Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

You report in and I'll run the tally:

1. Went elk hunting, or
2. Went elk hunting, got a shot opportunity, but no elk or
3. Got an elk (cow or bull, both a trophy in my opine).

I'm betting I can count the elk hunters here on my fingers and toes, but perhaps I'm mistaken.... :D:D:D

EKM

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

I have hunted elk for the last 11 years taking at least one elk per year for 13 elk in total.

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

Hunted 3 days in south east wyo. blew it thanks too the cross bar safety on my new 45-70, in other words I didn't spend the time needed with the gun before season.
Had another bull at 20yrds in the timber, could see his manlyhood but not his rack.
I saw elk every day so the hunt was still great !

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

I have hunted elk for the past 3 years now and have taken a small bull each year. No big guys yet but I am lookin forward to next year.

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

Been Elk hunting for 10 years 2 years gun hunting 8 years bow have killed 4 elk 3 bulls 1 cow killed them in the last 5 years.
Took the first 5 years to realy get to know how to where to and when to basicaly to far to scout from home so the first 5 years where scouting adventures .

Iam a flatlander and the thought of missing a year in the high country hunting elk kills me we go out for 14 days thats 14 days of hunt as hard as you can hunting cant wait for next year.

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

Will go in about two weeks. In the past 10 for fourteen tries. Wyoming, SD and Alberta.

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

Tally so far,

0 = Went elk hunting --- no opportunities....
1 = Went elk hunting, got a shot opportunity, but no elk....
5 = Got elk (at least one, some with many)
-----
6 = Total

EKM

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

Took a nice big cow this september in co. going to new mexico in 6 days, and plan to get another elk.

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

Except for the two years that I served a mission for my church, I have hunted ELK every year since I turned twelve in 1986, if my math is correct I have hunted elk for 17 seasons including this year. To date I have killed and tagged 11 elk, 10 bulls and 1 cow. Five with a bow, six with a rifle. This year a 5x5 bull. I also agree with ELKampMaster that any elk is a trophy!
I should add that my wife also hunted for ELK this year and missed a 6x6 bull.

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

EKM, our crew took 5 bulls and 1 cow this year. We called in 11 bulls in one day and two went into a deep sleep right next to each other. This isn't part of the thread but other than the six elk. We layed down 3 antelope, a moose, 2 bear, a deer and several turkies. I know that we broke the fun barrier because I AM SICK AND TIRED OF CUTTING MEAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

Elkcrazy8,
Whoa, that is some serious hunting production. Yes, cutting your own is rewarding to a point and then it becomes w-o-r-k in spades!

Tally so far,

0 = Went elk hunting --- no opportunities....
1 = Went elk hunting, got a shot opportunity, but no elk....
8 = Got elk (at least one, some with many)
-----
9 = Total

EKM

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

Been out several times this year, have logged many hours in the field, even more hiking in the dark. I have several bruises, lost 8lbs since bow season started in september, my wife is getting sick of it, I've seen hundreds of elk, had opportunities and passed, had opportunities and blown it, have become desparate, pissed, disgusted, tired, thrilled, excited, suicidal, and I love every joyess, rotten, thrilling, pathetic moment of it. I have taken a ridiculas amount of time off work and will probably never make it up. The more I fail the more consumed I become, I have even had a couple of dreams about elk and the horrible thing is, they even get away in my dreams! I've run into bear, mountain lion, and been run off by a bull moose. Is there anything but elk huntin? Two more weeks of this and I'll been broke, divorced and half nuts, but if I get my elk, it will all be worth it. I love this sport.

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

I went the 1st season here in Colorado. I got a nice 5x5 with the ole reliable 30/06 with 180 grain bullets.

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

This year I went and was again schooled but did come back with a young bull. Our crew ended up going 4 for 5 bulls. It was my 11th elk hunt and my 8th elk harvested.

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

ill chime in for another in the #3 category i shot a nice 5x5 this year and posted the pic in my 04 season not to bad i tried to think back at how many i elk i have harvested but i never did get an accurate count i just kept rembering this hunt and that hunt and how great they were 10+ or -

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

Went out Oct 25 with an Eastern Washington, Peaches Ridge Any Bull tag and on the 27th at 5pm I tagged a 7x9 non typical. Biggest Damn Elk I ever seen! If someone can tell me how to shrink the pics, I'll post one. they are all about 550 kb

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

This was my second year elk hunting in CO unit 444. This was also my second year of tag soup. We did have a very nice camp though. Saw lots of sign but no animals. At least the pheasants in Nebraska were nice to us this weekend.

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

Popere,

Finally, someone who admitted they've went a couple times and struck out! Personally I got my first elk the 4th year I went --- we definitely did things on the "learn the hard way" plan. Often it is just as important to learn what "not to do" than it is to know "what to do", might sound odd but I bet you know just what I mean. I'm betting there are quite a few people in the first and second categories and folks in category three that spent some time in one and two before sorting out the puzzle and finally getting one.

