Question for Elknut

by **TurkeyBowMaster** » 06 25, 2016 • [Post 1]

What would you expect the average elk hunters success increase to be when adopting you ways if elk hunting. Say a guy is averaging 10 days if hunting to get a shot at a legal bull just using a standard bugle and hoochie mama. How much would learning the elknut ways help. I know I have seen increases of up to 800% when adopting my ways of turkey hunting and I expect no less than 200%. I would consider twice as many shots in half as many days a 400% increase. I'm no statistician but that sounds about right. It would also be good if some who adopted the Elknut ways would chime in and give examples of their improvement.

by **saddlesore** » 06 25, 2016 • [Post 2]

I have hunted elk for about 45 years and have been very successful. Probably runs about 95-98 %. But back in 2009 or so, I bought Paul's Playbook and my hunting partner bought his four videos. I am a rifle and muzzle loader hunter and have killed an elk every year since then and sometimes two and I only hunt on public land in my home state of CO. Now 2% or so isn't much, but I feel I have a better understanding of elk talking to each other and have used that knowledge in the field. I am living proof that you never can stop learning about elk hunting, no matter how long you have done it or how.

by **twinkieman** » 06 25, 2016 • [Post 3]

Before learning the Elknut methods, our crew averaged a shot apiece each season, now we average a bull called into bow range 1 for each two days of hunting. The past two seasons our crew called in 22, and 23 bulls on OTC public ground, and all were called in with Elknut methods. I agree that there are huge similarities between calling in turkeys, and calling in elk. There are also huge differences. I had plenty of turkey knowledge prior to elk hunting, I had a firm understanding of what turkey sounds meant, and how to respond appropriately. The Elknut methods teach you what the elk sounds mean, and how to respond. It's that simple, only it's not. There is so much to learn, and build on from season to season, encounter to encounter. Paul Brunner wrote an article years ago, about Elknut's stuff, and this quote has always stayed with me.

"Elk are not call shy, they are wrong call shy", with what I know today, this means to me, when an elk speaks,( and every time they speak, they are saying something that has meaning to other elk), you have to respond appropriately, otherwise they will shut up, and just drift away. What we say to elk, has to make sense to the elk. That's what the Elknut method does. You can learn more in one season, with these methods, than in ten learning on your own. Just my opinion!

by **Swede** » 06 26, 2016 • [Post 4]

To be fair, I don't know an average elk hunter. I don't even know what one would look like. I have studied most of Elknut's stuff. It did not take me from a once a week encounter to a once a day encounter situation. I never studied it for that purpose. I wanted to learn some special tips and techniques that would help me close the deal when I had an opportunity. Paul's Playbook and DVDs are good for that. If I was a new elk hunter, I would think it would shorten my learning curve for elk hunting so I could be dangerous to elk from the start of my hunt. I have no idea about 200%, 400% etc. I could also use a lot of Paul's recommendations while using a Hoochie Mama and a bite and blow bugle.
A diaphragm and a grunt tube type of call can be more versatile, but I read proponents talk like you need one to be effective. That is not the case either.

by **ElkNut1** » 06 26, 2016 • [Post 5]

Using the phrase the ElkNut Way means knowing how to hunt elk no matter the situations that arise, it isn't meant to mean what type of calls are you using, that's a personal decision per individual.

Trying to hunt elk with one or two methods to fall on in every elk encounter will leave you severely handicapped. So many hunters have 5-to 10 days to hunt elk, they must make the best of their situation while there hunting. You cannot depend on elk bugling everyday of your hunt so knowing how to up your odds hunting quiet elk can come in handy & produce positive results. Too, understanding elk sounds is important, others say it is not, why? Because they don't put the time in to understand the message being sent when elk do talk. Understanding elk & knowing when to use specific sounds & why will increase your close encounters 10 fold, this is more important than your choice of Bugle, Reeds or Cow Calls.

When we hunt we expect to call in when calling is needed nearly every elk we come across, how? We do this by tailoring our sounds to the situation & the elk being worked. Elk hunting is a constant adapting & adjusting your thinking on the run, Read The Situation & only use sounds elk expect to hear in that specific situation. It's most important to understand what you're hearing from the elk instead of knowing how to make all sounds both cows & bulls can make.

