first year hunting elk, post up if this could be your first year to get an elk!

What is your number one thing that you've done to be as prepared as possible for your elk hunt this year?

For me it's been research and scouting.

Last year (my first "official" year) I had no clue as to what I was doing. I didn't even know about OTC tags until mid August. :mrgreen:

I have spent the entire year (quite literally every day) reading up on elk. Can't wait!

by **Mikeha33** » 08 19, 2014 • [Post 2]

Lark, I'm in the same boat as you. Last year was my first elk hunt as well, a DIY backpack hunt. I did not have any elk encounters. I was bummed, but I was forever hooked! I'm leaving out in 2-1/2 weeks for round 2!
I also didn't have a clue in the world about what was going on. I was basically on a camping trip with my bow in tow. This year, I have spent nearly every day learning about elk, burning up my maps, GE and other online maps looking for that special X. I'd say #1 thing is learning more about where to focus my efforts, not just show up in a unit where we know there are elk, but rather to think like an elk, and be able to predict and understand where, why, and when they'l be where they are.

by **nrocchio** » 08 19, 2014 • [Post 3]

This will be my first archery elk hunt. I have hunted late rifle since I was old enough to hunt, but never regularly. I have only harvested two elk and don't consider myself to be an experience hunter, so this feels like a first time hunt this year. I spent a lot of time researching how to hunt differently earlier in the season. A lot of practicing with a call since that was never part of a 3rd rifle game plan. A lot of time was spent hiking around my new area and checking out a lot of maps. I am really excited to head out there and put all of the planning to action. This forum helped me out a lot. Good luck to all the new hunters and seasoned vets this year!

by **the weasel** » 08 19, 2014 • [Post 4]

22 yrs. and counting.........
so yes still looking for my first elk. (maybe i need new glasses.....) 8-)

by **zpd307** » 08 19, 2014 • [Post 5]

although I have gotten an elk before, a cow. 2010 private ranch in Utah with a rifle. they told me where to go and I could drive right to my spot.... that was the first time I had ever been to the mountains!
anyways. since then, on my own and diy on public land is what I really consider my first elk hunt and I have been skunked the last 2 years. when trying to figure out what I was doing wrong, because my deer hunting experience wasn't getting me an elk, I finally figured out the right questions to ask. which brought me here.
elk behavior has been the biggest key. because knowing that will help you figure out how to hunt them. ii have had no problem finding them... the next thing you need to know is set ups. I have been able to relate my elk experiences with ones that others on here have had and see why mine failed.
I have only been researching and planning for the last 11 months and 1 week

by **KCArrowSlinger** » 08 19, 2014 • [Post 6]

My first shot at getting an elk this year. 10 days and counting, can't wait!!!! Biggest thing that I've done to be ready is lose 50lbs so I can try keeping up with my son who will be looking for his first elk also.

by **wewarev** » 08 19, 2014 • [Post 7]

This will be my first year hunting the wapiti. To do a DIY back country bow hunt has been a dream of mine for a long time. This hunt will be the culmination of four years of planning that has finally come together. I'll be accompanied by my son and a friend who asked to join me just last week. I'll be the only one with a tag though. I suspect after this year they will be my hunting companions in the years to come.

I want to go ahead and say a Big THANK YOU to Paul and all who contribute on this site. I feel like I'll be way ahead of the game simply from what I've learned here. The experiences that are shared here are second to none...Thanks again everybody.

by RP » 08 19, 2014 • [Post 8]

This will be our second trip out to Co. We got within 92 yards of a 5x5 last time out but couldn't close the distance. Hope to do better this year for our First Elk. We have done a lot more walking the woods here at home with loaded packs and spent many hours on this forum soaking up all I could. Thanks to all who are willing to share you knowledge!!

by **toasty tiger** » 08 19, 2014 • [Post 9]

This will be my first elk adventure. I am going with my dad who is 67. He didnt get a tag in the draw for muzzleloader so he got a muzzy bear tag. He has hunted elk and mule deer in the unit for going on 20 years so it should be interesting. I am actually more nervous for him filling his tag than whether or not I fill mine. I dont think a single person in our group of four has ever bear hunted and I just hope he actually hits the bear if he shoots at it.