Tally so far,

1 = Went elk hunting --- no opportunities....
2 = Went elk hunting, got a shot opportunity, but no elk....
12 = Got elk (at least one, some with many)
-----
15 = Total

EKM

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

Yeah, EKM i just love beeing in the mountains. This was the first year that we camped in a Davis Tent. I will never stay in a hotel during elk season again. The tent was definately the way to go. We hunted every way that we knew how to and just could not catch up with the elk. It seemed like they were always ahead of us.

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

I have been elk hunting since September 4th. I killed a raghorn 4x5 bull (11/7) yesterday morning. Some of that time was spent deer & antelope hunting. Everyone needs a break from hard core elk hunting. The most elk hunting I can handle is 5-days in a row, then I need a day of rest.
This year I have killed 1-elk, 3-deer & 3-antelope. I still have 3-deer tags left to fill. One deer tag is my buck tag. I may not fill the rest of my deer tags? I have plenty of meat & I have been giving most of the deer away.

good luck to all,

WK

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

This year it was a 5X5. Last year a 3X3, those are my bulls. I am a cow killer since 1990, I have let the young bulls walk until the last two years, knees aren't what they used to be. The big ones don't want to play. Being a weekend hunter time is a factor I don't have in my favor. So I take steak when in range. I have not had to buy beef in a long time, I like that. I have killed an elk all but two years since the first one in 90. All taken with a bow and all in CO.
Gselkhunter

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

Popere,

For me the hunting/killing is practically secondary; I also just love being in the mountains, setting up camp, camp life (hence my handle), packing out the meat and butchering in camp. For three years and part way into the fourth, THAT was what kept me coming back to try again --- plus the fact some of my camp mates were taking some elk during that time --- we all got totally skunked one year.
==================

Wolfkiller,
I figured you had been busy out "getting after" things given your stories from last year, you are a busy man --- good to see you come up for air.
==================

In general,
Some amazing bowhunting harvesting numbers. That is some high performance hunting. Not my style, but I can't deny the skill required. I haven't seen elknut1 and his son so far, but they would obviously fall in this group.
==================

Tally so far,

1 = Went elk hunting --- no opportunities (I think there are WAY more out there, just haven't signed in....)
2 = Went elk hunting, got a shot opportunity, no elk... (Any given year an opportunity is really all one can hope for.)
14 = Got elk (at least one, some with many)
-----
17 = Total

EKM

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

Went 1st time this yr. to Colorado. 5 elk for 9 guys- 2 bulls 3cows...
only saw 1 on the hoof - bull too small to shoot...go again in a minute, absolutely
gorgeous area.....

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

EKM, the sorting out phase is hard. I used to get the gitters real bad when the bulls would come in. it took a few years of tag soup to figure out what not to do. I found that the 50 yard pin would not work at 20 yards. I found out not to crap where you are hunting. And if you do, keep your bow handy because you might literaly get caught with your pants down. Smoking does not fit in with elk hunting. Not only because of the smell, but also the lung capacity proplem. Copenhagen is a nice trade off for the smokes if you don't mind arguing with your dentist. And if you decide to chew , make sure you don't swallow it and take a good look at breakfast after you finally do get that first bull down.(like I did)Don't fall asleep right after a calling episode, you might wake up to a bull in front of you while you are laying down.Rangfinders for me are a must. Confidence in the shot helps. 18 straight days in elkcamp could land you in the hospital. And never go elk hunting 1 week after kidney surgery and on disability. It may keep you down even longer, especially after packing one out(Mom would have killed me). With all kidding aside. I wouldn't trade any of those moments for the world. The payout is tremendous. To look back at the obstacles that you have overcome, be it with bow or rifle, and to acheive what you did. Be it cow, calf, raghorn, or bruiser is just mind boggling. I was born the day before elk season. I don't think that I was ready to miss my first chance at opening day...Great job to all that went and enjoyed chasing one of the (IMO) best animals there is to chase. This is one hunt that you will get out of it what you put into it.

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

Went hunting with HillBilly hunter 3 days,saw 2 Big Bulls and a some cows and some spikes,limeted draw area,(HB had the either sex tag),so I was deer hunting.
Saw 1 bull Friday,cows only area.Shot 1 nice mulie buck.
Hunted all day saturday all we saw were deer,Sunday the same.
Heading out next week,got to gets some elk meat,running low.

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

I hunted elk this year but I had no shot opportunity. Due to my situation at home I only spent 2 days in the field and they were only half-hearted days at that. It will be the first time in 5 years I haven't had elk meat in the freezer.

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

Went elk hunting and did not see a thing to shoot at....got a deer though! Been elk hunting since I was 12.

