Share a Tip, Episode #4

[WapitiTalk1]

Well, I think it's number 4? Ok, here's the place to share one or two elk hunting tips that have worked for you in the past. Calling, gear, stalking, ballistics, navigation, scouting, predator avoidance, meat processing, tactics, etc., etc. Share a tip or two

[Elkduds]

Hunt with your variable power scope on low magnification. If you need to zoom in, you will have time.

[CurlyTail]

Hunt until legal shooting hours are done. Which means pitch dark. Often, the last 10 minutes are the most productive, and you don't want to be heading for camp already. Just count on walking out in the dark with your headlamp.

[Swede]

Don't get in too big of a hurry when calling. Too much running leads to too little gunning. Far too many times I have gotten up to leave a calling spot, and was busted by a bull coming in silently. Give yourself 45-60 minutes especially in the pre-rut period. Even in the rut you can have satellite bulls slip in to check you out when you think you are alone in the forest. I know that means only about four calling sequences in a morning or in an afternoon/evening, but it is the reason some old grandpas are successful and the younger hunters are left to wonder.

[hike2hunt]

Ensure your gear, water and food are ready the night before. Less to do in the morning, especially if unexpected animals appear out of know where.

[WYO_ELK]

don't be afraid to bugle, and when you bugle, put a little emotion in it.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

[Tigger]

When doing an calling setup, don't be afraid to make noise. Lots of noise. Raking, stomping, etc. Growing up a whitetail hunter making noise is a serious No-No, but elk are not big whitetails.

[Ryan Conkle]

As a whitetail hunter coming from Ohio, my biggest endeavor during my first season of elk hunting was to lose that whitetail mindset! If you have the wind in your favor and proper cover to do so, do not worry yourself over making noise and take the action to the elk.

[WapitiTalk1]

Great tips, keep em coming.

Don't take a nap on a game trail, no matter how tired you are.......

[Lefty]

At the end of the season know what needs to be replaced, repaired or tossed out, and do it.
Clean your gear and pack for the next trip as soon as practical. Last season as soon as I was home Friday after work it literally took a minute to load the truck.
At camp have every thing ready to go the night before. That means my pack, bow, boots and out clothes, covered up(no frost or dew ) a change od clothes ready to change into in the tent etc. More than a few times Ive changed clothes in the tent listening to the herd less than 100 yards away,.. Be ready, be ready, be ready

[Elkhunttoo]

Attach your release to your bow so that it gets packed..... And always make lists and check them off so you know what you have

[Elkduds]

If you use flagging tape to mark a spot or path to downed game, remove the tape on your last trip. If you use toilet paper instead of flagging tape, ditto.

[WapitiTalk1]

If you use flagging tape to mark a spot or path to downed game, remove the tape on your last trip. If you use toilet paper instead of flagging tape, ditto.

Solid tip! I've found quite a few "spots" in my travels where I've just followed a hunter's flagging trail. I will normally grab any non-timber marking flagging I find hanging and collect it for my own use when later needed. You can also tell the age of flagging tape by crumpling it in your fingers..... old tape is very brittle and newer tape is soft and pliable.

[rowdycwby1]

Always keep your bow next to you and your release on never know when elk will show up! And don't be afraid to go find a new spot if your area isn't producing anything!

[Swede]

I like the thoughts about making noise. As stated above some noise is fine. Elk make noise too. Just don't make the wrong noises. It is easy to point out that metal sounds, or scrapes over some cloth, etc. is not natural, but it is also a mistake to walk like you are following a route to somewhere and in a hurry. Sound natural. Take a step or a few. Stop and look. Occasionally give out a cow call. Sound like an elk or two just feeding along. I have had bulls try to coax me their way and had them just come running in.
It is obvious, it pays to always be ready.

[Tigger]

Have waterproof boots. Have a second pair of waterproof boots if the first pair of waterproof boots isn't waterproof anymore.

Bring chapstick and nasal spray to be prepared for the dry air.

[oldnovice]

Have waterproof boots. Have a second pair of waterproof boots if the first pair of waterproof boots isn't waterproof anymore.

Bring chapstick and nasal spray to be prepared for the dry air.

Let me big DITTO that! And wool socks. They will stay warm even when wet. Cotton and synthetics get cold real fast.

[Bow4me]

Good tips guys. Definitely don't forget the chapstick. I would add know what you will be wanting to shoot. If you will be happy to shoot a cow shoot the first one that gives you a good shot. If it's bull only how big does it need to be. A lot of times you don't have very long to make your mind up to shoot or not. There's nothing worse than a 18 hour drive home empty handed and thinking I should have shot that one when I had the chance.

[JKaboom]

Not specific to elk hunting but I've done this deer hunting and the same applies. Use finger cot to cover barrel tip in bad weather; has zero effect on shooting and keeps barrel dry. Bonus - great prank item for hunting buddies LOL

[Lefty]

. All new batteries in everything, put a piece of scotch tape over one battery in each item. Last year I somehow discharged the range finder,.. 35 miles to town for $17.00 batteries