by **dtrkyman** » 08 19, 2014 • [Post 10]

This will be my third Elk hunt, have passed 4 bulls and a couple cows on the first 2 hunts, 3rd times a charm they say!

by **POk3s** » 08 19, 2014 • [Post 11]

Good luck to you guys! Elk hunting is truly a magical time!

by **SoCo Mark** » 08 19, 2014 • [Post 12]

I am looking for my first archery elk. I went in in the early 90's a few years, but mostly iI was wondering around aimlessly hoping for an elk. I went last year and took it a bit more seriously, and had a couple of close calls. This year I committed to learning about elk, calling, the whys the wherefor's and all of that. I continued to work out, obtain gear here and there, but mainly tried to glean from this site what it takes to get an archery elk.. The Playbook and Swede's book have been instrumental. Too many posters to mention have contributed much to the success of others. most who are complete strangers. This site really gives hope for the state of people helping out their fellow mates..
The end result is, I have a treestand set up 16 yards from a waterhole/wallow that produced 276 pictures on my game camera in the last 2 weeks. Most were multiples of the same elk, but from the 7th to the 17th, I think there was only 2 days when elk did not show up. And ALL pictures were within legal shooting time.. To say I am ready would be like saying the Titanic was a boat... I have the first week and last week of season off. I plan on sitting the treestand, thermals willing, the vast majority of the first week. I wanted to hunt smarter this year, rather than harder (physically.) Now it is time to do it..

by **jc957b** » 08 19, 2014 • [Post 13]

This is my 4th year and no elk. I did call a rag horn in for a first time hunter and he got it on my 3rd trip. I have learned a ton from the three past trips and from this forum. I will get my elk this year because of the experience. I can read and look at maps until my head falls off my shoulders but when situations happen you learn from them good or bad. I've had numerous encounters and learned from all of them. I feel it will happen for me this year due to experience and the info here.

Good luck to all!!!

by **Indian Summer** » 08 19, 2014 • [Post 14]

Man... this thread gets me so excited for you guys!!!

I hope that in some way, big or small, this site will be a contributing factor in your success this season. If you think you're hooked now wait until you are standing over your first dead elk.

I fill my elk tags pretty consistently these days but my first two elk hunts I came up empty handed. They were both in the same year. I went to Montana to bowhunt and only saw one cow although we did hear several bugles. We were CLUELESS! :lol:

I went home and stared at that unpunched tag and just couldn't take it. I went back in gun season and booked a gun hunt with an outfitter up near Noxon Montana. Never saw an elk on that hunt and realized that DIY was the only way to go for me. I was smarter and more determined than my guide! I skipped a year and then went back to the Noxon area and killed my first bull, a 5x5 12 miles in. Since then I have gravitated to what I refer to as more "user friendly" elk country. More elk and just a different ype of terrain. Places where there is always a plan B, C, D, and so on.

Anyway I couldn't be more excited to see all of you heading out this season. I'll be thinking of all of you all the time anticipating the reports.

After all my years of elk hunting I can honestly say that half of the attraction are the mountains themselves. I truly love the mountains. You only kill an elk one day a year so you have to enjoy more than just that part of the hunt. I also enjoy the planning phase. So keep that in mind and please remember to keep it fun and be thankful just to be where you are doing what you're doing.

Best of luck fellow elk nuts!!!!

by **easeup** » 08 19, 2014 • [Post 15]

you are right IS. this is a great thread. I hope all of our new members get it done this September too!!!

I really like all of the enthusiasm and positive vibes coming in on this one. I still get excited about the thought of closing the deal after all these years.

