2019 Elk Hunt Update Thread

[StronTower]

Question - This last weekend was a good weekend. Got into elk a few times. But just could not seal the deal. On one occasion, I was I let out a locator bugle and a bull responded 40 yards away from  me. I tried to set up as quickly as possible, but he got to me to fast. He was 20 yards away, perfect shooting lane but I didnt have time to draw my bow. We were in a staring contest for some time and he finally turned around and sauntered off. Since he did not run away but left in a calm manner, would it have been okay to try and follow him? Or was the gig up and time for me to find another bull?


Thanks,
ST

 

[Wyo67]

StrongTower - Depends on the wind.  If it was right, I would have badgered him (raking/groans/challenge bulges) until he came back.  If he didn't bolt down the mountain, he didn't smell you, so you should have been good to begin the chase.

 

[StronTower]

Thanks Wyo67,


This is my first year archery hunting. I have done countless hours of prep getting ready, but realizing there is still a lot I need to learn that is just going to come from experience. Overall, I am happy with even getting the chances I have had this year, and I have learned a lot from encounters and mistakes. I think the more chances I get the more I will be able to read the Bulls and figure out what to do next.


If this happens again I will know what to do. Thanks for your help.


Sincerely,
ST

 

[Ol Arky]

SteveR, tale of two cities type hunt. Glad all turned out ok for ya'll and your son got his moose. :clap: :clap: :clap:

 

[SteveR]

SteveR, tale of two cities type hunt. Glad all turned out ok for ya'll and your son got his moose. :clap: :clap: :clap:

"...best of times, worst of times..." lol!  thanks Phil!

 

[cohunter14]

Heading out first thing tomorrow. Anxious to return and see all of the stories and hoping to have one of my own. Good luck to anyone heading out this weekend!

 

[Cxjeffnmontana]

Drew so called premier tag in Idaho. One of 5 rifle permits in the rut. Been here going on my 4th week and have seen more elk on a bad day in my back yard. One or two bugles tops. One great bull spotted on Private land which cannot be hunted without a written signed permit from the owner. Most are Corporations and out of six people/owners that I left multiple messages with zero return calls.
Whether posted or not now law says the permit is required. Ever try finding a rancher during roundup.....
To add insult to injury one large section of public that was supposed to be a good area just had an almost out of control prescribed burn right at the start of this season. Multiple helicopters and emergency vehicles all making that area ppretty much null. Talked to 4 out of the five other tag holders and only 1 I know of so far have bagged a 290- bull. Wounded warrior guy had a special extra tag and bagged a bull on his friends private land. Going on 4th week here. 4 5 gal cans of gas for ATV and 100 gallons of diesel. Giving it two more days. Gave up trying to contact G&F rep Rachel. No service here so phone tag doesn't work. Stopped at Nampa office at 4pm one day figuring some help might be available but no one available. All in the field. Sure would have been nice if a disclaimer about new law requiring written permit from landowners to hunt even unposted land. Your own personal responsibility to figure out if you are on public or private even without markings or fences.
I know some will say sour grapes and you gotta get outta the truck etc. But everyone I have come across including bowhunters are not seeing didley and I have bivy camped and hiked and have video from hours of glassing.
Just a heads up if you plan on applying for the 40-1 controlled hunt.
Don't bother.. 

 

[colorado russ]

Let this guy walk. Why when i have a rifle they come within 25 yards and 200 with a bow in hand! Mornings are below freezing but warm during the day.

 

[colorado russ]

Rut seems a little late here. Talked to co and he agreed. Couple of bulls bugling but the bull above was silent. Had another small one with 50 yards and he hung around my stand for 30 mins.


Saw lone cow. Damn....bugling now..bye

 

[colorado russ]

Pic of smaller bull in my elk corridor....going to miss this place.