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Tips for a successful elk hunt
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With proper planning, this bull can be yours.
On the eve of the 2009 elk hunt, there are a few things hunters may want to consider for a successful hunt. First of all, realize that the average success rate on the elk hunt is 16 percent. That doesn't mean there aren't a lot of elk to hunt, but that hunters are having a difficult time finding them. So where are they, and what are the best ways to get your elk? Here are some suggestions that just might help you get that meat for the winter.
The weather
If it's warm, the elk are usually high and scattered. Snow generally pushes elk (and deer) lower and into herds. We had a snow storm in the upper altitudes of many of our mountains this week. It is unclear as to whether or not that storm was enough to begin moving the elk lower. Often once it gets colder and the snow begins to fly, elk will retreat to forested areas where the food sources remain. One thing hunters could do is find out how much snow fell in the area they intend on hunting, and then check with Forest Service officials or the DWR and ask them if they've noticed the elk moving lower.
Get away from roads
If possible, distance yourself from roads and other hunters. Says Anis Aoude, big game coordinator for the DWR, "Elk are smart and wary animals, and they're sensitive to hunting pressure," Aoude said in a prepared release. "As soon as the shooting starts, they head into the thickest cover they can find. To find success, you have to head into the backcountry and find them."
Don't bugle too much
Bull elk largely respond to bugling as the rut begins coming on. One mistake hunters make when bugling is to continue bugling as they hear an answering challenge. It's as if the adrenaline takes over. If the hunter gets too carried away with the bugle, the elk waits for another elk to come into the open, instead of going to find the challenging bull. So a little bit of self-restraint will go a long way. Cow-calling can also be very productive, but again, you don't want to overcall. Study what the experts say on how to bugle and you can have a lot of success.
Sound like an elk
If you hear a big bull responding to your challenge, often you can sound more realistic by scraping branches and making other noise that sounds like an elk. Break branches or throw rocks. Sound like an elk moving through the trees. Calling isn't the only noise elk make. Take that into consideration as you hunt your bull as well.
The bottom line
Study the sport of elk hunting and those who have success doing it. Study elk habits and remember them. Then, with a little luck and a lot of effort, you'll be part of the 16 percent who bag their bull every year.
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