So bottom line is this, you have a good chance of pulling in every elk you hear with calling when slipping in silent will not work. You need to understand what you're hearing when talking & you need to know how to play on their curiosity when not talking but you're within earshot not eyesight of other elk. Glassing & Spot & Stalk are great methods all should consider as terrain allows, when not possible calling can be huge! Right sounds right time! We've called in 100's of bulls & cows over the years on OTC Public Land hunts & so can you.

ElkNut1

by **TurkeyBowMaster** » 06 26, 2016 • [Post 6]

Twinkieman that is a pretty strong testimony for his methods. Most everyone I know who tried elk hunting came home empty handed. It seems to me the demographic for this would be more targeted to the guys back east who only deer hunt...first or second timers for elk.

by **Brendan** » 06 27, 2016 • [Post 7]

TurkeyBowMaster wrote:Twinkieman that is a pretty strong testimony for his methods. Most everyone I know who tried elk hunting came home empty handed. It seems to me the demographic for this would be more targeted to the guys back east who only deer hunt...first or second timers for elk.

Well, I can't equate it to a percentage, but I studied Elknut's playbook and videos extensively, taught myself to call, went on a rookie elk hunt solo. Over the course of the trip I had several encounters with smaller bulls, then a handful of herd bulls that I got to come in as close as 10-15 yards on an "intruder". Total count was 10 bull encounters under 60 yards over 11 days of hunting, and I called in and killed a 5 point satellite bull on the last morning (My Avatar Picture).

That's one instance, and I put in a ton of work (including 11 days straight hunting by myself), a ton of studying, but it worked for me. I also have 15-20 years of whitetail hunting experience in the Northeast, so not a hunting rookie. This was a general / OTC unit in Montana that I picked myself, that to be honest, probably isn't all that "great".

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=5329

At the end of the day - I think his methods work if you know how to listen and learn. Paul/Elknut does cover many different techniques / scenarios to cover almost all different situations, the hard part as an inexperienced hunter - is the right technique for the right situation.

by **ElkNut1** » 06 27, 2016 • [Post 8]

It really doesn't matter where a hunter lives, understanding elk & Reading The Situation is key here. Because a hunter lives in elk country doesn't mean understanding elk becomes automatic, it's like saying if you live near a golf course it automatically makes you a scratch golfer! (grin) It requires study & putting into practice what you're learning!

Here's a few Testimonials by some, I have over a thousand of them here.

ElkNut1

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Elknut,
I tell you what,not trying to pump your ego or anything. But if it wasn't for your dvds and playbook I don't know if I would have got this elk. I don't remember if it was in your dvds or playbook but you had talked about throwing rocks to get the elk to go what way you want them to while hunting by yourself. That's what I did! I took big rocks and threw them down the mtn to make the bull think I was leaving. It worked like a charm. He came right out in the open to see who the other bull was when he thought it was safe.
I knew from turkey hunting that they like being above their challenger to come to a fight.But I was in elk everyday thanks to your help, and for that I thank you!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Hi Paul,
Just got back from my Colorado elk hunt. It turned out better than last year. Last year I could not call anything in but spikes (5 total). This year before leaving on my hunt I did read the playbook to refresh my memory. I was hunting this year by myself so I really payed close attention to the lone hunter tactics. it was also hot and dry so the mid-day hunting section also contained priceless information. Five days into my hunt a 5x5 bull walked about 150 yards below me and when it went out of sight I gave a few mews and the bull came back around the hill to where I was sitting. It was staring right at me. It stood behind a dead pine tree for a minute and figured something was not right and turned around and left. After the encounter I remembered I WAS SUPPOSE TO CALL AND Move. I did get the Play Book out and refreshed my memory by reading the lone hunter tactics, mid-day tactics,and some hunting senerios.
Two days later at 2:00 pm I had another encounter with two bulls. Two cows, two calves, and two bulls came by me about 100 yards below me. After the elk went by me I gave a few cow mews and moved down the hill approximately 20 yards and I believe it was the smaller bull that returned. It did the same thing that the 5x5 did but I had moved this time and when he looked up the hill I was ready. He did not see anything out of the way so when he turned around I shot him at 40 yards. He ran about 60 yards. It was a 6x6 bull.
I do feel that the DVDs and Play Book contain the information that made this a successful hunt, especially the calling, (what they sound like, when to use, and what they mean), the mid-day hunting tactics,and the lone hunter tactics sections. Thanks for the great information. Already looking forward to next season.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Dear Mr. Medel and family,
I would like to thank you very much for all your help. I purchased your audio book and a four pack of your instructional DVDs. I listened to them over and over. I can say I may have listened and watched them all over a dozen times before heading out in the mountains. My neighbors thought I may have gone crazy for bugling and chuckling and grunting and cow calling almost every evening. My wife, thanks God, tolerated me. My two young sons joined me as I bought them each their own mouth calls. Well not only I learned to imitate most of your calls, but also, to some extend I learned to interpret calls and predict movements and behavior.
In Colorado, the elk started talking the last week of the season. Thanks God, I was finally blessed with my first archery bull elk and came back to my family as proud as one can be. You see, you don't only sell tapes and you don't only teach people how to hunt, you make positive changes in people's lives. You bring a kind of success, pride and happiness that stays with people for ever. I don't believe I will ever forget my first successful archer elk hunt, and I don't believe I will ever forget how grateful I am to you and your family.
God bless you and your home. I hope you will have many long long years of hunting, teaching and happy times with your family.
Sincerely Yours

