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Who here has killed an elk?

kbetts

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Oct 13, 2015
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If you guys are saddle hunting, you’re better men than me or aren’t traveling the same terrain. There ain’t no way I’m carrying saddle gear up a mountain.
 

kyler1945

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Dec 4, 2016
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If you guys are saddle hunting, you’re better men than me or aren’t traveling the same terrain. There ain’t no way I’m carrying saddle gear up a mountain.

Haha it won’t go every day. It will be in the truck. Funny how a 5lb kit is lightweight for whitetail hunting, but won’t make the cut for mountain hunt unless it’s getting used every day
 

kbetts

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Oct 13, 2015
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I can almost smell the Aspen.
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kbetts

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Oct 13, 2015
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More than one way to camp....lol.

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Scoutman

Well-Known Member
Oct 8, 2016
635
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Ga now, Tx soon
We have 7 cows, 6 bulls, 2 bears, 1 mulie so far. Not talking about misses or screw ups, too many to admit.

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kyler1945

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SH Member
Dec 4, 2016
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Never not got a saddle in my pack, deadly on elk, worth every ounce.

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What climbing method? Or are you just using trees with branches?

We have 7 cows, 6 bulls, 2 bears, 1 mulie so far. Not talking about misses or screw ups, too many to admit.

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Are you saying you killed all those critters with a saddle?!
 

Scoutman

Well-Known Member
Oct 8, 2016
635
466
63
60
Ga now, Tx soon
We killed 90% out of a saddle, we use limbs mostly, pines out west lend themselves to climbing easily, usually. I actually have only shot one elk on the ground, rest have been called to a tree and shot.

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Scoutman

Well-Known Member
Oct 8, 2016
635
466
63
60
Ga now, Tx soon
Bugling is awesome, less is more generally. Cow calls kill alot of elk. Public gets hammered with bugles. One call I personally have had luck with is a nervous grunt, bark, etc. Look it up and why you use it, it can save a hunt. You have to have the right bull at the right time to bugle, it's a awesome thing to experience.

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reggoh75

Active Member
Jan 11, 2019
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LOUISIANA
LOCATION
IOWA, LA
I killed my first elk in SW Colorado (Mancos Area of the San Juan NF) in 2012.
This was a DIY Archery hunt with a partner on public land. First time for both of us.
We hiked in and out of the "Elk Terrain" for 4 days and didn't hear a bugle or see much sign.
On the 5th day we decided to go up on a plateau that was much flatter but not as much access.
We went about 15 minutes before hearing our first bugle.
Called in several spikes and 1 cow before the bugler finally came in to bow range.
I shot him at 34 yards for my first elk.

We split up about 60 yards apart with the shooter out front.
The elk responded very well to the calls.
We jumped a very nice 6x6 in the same area hauling my elk out.

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arrowsender

New Member
Jun 30, 2019
15
5
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39
Finding elk is the biggest obstacle. A trick if you're have problems locating is to go out of a night and bugle. Once you locate elk mark it on OnX and come back in the morning.
 

kyler1945

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Dec 4, 2016
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Our first 24 hours will be spent on logistics, checking out trailheads/crowds, access points, and then definitely some bugling and listening after dark.

I can’t wait to get out there!
 

Phopkins

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Dec 8, 2018
505
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Metamora, IL
I guess I'll chime in. I was lucky enough to live in Montana for 25 years. I killed 15, all with recurve and longbows. Most were killed while bivy hunting.
Elk are made for ground hunting, that is the big adrenaline rush. Shoot them from a tree if you want. Sometimes I'm sure that would be the highest odds. For me though, being on the same plane with them is fun and ultra satisfying when it all comes together.
It's been a few years since I've been in elk country, a buddy and I are planning a Wyoming trip next year.
 

kbetts

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Oct 13, 2015
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Steep timber.

What my kit looks like packed. Going to upgrade the sleep system by next year.
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Kurt

Well-Known Member
Nov 1, 2018
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Massachusetts
Steep timber.

What my kit looks like packed. Going to upgrade the sleep system by next year.
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Where we hunted we had a side hill like this we called it the elevator, cause that thing went straight down.
 

kbetts

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Oct 13, 2015
1,873
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Delaware
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Delaware
I hear ya. Some of those angles are waaay too steep. Getting down is easy but climbing every day gets to be a huge mental issue. Seems like you're always going up.....lol.

My buddy Drew tells me twice a week "There's still time.....". Going to really miss it this year.
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kyler1945

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Dec 4, 2016
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Willis, TX
I hear ya. Some of those angles are waaay too steep. Getting down is easy but climbing every day gets to be a huge mental issue. Seems like you're always going up.....lol.

My buddy Drew tells me twice a week "There's still time.....". Going to really miss it this year.
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Dang, I might spend all my time fishing. Caught them in the creeks?