Getting Close

AZElkQuest · Jul 12, 2004

Hi, all. This is my first post. Since it is about time to find out about the AZ draw, and I can feel elk in the air, I've been drooling for a couple of weeks now (kind of primal, I know but I'm sure that most of you have been too).

Anyway, assuming that I get drawn, if my archery hunt goes like it has in years past, I can always find elk and get within about 100 yards and I can stay within about 80 yards all day. I have had mostly cow tags and can't ever seem to get close enough for a good shot. It seems that while they mosey along grazing, I'm running just trying to keep up with those long legs. Any suggestions on closing in on cows or how to get them to come to me? I would love to hear what others have done in the past that was successful (or not).

AZElkQuest

fatrooster · Jul 12, 2004

Hello AZElkQuest, I've never hunted Elk, but welcome to Monster Mulies. Fatrooster.

NeedaNu4x · Jul 12, 2004

AZelk,
I hear you man!! Its elk season closing in, and I too have applied for an an elk tag. The wait is a killer, GRRRRR!!!!!!! I was forturnate enough to draw an elk tag in Colorado. Hopefully I also get a tag for deer and elk on the Navajo Res. in Northeastern Az. My fall schedual is going to be full of hunting this year. If I get the tags i want. Plus I'm planning an archery deer hunt in September.

Well as for elk hunting, i've only been once. Cow tag. That was last year, only for a day. Saw plenty of elk that morning, but never got a shot. But good luck to you. Hope you get what you want.

See ya,

Mike

AKA NeedaNu4x

m1fan · Jul 13, 2004

LAST EDITED ON Jul-13-04 AT 09:24AM (MST)[p]Welcome aboard! This is a great site and the members are willing to help.

huntazido · Jul 13, 2004

AZElkQuest,

Welcome aboard. I know exactly what you are talking about with regards to hunting elk and not being able to close the distance. I have been bowhunting since 1978 and I did not kill my first elk until 1991 (spike). I learned so much that season and now my archery success rate is about 70% and I have even learned to be a little selective. I am not a trophy hunter but I do pass up spikes and rags mostly due to the fact it allows me a little more time to hunt.

The key for me was to learn the pattern of the elk and they all generally do have a pattern. Once I figured them out I try to intercept them before they go to bed or on their way out to feed. Also, I get up much earlier now and I am out well before light or on my stand no later than 1:30 pm. I do a lot less walking during daylight hours and try to let the animals come to me instead of me going to them. I have also learned to pay more attention to the wind and my scent but I am not obsessed about it. It is just something you need to pay attention to.

So..... slow down, scout and learn the patterns of the elk really well and I'll bet you will notice how you are closing the gap.

Good luck and happy hunting!
John

30inchbuck · Jul 13, 2004

Lost calf calls are great for bringing in cows close. If you are that close to a herd a couple of lost calf or distrest calf calls would bring several cows running in on top of you.

This is mainly a soft and short cow mew.

Had this happen to me. Trying for a bull but made a soft, short mew and then several cows from the herd was on top of me. Man as hard as I tried not to move with cows less than 20 feet from me it was difficult. They did not spook but when they could not figure out what I was they moved out.

I like mouth calls the best for this. You can change the tone and loudness very easy. Get audio tapes listen and practice.

The other is to pattern and intercept. Wind in your face.

NeedaNu4x · Jul 13, 2004

MAN!!!!!
ALL THIS TALK, WHEN ARE THE RESULTS GOING TO BE PPOSTED!!!!!

GOOD ADVISE THOUGH. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!

LATER

AZElkQuest · Jul 13, 2004

Thanks for the advice guys. I especially like the calf call idea. I have thought of that but I don't think that my calling skills are good enough when I am already pretty close. I guess that means I need to practice (damn, another reason to think about elk!)

I am starting to get REALLY antsy about the draw. I get so frickin' riled up it seems like I'M the one about to go into rut!

stanley · Jul 13, 2004

AZELK:

I've never hunted elk with a bow, but also put-in for an archery cow hunt this year (hopefully we'll know the draw results in a day or so...). I've been thinking of this same dilema also; how am I going to get close to a cow??? It sounds like we're getting some good advice as a result of this post... I was thinking of posting-up along a fence-line and try to get them coming or going... I also like the calf call idea.

Another thing you might want to look into is attending the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation seminar this year. I went last year just for the fun of it, and there was a ton of good information. I'm sure you could find someone to talk about this subject with, or ask this same question during the open Q&A with the guest speakers. I'm not sure when this year's event is, but you should be able to find out with a little research. I think it was in August last year.

Good luck!

S.

Deerlove · Jul 13, 2004

No offense guys but sneeking up on a cow is like sneeking up on a horse, not that difficult. I've snuck on elk, and had deer fifty yards on the other side of them get up and walk away. The elk just sat there and looked around.

idhunters · Jul 13, 2004

Deerlove,
Would you say that sneaking up on a cow is like sneaking up on a.......COW? (MOOOOO Ha Ha Ha).

Seriously though, my suggestion would be to simply find (scout) their trail from feeding to bedding areas and get in between the elk and where they are going. Post up on a trail were you can see and if one doesn't walk by you, start your stalk. Elk in general (not the old bulls) are herd animals and pattern fairly well. Drastic changes in weather (either way) or moisture/water source or hunting/predator (we have wolves in Idaho)pressure will be about the only thing that will move them out of their established patterns.

Fortunately for me, I will be hunting cows with my rifle this year, so I shouldn't have to be too sneaky.

Good luck to you guys and let us know your results. Remember, its called hunting, not killing, for a reason!

IDHUNTERS

stanley · Jul 14, 2004

No offense taken, Deerlove. I know a little about elk as well, I've just never hunted them in the rut before (much less, cows in the rut...). I doubt it will be too much of a problem finding the cows if I get a tag, but I'm not going to assume it will be a 'turkey shoot' either.

Always looking for a little friendly advice... ;-)

S.

Bura Nut · Jul 14, 2004

Stanley, holler at me and I will help. You will need to find the elk then cut them off. Let me know what unit if you are fortunate in the draw and we will get it figured out........Thanks, Allen Taylor......

stanley · Jul 14, 2004

Thanks Allen! Maybe we can chat a bit before or after the meeting next Weds, assuming you're still going.

I put in for the Unit 1 archery cow hunt as my second choice (early rifle bull first..... yea right.... ;-) ). I've got a couple of bonus points and the odds weren't too bad on the cow hunt so I'm hoping I'll draw that tag. I know you were up there with Duane last year. I'm pretty familiar with the area as well, as I've been camping & fishing up there since I was a kid. Could be fun hunt if I get the tag!

Hopefully we'll know the outcome of the draw by then...

S.