072-074 Jarbidge muzzy Elk

LAST EDITED ON Jun-07-17 AT 09:38AM (MST)[p]Finally got a elk tag in NV and now I'm feeling a little overwhelmed to make the most of it. Always thought if I drew this OIL tag for me, I'd try to scrape together enough $$ for a guide but with the seemingly high guide fees in this area and a son starting college this fall I just can't afford one this year.
So I've got a couple questions.
First the muzzleloader season has been moved up to Sept.1-16. Are these dates better or worse for the rut than the end of Sept? Especially for anyone who archery hunted it recently are the Bulls vocal in early Sept? Is calling or just chasing bugles most effective?
Secondly I've heard in the past that the biggest Bulls were in the wilderness. But recently I've been hearing that with increased tag quotas and more and more hunters going into wilderness with stock and on foot that it's not necessarily the case anymore. Is that true?
I'm capable of hiking and have packed out 3 Bulls in the last 4 years from a couple miles in roadless areas and should have a good friend with me. With my goal being a solid 340+ bull are there areas a mile or two from a road or trailhead, into the wilderness or outside, that I'd have a good chance to find one that size? Or is it that much better deep in the Jarbidge?
Planning on going the end of July to find some good camp spots and scout a little.
I appreciate any info you might have.
Thanks

I drew a archery elk tag for this area. I was in the wilderness on a archery deer hunt last year, we were hunting probably 4 miles from the trail head. We saw some good bulls. But we were hunting just a small area. I am wondering the same thing as you if i should just focus on the area we were in or if staying on the roads covering more country would be better. My brother killed his buck the second week of the deer hunt. The elk seemed to be in small bachelor herds and not making much noise. I am planning on making at least one scouting trip the end of July. I plan to hike in where we were hunting and scout a couple days then maybe spend a day or two scouting from the road.

Patriot, that's great that you were able to draw that tag the year after you were in there deer hunting. You got the benefit of scouting for you hunt and during the same time frame as your hunt.
I've got a good buddy who's supposed to go with me and just talked to another guy with a horse and a couple pack mules who says he's in for at least part of the hunt. But I'm not going to put all my hopes for the hunt into him going. You know how that goes, he could back out.
I'm planning on going the end of July for a few days scouting out the roads in, camp spots and a few velvet Bulls would be cool too! We will have to keep in touch as the season gets closer.

Congratulations on the Elk tags guys. I had a ML Bull tag a few years ago in 7 when the hunt was in the last two weeks of September. I've never hunted 7 any earlier than that so probably couldn't be much help. I've spent a lot of time up there in October over the years.

Patriot - I'm pretty sure you're going to be better off deeper inside the wilderness for your hunt. That 2 - 4 miles in range. Just my opinion, could be wrong.

Moosey - I would probably hike some high ridges a mile or so in and do a lot glassing. Once they start herding the cows up you'll see plenty of elk, so let's hope that happens for you. I'm guessing you'll start seeing that sometime in the last week of your hunt. Find a bull you like and come up with game plan to go get him. Using this method I would I focus from Sun Creek up to Pole Creek, basically the NE portion of the range.

If either of you want to ask me any specific questions about the area or anything else PM me and I'll help you out any way I can. Just post you've PM'd me though so I don't miss it.

Good luck!

Battleborn - Tried to send you a PM it said your inbox was inactive. Thank you for the advice. I plan to go back in where we went deer hunting as long as there isn't a outfitter camp or a bunch of other hunters. I definitely want to have a few different location scouted out just in case i need to move. I will continue to try and PM you hopefully it will work.

LAST EDITED ON Jun-12-17 AT 01:29PM (MST)[p]Check your inbox and try again, mine appears to have been disabled for some reason. Think I got it operational again.

PM SENT

Moosey. This is a great tag. If possible I would check out each unit as you scout. My expertise is 072 but I have noticed lately bigger bulls are being harvested in the other units. In my opinion the calendar change for this hunt is definitely advantageous. They will be vocal and will be in full rut. I personally haven't seen many elk near the road. They are always in the wilderness. It's a long trek but west of Mary's river is excellent. 330" bulls seem to be a dime a dozen, finding 350 and up will take some work but they are there.Just my 2 cents.

LAST EDITED ON Jul-06-17 AT 06:12PM (MST)[p]I drew a deer tag for 71-79, 91 oct 5-20. No experience with deer or the area (moved the NV from AK years ago).

I just did a 34 mile backpack through Jarbidge over the holiday weekend and learned a lot. Would be happy to share info with you if it'd help.

Are you in Reno?

I also drew the deer tag.
Not trying to hijack your thread.
Sent a pm