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Attached is my WA Roosevelt bull killed this year with some "aggressive" cow calling. He came in on a string. Thanks again for what you do. I would still be using that stupid hoochie mama and Primos bugle if it wasn't for you.

I also attached a picture of the cow I killed last year in WA's late season. They won't let you hunt bulls this time of year and I didn't have time to hunt the early season. My partner and I tracked them right down to their late morning beds and when we bushed them out, I used the regathering sound to calm them down on the spot (they never smelled or saw us) and we killed two that were coming back in to regroup. Couldn't have worked better. In years past we would have just continued chasing them until we could catch them and kill them, but now we hunt smarter. lol

by **twinkieman** » 06 27, 2016 • [Post 9]

TurkeyBowMaster wrote:Twinkieman that is a pretty strong testimony for his methods. Most everyone I know who tried elk hunting came home empty handed. It seems to me the demographic for this would be more targeted to the guys back east who only deer hunt...first or second timers for elk.

Brendan wrote:Well, I can't equate it to a percentage, but I studied Elknut's playbook and videos extensively, taught myself to call, went on a rookie elk hunt solo. Over the course of the trip I had several encounters with smaller bulls, then a handful of herd bulls that I got to come in as close as 10-15 yards on an "intruder". Total count was 10 bull encounters under 60 yards over 11 days of hunting, and I called in and killed a 5 point satellite bull on the last morning (My Avatar Picture).That's one instance, and I put in a ton of work (including 11 days straight hunting by myself), a ton of studying, but it worked for me. I also have 15-20 years of whitetail hunting experience in the Northeast, so not a hunting rookie. This was a general / OTC unit in Montana that I picked myself, that to be honest, probably isn't all that "great".

The key to Brendan's quote is how hard and extensively he dedicated himself to learning. It's not a few visits to the forum, or reading and watching the DVD's once, it's a yearlong dedication for my crew, we never stop listening to the audio version of the DVD's.

A strong testimony, absolutely!!! If one is willing to learn, and put effort into it, no doubt at all, the Elknut Methods work!!

by **Wapiti** » 06 27, 2016 • [Post 10]

I truly believe in Paul's methods ! I met Paul a few years ago now and I was an accomplished hunter already but just through talking with him on the phone I realised he was on a whole other level then most. Since then we have gone onto become friends and help each other out on different things when we can. One thing is Paul is there to help in any way he can.

Within his video's and playbooks there are countless idea's and hints and helpful tips. If you seriously take the time to watch and learn you can take those lesson's out into the field and call in elk !! What you will see is there is no magic scenario each and every time but you will have the basic's already and if you can adapt with the situation at hand you will be successful at calling in elk !

