Archery Spike Hunting tactics

greendrakes

Member
Messages
39
First off, I know that many MM members are against spike archery hunts on the LE units and I relate to many of the concerns. The last thing I want to do is to mess up someone's LE archery hunt which why I never bugle and never hunt near other hunters. I even go out of my way to check all access points for an area I hunt to ensure no one is around.

I have quite a bit of experience hunting for big bulls and will be hunting for a larger bull on the last week of the archery hunt Until Sept. 5 I am going to be hunting for a spike bull on a LE unit and was curious as to spike elk hunting strategy. So far my strategy has been to get into a herd as close as possible and hope that I cross paths with a spike. I also try and locate a spike before stalking but other than that I do not particularly have a strategy. I more spot and stalk like a mule deer that happens to usually have 30 pairs of eyes right there with them. I am kind of learning that in a way hunting spike elk can be more difficult then bigger bulls as they always seem to be with a large herd. Does anyone have any tips for spike elk archery hunting?

Thanks!
 
Try calling with a lost calf or soft cow calls. Spikes are stoopid, they are always looking for a lady friend. Remember less is more, and keep your calls soft and mellow.


Traditional >>>------->
 
With Utah having the archery hunt either sex, I have never totally understood the need to target spike bulls. We have a constant need to cull elk herds and shooting a cow accomplishes that. Since it's not a "trophy" hunt a tasty cow seems like a good option. If a spike wanders by, you can whack him but why limit your possibilities?
 
Totally agree it should be cow only. If we did we could push more bull hunters thtough the already backed up point pool.
 
Spike bulls should be on the endangered species list. In my opinion they are one the the harder animals to kill......because you can't find one! Having said that my archery experience has been that during that time of year most of the spikes (not all) have been kicked from the herd and are usually wandering either alone or with another spike. I've called them in with cow calls and I've scared them away with one. I'd treat them like a young satellite bull. Spot, get in close, call as a last resort.

I do agree with the others.. try and find a dry cow or yearling cow and shoot that.
 
Thanks for the replies guy! I had actually not thought about taking a cow and I think I might do so long as it is not too far back in. Good luck to everyone this weekend!
 

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