Spike camp

[Mathewsz7-elkridge]

I am trying to figure out where my spike camp will be. So there is a creek that is a pretty good size 30 feet wide fast moving water the creek runs north to south. There is two Meadows down by this creek that are about 3 miles apart. In that 3 miles stretch the elevation changes 500 feet. With ridges that come down to them running east to west there are two nice north facing slopes on the ridges. Do you think I can camp a mile and a half away from these Meadows in the middle and not effect the feeding patterns of these elk. My major concern is the elk that are down stream catching my scent because of night time thermals. What is your opinion to risky or does scent not travel that far? Will the scent be so dispersed that they would only get a little hint of human smell?

[BRazz]

I often wrestle with the where-to-spike-camp question. Some folks say it doesn't matter too much, elk aren't too spooky at night ... others say to stay way far away. The trouble with either of these is that it's sometimes hard to know exactly where their travel/feed/bed patterns will be - you may try to setup ~1/2 mile away and find that you've camped either right on top of the elk or 3 miles away. So the way you describe your intention - 1.5 miles away from a couple likely feeding areas, several huntable ridges along the way, water close by to your camp - I think that's a good plan.

[Mathewsz7-elkridge]

I often wrestle with the where-to-spike-camp question. Some folks say it doesn't matter too much, elk aren't too spooky at night ... others say to stay way far away. The trouble with either of these is that it's sometimes hard to know exactly where their travel/feed/bed patterns will be - you may try to setup ~1/2 mile away and find that you've camped either right on top of the elk or 3 miles away. So the way you describe your intention - 1.5 miles away from a couple likely feeding areas, several huntable ridges along the way, water close by to your camp - I think that's a good plan.

Thank you for your input. I would almost guarantee that the elk won't be walking this creek north to south there isn't really a reason for them to do so. The ridges are big and steep with benches running up from the meadows. I just want to make sure i wont ruin on of the meadows. Then I could alternate from going to the north to south meadow every other day!

[Swede]

I have had real problems with meadows near the bottom of drainages. They are scent sinks. Scent descends readily into them. In the morning and evening I would approach them from below and be careful not to stink up the place. That may be easier said than done, but is critical. Even tree stands are no guarantee you will not drive away the elk in the area. Ideally I would go to the meadow in the mid day and position myself where my scent will be leaving the area, away from where the elk enter when they come around in the evening.

[Mathewsz7-elkridge]

I have had real problems with meadows near the bottom of drainages. They are scent sinks. Scent descends readily into them. In the morning and evening I would approach them from below and be careful not to stink up the place. That may be easier said than done, but is critical. Even tree stands are no guarantee you will not drive away the elk in the area. Ideally I would go to the meadow in the mid day and position myself where my scent will be leaving the area, away from where the elk enter when they come around in the evening.

If I were to set up camp near the creek in between the two Meadows I would be approaching them from the same level. If not I would have to wait for the thermals to switch and hunt them near there bed or on there way to from the top.

[Swede]

If you are coming in from the same level, that is ok. Just watch the wind try to make sure it is in your face. If it must come from the side, then try to ensure the wind is not carrying your scent into the meadow. If you can camp across the creek from the meadows, I would make a point of point to do that too.