Going on my first elk hunt...

[steven_1459]

Hey guys, I'm new to this site and new to Elk hunting. I will be going on my first Elk hunt in Northern Idaho. I'm from Louisiana so the terrain and the hunting will all be completely new to me! I will be going with a couple of guys i know that live there. This is what they live for so I know I'll be in good hands. Ducks and squirrels is what I typically hunt, though I like to take a deer here and there. I much prefer duck over deer though. But I am pumped about elk. I can't sleep some nights! Any tips?? what should I expect? I don't want to bombard the guys im going with questions. They'll tell me what I need but looking for some quick tips!
The guys I'm going with use 270's but Ive read a 300 win mag is the right caliber. I was just going to use my 270 but I walked into a gun store here to kill some time while my wife shopped and walked out with a Remington 700 300 win mag that was on sale lol. I literally can't wait!

 

[backcountry_hunter]

300 win is a fine caliber, but your 270 w/ a good bullet would have sufficed also...


Idaho in general has the most rugged country I've seen in the lower 48 (thinkinig Frank Chuch, Salmon Challis, etc...). Not knowing exactly when and where youre going it's tough to say, plus what the predator situation is like could affect elk also. Elk behavior (bugling and them making noise) can vary greatly in Idaho depending if there's a predator problem.


As far as far northern ID goes, I've been around the kellog area once before. Numbers were probably lower than what you could probably find elsewhere but (I was told) the opportunity at a bigger bull was good.


My advice, especially if you're hunting wilderness/backcountry..... get in shape and if you have the extra $$ line up a horse packer for the trip out.

 

[thisIsKristopher]

I agree with backcountry_hunter in that one of the best things you can be doing is getting as much physical training in that you can muster. The highest point in Louisiana is only 535 feet above sea level. That being said, make sure you work on your cardio and breathing. I think people that live close to sea level underestimate the effect that only 5000 feet of elevation can have.

I am at 4,705 feet of elevation here in eastern Idaho. Where I hunt I'm about 7 - 10,000 feet and just that much elevation difference makes me feel like I'm sucking the oxygen hard that first day out shed hunting in the spring.

Shoot your rifle as much as you can also. Just keep in mind that being an excellent shot means little when you're so out of breath that you can't steady aim or focus.

 

[lappel65]

Previous advice is all excellent of course, but, in addition I would sign up for the Elk 101.com online course. I have been on several elk hunts and I signed up and found it to be very informative. I can only imagine how valuable it would be to someone new to elk hunting. In addition to giving you added confidence your acquired knowledge would gain you the respect of your more experienced hunting partners. Good luck on your upcoming hunt. Elk hunting can be extremely exciting and memorable.

 

[steven_1459]

So basically make sure I'm in shape. Got it! I workout but have gone to more heavy lifting for the trip. I'll work in cardio as well.
I'm not taking the online class right now. Me and some buddies from La are planing to go to Colorado and get an OTC tag next year. I will take the course before that trip for sure since none of us are experienced.
Not sure if anyone here has heard about the floods in Louisiana but a lot of Baton Rouge is underwater. I have a lot of friends and family that have lost everything this past weekend. Prayers needed!

 

[Wyo67]

In shape is of course a plus.  You'll need it to not only get to the elk, but pack one out.  Make sure you have a good pack that is capable of carrying 80-100 pounds.  As Kristopher said, be prepared for the altitude affects.  Stay hydrated (with water  ) as you acclimatize.  I take a day or two to get up to speed and I'm going from 6600' to just under 10000'. 

Understand you got the new .300 Win Mag, but don't be afraid to use the .270 if you find you shoot that better.  I use the .270 with 150 grain bullets and have never had a problem putting an elk down with it.

My niece moved from Baton Rouge last year, so understand what those folks are going through, prayers sent!

 

[steven_1459]

We have a private range on the property I hunt. I've shot it a few times and will shoot it till I leave. I understand shot placement is superior to caliber so I am making myself comfortable with the gun. It does shoot well so I'm excited with it.
Thanks for the prayers! I'll send one up for your niece. Hope she didn't lose anything with the flooding.

 

[backcountry_hunter]

So basically make sure I'm in shape. Got it! I workout but have gone to more heavy lifting for the trip. I'll work in cardio as well.
I'm not taking the online class right now. Me and some buddies from La are planing to go to Colorado and get an OTC tag next year. I will take the course before that trip for sure since none of us are experienced.

Colorado will be a good precursor to your idaho hunt. Generally speaking, Colorado is higher in altitude so you'll get a crash course on how it affects you. There is altitude medication you can get a doctors prescription for but (depending on your views) the Rx medication comes at a price and taxes your kidneys. I have it in my pack as an absolute worst case scenario back up but find that consuming water when my body asks for it, eating well and (if needed) an ibuprofen on the way in alleviates almost all of my concerns.


I would never encourage you to ditch your weights but your legs/cardio are going to get you up and down the mountain. Typically I try and lift 4-5 days a week and run 6. On any given day if I only have time for 1 workout, I'll opt for cardio over lifting. That said you'll need those core muscles to get you in and out, just don't think being a meathead will trump having a big set of lungs.

 

[steven_1459]

Appreciate the detailed info! I will start running a lot more. I can do incline running on my treadmill and I have thought about working in some plyometrics. From what your saying this sounds like a better approach. I have hiked 10 days on the Appalachian trail without any problems but I do think Idaho is quite a bit higher than the Carolinas. I may try to pick up an RX just in case for that altitude medicine. Any over the counter stuff yall have found that works?
And I'm going to Idaho this year and next year will be Colorado.

 

[backcountry_hunter]

Sorry I misunderstood, thought CO was before ID. Well in that case ID will be a good precursor to CO  ;D ;D ;D


The name of the Rx Igot was acetazolamide 125mg... I picked up a rx due to a buddy from WI getting hit hard. He had been elk hunting maybe a dozen times before, was in great shape for his age (early 50's) and was very active (was a lineman for his job plus excercised his fair share). He never showed any signs of AS but one trip it hit him out of nowhere. He's a pretty blue collared guy so he was pretty irritated with himself when he couldn't help quarter his animal when he shot it, had to have his guide carry his gun back to camp, couldn't help pack, etc... The next trip out his Dr. prescribed him this stuff and he was right back to normal. If you do a quick google search you'll see there's some side affects which is why I've never taken it, just kept it with me as a security blanket. Because I hunt DIY public land wilderness backcountry, and sometimes solo... The last thing I need is having this creep up on me and ruining a hunt.


FYI another guy I know that hunts western us hard is very knowledgeable with the holistic path. I haven't gone that route yet because I really haven't been affected hard but if I ever am, I'll certainly give the natural route a try 1st. Not trying to sound like some bunny hugging granola but I'd much rather try something meant for your body than a synthetic manipulator.