Fairly new to Hunt Talk. As a public land DIY hunter I like the focus here and what I've read so far. Always learning something new.
Although I went elk hunting in CO as a kid, I only returned to it about 9 seasons ago (I'm old...). The first five of those was a rather steep learning curve across the board. Everything from researching areas, scouting and hunting once in CO, and gear have evolved. Learning from those who have been successful helped speed that evolution along and a few years ago I finally put it together.
The last six years I have hunted the same location and the last four managed to get in the elk opening day. This year was another good year.
Camp is in elk country so I wait until there is just enough light that I can see to leave camp. Upon leaving camp, and climbing a couple steep plateaus I finally heard some bugles. One in particular sounded deeper than the others and I decided to get close and see what it was coming from. After about an hour of chasing the elk as they moved slowly through the timber it was apparent they were now in at least two groups. One had continued south and another went up a very steep ridge to my left. The bugle I was interested in was now coming from that ridge and there was no way I could see to get up there without spooking them. I decided to skirt around them to the right, towards the other group, and hope the two on the ridge would eventually continue south to where the others were now located. I was able to skirt around those on the ridge and get between the groups. Not long after this I heard the breaking of branches as what I thought were at least two bulls coming down off the ridge headed towards the others. Eventually I heard a couple heading past in a low ravine out of sight and thought I'd missed an opportunity. Then a 5x5 appeared about 50 yds away heading south. He saw or caught my scent and stopped and turned around. While I was watching him I heard a crunch to my right and standing 40 yds to my right was a 6x6. He took a few steps to my left, towards the 5x5, then turned around to continue south. As soon as he crossed an opening in the trees I took a shot and he dropped. Then the work began... It's hard for others to comprehend how a couple hours of actual hunting is worth the cost of the license and the preparation time. But it is! Chasing bugling elk with a rifle is my absolute favorite form of hunting! I look forward to it every year!
The tipi tent and Ti stove makes for good living!
Fall in the Rockies! My absolute favorite place on earth!
Although I went elk hunting in CO as a kid, I only returned to it about 9 seasons ago (I'm old...). The first five of those was a rather steep learning curve across the board. Everything from researching areas, scouting and hunting once in CO, and gear have evolved. Learning from those who have been successful helped speed that evolution along and a few years ago I finally put it together.
The last six years I have hunted the same location and the last four managed to get in the elk opening day. This year was another good year.
Camp is in elk country so I wait until there is just enough light that I can see to leave camp. Upon leaving camp, and climbing a couple steep plateaus I finally heard some bugles. One in particular sounded deeper than the others and I decided to get close and see what it was coming from. After about an hour of chasing the elk as they moved slowly through the timber it was apparent they were now in at least two groups. One had continued south and another went up a very steep ridge to my left. The bugle I was interested in was now coming from that ridge and there was no way I could see to get up there without spooking them. I decided to skirt around them to the right, towards the other group, and hope the two on the ridge would eventually continue south to where the others were now located. I was able to skirt around those on the ridge and get between the groups. Not long after this I heard the breaking of branches as what I thought were at least two bulls coming down off the ridge headed towards the others. Eventually I heard a couple heading past in a low ravine out of sight and thought I'd missed an opportunity. Then a 5x5 appeared about 50 yds away heading south. He saw or caught my scent and stopped and turned around. While I was watching him I heard a crunch to my right and standing 40 yds to my right was a 6x6. He took a few steps to my left, towards the 5x5, then turned around to continue south. As soon as he crossed an opening in the trees I took a shot and he dropped. Then the work began... It's hard for others to comprehend how a couple hours of actual hunting is worth the cost of the license and the preparation time. But it is! Chasing bugling elk with a rifle is my absolute favorite form of hunting! I look forward to it every year!
The tipi tent and Ti stove makes for good living!
Fall in the Rockies! My absolute favorite place on earth!
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