What to expect on DIY OTC Elk hunt

[Jaquomo]

Forgot to mention that one of my hot spots is a wallow complex that looks like it was hit by mortar strikes. It\'s 300 yards from a major state highway, but I have to hike about a mile to get to it because that\'s the closest place where I can wade the river safely. About 250 yards away, on the other side of the river, is a developed USFS pay campground. Can\'t hear much bugling because of nonstop vehicle traffic and the river, but that\'s not a concern. The people in that campground can\'t hear any bugling either.

Swede - I\'m putting a treestand in there this year. Breaking my vow to hunt on the ground like a biped and going to try climbing up.

 

[pherrley]

Cnelk, great thanks. I appreciate it.

I appreciate all the help everyone. Looks like I\'ve got some map work ahead of me. I have some other questions obviously, I\'ll open up new topics for them.

 

[Swede]

Jaq, if you get a comfortable stand you will find it addictive. If you get something with a seat similar to a cheap bicycle\'s, you willingly leave those wallows for me. :lol:

 

[Jaquomo]

Thanks, Swede - I have a bunch of stands from my whitetail hunting days but swore off them some years ago. I even hunted elk from them from time to time, but it drove me nuts perched up there like a squirrel with bulls bugling up the ridge. I have killed a half dozen or so from treestands and didn\'t mind it too much.... :upthumb:

 

[Don K]

Just thought I would mention that this is a excellent post to read and read again. Learning a lot here and enjoying it

 

[mtnmutt]

Jaquomo & cnelk, please elaborate on percentage of public land in those total square miles of hunting.

My current area has a very high percentage of public land compared to other units I have hunted. Therefore, it seems easier to locate elk than areas with a lower percentage of public land. Perhaps, this is a false perception. I have far more hunting days in my current area than any of my past areas, hence, I have more experience of where the elk go when pressured.

 

[Jaquomo]

Hi Patricia. My area is all public land. I got away from the public-private mix after the old lead cows learned to take the herds to big private ranches when the pressure starts. Now I know the elk are there somewhere, and it\'s up to me to find them.

 

[cnelk]

Patricia
There is private land near one spot I hunt. Its probably no less than a couple miles away but mostly Im miles away from any private land in my usual haunts