New Elk hunter seeking mentor

[ChrisB]

Hi:


I have only recently contracted Elk Fever at 53 years old. Sadly, I was infected too late to start this year and now will be planning and working towards my first hunt next September. I have hunted deer and turkey but it's been ages due to family, career and my location.


I live in Los Angeles, so elk hunters are not exactly bursting at the seams around these parts. I have made the decision to hunt with a compound bow. I fully realize the decision means a very steep learning curve for me but I do not care. I define success as simply existing in the same country the elk do during the rut. Simple as that. I would also prefer DIY or possibly drop camp hunting as opposed to guided so hope to find someone of the same mindset. I would certainly consider backpacking into the high country also so bivy hunters please take note.


I am more than willing to leave my bow at camp next year until my new mentor has tagged their bull. I will help pack out your animal and will be in shape to do so. I truly love training and have a year to work specifically for high country elk hunting now. I know how to be quiet, patient and I have that predator instinct that has led me to this post.


Prior to now I have satiated this instinct with spring creek fly fishing in the Eastern Sierra. This hands-and-knees version of fly fishing is very much like hunting spot and stalk and has always gripped me to the point of losing track of just how long I have been out there. Hot Creek is a special, almost spiritual place for me.




I am hoping to find a elk bowhunting mentor that will enjoy having a 'student' like myself as well as someone willing to pay their dues to learn the ropes. If I dont find the right mentor I will be going on my own regardless but if I can connect with the right person or group of guys it would be fantastic.


Thanks for reading and hope everyone's September hunts have been amazing!


Chris

 

[cowboystl1]

chris might i suggest finding a partner with some or no experience and learning together from the forum, dvds, books, articals, etc. I am sure that some of these guys the more time your here and the more you learn can guide you in the right direction in spots your interested in or maybe share elk camp if your headed to the same area. its never to late to get into elk hunting and never to early to start training. i wish you all the luck if you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask them here. 


oh any one who wants you to leave your bow at camp isnt a good mentor he is selfish find another partner, because no one can tell what that bull will do and sometimes the caller can be the shooter and or another silent bull may sneak in to the caller via differ route than the shooter.


choosing and elk partner is as important as choosing a wife

 

[ChrisB]

Thank, Cowboystl & SpotnStalk for your replys.


I appreciate your input. As far as my wife, I chose well (not so sure how SHE feels) so after 23 years I am sticking with the first choice ;-). If I do as well on connecting with a hunting partner I will be truly blessed.


I decided to get this search started a year out as it will most certainly require time to connect with the right partner. Whether a partner(s) turns out to be a neophyte and we learn together or someone with experience and I am the one doing the learning I will have to wait and see.


In the meantime I am devouring all I can on the subject and went on a nice training hike yesterday with 40 lbs in the pack.


Chris

 

[cowboystl1]

great job new season starts less than 360 days you can never be to fit id also say might want to start compiling a gear list and a area of hunt list ABC first, second, and otc choices

 

[ChrisB]

Thinking Flat Tops area or around Gunnison as a start. I am definitely open but liked CO and how they do elk. DIY hunting seems pretty slick for a bow and arrow shooter.

Would love to hike in and bivy 5+ miles from the nearest road/trailhead access but how to get a quartered elk out presents something to consider in that situation unless 2 or 3 people team up.

I have a lot to consider in the next year. I love planning and gear and maps so it's all good.

Lastly, I have sent a very enticing invite to my brother-in-law in France. He has hunted Chamois and Stag his whole life and we have fly fished in Austria and Slovenia together. If he comes I would likely consider a drop camp situation as he is 61 and doesn't like pain like I do

great job new season starts less than 360 days you can never be to fit id also say might want to start compiling a gear list and a area of hunt list ABC first, second, and otc choices

 

[cowboystl1]

drop camps are easy to come by in colorado just go to the states list of approved outfitters. colorado for me is my fall back plan c ill put in draws where i really want to hunt then if i dont get drawn im going to colorado i prefer the south colorado close to the new mexico border.


an elk can be gotten out by one person just multiple trips there are a bunch of guys here who do solo hunt. i am lucky for the most part i have a partner my cousin we have been hunting together  since we were 7 and 9. But if he cant go starting next year ill head out solo with out fear. lol he has been put on notice but he has this thing called a wife that keeps him in check

 

[ChrisB]

I certainly need a lot more research on where to apply and I like the idea of CO as a backup. Now I can look for some possible draw areas.

