Units 111,112 early cow strategy

BroadHead · May 30, 2023

Hi guys, I mainly bowhunt mule deer, so hunting elk will be brand new to me. For the early cow rifle season, how should I approach this?

1) The season runs from Sept 25th - Oct 4th. Will this put me right in the middle of the rut? Would the cows be receptive to calls at this time?
2) Since this is early season, I take it I should look for water, get up high, glass and put them to bed?

Thank you

backpacker · May 30, 2023

I wouldn't overthink it. Find glassing spots and observe likely feeding areas at prime times. If you can't find cows in one spot, move on to the next.

El Gringo · May 30, 2023

With a rifle, during that timeframe it should be super straight forward and pretty simple. Glass them up, get the wind, and walk into easy range. You can probably chase bugles if you want, just for the Hell of it, and find cows…. Should be the maximum amount of fun possible

BroadHead · May 30, 2023

backpacker said:
I wouldn't overthink it. Find glassing spots and observe likely feeding areas at prime times. If you can't find cows in one spot, move on to the next.

Pretty straightforward. Thank you!

BroadHead · May 30, 2023

El Gringo said:
With a rifle, during that timeframe it should be super straight forward and pretty simple. Glass them up, get the wind, and walk into easy range. You can probably chase bugles if you want, just for the Hell of it, and find cows…. Should be the maximum amount of fun possible

Roger that. Sweet. Now the wait will be tough.

Thank you!

El Gringo · May 30, 2023

If you only have experience with archery Deer, Elk will be a cinch. Be AGGRESIVE… as long as you have the wind, you can get away with a lot more with Elk, especially full blown, madness Rutting elk. Don’t wait for them to go to bed to stalk. They might walk 5 miles to go bed. Get in there and kill one when they’re on their feet, headed to bed in the AM, or coming down to feed in the evening.

BroadHead · May 30, 2023

El Gringo said:
If you only have experience with archery Deer, Elk will be a cinch. Be AGGRESIVE… as long as you have the wind, you can get away with a lot more with Elk, especially full blown, madness Rutting elk. Don’t wait for them to go to bed to stalk. They might walk 5 miles to go bed. Get in there and kill one when they’re on their feet, headed to bed in the AM, or coming down to feed in the evening.

Yep, pretty much my experience has been archery deer so far. Thanks for the extra tips. I would been crawling and stalking like I normally would. lol Much appreciated!