Now don't get me wrong other guys have different idea's that work as well. One thing for sure is if you go out with only one strategy you are destined to fail as you will be severely hampered.

Now obviously I do not make anything from Paul as I do my own thing but I can tell you that if you spend a few of your hard earned dollars and give Paul's system an honest effort you will understand a whole lot more and you'll also have a higher quality experience this fall once you get out hunting.

Each year I buy Paul's video's and a few playbooks and they always seem to disappear to friends and hunting partner's !! But hey that's great as once we are out there my friends understand what we are doing !! It's a win win in my book !!

That's all I can offer and I hope you are successful this season like the rest of us will be !! I hope you have a sharp havalon knife ready !! Your gonna need it !

Travis O'Shea
Wapiti River Outdoors

by **Swede** » 06 27, 2016 • [Post 11]

I agree with what Travis just wrote. I don't know about percent improvement in success. This is my take on using Paul's materials for learning to hunt elk: If you are fairly new to elk hunting, it can get you into the game if you study well. If you are experienced, it will up your game. I don't know anyone that knows so much that they can't learn some from Paul. I know a few that are too proud or lazy to try.

by **Old school** » 06 27, 2016 • [Post 12]

I look forward to trying these methods that were previously unknown to me. I've killed 2 elk with a rifle in 2 seasons, but I'm 0 for 2 on archery hunts. One huge reason was that I had absolutely no idea what I was doing as far as calling. I also heard very little bugling and was pretty discouraged about that. I'm anticipating a much different hunt this year. Bugling/locating elk in the dark and actually having some confidence that I'll be successful. Thanks to Paul (and many others on this site) who have been very helpful.

--Mitch

by **Fridaythe13th** » 06 28, 2016 • [Post 13]

Eric here I am a elknut. :lol:

I an a very seasoned (20+ years) turkey hunter and deer hunter from the midwest. 3 years ago I had a job change and had to switch to archery elk

. I have the elknuts play book, but looking to get a couple of DVD's but don't know which 1's to start with to help my game. I would say my elk calling is OK because of turkey hunting. but when and what to say is not my strong suit.

Paul, anybody can point me in a direction on which DVD well help the most.

by **ElkNut1** » 06 28, 2016 • [Post 14]

You bet! Package 00 -- http://stores.elknut.com/packages/ -- it's the one here that says works great in wolf country, this means the tactics are very good anywhere you hunt, wolves or no wolves! Since you already have the Playbook then pickup the Vol-4 Worse Than Wolves & the ElkNut 5 DVD's separately. They are here on this page. - http://stores.elknut.com/dvds/

Check them out you'll be glad you did, they'll up your odds immensely for this years OTC Public Land hunts. Thanks!

ElkNut1

by **Fridaythe13th** » 06 28, 2016 • [Post 15]

Order sent. The only thing better would be if Paul himself drove over a couple of zone and showed me all or 1 of his methods :lol:

Thanks again Paul.

by **TurkeyBowMaster** » 06 29, 2016 • [Post 16]

It's interesting that the thought process is that this high level info helps the rookie more than the experience elk hunter. That hasn't been my experience with helping turkey hunters. The biggest impact I see is when helping a younger hunter who is dedicated, yet falling short of expectations... one who knows a good bit about the game but is going about it the wrong way. I can give this guy some tips on shot placement and equipment philosophy and get him operating at a high level in one season. The guy who knows nothing about turkey hunting...it is going to take several years for him to get it and then he might not ever operate at a high level.

by **Swede** » 06 29, 2016 • [Post 17]

Turkey: Bow hunter success on elk is about 10%. As far back as I have I have checked (forever) is has stayed the same. In all of my hunting career I have observed that 10% of the hunters get about 50% of the elk. The other 50% are shared between the 90% of hunters. These figures are Swede's gut feeling based on personal observation. Elknut's materials will help a newbie get in the game and will give useful tips to more advanced hunters. Don't get too excited about claims of awesome success. Don't try to read too much into the testimonials. Trying to extrapolate on individual hunter claims will cause you to go nuts. :lol:

by **twinkieman** » 06 29, 2016 • [Post 18]

