Late Season 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.
 
As to basic differences between deer and elk on the stalks, yes the elk are done rutting, they are nomadic so you won't find them from one day to the next in one area with consistency and they are more of a heard animal than deer so that many more eyes. They aren't necessarily smarter or have keener senses. Are you hesitant to buy a tag and try because of price? If it's your resident price then get a tag and give it a go.
 
Thanks for the input.

Planning for next year is all. I have a hunt I like, just thinking about the late archery as a potentially good option.
 
I've found the opposite of the above to be the case with mature bulls. After the rut mature bulls will often pull off the herds and move to a remote place where they can be alone or with a few other bulls and rest. Often this is movement back up in elevation in mountain terrain. If they find solitude and other needs close by they will often seek this place out every year and they will not move far from day to day. In alot of ways the later season bull is like an October muley buck. Glassing early and late will be the best way to find them.

Certainly this depends on the area but this has been my experience.

Good luck!
 
Thanks for analysis on the bigger bulls. I agree. Though I have seen some decent bulls hanging with cows and I'm like "when are you going to head out?"

So, it's a challenge to find bigger bulls that're often higher and holed up late season. And the challenge with the cows/spikes/raghorns is the number of eyes/ears, especially in open country. I'm thinking it's probably still easier to get a spike/raghorn hanging with cows rather than a bigger bull because they're easier to find.

As far as being able to get shots off on elk in herds late season with a bow, it seems like the most important thing is slow careful stalks when they are in an area that does not provide them great visibility. And, wind. Any other major keys to getting close with a bow?
 

Click-a-Pic ... Details & Bigger Photos
Back
Top Bottom