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First Archery Elk Hunt

GreginPA said:
I'm planning an OTC Elk hunt. So this was unguided? did you have experience in that area?
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It was unguided. I rifle hunted that area 20 years ago but hadn’t been back out since. I had a general idea of this particular area which is one of the reasons we chose it for this archery hunt.

I agree with @kyler1945 that being able to go out and scout prior would be a huge help but unfortunately vacation limitations make that hard for most. I would at minimum make it a two week trip. It’s not a coincidence that we saw all of our bulls on the second week. We covered miles upon miles the first week. The country is huge, you will look at a map and think “I’m going there”. Hours later you will realize you might not get there today.
 
HuskerInIowa said:
What things would you look for in an elk hunting buddy?
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Not my thread but... Similar hunting styles is #1. You have to want it the same amount and be able to embrace the same level of suck. After that (but generally related to #1 anyway) is ability to get along at camp, followed by what experience and gear they bring to the table.

I've learned that hard way( mostly though fishing this far, I've been hunting mainly solo) that fishing with people that just want to hang out with a rod sometimes in their hand doesn't work for me and it's not an enjoyable experience. I'm down to hang out, but when we are fishing, priority is catching fish, I've gotten into arguments with people I care about a lot (like my dad) when those priorities don't align and I feel like we are wasting time. Hanging out is for the campfire, or back at home IMHO, not on a trip where we have limited time to catch fish or find an animal. Same goes for planning, if you're somewhat lackadaisical about the planning/execution, you're not going with me. We can go camping some time in the summer, but don't mess up my hunt by not being all in. Unfortunately I've learned that the hard way as well, I suppose that's why other than with my brother I've hunted solo this far lol.
 
The list of qualities that make a good hunting partner is endless. More so on an elk hunt in rough country. And the list is going to be somewhat different for anyone else. But here are some of the characteristics I find essential.

1. A hard-core hunter
2. Early to bed, early (and eager) to rise
3. Mentally tough
4. Physically tough
5. Minimal complaining (about anything)
6. Ready to implement plan B
7. Strong back and a short memory, you're going to want help once an elk hits the ground

I backpack hunted almost exclusively. Once an elk dies 8 miles from the truck is no time to find out your partner is a slacker.
 
thedutchtouch said:
Not my thread but... Similar hunting styles is #1. You have to want it the same amount and be able to embrace the same level of suck. After that (but generally related to #1 anyway) is ability to get along at camp, followed by what experience and gear they bring to the table.

I've learned that hard way( mostly though fishing this far, I've been hunting mainly solo) that fishing with people that just want to hang out with a rod sometimes in their hand doesn't work for me and it's not an enjoyable experience. I'm down to hang out, but when we are fishing, priority is catching fish, I've gotten into arguments with people I care about a lot (like my dad) when those priorities don't align and I feel like we are wasting time. Hanging out is for the campfire, or back at home IMHO, not on a trip where we have limited time to catch fish or find an animal. Same goes for planning, if you're somewhat lackadaisical about the planning/execution, you're not going with me. We can go camping some time in the summer, but don't mess up my hunt by not being all in. Unfortunately I've learned that the hard way as well, I suppose that's why other than with my brother I've hunted solo this far lol.
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Preach brother! This is the same reason why I don't go to movies with other people. I paid to watch the movie, not to talk to you during the movie. If I do go with others, fully expect me to ignore you the whole movie and we can talk about it afterward during dinner.

I was stunned when I went hunting with my FIL's club. They spend more time back at camp chatting then actually in the wood hunting. They spend a good 2-3 days setting up that camp. I'm calling it, they are just using hunting as an excuse to get away from their wives.
 
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Sounds like success. I elk hunting is hard but worth the work.
Looking for a partner is tough. No real formula to make it work. A week in the mountains together will either strengthen a friendship or it could break it. I usually hunt alone for a few reasons but one being simple partnership. Isolation anyway wears on people and we all react differently.
 
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Just to add a little closure to this story. I went back to this area with the family the first two weeks of July. We hiked up and found the spot this encounter occurred. I didn't take the time after my miss to look for my arrow or analyze what happened because I chased the herd down over the mountain. I wanted to go back and look at my setup, really look at what happened, not what I thought happened in the moment and see what I could do differently to have a better outcome next time.

The picture of my son laying on the log below is the log that the elk stepped over, just above my son's head. The tree the elk was raking that I thought was 6 steps was actually between 10-12 yards. I am glad that I didn't take the shot that was presented for a short time. Judging from where the bull had to be standing he was quartered to me pretty heavily. I was able to find my arrow, the pic below is how I found it. Lining up the arrow with where I was setup the bull was about 25 yards when I shot over his back. I can still picture my arrow headed towards that log that's behind me in the pic. Something that I realized that had to occur based on where I found my arrow, is that when the bull spooked the second time I had to move my bow to the opposite side of a pine that I was setup beside. I don't remember doing this or know how I had time to do it in the two jumps the bull took. This confirms I really rushed my shot.

I realized the biggest mistake I made was moving forward to setup after I saw the bull. I was already under 100 yards, probably closer to 75. By moving forward I was forced to crouch down behind the rise when I bugled. Being crouched down was what created most of my problems. If I would have simply backed up 10 yards. I would have had enough cover between me and the bull that I think I could have bugled without him seeing me. I also would have had thick pines behind me which would have had him looking behind me, instead of at me in the open. I also wouldn't have had to crouch down and my vision and ability to shoot would have been much improved.

All in all, I am glad I made the effort to go back, there was a lot to learn for the next encounter!
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