Would you hunt here again?

[sneeky]

This year I spot hunted a few different areas in Northern Utah. Opening day my partner and I switched to a very popular area with a million camps and a freeway of road hunters located next to private property. Most Northern Utah hunters could guess where. We wanted to check a few remote draws with steep pines about a mile from roads, of course none of the road hunters had hiked that short distance. My partner shot a nice 6x6. After spot hunting other areas during the week, the second Saturday I went back to the same area, only about two hundred yards away from opening day, and shot a small 4x5 in it's bed. What surprised me was this. The ravine was so narrow it was only a hundred yard shot and I could see other elk in the pines, but even with a dead elk in it's bed, the rest of the elk wouldn't leave until I actually entered the pines. Some were only ten yards away from my dead elk. Obviously the herd was very comfortable in there. So, should I hunt there again even though it is a zoo everywhere? Do you think the elk will be there again next year? Any interpetation of this elk behaviour or pattern would be appreciated.
Thanks
Todd

 

[misner5]

Sounds to me like you found a gold mine...keep it under both of your hats and you'll likely have a honey hole to fill the freezer every year. On the other hand, tell someone elase about it and it will be gone for good. Spots like those are hard to come by, the elk feel safe in there and will continue to until it gets alot of pressure.

Good hunting

 

[FamilyMan]

Would I hunt there again? You bet I would!!

Locating a place that consistently holds elk that is not already being hunted by others is a major find and not to be taken lightly.

I would echo the comment that you should be very carefull who you reveal this spot to. Too many times, including in my own experience, revealing this kind of information has led to the ruination of the spot. On the other hand, where would most of us be without a little help on "where can I find them"? It is a fine line you will have to draw for yourself.

Congrats on the success.

Mark