When where and how did you get started elk hunting? I went with my dad and a friend in about 1961. I am not sure of the exact date. We went to the coast range in Oregon for that first hunt. It was cool and wet and we camped out in a tent, but I had a great time. After that dad, my brother and I went hunting in the Cascades near home. It was several years before I got my first elk, but I had a great time from the very start.
How Did You Get Started?
- Thread starter Swede
- Start date
Stringunner
New member
- Mar 13, 2014
- 146
I was 3 when I got my first bow (I would tell you that date but I don\'t want to make some of you oldies look SUPER OLD :angle: ) ....5 when I got my own bugle tube...I hunted elk vicariously through my dad\'s stories until I was 10. Apparently that was the golden age because that was when my dad allowed me to tag along. 12 I was pulling 50 pounds and able to finally hunt.
My son was 3 when I first took him into the elk woods with me, not on a hunt but scouting and hanging treestands. Now I can\'t hardly leave the driveway without him and now my middle son with me.
My son was 3 when I first took him into the elk woods with me, not on a hunt but scouting and hanging treestands. Now I can\'t hardly leave the driveway without him and now my middle son with me.
I first went in 2000 with a friend. I went 2006, 2008, and 2010 solo. 2012 ,2013 and 2014 with a partner. I had planned on every other year when I started in 2006. I arrowed my first elk in 2012. I get more addicted with every year. There is no stopping me now. I will be going every year until my body won\'t take me.
Nine years ago I was at a family reunion and talking hunting with some family members when they said I should come elk hunting with them that year. I said OK and the scramble was on to get in shape and gather gear. Only had three weeks to get ready. I was able to arrow a 4/4 that year and was hooked and have not missed a year since.
Tenderfoot
New member
- May 8, 2014
- 86
2012. I was at Melbatoast\'s house for a midsummer gathering of friends. He had gotten his bow out and was showing another guy who was into archery. I made a passing comment about always wanting to bowhunt. We barely knew each other, but he said to get a bow and I could come deer hunting with him in the fall. I really dont think he thought I would take him up on it... well, I did. I sold all of my rock climbing equipment for a bow and practiced with it a lot.
We found out there really isnt such a thing as leftover archery deer tags so I bought an OTC elk tag for the unit he would be deer hunting. I dont think we were within 5 miles of any elk or deer that first season and probably no closer than 2.5 the next! Season 3 is over and we were really into them. I know its only a matter of time in the woods until I punch a tag. Just like everyone else has posted, I will be chasing elk in Sept until I am dead.
Thanks a million, Melbatoast for taking me out and for being an awesome hunting partner!
We found out there really isnt such a thing as leftover archery deer tags so I bought an OTC elk tag for the unit he would be deer hunting. I dont think we were within 5 miles of any elk or deer that first season and probably no closer than 2.5 the next! Season 3 is over and we were really into them. I know its only a matter of time in the woods until I punch a tag. Just like everyone else has posted, I will be chasing elk in Sept until I am dead.
Thanks a million, Melbatoast for taking me out and for being an awesome hunting partner!
I went on my first elk hunt in 1980.
I was in 10th grade and me, my dad and my uncle drove out to Colorado.
None of us had ever been elk hunting before.
We learned quick. I don\'t remember many details but I do recall my dad and I walking down a logging road one evening.
We bumped an elk and he took off up the opposite slope.
We both shot and the elk went down with 2 bullets in him
My uncle ended up shooting one the same size the next night.
Not bad for some Minnesota WT hunters on their first elk hunt.
Here is a couple pics. Me and my dad and the elk we shot.
I was in 10th grade and me, my dad and my uncle drove out to Colorado.
None of us had ever been elk hunting before.
We learned quick. I don\'t remember many details but I do recall my dad and I walking down a logging road one evening.
We bumped an elk and he took off up the opposite slope.
We both shot and the elk went down with 2 bullets in him
My uncle ended up shooting one the same size the next night.
Not bad for some Minnesota WT hunters on their first elk hunt.
Here is a couple pics. Me and my dad and the elk we shot.
my buddy and I went to a private ranch in 2010. my other buddies dad co-owned it and gave us a heck of a price to stay out there, it was a star resort. we only had rifle cow and doe mulie tags. I ended up getting mine on the 2nd trip out, my xmas present from the wife! that was a magical trip..... my first elk and mulie and the first time I had ever been to the mtns. I have always wanted to hunt elk ever since I can remember. my wife going back to school and becoming a nurse has made that dream a reality.....
iccyman001
New member
- Apr 30, 2014
- 5,489
I started at the age of 6 going with my family whitetail hunting in the north Maine woods....
Its taken over my life ever since then.....
Its taken over my life ever since then.....
I moved to CO twelve years ago. I\'d always dreamed of bowhunting elk. Other than that I\'m pretty much self-taught. I had some help with packouts but that\'s it. I can still remember my first hunt like it was yesterday. Struck out my first season, stuck and lost big bulls on my second two seasons, and have killed one every year since. My life sorta revolves around elk hunting now
I grew up on a produce farm outside of Denver where my dad and older brothers led the way. Started with a BB gun, moved up to a .22 for prairie dogs, then a shotgun jumping ducks, geese & pheasants along a creek and river near the farm. I would take the .22 up during rifle seasons to shoot rabbits while my dad and brothers hunted deer and elk. Next was carrying a rifle followed shortly after with a bow for big game.
iccyman001
New member
- Apr 30, 2014
- 5,489
\"Swede\" said:
I have not, but you have peaked my interest. I will have to take a look at them and I will probably buy them tonight.
I need some new hunting books and anything on the North Maine woods has to be good.
I can tell you after 12 years of hunting up there that it\'s one of the most fantastic and challenging things that I have ever done.
Many hunters agree that it\'s one of the most difficult states to hunt, but I also think it holds some VERY mature deer.
Whenever we hunt up there we may only take one or two deer, but they always manage to be 4-5 years or older and 200+lb deer.
If it\'s something you have been thinking of doing, I would say start planning a trip. Everything about Maine is just great and I think you would love the experience.
cohunter14
Administrator
- Jul 10, 2017
- 5,332
I got my start in elk hunting at a pretty young age. I got to go on annual scouting trips with my dad starting when I was probably 7 or 8 years old. Finally got to hunt when I was 12 and have been going every year since.
Anonymous
New member
- Mar 2, 2014
- 298
My Dad got me started in hunting. However, I came down with the elk bug while on a business trip to IBM in Boulder back in 1994. Both the customer rep and my company\'s rep were hunting partners and encouraged me to apply for an elk tag. I applied and drew a 2nd choice ml tag in unit 46...Mt. Evans unit. Just wish I had started earlier in life.
