New Elk Hunter

[DeerHunterSD]

Hello all. I just drew a limited license for any elk(firearm) in the Black Hills of SD. It took 11 years and I am pumped! I've deer hunted plenty but never actually elk hunted so I'm on here looking for advice/tips. I went out today to a new area to look for any kind of sign and familiarize myself with the region. The unit is so big I don't really know where to start, but am going off a few tips from other hunters. I hung a game cam next to a wallow I found. Season is the whole month of Oct and last year 196 bulls and 12 cows were harvested out of 250 tags in this unit. I'm confident I will fill the tag but I think my biggest challenge will be wanting to hold out and pass on the smaller bulls for a nicer one. I've been told those satellite bulls can look pretty good standing there looking at you! Don't get me wrong, I'd be happy with a cow in the last couple days but hopefully it won't come to that. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Bowhunter1]

Congrats on the tag!! You have come to the right place. Stick around and ask away. There is a lot of knowledge here.


I don't know anything about SD but I can tell you you are on the right track.

 

[DTP]

Hello all. I just drew a limited license for any elk(firearm) in the Black Hills of SD. It took 11 years and I am pumped! I've deer hunted plenty but never actually elk hunted so I'm on here looking for advice/tips. I went out today to a new area to look for any kind of sign and familiarize myself with the region. The unit is so big I don't really know where to start, but am going off a few tips from other hunters. I hung a game cam next to a wallow I found. Season is the whole month of Oct and last year 196 bulls and 12 cows were harvested out of 250 tags in this unit. I'm confident I will fill the tag but I think my biggest challenge will be wanting to hold out and pass on the smaller bulls for a nicer one. I've been told those satellite bulls can look pretty good standing there looking at you! Don't get me wrong, I'd be happy with a cow in the last couple days but hopefully it won't come to that. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

First off, welcome to the site!  :upthumb:
Second.... congrats on a sweet tag!


The nice thing about those kinds of tags if that because they are so rare to draw, people are always more giving with information and spots. Im betting you can find some people who have had the tag before and they can put you right on elk. Also, based off those number you posted... wow... I'd say you have a good chance too!


Best thing I can say is go in with a realistic expectation.
If you're ok with a rag horn, shoot a rag horn.
I've seen too many people get great tags, not set expectations, and then they pass on too many bulls thinking there is something better (bulls they normally would be ok with) then they don't fill the tag.


If it gets you excited, SHOOT IT! Then let the addiction begin and start researching where you want to hunt 2019

 

[DeerHunterSD]

Hello all. I just drew a limited license for any elk(firearm) in the Black Hills of SD. It took 11 years and I am pumped! I've deer hunted plenty but never actually elk hunted so I'm on here looking for advice/tips. I went out today to a new area to look for any kind of sign and familiarize myself with the region. The unit is so big I don't really know where to start, but am going off a few tips from other hunters. I hung a game cam next to a wallow I found. Season is the whole month of Oct and last year 196 bulls and 12 cows were harvested out of 250 tags in this unit. I'm confident I will fill the tag but I think my biggest challenge will be wanting to hold out and pass on the smaller bulls for a nicer one. I've been told those satellite bulls can look pretty good standing there looking at you! Don't get me wrong, I'd be happy with a cow in the last couple days but hopefully it won't come to that. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

First off, welcome to the site!  :upthumb:
Second.... congrats on a sweet tag!


The nice thing about those kinds of tags if that because they are so rare to draw, people are always more giving with information and spots. Im betting you can find some people who have had the tag before and they can put you right on elk. Also, based off those number you posted... wow... I'd say you have a good chance too!


Best thing I can say is go in with a realistic expectation.
If you're ok with a rag horn, shoot a rag horn.
I've seen too many people get great tags, not set expectations, and then they pass on too many bulls thinking there is something better (bulls they normally would be ok with) then they don't fill the tag.


If it gets you excited, SHOOT IT! Then let the addiction begin and start researching where you want to hunt 2019

Good advice. That's the problem though, there won't be another elk hunt in 2019 for me unless I'm lucky enough to draw archery. I can't even start applying again for 10 years. Regardless, I'll shoot what makes me happy.

 

[montanaelk31]

Well I live in Montana but I?ve hunted with my cousin who is a SD resident twice for cows in the hills the last 12 years. There?s a pile of elk and not too many people what they?re doing. My advice is get there late September and cover tons of ground until you locate some bugles. Most days I cover 15 or so miles in Montana. Pretty easy to cover 20 or more in the hills. Learn how to locate elk with a bugle, or glass. The elk should still be bugling a bit by the time your hunt starts so at least you?ll find some elk.  Finding the biggest bulls mean seeing what?s there first then deciding on what you deem a ?shooter?.  Elk bed on north faces, near water in the thickest timber.  Not too much thick timber in the hills so you shouldn?t have much trouble, good luck!

 

[Kdkehoe]

Hey welcome to the site! If you want solid advice and knowledge about elk the Elk Hunting University Cory offers is a solid spot to start. Putting in for so long the cost is worth every penny.  For myself a lot of my hunting is yes for fun, but on the back half it?s important I get meat for my family for the year. That being said trophy opportunities will present them self to a hunter over the years.  I?ll shoot on the first day what I?d shoot at the end date of the season. If a monster shows itself game on, rag horn game on. Whatever fills my freezer.  The only expectation I set is for myself, not the harvest

 

[cohunter14]

Good advice. That's the problem though, there won't be another elk hunt in 2019 for me unless I'm lucky enough to draw archery. I can't even start applying again for 10 years. Regardless, I'll shoot what makes me happy.

Keep in mind that you can hunt elk in states other than SD  ;-)  After this year's hunt, I'll make a guess that you might want to do it again soon.


Like has been mentioned here, ask away with any questions you have. And the University of Elk Hunting Online Course is definitely a great option as well. It's packed with information that will get you on your way. There's a major promotion going on right now where you can get $20 off the price of the course as well, FYI.