12 months is a long time to wait especially while I know most hunters are hunting now, have hunted or will be within a few weeks. It's good there is lots to research as it will keep me busy on it and focused.

Thanks for the interest and advice. Truly appreciated!

Going to join RMEF today.

Chris

drop camps are easy to come by in colorado just go to the states list of approved outfitters. colorado for me is my fall back plan c ill put in draws where i really want to hunt then if i dont get drawn im going to colorado i prefer the south colorado close to the new mexico border.


an elk can be gotten out by one person just multiple trips there are a bunch of guys here who do solo hunt. i am lucky for the most part i have a partner my cousin we have been hunting together  since we were 7 and 9. But if he cant go starting next year ill head out solo with out fear. lol he has been put on notice but he has this thing called a wife that keeps him in check

 

[cowboystl1]

id get the extreme elk magazine as well great stories and tips there will be a lot more activity on here in a month or two. dont be afraid to ask any question here and if you ever get to something i can help with feel free to im  me. also you should check out solo adventure .com

 

[ChrisB]

EE was my first purchase after I bought one Elk Hunter mag at the bookstore (Yes, we still have a few actual bookstores in LA)


I am looking at a few places to try to draw...


1) Montana in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF in unit 318
2) New Mexico in the Cibola NF near Mount Taylor in unit 13 and the Santa Fe NF in units 6 a, b & c
3) Idaho in the St Joe NF in units 6 and 8a
4) Arizona in the Coconono NF in unit 6a
6) Wyoming in the Shoshone NF units 55, 56 & 60


Thanks!!

id get the extreme elk magazine as well great stories and tips there will be a lot more activity on here in a month or two. dont be afraid to ask any question here and if you ever get to something i can help with feel free to im  me. also you should check out solo adventure .com

 

[cowboystl1]

i would stay in the south of Idaho if it were me the pan handle is wrecked with wolves the elk there are hard to find that country will make you tough if you arnt already lol. i have hunted 16 up there for years and its hard core country. im not so sure you have to draw in Idaho we always bought our tags over the counter.


but it sounds like you have a plan i will tell you this right now before the first of october you can buy a preference point in Wyoming they sell them every fall so it will help with your draw chances just a heads up.


also in the spring you can buy them in Utah and Arizona if you choose too

 

[Jeremiah Johnson]

Good stuff Chris! Planning early is key....cowboys has lead you in the right direction...I would look to Colorado for my first hunt and stay away from nothing idaho. This country is difficult to say the least and Colorado offers many options with mucho elk and no wolves....keep at the planning and training and you will have a great time

 

[ChrisB]

Thanks, JJ. I am really enjoying myself studying, training and generally figuring stuff out as best as a newb can without actually being there.

Good stuff Chris! Planning early is key....cowboys has lead you in the right direction...I would look to Colorado for my first hunt and stay away from nothing idaho. This country is difficult to say the least and Colorado offers many options with mucho elk and no wolves....keep at the planning and training and you will have a great time

 

[mike_parson]

Chris, hit me up. iom a newbie as well. going on my first elk hunt here in NMnext week adn its going to be solo and DIY also. Id love to get to know y ou and see if we can maybe put together a friendship and partnership. I would love to hunt CO and i assure you i will be equally as preparted as you will be. I have been preparing for my NM hunt since the day i found out i drew a tag, my partner i was hoping to have drew the second season so he wont be going with me, but he has asked me to help him as he has done no prep work at all. I would normally tell a guy like this NO, but this guy is one of my closest friends and so i am going to help him this time. Anyways, hit me up and we can chat and go from there if your interested.