We have a caller\'s guide posted, and here is a similar printable guide for tree stand hunters. I have to give John the credit for coming up with the idea. I know it is our hope that we can help BTO elk hunters be more successful. I love the discussion and ribbing we can all identify with, but when it is all said and done, our heart is in seeing new people get the passion and have success at elk hunting. I hope this helps some of you a lot.
TREE STAND HUNTERS FRIEND--ELK
Home Search: Check topographic maps and Google Earth for likely spots where elk will pass. Look for game trails, water holes, saddles, strips of cover between bedding and feeding areas. Semi-arid areas are good regions to look for tree stand locations over water. Read magazine articles, watch DVDs, follow BTO posts, and ask others for areas of interest. Do not expect coordinates from on-line contributors, but first hand messages about a general area can keep you from disappointing hunts later.
Field Scouting: Look for places elk frequent. A few trail cameras set up in potential areas can tell what is coming around, and when. Bulls and cows often use separate areas in the Summer and very early season. Do not get enticed by seeing an elk or some random fresh tracks. Look for signs of repeat use, new and old sign. Look at rubs, tracks, feces, trails, muddy stinking water. Look for places where elk use is concentrated. Find a place where several trails come together in a funnel or passage. Note: Hillsides areas and ridges are usually good for minimizing scent problems. Basins hold your scent.
Selecting A Tree: There is no perfect tree. Try to find one that is large enough to hold a stand stable about 25 feet off the ground and try to be in some cover. Also cover can be placed in your tree if needed. Have good shooting lanes into the area where you expect to see elk. Avoid dead, unstable, rotten and pitchy trees.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Set-up: Face stand so you can easily make a shot at most nearby elk without too much movement. Check for squeaks. Make sure your stand feels solid. Avoid being seen by uphill elk and standing out in the open sunlight. Your tether should be almost tight when you are seated. Place no decoys on the ground. Know your shooting distances to prominent points around your stand. Have two or three good hangers for your bow, pack, etc. You can hunt productively immediately after setting up your stand, so minimize the disturbance you make while hanging a stand.
The Waiting Game: Never get impatient. Sit quiet and watch. Elk can come around at any time. If you read, look up and around frequently. Never get distracted so you lose your focus on elk hunting. Don\'t call. You are set up at the most likely place for elk to arrive at on the entire area. Elk can come in during the morning, early afternoon, but the most likely time at a waterhole is in the evening.
Opportunity arrives: While in your stand never answer an elk call. Prepare for the shot as soon as you become aware of an elks presence. Don\'t watch the bull. Focus on what you need to do to make the shot. Bend at the waist and not the bow or arms. Take your time on the shot. Make sure you are seeing the proper sight picture. Hold high on the elk you shoot at, considering the downward angle of the arrow path.
<!-- m --><a class=\"postlink\" href=\"http://www.backtrakoutdoors.com\" onclick=\"window.open(this.href);return false;\">http://www.backtrakoutdoors.com</a><!-- m -->
TREE STAND HUNTERS FRIEND--ELK
Home Search: Check topographic maps and Google Earth for likely spots where elk will pass. Look for game trails, water holes, saddles, strips of cover between bedding and feeding areas. Semi-arid areas are good regions to look for tree stand locations over water. Read magazine articles, watch DVDs, follow BTO posts, and ask others for areas of interest. Do not expect coordinates from on-line contributors, but first hand messages about a general area can keep you from disappointing hunts later.
Field Scouting: Look for places elk frequent. A few trail cameras set up in potential areas can tell what is coming around, and when. Bulls and cows often use separate areas in the Summer and very early season. Do not get enticed by seeing an elk or some random fresh tracks. Look for signs of repeat use, new and old sign. Look at rubs, tracks, feces, trails, muddy stinking water. Look for places where elk use is concentrated. Find a place where several trails come together in a funnel or passage. Note: Hillsides areas and ridges are usually good for minimizing scent problems. Basins hold your scent.
Selecting A Tree: There is no perfect tree. Try to find one that is large enough to hold a stand stable about 25 feet off the ground and try to be in some cover. Also cover can be placed in your tree if needed. Have good shooting lanes into the area where you expect to see elk. Avoid dead, unstable, rotten and pitchy trees.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Set-up: Face stand so you can easily make a shot at most nearby elk without too much movement. Check for squeaks. Make sure your stand feels solid. Avoid being seen by uphill elk and standing out in the open sunlight. Your tether should be almost tight when you are seated. Place no decoys on the ground. Know your shooting distances to prominent points around your stand. Have two or three good hangers for your bow, pack, etc. You can hunt productively immediately after setting up your stand, so minimize the disturbance you make while hanging a stand.
The Waiting Game: Never get impatient. Sit quiet and watch. Elk can come around at any time. If you read, look up and around frequently. Never get distracted so you lose your focus on elk hunting. Don\'t call. You are set up at the most likely place for elk to arrive at on the entire area. Elk can come in during the morning, early afternoon, but the most likely time at a waterhole is in the evening.
Opportunity arrives: While in your stand never answer an elk call. Prepare for the shot as soon as you become aware of an elks presence. Don\'t watch the bull. Focus on what you need to do to make the shot. Bend at the waist and not the bow or arms. Take your time on the shot. Make sure you are seeing the proper sight picture. Hold high on the elk you shoot at, considering the downward angle of the arrow path.
<!-- m --><a class=\"postlink\" href=\"http://www.backtrakoutdoors.com\" onclick=\"window.open(this.href);return false;\">http://www.backtrakoutdoors.com</a><!-- m -->
