Late Season Deer/Elk Stalking

idhikker

Active Member
Messages
275
Hi all,

There are late season archery deer and elk hunts close to home. The success rate is pretty good for deer and really low for elk. I could go right now and find at least 100 deer and 100 elk this morning (not exaggerating), so I've wondered why the success isn't higher--I assume stalking difficulties. I've wanted to try them but have some questions.

Beyond the fact that don't migrate as much, what makes up the difference in difficulty between stalking deer versus elk? Maybe just the basics that elk are smarter, have better senses, and there's not a rut going on?

What are some of the keys to stalking in mostly open country? When they're bedded or on certain parts of the mountain that are more stalkable?

Last question: I am 26, ran track in college, have been successful at stalking in the past. Could my physical abilities give me a significant advantage in the hunt to increase my odds? If not, I probably won't do the elk hunt at least.

Thanks much.
 
I do not believe that elk are smarter nor are they more in tune with their senses than mule deer.

Perhaps rut activity might have something to do with the timing, as elk are long done and mule deer are still messing around?
 
In my opinion elk are just way more skittish than deer are. You can drive up to deer a lot of the time and they will just stand there for the most part, elk will take off a soon as they see you coming. Deer will stick around longer.


Jake H. BIG BONE HUNTING Page on Facebook.
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Get out there and get them! Stalking is an art. Your fitness will help you get to them and to the right spot stalk but once the stalk starts expect to move slow.

Success on archery stalks are low so expect to do a bunch and plan some could take a good part of a day to go 200 to 300 yards on a herd.

I would say rut and deer winter behaviors help hunters stalk in.
 
LAST EDITED ON Jan-11-17 AT 04:17PM (MST)[p]I believe there is some natural abilities to stalking, the killer instincts that not everyone has, but I also believe practice makes perfect, and the more you learn by messing up stalks, the better you will be on your next stalk. Smell and sound are normally more important that actually being seen, so keep that in mind...
 

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