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Patterning elk for saddle hunt

K

kunsangsean

New Member
Joined
Sep 29, 2020
Messages
11
Hey elk hunters,

I went out for the first few days of season in Idaho and had two nice 7 hour sits (different tree each day). Had some mule deer come under my tree, but no elk. Hearing some far off bugles, I bailed on the tree, hiked up the mountain and was in elk for a couple days of hot calling action but no shot. I still love hunting out of a tree the most, but the challenges I am finding are that 1) the elk are high up on the mountain and my SRT kit is pretty heavy. 2) these elk didn't seem to be moving a lot during the day, so I think I might need to get within 200 yards before climbing a tree. It takes me a fair bit of time and noise getting a tree setup - so I don't know how likely it is that will work out.

I found some well used trails, but so many of them it's hard to pick which to use. I also found some well used trails to streams, but again - so many different trails hard to pick. Any wisdom from the elk hunters out there?

Thanks in advance, Sean
 
Patterns can be a little difficult. Elk will use the same trail but often wander off a bit. If you want to use the saddle it may be best over a water source. However, if you do set up on a trail you can still call if the elk come into the area. Also, don’t be afraid to get down and put a quick sneak on. If you need to gain a 100 yards, it’s worth climbing down. Then think about using the saddle as a lookout of sorts. Get in the tree very early. Listen and watch for elk. Make a plan and put the smack down on a big monster. Good luck!
 
Camelcluch said:
Patterns can be a little difficult. Elk will use the same trail but often wander off a bit. If you want to use the saddle it may be best over a water source. However, if you do set up on a trail you can still call if the elk come into the area. Also, don’t be afraid to get down and put a quick sneak on. If you need to gain a 100 yards, it’s worth climbing down. Then think about using the saddle as a lookout of sorts. Get in the tree very early. Listen and watch for elk. Make a plan and put the smack down on a big monster. Good luck!
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That's a good idea thanks. I did find some well used trails crossing creeks. But of course there are trails crossing it about every 100 yards or so. How close do you think it's wise to get to a bedding area due to the noise involved in climbing?
 
As close as you can get…. A lot of factors in that one. Shoot, even the noise climbing might bring one in to take a look. Windy days may help hide that noise. There is no real distance I’m comfortable putting a number on. Maybe start out far and work in as needed. Treat it the same as deer.
 
A small meadow with active feeding sign or an active wallow would be the only 2 spots I would climb for elk with any real confidence. I carried climbing gear last year but never found a location I felt was worth investing the time to hang. Taking it again this year too. But elk in a lot of ways are like hunting turkeys and having the ability to move or reposition may be very important.
 
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