Elk Tactics 2017 - Episode #1

[WapitiTalk1]

Figured we could get some of these going for 2017

Date/Time: 15 September 2017/11:00 AM
Location: Somewhere in the elk woods
Hunt Pressure Status: Minimal
Hunt: Solo hunt today
Tag: Archery season; any bull

After an action packed morning two draws over (crawled into a nice alder thicket screamer but no clear shot), you head to where you had heard a distant bugle right at daylight, a few ridges over. You've worked your way up the back side of a semi flat ridge, heard a lazy bull bugle on the other side, and are now stopped at the place you see the "H" (hunter) on the uphill side of the blowdown. Now, you hear some light, social cow chatter down the side of the hill maybe 60-80? yards in some sparse timber and berry brush and holy catfish, there is a pretty nice set of antlers rotating slowly left and right below you about 45 yards! From your position, you're really not sure if the bull is bedded or not and you cannot see the cows. H = you/hunter, W = wind/thermal direction, and C = the ladies. That's all you get and yep, these situations do occur if you use cover, concealment, and the wind to your advantage when moving towards vocal elk. Now, what's your game plan to try and bring a bull home for dinner?

Oh yah, if you decide to "shoot" in any of these scenarios, reminder that if you save the picture to your desktop and open in MS Paint, you'll be able to place a spot, X, or whatever on the critter before you save it back to a jpg or png and add the marked up pic with your post.

[>>>---WW---->]

Just me, but I don't like 45 yard shots. This bull is bedded for the morning so you have lots of time. I'd close to at least 30 yards. 20 would be even better. You have plenty of time so do it extremely slowly. (I know you can do it) Now just wait until he stands and gets into a position you like and take him. There is no need to do any sort of calling.

Did you notice the broken brow tine? Looks like he duked it out with another bull. So I would guess the cows belong to him and he will have his attention on them most of the time.

[Swede]

I agree with WW on this one. If he can move in closer he should. That large tree between the elk and WW (the hunter) looks like good cover. He can use it to his advantage as he slips in for the shot. Just be careful as you close the distance and wait until you have a good clear lane to the vitals before you draw. I will hike out for the pack frames when you get him down for good. Right now I will wait and forage on an energy bar while watching.

[Trumkin the Dwarf]

I'm using those two big trees in front of me to sneak another 15-20 yards in. Then, I wait till he stands, send a 750 grain arrow through his heart, and break out the skinning knife.

[Swede]

Trumkin, that 750 grain arrow is so slow you would be better off just running up and stabbing the bull with your hunting knife. You need arrows that fly fast enough that you measure their speed on a chronograph instead of your watch or a sundial.

[Trumkin the Dwarf]

Trumkin, that 750 grain arrow is so slow you would be better off just running up and stabbing the bull with your hunting knife. You need arrows that fly fast enough that you measure their speed on a chronograph instead of your watch or a sundial.

Gee, thanks Swede! No wonder my last bull died so fast... He asphyxiated from laughter when he found out my arrows only go 165fps!

I must be onto something! And it definitely didn't have anything to do with the 2" wide broadheads on the business end!

I Do pull 68lbs @ 32, so my ship masts still get some zip on them. Even if it is out of a longbow...

[Swede]

32 inch draw. Never mind running up to the elk. Just stab or club him from where you stand.

[Tigger]

Sneak closer very, very slowly (might want to take off your boots even). wait until he stands. kill him.

But one thing to monitor is the wind. seems good now, but if it changes or the thermals are still messing with you, you better be on the ready. If the wind goes bad and you are gonna get busted, I am wondering if you could sneak in close and tuck behind that tree. slip off to the side of the tree, go to full draw, and give a cow call. then a nervous grunt if he doesn't stand. But I only do that if the wind is going to betray me. I am also careful for other elk to come sauntering by and ruin my party.

this one seems easy, but it could go wrong any number of ways.