C'mon lurkers, post up. you know you are excited too.

by **under H2O hunter** » 08 19, 2014 • [Post 16]

I was 16 before I was able to kill my first elk. It was my third year. The first year I seen elk, 2nd year I was able to take a shot but missed a cow elk, my third year I put a spike bull on the ground during the last rifle season. I am with you Indian Summer how addictive elk hunting becomes after you put your first one down. Every year you learn something weather or not you put an animal on the ground. This will be my first year "Trophy" Hunting. In 23 years I have been able to put down lots of elk but never anything bigger then a 5x5. So I am hoping to put down a 6x5 or better. I feel like a newbie all over again. It has given me purpose to have a large goal. I am also showing three new elk hunters the ropes and hoping that they get a shot at an elk. My girlfriend has never hunted a thing in her life and I have a buddy who has taken some whitetails but thats it for big game. My son is bringing his buddy who came along with us last year for labor day weekend as a tag along but this season will be hunting. He went out and got his hunters education and bought a bow and is pumped to learn. It is awesome to see my son passing along his knowledge to his buddy. There will be 7 people in my camp throughout the month. With 4 of them having little or no experience. So If we can get 4 elk tags punch then I will consider this year a huge success....

Take pride in your hunt regardless if you tag out or not and you'll be pumped for next year guaranteed. Best of luck to all of you who are looking for your first wapiti.

by **ABQ_Chica** » 08 19, 2014 • [Post 17]

This will be my 3rd year hunting elk. 3rd time's a charm?

This is my first year hunting from a tree stand, so preparation this year included overcoming my fear of heights and practicing shots from 18 feet up. So far, so good! I'm fortunate enough to be going with some very experienced hunters this year, so I'm hoping that helps.
Good luck to everyone!

by **dromsky** » 08 19, 2014 • [Post 18]

This year will be my 1st elk hunt, I've spent the last year studying maps and elk behaviour which led me to this forum. Meanwhile i'm riding my mtn bike and putting my pack and boots on every weekend to keep in shape for the mountains. Want to thank everybody for participating on the forum its really a lot of help for us newbs!
Good luck everybody!

by **Indian Summer** » 08 19, 2014 • [Post 19]

Best of luck to you ABQ-Chica!

MtnMutt where are you???????

by **patdel** » 08 19, 2014 • [Post 20]

Third time elk hunting, hope to get my first this year. If I can just find a couple bugling bulls to chase around I'll be pretty happy though. Pretty tough to beat the mountains in September. Spent tons of time studying maps and researching strategy. Worked on my calling quite a bit. Although lately I'm leaning towards trying to stay quiet, get as close as I can and waiting for something good to happen. WIND. Always the Wind.

by **Wagnon89** » 08 19, 2014 • [Post 21]

This will be my first year also. I've been trying to get a trip backcountry bow hunt planned for a few years now and this year it fell into place.
If I am able to connect with an elk (the first legal animal that will offer me a shot) it will be because of the help I've received by studying threads on here and the map reading assistance from Indian Summer. So thank you in advance. We leave in 8 days!!

by **Lark Bunting** » 08 19, 2014 • [Post 22]

Yes! Newbies unite!

As stated, thank you to all the members on this forum (and those that are not here anymore) for your contributions. As a beginner I have really learned a lot from your experiences. Your knowledge and generosity is greatly appreciated!

Good luck fellow first timers! I hope to see you in the meat pole thread this year!

by **Infamous** » 08 19, 2014 • [Post 23]

I will be looking for my first elk this year. Archery tackle, Unit 31/Brownlee Res. Zone.

Good luck to everyone!

by **under H2O hunter** » 08 19, 2014 • [Post 24]

Lark Bunting wrote: I hope to see you in the meat pole thread this year!

Just WRRRROOOOOONNNNGGGGG : FAIL :

by **Kiwi Bowhunter** » 08 20, 2014 • [Post 25]

This is going to be my first year to hunt Elk, I'm flying over from New Zealand next week for a 12 day backcountry hunt. It's been a dream hunt for me for what seems like a long time and I've finally got it sorted for this year.

I don't have any expectations and its going to be a awesome learning experience. I have been reading plenty of topics on here for info but looking forward to some real life field learning!