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

11 day's in the woods = passing on 2 5x5's, a spike, butt load of cows.
Doesn't look like were in for a big snow to drive the biguns down, so horn hunting is stopping this weekend and were lookin fer meat and then concentrate on the Whitetail rut.[:o]

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

went the last three years took elk each year could not go this year due to hurt shoulder will be back next year though already planning

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

Went to Co. for my 1st elk hunt this Sept. muzzleloader hunt I took a nice 5x5 and my partner scored a 6x5.I'm addicted now and there will be more elk hunt in the future,God and my wife willing;)

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

Goosehunter Jr.,
I couldn't tell if you have taken an elk at some point or not.
================

BigGuy54,
That is a productive camp, unless they are keeping you in the "cold" you should be on your way soon.
================

RBH,
It don't have to be this year's elk. You are in category 3.
================

ElkCrazy8,
That is quite the list of don'ts, some pretty funny (chuckle) some of them indicating that you are a "go for it" guy.
================

Tally so far,

2 = Went elk hunting --- no opportunities (I think there are WAY more out there, just haven't signed in....)
2 = Went elk hunting, got a shot opportunity, no elk... (Any given year an opportunity is really all one can hope for.)
19 = Got elk (at least one, some with many)
-----
23 = Total

EKM

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

I've elk hunted a half dozen times. Two cows, spike, rag horn and 5x5 last year with muzzle loader. I'm leaving in a week and half for Montana (Bob Marshall Wilderness). I have been hoping for some good snow, but it doesn't look too promising. Combo hunt, so maybe a nice mulie in rut as a bonus?? Last hunt of the season in this camp...never been on a late seson hunt. Going out with two good friends who are full time guides (fishing/hunting) and we'll have some great camp time as we don't get to spend much time together with crazy schedules, etc., and the guy who runs our camp has been in the bob for many, many years. Great friends, awesome wilderness and hoping that the moon, stars and planets are lined up just right!!

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

Sorry, shot a cow two years ago!

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

Tally so far,

2 = Went elk hunting --- no opportunities (I think there are WAY more out there, just haven't signed in....)
2 = Went elk hunting, got a shot opportunity, no elk... (Any given year an opportunity is really all one can hope for.)
20 = Got elk (at least one, some with many)
-----
24 = Total

EKM

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

My son and I who is also a member here each took 5-points with our bows!!

EKM--I believe you have quickly run out of fingers and toes!!!:)--ElkNut1

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

elknut1,
Congrats on the father/son tag team; did the same this fall with my son.
As always there is a logic to my madness. Standby.
=================

Tally so far,

2 = Went elk hunting --- no opportunities (I think there are WAY more out there, just haven't signed in....)
2 = Went elk hunting, got a shot opportunity, no elk... (Any given year an opportunity is really all one can hope for.)
22 = Got elk (at least one, some with many)
-----
26 = Total

EKM

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

went elk huntin for the first time this year and have not had an opportunity so far---saw some cows and spikes in the road--next to posted land before shooting light, and one of my esteemed partners bareback jack saw two nice bulls but did not have a tag.--I'm goin again for about 5-6days the end of this week--am still optimistic and lovin it'
HB

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

EKM,
I was North of Steamboat this year. Shot at and missed a 5X5 with a few minutes of daylight left on the last day of my 7 day hunt. I'd never missed a big game animal before this. Missing sucks.
For what it's worth, I've got two elk in the four years I've been chasing them. Oddly both animals were taken during muzzleloader seasons and the two years I've gone home empty I was rifle hunting. Seems to be a correlation there.

Bill the Dog

PS, Yeah, I'm addicted too.

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

You can put me in the first category. Spent ALOT of time scouting and arrived at my 11,500' area to find it blanketed with hard and crunchy snow. Took an entire day to pack in, and I spent the rest of the season soaking wet crunching through the snow looking for elk. Saw alot of track, but the snow must have pushed them lower, did not see/hear a single animal during the first season.

The irony is, I went over to the 15 unit for the 2nd season for a salvation buck and the only thing I could find were bulls and cows. I had a 5x wander within 20 feet. I was so frustrated I had to get up and start yelling so he would go away and leave me to my misery...

RE: Role Call: Elk Hunters
 

A little off subject but I shot a cow one year with the muzzle loader. She went down like a rock and though I should have reloaded right away, for some reason I did not. There was a small Bull with her and while I tried to field dress the cow he kept stomping and shaking his head at me from about 25 yards away. He then started comming toward me slowly. I picked up a stick and threw it at him but he held his ground. I then found a pretty good size rock and through that at him and hit him in the head. He backed off about 50 yards but kept watching. At this point I took a moment and reloaded the gun. He was still there when I went for help to retrieve the cow. This was a rather nerve wrecking ordeal and I have always reloaded instantly since then even if I was pretty sure the animal was down for good. I don't know if another shot in his direction would have spooked him or not. I don't know if he wanted to fight or just finish lovin.