North Dakota Elk tag.

[Ponyboy_jonas]

I just found out that I drew a either sex rifle elk tag in North Dakota. This is a one in a life time tag. (My grandpa has been trying for 50 years.) The season runs from September 4 - December 31st. I drew it in Unit E3. I do not expect many responses. But let me know if you anyone has some tips.

[Heartwood]

I might be stating the obvious but: If you don't already know the country, learn it. Get out and scout as much as possible. Since this as a hard to draw tag there should be many that will share knowledge of the area and what size bulls to target. You must have done a back flip when you found out about the tag! Talk to as many people as you can who have done this hunt and talk to the local game managers. There will be many people pulling for you to capitalize on this one. Best of luck and congrats on the tag.

[BrentLaBere]

Awesome news! I might have some insight that could help out, ill share what I know. I know the areas around Grassy Butte, Killdeer and Watford a lot better. But, I have had some friends hunt E3. I would explore the whole unit North of the park (Billings and Golden Valley). Two obvious "sanctuaries" are going to the be the park and the elk horn ranch on the west side of the river. I had a buddy shoot a nice bull North West of Fairfield, so that's why I say don't look passed exploring the whole unit. Networking will be your best friend next to getting your boots on the ground. Finding access points and getting to know the country is the biggest thing. You may not find elk on your scouting trips, but you can get in better shape and eliminate country. Lots of country and not that many elk! But once you find them it pays off, there are some really big bulls out there! I would start calling as well! It might help with the leg work of finding elk. I havent looked at the dates in awhile but I believe you will be rifle hunting in September-December?

Other things to consider..... Hunted elk before? Equipment to take care of the meat. Base camp? Hotels? Provide some more information and these guys on this site will certainly point you in the right direction. There is a lot you can learn here.

[Ponyboy_jonas]

Awesome news! I might have some insight that could help out, ill share what I know. I know the areas around Grassy Butte, Killdeer and Watford a lot better. But, I have had some friends hunt E3. I would explore the whole unit North of the park (Billings and Golden Valley). Two obvious "sanctuaries" are going to the be the park and the elk horn ranch on the west side of the river. I had a buddy shoot a nice bull North West of Fairfield, so that's why I say don't look passed exploring the whole unit. Networking will be your best friend next to getting your boots on the ground. Finding access points and getting to know the country is the biggest thing. You may not find elk on your scouting trips, but you can get in better shape and eliminate country. Lots of country and not that many elk! But once you find them it pays off, there are some really big bulls out there! I would start calling as well! It might help with the leg work of finding elk. I havent looked at the dates in awhile but I believe you will be rifle hunting in September-December?

Other things to consider..... Hunted elk before? Equipment to take care of the meat. Base camp? Hotels? Provide some more information and these guys on this site will certainly point you in the right direction. There is a lot you can learn here.

Thanks Brent! We will be heading out there as much as we could, but what time of year would you recommend to be the best?

[BrentLaBere]

As much as you can! haha.
Best time for action I had was from the 15th to the 20th of September.
I know others have had success for rutting action before that.

[Z Barebow]

First off Congrats!

I hunt that area for MD. My advice is scout, scout and scout (summer). There is a LOT of area in between elk. I would first off find feed. (Alfalfa). The more secluded the better. The elk will head to cover within several miles of those fields.

As far as when to hunt, I would hunt the area as early as possible. If you can pattern the elk in the summer, you can be on them on day 1. If you wait too long, either they will be pressured and move elsewhere or be dead.

I would make as many landowner contacts as possible. Most LO's like to see dead elk. If they do not have gratis tags, they will likely let you on and give you intel. If they have tags, they might let you on after they whack one.