Good luck to everyone and hope you nail your first Elk!

by **frogtosser** » 08 20, 2014 • [Post 26]

Another new guy here. This will be my first time elk hunting ever, I'm really excited and at least I'm going with some guys who know what they r doing. I'm really hoping to have an encounter or 2 and am going September 20 - 28th. I have been doing alot of reading on bow hunting for elk and hiking a few miles with my pack and boots on. I know there is so much to learn that it's a little overwhelming and I know I'm in for a crazy week. Just hope this flatlander can handle it.

by **Indian Summer** » 08 20, 2014 • [Post 27]

Kiwi Bowhunter wrote:This is going to be my first year to hunt Elk, I'm flying over from New Zealand next week for a 12 day backcountry hunt. It's been a dream hunt for me for what seems like a long time and I've finally got it sorted for this year.

I don't have any expectations and its going to be a awesome learning experience. I have been reading plenty of topics on here for info but looking forward to some real life field learning!

Good luck to everyone and hope you nail your first Elk!

New Zealand! Hmm... red stag. Swap hunts???

by **sojurner 65** » 08 20, 2014 • [Post 28]

First year, hmmm....Pray!

by **LckyTylr** » 08 20, 2014 • [Post 29]

My first elk . . . will die this year.

It's been a 5 year quest. I have made a lot of mistakes and learned a lot along the way. I don't think there's one thing I can point to and say that it's helped me more than any other to prepare for this. 5 years of education is what it usually takes to get a white collar job . . . I'm just trying to get my hands dirty.

I have done the usual, lots of physical preparation, shooting my bow, scouting, lots of time on GE . . .

by **bloodarrow** » 08 20, 2014 • [Post 30]

This year will be my first with a bow.....first elk taken, that is. Ive bow hunted 2 times, rifle 2 times, and have one 5x5 with the rifle. Called it in to 25 yards, go figure. Anyway, super stoked. Have lost almost 40 lbs, a new bow, been shooting alot and am all tuned in. Cant wait. Good luck to all!!

by **Rangerz** » 08 20, 2014 • [Post 31]

This will be my 1st Elk hunt and I don't even have a tag. Going to help my buddy. Been reading all I can and got some calls and The Playbook. Lot of good info in there. Hoping for the best.

by **Brendan** » 08 20, 2014 • [Post 32]

The last thing for me to do was officially commit and pay for the license / tag, which I just did. So, this year will be my first year elk hunting as well. I hit the road West in just over 3 weeks.

I'm in better shape than I have been in a while, have lost 15 pounds, I'm shooting the best I ever have, I am ready from a gear perspective, and have 12 consecutive days to hunt. My cow calls and Bugles are passable, I've been studying hard, and feel like I have several areas that should hold Elk. I'm heading out with a goal of having fun, and if I get opportunities - hopefully I can take advantage of them. Can't wait!

by **Lefty** » 08 20, 2014 • [Post 33]

Im looking for my first archery bull for the books

by **jrnorton4** » 08 20, 2014 • [Post 34]

We leave in two weeks and a day headed to Colorado for what will be my first elk hunt. Even though I have hunted deer for years, the only thing I have ever killed with a bow is an armadillo.
Have been reading, researching, running, and shooting since February. July scouting trip kicked my tail, so I have stepped up the running and shooting since getting home. We may not get one, but we will be trying until the last minute we are there.

by **navet** » 08 20, 2014 • [Post 35]

Just got my tag in the mail yesterday.
Less than a month from my first archery hunt in over 25years and first ever elk archery hunt. Getting that feeling in my stomach like butterflies before a game.
I am ready for GAME TIME
Good luck to all

by **nshunter** » 08 20, 2014 • [Post 36]

I'll be in Alberta OTC and DIY with a buddy who lives there, for the first 2 weeks of the season. THis will be the 6th year and haven't been able to connect yet. Got a good feeling about this time though. Good luck to all.

