Tips for Archery Success

[ShednElkmaster]

Hey Guys! I am so excited! I just checked my email and found out that I drew a Fishlake Archery Tag. I have hunted lots with my bow and have had success. Also I have tagged along on other archery hunts either filming, calling or spotting elk for friends.
---My questions are:
1.what has those who have had archery tags experienced?
2. What has worked best in years past?
3.Any failures or mistakes you wish you hadn't made?
4. Hunt the entire hunt or just certain dates?
5. Finally, if you hunted the fishlake unit what were the pros and cons for you?

Whenever I have been on the archery elk hunts I have noticed that the first week can be good as lots of bulls are still hanging together or close and are still on the summer range. The middle of the hunt can be hard as the elk are moving and starting the pre-rut. Finally the last week has always been great. PM or let everyone know what your experiences have been!

 

[antlerrick]

Congrats...
I think you will have a wonderful hunt!
There are some great bulls on the Fishlake!

 

[3blade]

If I was in your shoes and could take the entire season off I would. Then I would be out there until I either got one or ran out of time.

Good Luck!

 

[elkholla]

The best advice I can give you is shoot, shoot, shoot. Then try to spend as much time scouting as possible. Archery hunting cannot be better explained than to say "Luck is often nothing more than preparation running into opportunity.?
-Some Smart Guy

GOOD LUCK!

 

[Silentstalker]

Some great advice so far!

Having bowhunted LE elk twice in utah, I would say:

1.Get in great shape. Don't let the mountain beat you.
2.Don't overlook waterholes/wallows. If you find a good active one, commit to it. It will pay off.
3.Don't get discouraged. You will see bulls every day. Stick with it even when stalks go bad. You can not kill a bull in camp.
4.Hunt as many days as you can.
5.Set realistic goals. If you are chasing bomber bulls, hold out, Take any bull you will be happy with. This hunt is not all about score.
6.Don't over call. As a matter of fact call as little as possible. It is not like the primos videos. Bulls are all over, but not always calling and responding to bugles.
7.Most of all. ENJOY YOUR HUNT!!! Don't put to much pressure on yourself! It is a trmendous hunt. Have fun!
8. POST PIC"S WHEN YOU GET BACK!

Good luck and shoot straight!

Chad

 

[IdahoBugler]

SS,

I really liked your post. A lot of good info in there. Good luck on your hunt I'm sure you'll do great.

IB

 

[bowhunt]

1: SS list is right on follow it.
2: Do some scouting by making phone calls and looking at maps, the elk will use the same water holes, canyons etc. and they move depending on time of year, so ask people where they go.
3: Hunt the whole hunt.

 

[B_F_E]

Get those arrows that John Rambo had that explode on contact, that ought to do the trick.
J/k good post, I'll be flippin sticks at big Stinky's as well.

 

[ShednElkmaster]

Thanks Guys. The tips are great. Keep them coming. Silent Stalker, I think I remember seeing a picture of a great bull you shot on the Wasatch. Maybe someone else though. A 6X5 if I remember.

My biggest concern is competing with spike hunters and deer hunters, especially the ones that just call all over the place and cause the elk to become completely call shy.

 

[Silentstalker]

Shed,

That was my bull I beleive. He was a real muddy stinky son of a gun! Good luck to you!

Chad

 

[swbuckmaster]

"My biggest concern is competing with spike hunters and deer hunters, especially the ones that just call all over the place and cause the elk to become completely call shy."

You shouldnt have the problem competing with the spike hunters in the last week it is only for you lucky suckers with LE tags.



Archery is a year round commitment!!

 

[proutdoors]

I agree with silentstalker except #6. I believe most hunters UNDER call elk. I do NOT believe you can OVER call elk. At least that is what my time on the mountain has taught me. I call in August and don't stop until December, and I call throughout the day.

PRO

Define, develop, and sustain BOTH trophy and opportunity hunts throughout the state of Utah.

 

[Silentstalker]

Pro,

I have not formally congratulated you on your tag! Congrats! One of these days I would love to sit down with you and talk about calling. I feel like I do an above average job at it, but I cannot get those bulls to come in as well early! Anyways, Good luck to all you Guy's with tags! This year I get to help my wife kill her 1st bull on the wasatch! Should be fun for us all! Have a great night!

Chad

 

[30inchbuck]

If you do not have them buy Elknuts DVD's and watch them at least 10 times.

 

[predator]

Chad, you are spot on, my friend.

Call me if you go to some shoots, I guess I SHOULD BE PRACTICING!! LOL

 

[eyecrazy]

I dont like to bugel to much but I dont think you can estrus call enough. be sure to call from a spot that the bull has to come in range to see you he will only come as far as he thinks he should be able to see the cow that is calling to him

 

[bowhunter223]

See Silent Stalker's post #4.....advice tip #3.

"You can't kill a bull in camp"
Sorry it's not advice-related but couldn't resist.
Notice springbar tent in the background.
I know it's not the norm to kneel at your firepit next to your tent and shoot your bull....but hey, sometimes you get lucky.
And we were rifle huntin'......
Good luck on your Archery hunt. It's the way to go IMO.
My Dad's bull...Book Cliffs-Roadless 2007

-223