Who here has elk hunted?

I went about 8 years ago for an 8 day trip I pulled the bow back on a cow second to last day but didn't let it fly after realizing I didn't have a clue where I was. Saw lots of critters and had a couple close encounters with bulls but never worked out. I wouldn't mind going back again myself.

RRMan said:

I went about 8 years ago for an 8 day trip I pulled the bow back on a cow second to last day but didn't let it fly after realizing I didn't have a clue where I was. Saw lots of critters and had a couple close encounters with bulls but never worked out. I wouldn't mind going back again myself.

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I did have a PY caliber bull at 70 yards with about 30 cows, amazing encounter, sure would have liked to redo that set-up!

I had a 5x5 bull at 30 yards for what seemed like a couple minutes with nothing but trees between us guessing he was what I would call a 3 year old nice critter but far from record books and never got a good look at the other one. It's intense when they are bugling with 100 yards of you nothing else like it. I would love to go again but I don't see it happening I've really got into fishing into Canada last couple years and that takes allot of my recreational time away from me

20' said:

I did have a PY caliber bull at 70 yards with about 30 cows, amazing encounter, sure would have liked to redo that set-up!

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I hunt for elk each time I hunt my place....none have shown up as of now......maybe someday.

We are going after muleys this year. Starting next year I hope to make archery elk a regular thing. I’m trying to slowly accumulate gear so I can run around with camp on my back.

Someday I hope to. Every time I sold a house I told myself I was going to spend some money on an elk hunt but ended up buying other toys or property and never went. Now my kids need to get a little older before I can go. Also the work thing I only get 3 vacation days that time of year so that makes it tough.

I had the opportunity and money to go to Colorado in 2015. I don't send in for points and I figured it would be the only time in my life I would go so I spent the money and went with an outfitter on an over the counter tag. I did a lot of research when looking for an outfitter. I thought if I'm going to go I want a good chance that I would come back with a bull so going with an outfitter was the best option. Had a cabin to stay in. We hunted 10,000 acres of private land that bordered public land. My buddy and I were both successful. I would love to go again.

It's still on my list of things to do, but every year I get older, I wonder if I'll still be able to make it happen.... Need to get it on the books, or it may just never happen. Problem is, I love hunting mulies so much, I just keep doing that.

callaojoe said:

It's still on my list of things to do, but every year I get older, I wonder if I'll still be able to make it happen.... Need to get it on the books, or it may just never happen. Problem is, I love hunting mulies so much, I just keep doing that.

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I haven't hunted mulies, but I cannot imagine it would compare to elk...but then again you're not too into turkeys....a bulging elk is something special.....a fella of your means, give a a try, you won't be disappointed!

Like you mentioned, we aren't getting any younger, so I better make it happen sooner than later!!

Some of the Muley hunts, have been a lot like some Elk hunts..... Any spot and stalk type of hunting, where you are likely to see a lot of animals over the course of the day, is just plain fun.

There is a bunch of different ways to hunt Elk, not just calling them like you see people doing on TV shows... That style makes for good tv, and I am sure it's a blast. They guys I hunt Mulies with, have their best Elk success by setting up blinds on water holes. But, it's in the high dessert part of Montana, not the mountains. Missouri Breaks area.

One of the reasons I have kept my Matty, is for a future Elk hunt....

callaojoe said:

It's still on my list of things to do, but every year I get older, I wonder if I'll still be able to make it happen.... Need to get it on the books, or it may just never happen. Problem is, I love hunting mulies so much, I just keep doing that.

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CJ and others thinking about it...get the ball rolling now! I myself started thinking of elk hunting when I was in my early 40's figuring I have plenty of time to get it done. Years went by just thinking about going someday. Then came the age catching up with me plus a heart attack and other ailments like bad knees from all that abuse they took while I carried mail. Sure I could hire a guide but that cost money which I don't really have today. Just the physical upkeep on my body keeps me close to home just in case I have another heart attack. My advice to all those younger than me don't put it off because if you do it will never happen. Get it done now....and post up your story so I can at least read about your hunt and pretend I was there with you.:tup:

OK, so just sent email to guy in MT about an elk hunt, no time like the present to get one on the books.... It's all your fault Bob.

callaojoe said:

Some of the Muley hunts, have been a lot like some Elk hunts..... Any spot and stalk type of hunting, where you are likely to see a lot of animals over the course of the day, is just plain fun.

There is a bunch of different ways to hunt Elk, not just calling them like you see people doing on TV shows... That style makes for good tv, and I am sure it's a blast. They guys I hunt Mulies with, have their best Elk success by setting up blinds on water holes. But, it's in the high dessert part of Montana, not the mountains. Missouri Breaks area.

One of the reasons I have kept my Matty, is for a future Elk hunt....

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If I go again, I kinda of have unfinished business with the mountains, so that is the route I would take, but my current fitness level may disagree!

callaojoe said:

OK, so just sent email to guy in MT about an elk hunt, no time like the present to get one on the books.... It's all your fault Bob.

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Good deal!

Been going 30 some years,elk hunting is addictive,but honestly with buying points and getting them built up and then having experience of never elk hunting. I will give yah some advice. The mountains are crowded with novice hunters.The mountains are turning in to a timber box ready to go up on flames with all the dead spruces . If you have to wait up to ten years to draw a tag then never killed one. My advice is go guided on private ground, spend the bucks and have the hunt of a lifetime or really do your homework.
Me I'm pretty well made up my mind on going guided private ground hunt for next year and trying a new state.

I’ve been twice. Had pretty crappy luck both times. First attempt my gf got ran off the road by a semi night before opening day, so instead of leaving for my hunt I got to spend the next week with her in the hospital and dealing with insurance/ buying a new car etc. in retrospect, I should have just went hunting.

Second time I was in the middle of buying a repo house from the bank and they waited til about the third day of elk season to finally counter offer, so I ended up having to head back home to deal with that crap.

Between those two tags I think I hunted a total of maybe 9 days. It was awesome though. Nothing like a big bull screaming in the timber first thing when the sun comes up.

I’ll be going into next years draw with 10 or 11 bonus points so I should be able to draw a pretty good tag

callaojoe said:

OK, so just sent email to guy in MT about an elk hunt, no time like the present to get one on the books.... It's all your fault Bob.

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If you are already looking at MT look into hell creek Clint owns the marina there if I was gonna go with an outfitter itd be him