If anyone read, from my posting, that Elknut's Methods, would help a rookie, more than an experienced elk hunter, my sincere apologies for not stating things in a more concise way. I would consider myself an experienced elk hunter, and I still learn each any every season, from successes, and even more from failed calling attempts. I do firmly believe that a rookie will benefit as well, and drastically shorten their learning curve to success. I wish, as a hunter, I had the patience required to be a tree stand hunter as well, and if I did, I would learn those methods as well. If someone wants to learn, the information is easy to obtain right here on this forum. If one wishes to be a non- believer, to the successes those of us who do believe have had, that's cool too. I'm here because I can talk elk with other hunters, that use the same info I have, and we can learn from one another. For those who doubt, your loss, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink!!

by **cohunter** » 06 29, 2016 • [Post 19]

twinkieman, I think it's right to imply that the greatest gains are going to be for rookie hunters - They DO have the most to learn. BUT experience is the best teacher - a rookie is only going to understand a small part of the playbook, but that small part will make a large difference. As an experienced elk hunter, I read the playbook and things I've experienced in the past really click or make sense. No, I'm not going to see as large a jump in my success as a rookie, but it's still an incredibly useful tool. Experience is the best teacher, but the playbook helps me understand my experiences much more quickly. Looking forward to digging into the DVDs this summer!

by **ElkNut1** » 06 30, 2016 • [Post 20]

Yes experience is a great teacher! We all need it to further our interest & it can & will lead us to success! These days without the aid of help it's not out of line to say it would take a new hunter 10-15 years to become a reasonably decent elk hunter if he tried learning everything on his own. The Playbook is a tool that can speed up his learning curve for sure. The DVD's need to be added to ones arsenal as well. Once a hunter covers the Vol-4 Worse Than Wolves DVD, The ElkNut 5 DVD & the PlayBook they will see it does cover all the avenues from newer elk hunter to one at for 40 years, these instruments will speed up that learning curve so you can enjoy success now not 5 years from now. Cohunter, look into those two DVD's along with the Playbook you already have then come back & report to us, you will see what I mean, it will all fall into place. Those with only the Playbook have a small taste of what else is available to them.

TBM, as I mentioned earlier all hunters do benefit from our Instructional info regardless of how many years you have hunted. I shared a couple testimonials from ones who were new elk hunters just showing ones can enjoy success now not 10 years from now. Elk hunting & learning is a process, it takes time to have a good handle on all its challenges, fortunately we do not need to know everything about elk in one year to have success. We will build a foundation & then build the structure as we increase in knowledge from year to year.

Read this hunters testimonial below! Thanks!

ElkNut1

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Let me start by saying I’ve bowhunted elk for over 35 years, live with the elk for the most of the month of September each season, and during that time thought I’d gained as much knowledge of elk sounds and rutting behavior as anyone alive. I’ve killed a semi-load of elk along the way. Then I discovered Paul Medel, aka, “Elknut”, and I realized how very little I truly knew about the true meaning of the sounds made by the elk.
Paul is not promoting a fluffy, questionable marketing gimmick, as with so many hunting products and “systems” offered today. Instead, he has broken down the process of attracting elk to the call into such a granular level that everyone, beginner to grizzled expert, will learn from his system. He is, without a doubt, one of the foremost experts on elk sounds and their reactions to them, and the set of tools he has produced is unrivaled by anyone, anywhere.
I highly recommend any and every tool in his system. From the Playbook to the “Worse than Wolves” DVD series, to the newly released “Sounds by the Elk”, to his calls and Chuckler tubes, if a hunter studies and learns one-tenth of the knowledge presented, I guarantee their hunting success will increase exponentially. His Playbook is in my camp, and “Sounds by the Elk” is on my MP3 player, with me wherever I go for practice and reference. I use his diaphragm calls and grunt tubes, and watch the DVDs over and over. I only wish these excellent tools were available 30 years ago, when I was floundering around in the woods learning to hunt elk by trial and error, and making more than my share of mistakes along the way. With Paul’s knowledge to draw from, I’ve learned more in the past few years than in the decades prior. You will too.

by **Tigger** » 06 30, 2016 • [Post 21]

Last year I followed the ElkNut Way and we called 3 bulls in. the funny thing was, they "said" EXACLTY what the playbook said they would. We answered exactly how the playbook said we should and here they came a runnin'!

