Archery Oregon Elk

ryno_19 · Dec 10, 2012

Hey All, Well I have gotten some great help on this site for elk hunting and some recent changes has made me come to the forum with a question. My Dad recently decided he wants to do an archery hunt for elk. He has done it for deer but really wants to try for elk. Anyways we both have 11-12 points for elk in Oregon and want to find a good unit that has a good population of elk that would give him a good opportunity. We both have killed nice bulls so size is not a priority.WE both are more about meat. We are mostly looking for a unit that is in the draw that would give us a good chance at a cow or a bull. The units that I am looking at and researching:
Powers
Ochoco
Starkey Exp Forest
Sled Springs

Any input or suggestions would be great. I know that oregon has a lot of general archery but I figured maybe we could draw a unit to at least use some of our points. I live close so scouting to all the units so scouting wont be an issue but thought I would put the questions out there.
Thanks
Dan

tchoate3 · Dec 10, 2012

Are resident or non-res? I don't know anything about Powers other than that Rosevelt country, if you want a Rosi go there. As far as the other hunts you mentioned, I would go for Sled Springs if I was in your shoes.

Twinboy · Dec 10, 2012

Lots of good elk oppurtunities in sled springs.. i think resident archers need 7 to draw that.. lotsof good gated roads to walk and bike into aswell.. but lots of private aswell in that unit.. starkey is a hunt i did for elk 4yrs ago.. great hunt lots of big bulls hard hunting and only 5 day hunt.. f u choose starkey hit me up i did alot of scouting in their

bonepicker · Dec 12, 2012

Yeah resident vs. non res makes a difference, but if you are a resident, I would spend a couple years getting a general archery tag and getting used to hunting for elk with a bow. It's alot different than rifle elk or archery deer. To be consistently successful you need to be able to do some calling and bugling. They are usually in the rut during archery season so you'll be able to take advantage of that but it takes some experience to know what you are doing. I would say don't use all your points before you have a good feel for hunting elk with a bow. Do some practice runs on the general seasons (you may even get one!)

muleyman · Dec 13, 2012

+1 Bonepicker....

muleyman

ryno_19 · Dec 13, 2012

Thanks guys great advise. Ive been on a few archery elk hunts as a caller but just never been the hunter myself. Thanks again for the advise much appreciated and we will see what the year has to bring. Thanks again!

Twinboy · Dec 15, 2012

I would leave the bugle at camp.. too many converted rifle hunters that think every archery hunt should be like a primos video.. i seldom call anynore too many archers that educate theelk real early in the season.. it still works but they get smart quick..

tchoate3 · Dec 16, 2012

>I would leave the bugle at
>camp.. too many converted rifle
>hunters that think every archery
>hunt should be like a
>primos video.. i seldom call
>anynore too many archers that
>educate theelk real early in
>the season.. it still works
>but they get smart quick..
>

I would agree about rifle/bow hunters on general season areas. You will not have rifle/bow hunters to deal with on untis that you have to apply for though.

Another thing to consider in 2013 is the start date of the season. It is very early, Aug 24. so IMO calling isn't as affective that early in the year. I know some disagree with me, but my experiance tells me things don't heat up till after Sept 1

I would say the most affective calling that early it would be a bugle. I wouldn't expect many responses though.