Elk Hunting Advice: Your Do's and Don'ts
12-07-2002, 10:51 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Rocky Mountains, Colorado
Posts: 1,964
Elk Hunting Advice: Your Do's and Don'ts
Help your fellow hunters by sharing some of the DO's and DON'T's you have acquired over time regarding elk camping and hunting, some of them probably learned the hard way! Bear in mind the style of elk hunting you do will determine your own personal DO's and DON'T's. Opinions should vary and it is up to the user of the information in these posts to determine which might apply to them.
EKM
Good judgement comes from bad experience! Half of elk hunting is knowing what NOT to do!
Edited by - ELKampMaster on 12/07/2002 11:54:25
EKM
Good judgement comes from bad experience! Half of elk hunting is knowing what NOT to do!
Edited by - ELKampMaster on 12/07/2002 11:54:25
12-07-2002, 11:10 AM
#2
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Rocky Mountains, Colorado
Posts: 1,964
RE: Elk Hunting Advice: Your Do's and Don'ts
HORSES - DO's:
1. If you are renting horses, then as soon as the driver unloads them, tighten up the cinch, lead them over to where the moles have churned up the ground, have someone hold on to the head and get on. If you have a bronc in your group then a) you may as well find out about it on soft dirt instead of rocks, and b) you can tell the driver to take that horse back and bring you a replacement.
2. Same as 1. above, but if you are going to pack elk on your rental horses, then while the driver is still there put the panniers on them and some bulk weight and a lashing rope and see if you are going to have a rodeo. Lead them back into the trees and arrange an opportunity for the pannier to rub against a tree - some horses will come unglued at that point. If they won't take a pannier and behave send them back with the driver for a replacement.
Obviously, this only works if you ordered your horses with some lead time, since replacements may not arrive until the next day.
HORSES DON'T's:
1. It's great for everyone to saddle their own horse, but if you have a hot head in the group with a short temper a loud voice and no tolerance for animal behavior, then keep him away from the horses at all costs. On the opening day you don't want him to throw a fit, shout, curse and swear and have the whole herd break loose and go running off into the trees! (seen it happen).
2. Horse feed, if you are renting horses, ask them to deliver the feed necessary to feed them during their time with you. The last thing you want to do is change their diet when you're working them hard and have them get the cholic. Make sure you water them plenty, two preferrably three times a day.
Horses can be a blessing or they can completely ruin an elk hunt. When you are renting them you are more at risk for the latter, the trick is to preempt as many problems as possible!
EKM
Good judgement comes from bad experience! Half of elk hunting is knowing what NOT to do!
Edited by - ELKampMaster on 12/07/2002 12:14:08
1. If you are renting horses, then as soon as the driver unloads them, tighten up the cinch, lead them over to where the moles have churned up the ground, have someone hold on to the head and get on. If you have a bronc in your group then a) you may as well find out about it on soft dirt instead of rocks, and b) you can tell the driver to take that horse back and bring you a replacement.
2. Same as 1. above, but if you are going to pack elk on your rental horses, then while the driver is still there put the panniers on them and some bulk weight and a lashing rope and see if you are going to have a rodeo. Lead them back into the trees and arrange an opportunity for the pannier to rub against a tree - some horses will come unglued at that point. If they won't take a pannier and behave send them back with the driver for a replacement.
Obviously, this only works if you ordered your horses with some lead time, since replacements may not arrive until the next day.
HORSES DON'T's:
1. It's great for everyone to saddle their own horse, but if you have a hot head in the group with a short temper a loud voice and no tolerance for animal behavior, then keep him away from the horses at all costs. On the opening day you don't want him to throw a fit, shout, curse and swear and have the whole herd break loose and go running off into the trees! (seen it happen).
2. Horse feed, if you are renting horses, ask them to deliver the feed necessary to feed them during their time with you. The last thing you want to do is change their diet when you're working them hard and have them get the cholic. Make sure you water them plenty, two preferrably three times a day.
Horses can be a blessing or they can completely ruin an elk hunt. When you are renting them you are more at risk for the latter, the trick is to preempt as many problems as possible!
EKM
Good judgement comes from bad experience! Half of elk hunting is knowing what NOT to do!
Edited by - ELKampMaster on 12/07/2002 12:14:08
12-07-2002, 11:27 AM
#3
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Mount Vernon WA USA
Posts: 19
RE: Elk Hunting Advice: Your Do's and Don'ts
I have a heavy hunt camp style. We hunt in a combination area of private and public land. Some of my Do’s and Don’ts are as follows.
Do get to know the landowners. They can be your best assets to a successful hunt. Always ask their permission weather the land is posted or not. Even if it is open to public hunting it is always nice to talk to the landowner.
Don’t assume that you have the right to hunt on someone’s land. Were I hunt we have a huge problem with inconsiderate and unethical hunters.
Do take maps and know how to read them. This can keep you out of trouble or help call in the cavalry if you do get in trouble or if someone else is in trouble.
Don’t assume anything and be prepared for the worst. Our opinion is that you cannot be too prepared.