One interesting tidbit. On the bull I shot, my buddy and I were on the exact same page because we had both read the playbook even though we didn't talk after we split up. I think that is kind of overlooked, but if you both know what the plan is, you will be more efficient and effective.

Count me as an ElkNutter!

by **Swede** » 06 30, 2016 • [Post 22]

ElkNut1 wrote: These days without the aid of help it's not out of line to say it would take a new hunter 10-15 years to become a reasonably decent elk hunter if he tried learning everything on his own.

I had considerably more experience than 15 years when I started reading Elknut's posts on Bowsite, and it piqued my interest. I was amazed at the things he had learned and was sharing. I had never discovered them on my own. I had learned how I could get elk on a regular basis, but Elknut through his writings and DVD gave me more tools and a greater understanding of how to approach elk hunting. It did not really increase my success, but allowed me to be more versatile. Books and DVDs are good tools. Knowledge is power, and confidence.
After reading and studying Elknut's materials I hit a dry stretch of two years. My success rate went down. So does that mean the DVD, Worse Than Wolves, is a liability. Probably not any more than writing the tree stand book, which I finished before those two years. The point is don't get hung up about percentages and comparing yourself to anyone else. That really is a fools errand to be sure. With good knowledge you can be your own best.

by **stringunner** » 06 30, 2016 • [Post 23]

Swede wrote:The point is don't get hung up about percentages and comparing yourself to anyone else. That really is a fools errand to be sure. With good knowledge you can be your own best.

^^^ this right here.

by **TurkeyBowMaster** » 07 01, 2016 • [Post 24]

If 50% of the hunters kill 90% of the elk, what are the 50% of the elk, it would interest me in knowing what they do differently from the other 50%. I have an idea because I know what I do that leads to failure and what I do when I have success. My experience is primarily with turkey but I saw similarities with elk, and I feel this is one of the most under talked about subjects in bowhunting...the setup.

The setup determines the outcome many if not most of the time. A bad setup will cause elk to hang up and not come in, will allow them to see you before presenting a shot and will also make it difficult to get a clear shot.

I know when I get the feeling that I am in a good setup location that my chance of killing is very high and when I know that I am in a poor location that my chances are slim. My goal for this season is to try and put myself in good situations before calling.

by **Indian Summer** » 07 01, 2016 • [Post 25]

Those numbers... such as 10% of the hunters kill 90% of the elk.. are made up. Fictional. It may come as a surprise but there has been no government study.

But there are definitely people who are consistent and those who are not. I think being a woodsman by nature plays a big role. If you feel like a foreigner in the mountains things just won't flow for you. But there is a factor and it is way simpler than you are thinking. It's just experience. Experience is the best teacher. As in any classroom some students will get it, some will take longer to get it.... and some never will. Some people hate school and therefore do not absorb information and those who love it are always thirsting for more. Experience teaches everything at once... camping ins and outs, hunting tactics that work for YOU, and just as important as all of that put together, the lay of the land that you are hunting and where the elk prefer to spend time and travel. None of which can actually be learned on the internet. Elk don't go on Google Earth to look for good spots to hang out. I'm sure lots of us have found elk where we didn't expect to and thought why are they here. or online scouted a spot that looked beautiful when you got there too but for some reason it was like the Dead Sea.

by **mottlet** » 07 01, 2016 • [Post 26]

TurkeyBowMaster wrote:The setup determines the outcome many if not most of the time. A bad setup will cause elk to hang up and not come in, will allow them to see you before presenting a shot and will also make it difficult to get a clear shot.

I know when I get the feeling that I am in a good setup location that my chance of killing is very high and when I know that I am in a poor location that my chances are slim. My goal for this season is to try and put myself in good situations before calling.

