rocky mt. 2nd season?

gunguy · Sep 2, 2012

I didn't draw a elk tag this year, and I am thinking about going over east for the 2nd general season, from what I have heard from others is that there can be a lot of hunters, so I if go what can I expect in the desolation or starkey units? I know it's for spikes only and that's ok, I'm not looking for anything big. just wanting a backup area so if I don't draw I can still hunt on the east side every year. thanks

440sixpack · Sep 2, 2012

Take a chair with you. every log, rock and stump will have a hunter on it.

The general hunts are a joke, once cured me.

Stay thirsty my friends

gunguy · Sep 2, 2012

That is sad news, but it is still just a backup plan-
I used to go on the 2nd general season in the starky unit back about 20 years ago, but it was for any bull back then and we were hunting on private lands behind a locked gate. ahh the good old days! If we got a good snow the elk would start to move down to lower ground and we would set up on stand all day, sometimes you could count 20 to 50 head come by and take your pick!

bonepicker · Sep 3, 2012

Last time I went (7 years ago) there were some people but it wasn't too bad. The real trouble was finding a spike. We got into elk and saw a few bulls even but no spikes. I would do it again if I had time. The chances of getting a spike are not high but its fun to be out even if you don't get anything as long as you have the money and time to do it. Good luck! Pm me if you're interested and I can give you some more specific areas that I've hunted a few times.

gunguy · Sep 3, 2012

pm sent.

dz · Sep 3, 2012

Last year I was 40 yards from a heard of 20 cows. There was one calf with them. Don't know if he or she made it through the winter. But there might be one spike up where I go. Lots of big Coyotes and some Cats. Spike seasons are tough at best good luck on your hunt.

DZ

bonepicker · Sep 4, 2012

PM returned.

440sixpack · Sep 5, 2012

This is the reason ODFW gets away with their job performance. as long as there's a chance in hell buy a tag and go.

Stay thirsty my friends

gunguy · Sep 8, 2012

Still cant get my hunt'n buds to go for it, they would rather stay over on the west side and do the general cascade hunt, that's ok too as we have some good spots to hunt here as well, If I do go east at least I could help out the gas stations and spread some money around--lol

dz · Sep 10, 2012

This side of the state would love for you to come spend some money. I guess I should have give you a better report on the spikes. Just trying to be honest. If you do come hope you can have the attitude of "enjoy being out there" more than getting a spike.