My Dad and I are planning our very first elk hunt. We are in the max points pool, so we have a reasonable chance of drawing unit 24 in the next few years. My main objective is to get him a bull, any bull, so I think 24 would be a good unit. Of course, I would like to get one as well, if we could pull that off. I have read a lot of previous posts about 24, but I still have a couple of questions.
1) We are considering putting in for a cow permit as a second choice. We both are mostly meat hunters anyway and we also figure it would give us an opportunity to learn the area if we draw the cow prior to getting a bull permit. When I look at the harvest data on the G & F website, cow harvest success is consistently well below bull success. Does anyone have any insight as to why this is the case?
2) While my Dad will no doubt shoot the first bull he sees, and be completely pleased, I would be willing to be more patient. It is clear to me this unit is not one where I should be looking for a huge bull, but in a week of hard hunting, how many bulls can I expect to see? I guess I am wondering what a reasonable expectation would be in terms of a bull in the unit. Am I likely to see multiple mature (not meaning high scoring) 5x5 or 6x6 bulls?
I really want to get this hunt right for my Dad. Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks.
1) We are considering putting in for a cow permit as a second choice. We both are mostly meat hunters anyway and we also figure it would give us an opportunity to learn the area if we draw the cow prior to getting a bull permit. When I look at the harvest data on the G & F website, cow harvest success is consistently well below bull success. Does anyone have any insight as to why this is the case?
2) While my Dad will no doubt shoot the first bull he sees, and be completely pleased, I would be willing to be more patient. It is clear to me this unit is not one where I should be looking for a huge bull, but in a week of hard hunting, how many bulls can I expect to see? I guess I am wondering what a reasonable expectation would be in terms of a bull in the unit. Am I likely to see multiple mature (not meaning high scoring) 5x5 or 6x6 bulls?
I really want to get this hunt right for my Dad. Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks.