Keep em sharp

by **RichM** » 08 20, 2014 • [Post 37]

If things go right this will be my second year trying and first elk in the freezer.
I've drawn for a deer archery hunt and a cow elk rifle hunt. I've been trying to get my calls correct for the elk, last year I had no idea about calling.

by **NoWiser** » 08 20, 2014 • [Post 38]

My dad and I will be trying for our first ever elk in just a few short weeks! We hunted Wyoming for 10 days last year and had some pretty close calls but not quite close enough to ever get the bow drawn back. This year will be different. For one we drew tags in one of the most sought after units in the Gila and we also have a season's worth of experience under our belts. We made plenty of mistakes last year and will not be repeating them! A bull is going to die this September by one of our hands, there is no doubt in my mind! I've been working out, calling, and shooting every day. I've talked to many hunters with experience in the unit. I have maps, satellite images, and gps coordinates of the areas we'll be in. We have 4 full days of scouting planned before our season opens. We WILL be eating elk this winter!!!

by **swmoelk** » 08 20, 2014 • [Post 39]

15 days and I'm headed to the mountains for the first time ever. All I can say is thank you to EVERYONE on this site. I started researching my hunt in November and everyone has been super helpful. I've been pouring over maps and data since day one and have it narrowed down to the exact canyon I believe my elk is in lol. I am truly expecting to find elk but as with anything there's no gurantee. That's not saying I am thinking I will kill one just that through phonecalls and research I believe I've made the best decision to maximize elk encounters and minimize people encounters. I've talked with biologists pilots guides and outfitters. I've been packing 100# of concrete every evening as me and my daughter do our daily mile through the hills around the house and I've lost almost 20# so far. . Needless to say I'm super excited even my coworkers are in on my countdown. Thanks again to all who helped along the way I couldn't put this together without the elknut family.

by **IdahoKel** » 08 20, 2014 • [Post 40]

I've been at this 4 years (though only 2 bowhunting), and I'm hopeful that this is the year it finally happens. I've learned a lot from my mistakes in years previous and I feel like I've got a decent shot at it this time around. Unfortunately my work schedule just doesn't allow me very many days to hunt. But I'm determined to make them count.

by **WYO_ELK** » 08 20, 2014 • [Post 41]

I shot an elk 12 years ago, when I was 16. It was a cow, and I was in a treestand over a waterhole. This fall will be the first time I would actually say I am going elk hunting, can't wait!!

by **Indian Summer** » 08 20, 2014 • [Post 42]

Lefty wrote:Im looking for my first archery bull for the books

A stroke of luck no doubt but my first bow killed elk made book. Barely. 260 is the minimum and it squeaked in at 260 3/8 net score. It's the one bugling on the right in my avatar pic. The thought never crossed my mind to have it measured. I took it to the taxidermist and he said I think your bull will make Pope & Young. A scorer lived nearby and he measured it the next time he stopped by and they called me to tell me the news. Pretty cool. I've killed bigger ones since then and had them meaured by official scorers just to know the actual score but never entered them.

by **mjblowers** » 08 20, 2014 • [Post 43]

No one asked for my advice but I'll give it - take the first elk you see and don't be upset if it isn't a bull. After you get a couple down - then start worrying about finding only bulls. Don't make the mistake I made as a Rookie bow hunter and pass on the cows... you'll be in a couple years and kicking yourself.

by **Bow4me** » 08 20, 2014 • [Post 44]

That's good advice for the first year. I had the same thing happen to me. When got to Colorado the season was all ready open. It was getting late in the evening and I was getting anxious. Even though some of the seasoned hunters were telling me to lay up and get acclimated I couldn't I had to go. 30 minutes in I had let 2 cows walk and was looking through my sites at a rag horn. I thought to myself this is going to be easy and let him walk. I didn't see another elk for the rest of the hunt. As a matter of fact I had to hunt 2 more archery hunts and then a rifle hunt before I could get it done. Now it's been a couple more rifle hunts and a couple of kills but I'm going back to DIY public land archery pack in trip. So I'm back to my original quest and it will be like my first elk.

by **pointysticks** » 08 20, 2014 • [Post 45]

I want my second elk. But archery only will do.

by **2011bullyelk** » 08 20, 2014 • [Post 46]

I have killed so many elk with a rifle I can't even remember how many, however my goal this year is to harvest an elk with my bow. I've never closed the deal on an elk archery, it is a HUGE goal I am looking forward to accomplishing! Good luck to all who are in the same boat!

by **Justhrowit** » 08 21, 2014 • [Post 47]

I've been looking forward to hunting elk for a decade in a half, but just have never made it happen. I moved to Fort Collins this past Feb. this will be my first elk hunting experience. Although I'm quite unprepared in regards to scouting, for various reasons. I'm still giving it a whirl. Why not!?!?

by **mtnmutt** » 08 21, 2014 • [Post 48]

Indian Summer wrote:MtnMutt where are you???????

