If I Had A Newbie

[Swede]

If a newbie went on a hunt with you, what would you teach them? What would you show them or explain?

If you are new to elk hunting; jump in here and say what you would want to see or hear. What would make a difference and benefit you?

The thing I would emphasize is Why. I would show them my tree stand locations and show them why they are where they are. We would talk about alternatives both good and bad. I would want them to see everything that goes into preparation and what to do to be ready.
I would discuss going out and calling. What works, what doesn't, where and why. Then I would probably go back to my stand.

The biggest thing I would want to share is the love of the hunt and explain that some things are in your control and some things are not. You just take care of the things under your control.

[saddlesore]

How to pick a campsite and set up camp. how to cook, and how to feed and saddle my mule. If he/she can handle that, I might teach them how to hunt. A man's got to have priorities.

[WapitiTalk1]

To add to what Saddlesore mentioned, a new elk hunter at my camp would learn to become proficient at cutting/stacking firewood (if it was a year when a fire was appropriate), keeping all the fuel canisters changed for the cook stove, lanterns, hibachi grill, etc., sweeping the sticky pine needles off all the tents in camp, fetching/filtering water for his/her thirsty campmates from down in the steep draw, standing by my RZR with his/her umbrella during downpours so I have a dry seat in the morning, keeping the camp dishes clean, shiny, and displayed tastefully in the cook shack, having fresh brewed coffee ready in the morning before I get up, etc.

Just teasing (mostly) of course. I've always enjoyed sharing a camp with newer elk hunters. It's a blast getting them into their first screamer or two; giving them an opportunity to actually call and realize that that stuff really works if deployed properly; sharing a bit of old school land navigation knowledge with map/compass vs. relying on electronics; giving them a good scare at a rendezvous point (actually, I do that with seasoned hunters as well); and seeing how much of my elk they can carry out on their back in one trip... Sorry, there I go again

[Roosiebull]

swede, I am pretty much along the same line as you..."why" is a great tool to teach, I would also emphasize that what I am explaining is just my thoughts and theories, and likely not the best.

I think people could get stunted in progression by focusing too much on irrelevant, or wrong information they are taught, it's best to put things together in your mind, and find your own style of pursuit.

other things are the basics, reading sign, reading terrain and getting ideas on how elk might use it.

I would also emphasize on the feeling they might get with a big bull...or little, in front of them for the first time, and how they may react in the moment of truth, that's a tough thing to prepare for.

[Swede]

I have been gone a few days, but glad to see the posts on this thread. I agree with what has been mentioned above even if some of it was meant to be tongue in cheek. Learning to saddle a mule would be a good thing. I don't happen to have a mule, but Saddlesore could show me how to load up his critters.
I like sharing the experience of a newbie being a part of a pack out from a bad hole. It would be a good experience. I read about some planned first time wilderness excursions, and wonder if the hunter has any concept of what it is like to pack an elk out.

[Elkduds]

My goal w newbs is to recruit them into hunting. So, my priorities:

1. Safety

2. Enjoyment

3. Learning/success

[N2mywake]

We will have a buddy of mine in camp as a newb this year. I've been working on him to get in shape and trying to manage his expectations now (on what success is to me). I can't wait to share the experience of hearing that first predawn bugle to the commitment of a closing bull In your chest. Let's hope it's that kind of year.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[Elkhunttoo]

My wife started archery hunting 3 years ago and this year her brother is going to going us. He has rifle hunted but never archery hunted for elk before. He was up for a visit a few weeks ago and it was fun listening to my wife tell him some strategies of elk hunting in the rut ... my brother in laws wife is going to join us too but won't be hunting... it will be fun to have them along

One of the things that has amazed my wife is how good the elk are at pin pointing our calls.

[Roosiebull]

My wife started archery hunting 3 years ago and this year her brother is going to going us. He has rifle hunted but never archery hunted for elk before. He was up for a visit a few weeks ago and it was fun listening to my wife tell him some strategies of elk hunting in the rut ... my brother in laws wife is going to join us too but won't be hunting... it will be fun to have them along

One of the things that has amazed my wife is how good the elk are at pin pointing our calls.

sounds like a recipe for some amazing memories being made! good luck out there

[ElkNut1]

elkhunttoo, "One of the things that has amazed my wife is how good the elk are at pin pointing our calls."

Your wife is a quick learner! I've had elk come within feet of my calling from over a 1/2 mile away, they sure do have a knack for pinpointing other elk locations even with one or two calls from a particular spot!

ElkNut1

[scubohuntr]

I've hunted deer for nearly 45 years, off and on, and hunted elk twice without success. I'm living in Montana now, and looking forward to elk season 2017. I've put in a lot of hours on the internet gathering information. I've analyzed all the available statistics from the State and picked a couple of public land units to try. Being a bit of a noob myself, I wouldn't really know where to start. Obviously, where and when to find elk. Basic hunting in the mountains. I don't have high expectations for this year, other than enjoying the hell out of it, but experience has to start somewhere. I'm hoping to pick up enough useful knowledge to take my son in law hunting next year. He's never hunted before, but wants to get into it. I hope it works out; I'm about over hunting solo.

[Swede]

Scubo, how you hunt elk and your success is based on so many factors it is hard to say much. I hunt from a tree stand mostly. It has worked well over the years for me and if you do your homework, it is fairly simple to get off to a good start. For some people that is not even what they consider elk hunting. There are a lot of good threads on this forum discussing various aspects of elk hunting. Decide what you want from your hunt and discuss it with us here, and I am sure you will get a lot of great advise. Folks here actually want to see a picture of you and your critter on the 2017 "meat pole" thread.