Newbie - Question on Thermals

[welcher83]

Hello,

Just joined the forum. I really enjoy this site and find it very informative. I especially like the different scenarios and reading peoples strategies.

Quick blurb about me - I'm in my early 30s and a lifer here in the great state of Idaho. I grew up rifle hunting with my dad (mostly deer and late season cows). I've killed both deer and elk but nothing with a bow yet. I was getting the itch to switch to archery about 5 years ago and finally made the switch 2 years ago. My first year went pretty well and almost dumb-lucked into a 5 pt, and I think we both came away a little wiser. Last year didn't have a lot of time to hunt so went to an area I knew well but didn't get into many elk (the area is more of a migratory area that elk move into in October and November). I definitely enjoy archery more and being away from the crowds that rifle season brings.

I feel that when I am in shape and mentally committed, I am decent at finding elk. But, there is a lot that I need to learn to increase my chances of filling my tag.

One area I'm interested in learning more about is thermals. I understand the concepts - heat rises, cold air sinks, and elk generally reside in mountainous terrain. But I have never really paid too much attention to the wind until there is a stiff breeze.

Any tips, advice, or strategies you guys could offer up. Also any good stories of where you played it right (or blew it).

Thank you much,

[one_elk]

If you go to the url below there is some pretty good reading on the "thermal" topic....best of luck to ya and welcome to the forum


viewtopic.php?f=3&t=3823&p=62965&hilit=thermals#p62965

[CurlyTail]

Welcome welcher83. I am relatively new here also but really like this forum with a great group of helpful contributors.

Great link - hard to add much to that discussion.

I also use Smoke in a Bottle, and check the wind constantly to monitor the wind and thermals. This past season, I also started using Milkweed seeds, and I really loved the added information they added. By launching a seed fiber in to the air, I could follow the wind not only in my spot, but see how it flowed for the next 20 to 50 yards - what an eye opener! The amount of swirling, updrafts, downdrafts, and wind direction changes was mind boggling. Very informative. I picked a milkweed pod in early August, let it sit in the sun and dry for the month of August, then broke open the pod, removed the actual brown seed flakes, retained the white cotton-like fibers, stuffed them into a cheap soft plastic coin purse, and carried them around in my pocket. One pod may be a lifetime supply of seed fiber. Give it a try.

I had a memorable encounter where losing track of the thermals cost me dearly. It was early AM, still dark, and dense fog, cold. Not a breath of wind. Lucky for me, a Bull started bugling every few minutes and I was able to locate the herd. Wouldn't you know it, they were on a tiny piece of private land in thick aspens. I snuck right up to property line, wanting to observe the situation and form a plan of action - forgetting about the thermals. Even though I was 300 yards away, not a breath of wind, and only about 20 feet of elevation above the herd - the thermals carried my scent down to the herd in about 5 minutes, the cows spooked, and off they stampede into the next drainage. Lesson learned.

Sometimes thermals are very strong, sometimes very weak, depending on the temperature change. On a South slope on a nice warm fall day, the thermals can go from 10mph downhill at 8am to 20mph uphill at 11am. Mid morning can get really tricky as the thermal can be going uphill in the open meadows, and downhill in the shaded timber. Approaching from sidehill is you best bet but be aware that swirling can also be an issue. When you have the wind right, and it is steady - you are a lucky man.

[ElkNut1]

Lots of info to digest on the subject if a guy wants to get techy, personally I don't lean that way. Basically speaking I monitor the wind with a wind checker or a "smoke in the bottle" type product. That's it, done! I don't try to over think it, hunt with the wind in your favor & you will have a leg up in the scent dept. I'm constantly monitoring the wind when getting into an encounter so I have the advantage. I will do whatever it takes to get around elk so I have favorable wind, as long as they do not see or smell you then you are in the game.

I will monitor it as well when looking to locate elk just so I have an idea of wind direction, other than that it's in my pocket until action starts then it stays in my hand as long as needed as an elk approaches. I want to know where the barrier is I cannot let him get to before being winded as he approaches.

I hunt this way because it's tough to predict what the wind will do everyday of the season. Things change with the weather so I make sure when I'm hunting that day I know what the wind is doing & this will dictate my approach. Yes, the wind can change on a guy once there but there's nothing anyone can do about that, you have to do your best to adjust direction at times or basically back out all together. Monitor the wind especially as encounters materialize & you will be ready!

ElkNut1

[Ridgernr]

Paul nailed it for us too we check it when in the thick of it and making an approach, it changes too much and there are no rules in the mountains. Carry windicator and use it often when needed