Spent my Spring preparing house for sale. Spring/early summer packing and purging. Summer moving. Did not get free time until late July. My 1st scouting trip was the 1st weekend in August. I did the 2nd one last weekend. I have not been able to keep up on forum postings.

I damaged my SI Joint from packing and moving. It will limit my hunting distances this year. Doing Physical Therapy for pelvis misalignment/SI joint.

I have only done 30% of the prep and training that I did for the past years, however, moving heavy times for 2-3 months did help build up arm and leg strength. I will most definitely be hunting smarter, not harder.

This is my 5th year elk hunting. I never hunted anything before taking up elk bowhunting. Also doing my 2nd backpack mulie hunt this September.

I am 0-4 for elk and 0-1 for deer. Looking for 1-5 elk and 1-2 deer by October 1st using Persistence and Patience.

Good luck everyone. Be safe. Have Fun!

by **CrazyElkHunter** » 08 21, 2014 • [Post 49]

Not trying to brag, but I do have advice to pass on to new elk hunters. Like Swede, I have been bow hunting elk for a very long time. I have been fortunate to have taken close to 30 elk with a bow. I do not live in elk country and like most, have to travel over a thousand miles. I have never been guided or hunted on a private ranch. All my elk came off of public land, and all were over the counter tags except 1. All the elk were boned out and carried on our backs.
Your question is how to prepare for the hunt.
My advise is to prepare in 3 stages, not just before the trip.
Prepare for, before, during and after the shot. Every year I run into newbies that shoot there 1st elk and are not prepared in what to do once they walk up on there downed elk. They are totally dumbfounded on how large a elk is and how to get all that meat off the mountain and the famous words of Wow! where do I start?
Make sure you have plenty of pack frames, sharp knives, rope, hi quality game bags and a plan where or how to have it processed. Every year I have hunters come Into camp borrowing pack frames and asking where the nearest meat processer is.
Plan for the entire hunt, not just the trip.
Also, don't forget about the bugle teeth. You would be surprised how many heads I find in the woods with the ivories still in.
Just my 2 cents worth!

by **Trophyhill** » 08 21, 2014 • [Post 50]

Good luck to all you guys looking to kill your first. My advice is don't be picky. Take the first opportunity you have whether a cow or bull. Get that full experience of the kill and the whole process that goes along with it. You won't be sorry.

by **Kiowa1SG** » 08 22, 2014 • [Post 51]

I have learned so much even from this thread here.
Can not thank the folks on here enough. Every time I have a question this is the first place I think to come ask.
I am still without an Elk but my son has a great one hanging on our living room wall. I will eventually get mine but my hunting is more about the experience and the love I share with my son and friends out on the mountain. I tease him all the time that were going to move his trophy to the bathroom once I get my spike lol..

I have scouted alot of areas and thanks to some folks on this site I have a new area that we scouted this last weekend. I was seriously impressed with what we found in that spot. Its a good hike but worth it IMHO.

Can not wait and I agree with what was said about planning for the whole hunt. Not just everything up to the point when you have it lying on the ground. We are bringing several packs, knives, rope, and game bags to help us get these animals off the mountain and tended to. I have a friend that is going to show me the basics when it comes to processing.

