Lessons learned so far on Elk Mentors

[americanbwana]

Thought about this today, but what have you learned in the little over two months we\'ve been on line?

As for me, it would be two things.
1. How to use the \'Shut the hell up call\'. One doesn\'t need to call to be successful, contrary to the TV shows and videos we see. Alerting the critters to your presence can be counter productive.
2. Run and gun does not equal success. I need to be more patient when I find sign in an area. Constantly calling and moving is not the same as calling and waiting (Patience).

How about the rest of the crowd?

AB

 

[OldMan]

I learned that you\'re listening to me.

Now, go sell your calls, and make some buffalo slippers.

 

[Swede]

Even though we have had a few issues, I have learned there is a great bunch of knowledgeable hunters around the campfire here. I am optimistic that the forum is a great place to discuss elk hunting tactics. Like every actual hunting camp I have hunted out of, this forum is different than all of the others. It has its own personality. There are different skills brought to the camp fire here.
Specifically, what I have learned is pretty nuanced. I have started hankering to try hunting the way Still Hunter describes his secret cabin affair. I have considered his little cabin, in his elk haunts, to be very intriguing. One of these days I think I will pack a lunch, take a thermos full of coffee and go watch a little passage similar to what I have visualized Still Hunter\'s cabin to be like. I can use one of my pop up blinds for my cabin. Unfortunately I don\'t have a place as reliable for passing elk, as Still Hunter\'s cabin.

 

[OldMan]

I\'m flattered Swede. Thank you. It\'s hard for me to not try and pass on what I love most.

Maybe i\'ll try your treestand someday.

 

[iccyman001]

I have learned countless things, but I will try to narrow down some main points.

- I learned what a \"bench\" is
- I\'ve learned a wide variety of different elk hunting tactics, because not everyone in here hunts the same
- I think the best thing I learned though, is this forum is full of mentors, not \"self proclaimed know it alls.\"
Before I came in here I was always reviewing larger forums and it was filled with nothing, but know it alls, trolls, and people who just liked to argue.
Those sites are not effective at all and you never get the feeling that people actually want to help.

The way you guys share your good stories, just as much as you share your mistakes, helps us new guys on so many levels.
It\'s not just people talking to random people. There is much more of a personal effect in here. It\'s great.

I just hope (and plan on it) that after I get a few elk hunts under the belt, that I can mentor as well!

 

[Deertick]

I\'ve learned that there are a lot of ways to hunt elk, not just \"call\" or \"treestand\".

Next: sorting out how to recognize ideal times to use each of the methods.

 

[OldMan]

That\'s a method in itself.

 

[mtnmutt]

The importance of raking and being silent.

 

[Lost Again]

After many hours of being in the shadows, (lurking if you will ), reading all the posts from so many accomplished hunters. I won\'t mention names here, but I came to realize, that most everybody here are just regular people doing what they are passionate about. Having this forum to explore, even without much posting done myself, makes me believe that I have more tools and confidence to get one on the ground this year.

 

[mainebrdr]

I\'ve learned that quick thoughts sometimes don\'t sound to good when I read them in print! This is really the first forum in which I have been a participant.
Hopefully the head knowledge gleaned on this site will translate into positive \'lessons\' learned in the field.

 

[razorback]

I\'m learning something every time I log on. Mainly learning a lot of what I have read and watched on TV is useless. I am also grateful for those who have replied and sent messages. I hope not to disappoint those this fall.

 

[Billy Goat]

agreed on that Razorback.

I\'m half convinced that if I\'m successful this October, I may be obligated to Fedex a package or two of meat to various contributors. ;P

 

[razorback]

I know, with all the help I almost feel like I am have pressure on me not to disappoint and make the guys feel like they wasted their time.

 

[americanbwana]

I know, with all the help I almost feel like I am have pressure on me not to disappoint and make the guys feel like they wasted their time.

Lesson to be learned here. Pressure will ruin your hunt. You are not wasting our time.

Go forth and have fun. Putting any pressure on yourself will actually ruin the experience. Been there, done that, got the shirt.

AB