Not as much experience with elk, but I got a lot better at getting turkeys to come in and get shot after I started picking trees to sit down before I ever made any noise, whether to call or locate. Amazing how easy it is to figure out what's WRONG with a spot when you're not rushing to sit down with a gobbler breathing fire down your neck. Sometimes it's unavoidable, but not that often...

by **TurkeyBowMaster** » 07 01, 2016 • [Post 27]

Thanks for the replies. Lots of good thoughts here. I agree that the woodsmanship is one of the keys to success along with good setups. I also using the tactic that fits the situation is key. One raw boned elk hunter I met said you can't worry about killing elk. It will happen when it happens. My goal is to make it happen and with the experience I gained from my first hunt I hope to kill 2 this year. If I lived out west I can't imagine killing less than 2 per year.

by **ElkNut1** » 07 02, 2016 • [Post 28]

Geez, you have a full year under your belt, you might as well make it 3 elk this year! (grin)

ElkNut1

by **Swede** » 07 02, 2016 • [Post 29]

Two elk or three elk: I only buy one tag, so if I killed two or three elk, I would probably not get to eat any wild game. Jail house food in Oregon no longer includes road kill or game meat. :lol:

by **Indian Summer** » 07 02, 2016 • [Post 30]

TurkeyBowMaster wrote: I hope to kill 2 this year. If I lived out west I can't imagine killing less than 2 per year.

That is because you are a turkey hunter. If you can't imagine not killing a bull elk you are not an elk hunter. You are 1 for 1 so your perspective is understandable I suppose... but not realistic. Also... hunters who live where they hunt can be more selective. So if you became the Elkbowmaster 10 years from now you might decide not to keep shooting raghorns and hunt mature 6 point bulls only in which case you might come home empty handed. That or shoot a cow for the freezer. One step at a time grasshopper. It is NOT going to happen over night which in elk years is one season.

by **twinkieman** » 07 02, 2016 • [Post 31]

TurkeyBowMaster wrote: If I lived out west I can't imagine killing less than 2 per year.

Man, I feel so lucky that he doesn't live out west! There would be no elk left for the rest of us

by **TurkeyBowMaster** » 07 02, 2016 • [Post 32]

I need some help with the planning. Montana if def in and I plan to start there and only have a tag for Montana. If I kill quick then it is on to somewhere else. Idaho sounds good and would try for wolf along with second elk. Colorado puts me closer to home but late September might put me hunting during the mussel loader season. I'm not good with planning.

It's just a long drive out and planning enought time to hunt second elk if I kill early but I don't want to invest $$ in second tag till I'm sure I will need it.

by **TurkeyBowMaster** » 07 02, 2016 • [Post 33]

Probably a better plan to start somewhere else and end in Montana as the bow season goes into October there

by **cohunter** » 07 03, 2016 • [Post 34]

Colorado Muzzle Loader season is right in the middle of bow season. The last week (with two weekends) is, I believe Archery only. This year archery is august 27- September 25 and Muzzleloader is Sept 10-18

by **Littlehorse** » 07 04, 2016 • [Post 35]

I would like a pkg. have few years of successful turkey hunting, one guided archery hunt in Co. And a November DIY in Co ( successful!). Going to Utah first archery season in August and September. Own a primos hoochie mama and a diaphram. Even though I may not get to hear bugling this time of year, I want to learn and be ready just in case. I hear they can start bugling that second week of September.
Would you please recommend what all I should purchase to get me going? Thank you.

by **Swede** » 07 04, 2016 • [Post 36]

Littlehorse, I see this is your forth post. If I haven't welcomed you to the forum, then let me extend a warm welcome and wish you the best.
I don't know where to begin for recommending equipment. Start by getting a couple of good elk hunting books. I prefer solid reliable stuff even if I have to do without some things. I would add things as time goes by. What you need depends a lot on your hunting style. I would make a priority of getting a good rangefinder. I got a Vortex from Elknut and have always been pleased with it. After a rangefinder I would get a good GPS if you don't have one. If you don't have a garbage can you might consider purchasing one for that Hoochie Mama. I am not a big fan of trying to start out being a big time caller, but learn a few calls to make with your diaphragm. As an alternative, you can do cow calls with the diaphragm and get a Glen Berry Thunder Bugle to make some good but simple bugles. Calls are like cars or guns. Everyone has their opinion. This I know for sure. Many people buy them and just make noise. A few people use them effectively to call elk. It will take you awhile to become the Pied Piper of elk. Still a good bugle can be an effective tool. Everyone starts somewhere, but it sure helps if you know elk before you start blowing excessively on a call. Read and study elk hunting as much as you can.