Good luck to all the hunters this year and hope everyone is successful on their hunts.

by **explorerss** » 08 22, 2014 • [Post 52]

New member here and already enjoying what I have read. Although I am not looking for my first elk, killed a 5x6 bull on a diy hunt in colorado 2nd season rifle on the second day, most likely all luck but got it done. I am now wanting to shoot one with my bow and to be able to enjoy the sounds of bugling bulls in the mountains. Looking into idaho since they have otc tags for archery and to be able to get away from a few hunters. Good luck to everyone this year and I hope to see lots of picture.

by **MidMoElkNut** » 08 22, 2014 • [Post 53]

This will be my third diy otc archery elk hunt in colorado.... I've talked to guys that have been elk hunting for years, mainly gun hunters tho.. I had to randomly pick an area to hunt and figure it out all by myself.... the first year out I seen two bulls a spike and three cows and never shot because of different reasons.... last year my second year it rain everyday and I didn't have much luck and never even seen an elk...... it was still a blast and I'm hooked for life..... this year I've been getting everything ready and trying to prepare but about a month ago I was playing ball and I injured my foot, which is keeping me from working out and exercising although it hasn't hurt at all the past week I don't want to injure it again so I will be taking it easy until my hunt..will have to just slow down and be more careful while hunting which sucks but at least I will still be able to go I just might be out of shape..... either way I can't wait to go it's just a little over a week away!!! Goodluck to everyone!!!!

by **dapper** » 08 23, 2014 • [Post 54]

Add me to those looking for their first elk. This'll be my fifth trip. Thirty plus years ago I went on two drop camp hunts deep in Montanas Bob Marshall Wilderness. The last two years I've done diy backpack hunts into a northern Colorado Wilderness. They all have been memorable experiences. This year I'll add New Mexico to the list of states I've hunted in.
Every year I've learned something, but most of what I know about elk hunting has come from reading all the posts of knowledgeable elk hunters on these forums. So thanks to all those that post!

Good Luck and Happy Hunting to all this year!

Dan

by **Huntmaster** » 08 23, 2014 • [Post 55]

This year will be my 4th archery elk hunt in a 8 year span. Twice to the Gila and once to the big horns and I'm still looking to kill #1. I have over 35 hunting days in the elk woods with my last 15 the best by far. I learned more in the past 15 days unguided than I did in the previous 20 guided or semi guided.

I've passed a few small bulls and missed a solid 6x6 on my last morning hunt last year. I've had my chances but it just hasn't come together yet for me.

First hunt was guided in Gila and Ok, second was a drop camp in Gila and a flop, third I got great Intel from a online friend and was in elk every day.

This year I'm doing my first OTC hunt and expect it to be the most difficult to date. Since I struck out on the draws, I'm going to ID with a buddy who hunted the unit two years ago.

I'm going to adjust my expectations to equal the unit quality this year, but I'm in shape and ready to cover as many miles as needed to get it done.

Wish me luck!

by **easeup** » 08 23, 2014 • [Post 56]

dapper wrote:Add me to those looking for their first elk. This'll be my fifth trip. Thirty plus years ago I went on two drop camp hunts deep in Montanas Bob Marshall Wilderness. The last two years I've done diy backpack hunts into a northern Colorado Wilderness. They all have been memorable experiences. This year I'll add New Mexico to the list of states I've hunted in.
Every year I've learned something, but most of what I know about elk hunting has come from reading all the posts of knowledgeable elk hunters on these forums. So thanks to all those that post!

Good Luck and Happy Hunting to all this year!

Dan

yeh we know where you are hunting in NM also. Better have your photographer handy and post up on the meatpole when you return. LOL good luck over there.

by **djchere** » 09 08, 2014 • [Post 57]

Thanks for all the knowledge. Lots of great perspectives. I never hired anyone to help me hunt. But I do live and work in Elk country. I can hike. I know how to get around in the High Country. And most importantly I listen to local experts and do my research. I am amazed at how much money people will put in to this sacred art. For me although the time is invaluable, I want to beat the price of beef and have healthier food for my family. I am grateful to live where I can come home to my wife after a long days hunt. This is my first Elk hunt. I used to live in black tail deer only hunting country. I will approach the big country before me and hope I can apply lessons and humility to receive the luck of great timing and good fortune soon. This will also be my 12 yr olds first hunt ever. May we fill our freezer with wholesome wild lean red meat. Thanks again veterans for all the wisdom! New hunters don't underestimate the massive scale of the Western wild mountains. If you shoot at it, you better follow it. I hate lazy wasters. Elk have eyes and hearts too.