Do carry a flint and steel in your daypack. Become proficient with it. It is very small and always works in wind, rain, or snow. It works even if it falls in the water. This can save your life of the life of a hunt partner.
One more Do. Carry a heavy duty contractor grade trash bag in your day pack. This has many uses from a container for the heart and liver to an emergency shelter if you get stuck somewhere.
Campchef
Do get to know the landowners. They can be your best assets to a successful hunt. Always ask their permission weather the land is posted or not. Even if it is open to public hunting it is always nice to talk to the landowner.
Don’t assume that you have the right to hunt on someone’s land. Were I hunt we have a huge problem with inconsiderate and unethical hunters.
Do take maps and know how to read them. This can keep you out of trouble or help call in the cavalry if you do get in trouble or if someone else is in trouble.
Don’t assume anything and be prepared for the worst. Our opinion is that you cannot be too prepared.
Do carry a flint and steel in your daypack. Become proficient with it. It is very small and always works in wind, rain, or snow. It works even if it falls in the water. This can save your life of the life of a hunt partner.
One more Do. Carry a heavy duty contractor grade trash bag in your day pack. This has many uses from a container for the heart and liver to an emergency shelter if you get stuck somewhere.
Campchef
12-07-2002, 12:57 PM
#4
Typical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Rocky (by God!) Mountings
Posts: 572
RE: Elk Hunting Advice: Your Do's and Don'ts
DO:
-Bring a wide-brimmed hat. Much more comfortable when the sky opens up.
-Picket yer horses whenever possible in the high country so they can eat while you hunt.
-Loosen the cinch a lil' when you leave 'em.
-Learn to tie a proper bowline knot.
-Change yer boots every day. Rotate two pairs.
-Show respect for your quarry an' kill. Respectful hunters don't anger the spirits an' they will kill more.
-Use a sharp knife an' learn to keep it thet way. Its far easier to cut yerself forcin' a dull knife then usin' a sharp one.
DON'T:
-Hunt in BeaverJack's unit.
-Carry a wide backpack. Narrow an' quiet is the key.
-Take more an' 4 steps 'thout stoppin' when stalkin'.
-Wear Cabelas rain suits (way too noisy). Wear wool instead.
-Bring wimmins into huntin' camp ('ceptn maybe to cook). They're bad luck an' hunters like to fart.
-Leave yer horses on a high line overnight. Tie 'em high an' tight to a tree so you ain't gotta chase 'em down in the mornin'. Ifn' you leave 'em out to graze at night, picket the dominant mare an' any trouble makers.
-Poke yer pack animal with elk horns. They can make quite a row when surprised thet way.
-Spit yer 'baccy juice so it hits her leg or the rider ahind you when ridin'. Best to aim right the outside of yer stirrup an' let the motion keep it off ya.
-Skip meals. Huntin' is hard an' yer body will git more sore 'thout food.
BJ
-Bring a wide-brimmed hat. Much more comfortable when the sky opens up.
-Picket yer horses whenever possible in the high country so they can eat while you hunt.
-Loosen the cinch a lil' when you leave 'em.
-Learn to tie a proper bowline knot.
-Change yer boots every day. Rotate two pairs.
-Show respect for your quarry an' kill. Respectful hunters don't anger the spirits an' they will kill more.
-Use a sharp knife an' learn to keep it thet way. Its far easier to cut yerself forcin' a dull knife then usin' a sharp one.
DON'T:
-Hunt in BeaverJack's unit.
-Carry a wide backpack. Narrow an' quiet is the key.
-Take more an' 4 steps 'thout stoppin' when stalkin'.
-Wear Cabelas rain suits (way too noisy). Wear wool instead.
-Bring wimmins into huntin' camp ('ceptn maybe to cook). They're bad luck an' hunters like to fart.
-Leave yer horses on a high line overnight. Tie 'em high an' tight to a tree so you ain't gotta chase 'em down in the mornin'. Ifn' you leave 'em out to graze at night, picket the dominant mare an' any trouble makers.
-Poke yer pack animal with elk horns. They can make quite a row when surprised thet way.
-Spit yer 'baccy juice so it hits her leg or the rider ahind you when ridin'. Best to aim right the outside of yer stirrup an' let the motion keep it off ya.
-Skip meals. Huntin' is hard an' yer body will git more sore 'thout food.
BJ
12-07-2002, 01:10 PM
#5
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: fort mcmurray alberta canada
Posts: 5,667
RE: Elk Hunting Advice: Your Do's and Don'ts
Make sure you carry water with you at all times as you will get dehydrated much more quickly at higher altitude.
Whenever you leave your horse tie it securely and remove your rifle from the scabbard.
Make sure you have footwear suitable for the terrain and make sure they are broken in.
Make sure your sleeping bag is warm enough for the temperatures in the area you intend to hunt.
Whenever you leave your horse tie it securely and remove your rifle from the scabbard.
Make sure you have footwear suitable for the terrain and make sure they are broken in.