Best Wishes

by **Littlehorse** » 07 04, 2016 • [Post 37]

Thank you Swede. I am impressed with this sight! I will take your advice. I have recently read a book by Dwight Schuh upon recommendation from a seasoned elk hunter. I plan to read that a few more times as well as some of the Elknut products. Have the GPS rangefinder and other stuff that will get me through. I'm just very eager to get back out there this year and give it a go. I would think (and I am asking) Elk "calling " might be similar to turkey or duck calling. Less is usually better MOST of time. So much to learn, especially living in Tennessee! That's all part of the hobby though. Thanks again for the welcome...

by **Elkhunttoo** » 07 04, 2016 • [Post 38]

.... My wife started hunting a few years ago and hates the diaphragms... So I bought her a hoochie momma

... She now prefers her bite and blow calls but I haven't thrown the momma in the can

by **ElkNut1** » 07 04, 2016 • [Post 39]

Littlehorse, the Instruction Package OO will help you immensely in this years elk hunt, I would seriously consider that package for a large variety of methods & techniques. If you are in need of a Bugle, you may need one that has an External Reed attached so you know you can learn to bugle in one day! If you desire to learn mouth reeds too then consider Package # 7. It is the best of both worlds! That Chuckler Bugle can be used with the built in reed or it can be removed & now you can use mouth reeds! The Package # 7 has everything you need for learning to call, it includes mouth reeds, Chuckler XTR Bugle & a DVD for Instruction of mouth reeds! Thank you!

ElkNut/Paul

by **Tigger** » 07 05, 2016 • [Post 40]

One piece of equipment that may go overlooked is a pair of quality mountain boots. The key to putting miles on your feet is keeping them happy.

by **ElkNut1** » 07 05, 2016 • [Post 41]

Tigger, very true! We all have different likes & dislikes for our feet, mine like both Crispis & Kenetreks! Guys need to try on various brands to see what works for them!

ElkNut1

by **Littlehorse** » 07 06, 2016 • [Post 42]

Are y'all fans of 8" boots or taller? For this time of year I have the Quest 4Ds which are 8's. Also, I have some kennetrek gaiters I wore on a 2013 hunt. Do you wear them as well?

by **BrentLaBere** » 07 06, 2016 • [Post 43]

Littlehorse wrote:Are y'all fans of 8" boots or taller? For this time of year I have the Quest 4Ds which are 8's. Also, I have some kennetrek gaiters I wore on a 2013 hunt. Do you wear them as well?

Im a big fan of them. They arent a very durable boot. And dont hold up in really cold weather but overall I haven't found a reason to change out yet. Just bought a new pair for this year.

by **Littlehorse** » 07 06, 2016 • [Post 44]

Nice pic! The track will get you pumped!

by **Trophyhill** » 07 08, 2016 • [Post 45]

Did someone say testimonial?

The PlayBook and dvd's helped turn me from a new elk hunter in 2008, into an elk killer in year 2 and my percentage is 6 in 8 years. 5 with a bow and 1 with a rifle. You have to understand that I have no problem killing cows though. The 3 cows I killed with my bow were all called in while trying to call bulls in lol. I guess you could say my impatience got the best of me and I couldn't resist. Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth. 1 cow with a rifle was spot and kill. The 2 bulls were reading the situation correctly and making it count. I've also had my fair share of bulls that I called into bow range and blown the opportunities for one reason or another (however I've been able to make up for that by killing cows during those hunts) but having the basic understanding of what elk are saying has upped my odds a ton and boosted my confidence immensely by reading the encounter correctly. The first 4 kills were cows, and the last 2 bulls. Damn I love hunting elk with my bow!