Make sure your sleeping bag is warm enough for the temperatures in the area you intend to hunt.
12-07-2002, 07:13 PM
#6
Typical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Northern Illinois
Posts: 612
RE: Elk Hunting Advice: Your Do's and Don'ts
DONT:
Take a animal without being prepared on getting it out.
Go out without telling someone the general area you will be in.
Go out without a compass (even if you have a GPS with)
Expect to get a animal every year.
Let Articbowman dance around inside your tent in his underwear
DO:
Enjoy yourself no matter what happens.
Bring a camera
Carry water, and basic first aid
Meat bags
Get in shape before going
"Im not a guide, but i did stay at a Holiday Inn Express recently"
Take a animal without being prepared on getting it out.
Go out without telling someone the general area you will be in.
Go out without a compass (even if you have a GPS with)
Expect to get a animal every year.
Let Articbowman dance around inside your tent in his underwear
DO:
Enjoy yourself no matter what happens.
Bring a camera
Carry water, and basic first aid
Meat bags
Get in shape before going
"Im not a guide, but i did stay at a Holiday Inn Express recently"
12-08-2002, 12:32 AM
#7
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Posts: 1,665
RE: Elk Hunting Advice: Your Do's and Don'ts
DONT:
Dance in tent for flatlanders, they are lousy tippers.
Make unnecassary noise when elk are within 20 yards.
Still hunt through the woods with too many people at once.
Fall asleep in your ground blind looking over a huge wallow.
Spill your pee cup while you are in the wallow.
DO:
Set up as quick as possible, but in an area where you can get a shot off.
Pay attention to the wind!
Scout as much area as you can to find out where the elk are when they aren't being vocal.
Make sure of your shot, even it means passing a 330 class bull at 12 yards. <font size=1>sniff, sniff</font id=size1>
Be confident with your calling, become the elk. <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
Bring your haybag out in the middle of the hunt, it is highly considered though to rent a room at the haystack to take your haybag so it is out of sight and mind from the other hunters in camp.
Be patient
ArcticBowMan's Hunting Photo's
Dance in tent for flatlanders, they are lousy tippers.
Make unnecassary noise when elk are within 20 yards.
Still hunt through the woods with too many people at once.
Fall asleep in your ground blind looking over a huge wallow.
Spill your pee cup while you are in the wallow.
DO:
Set up as quick as possible, but in an area where you can get a shot off.
Pay attention to the wind!
Scout as much area as you can to find out where the elk are when they aren't being vocal.
Make sure of your shot, even it means passing a 330 class bull at 12 yards. <font size=1>sniff, sniff</font id=size1>
Be confident with your calling, become the elk. <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
Bring your haybag out in the middle of the hunt, it is highly considered though to rent a room at the haystack to take your haybag so it is out of sight and mind from the other hunters in camp.
Be patient
ArcticBowMan's Hunting Photo's
12-08-2002, 06:57 AM
#8
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Rocky Mountains, Colorado
Posts: 1,964
RE: Elk Hunting Advice: Your Do's and Don'ts
ABM,
Explain "haybag" and "haystack" please.
EKM
Good judgement comes from bad experience! Half of elk hunting is knowing what NOT to do!
Explain "haybag" and "haystack" please.
EKM
Good judgement comes from bad experience! Half of elk hunting is knowing what NOT to do!
12-08-2002, 02:01 PM
#9
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Posts: 1,665
RE: Elk Hunting Advice: Your Do's and Don'ts
ELK, it's kind of an inside joke from our hunt in Montana this year with Don and Robert from the boards here. It's a term that was used by miners apparantly, one of which I'm not sure if I would dare using on my own mrs. at home. This might be a "had to be there" to understand fully on the do's section.
12-08-2002, 04:29 PM
#10
Fork Horn
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Niwot,Colo USA
Posts: 267
RE: Elk Hunting Advice: Your Do's and Don'ts
If all of the "do's" are taken care of there should'nt be many "don'ts" to worry about.so I'll give some "do's"
Do your homework on where and how you are going to hunt.
Do travel lite if on foot.This can be done and still have the supplies you need if you get into trouble.
Do know your limits.If you take an elk 5 miles back,can you get it out?
Do bring power bars and water.Power bars may not taste like gourmet but they WILL keep your energy UP!Water is heavy.Invest in a water BOTTLE purifier.You can get water on the trail most everywhere in warm weather. In cold weather you may only have to break through a little ice to get water.Put a hand warmer in the empty bottle to keep the filter from freezing.
Just a couple of things.
Do your homework on where and how you are going to hunt.
Do travel lite if on foot.This can be done and still have the supplies you need if you get into trouble.
Do know your limits.If you take an elk 5 miles back,can you get it out?
Do bring power bars and water.Power bars may not taste like gourmet but they WILL keep your energy UP!Water is heavy.Invest in a water BOTTLE purifier.You can get water on the trail most everywhere in warm weather. In cold weather you may only have to break through a little ice to get water.Put a hand warmer in the empty bottle to keep the filter from freezing.
Just a couple of things.