Hopeful Elk hunter

[Laurel Highlands]

Hello, I live in northern virginia but am originally from eastern Pa and do a decent amount of deer hunting in western PA. I have 5 points for Wyoming and am considering returning there for an elk hunt in the forest outside of Afton/Smoot. I am undecided on whether I should try to go myself or go with a guide.

 

[Dan-06]

Have you considered a different area?

 

[Laurel Highlands]

Have you considered a different area?

Not really. I hunted this area with a guide in 2018 but it was hot and elk were not moving and I did not get one. Our group went 3 for 6. The group went back a few years later but I could not go. Having been there and a general idea of the area was why i'd like to go back. I have alot to consider. The last hunt I enjoyed but it did not feel like hunting, we followed the guide around and the elk were not moving so I just sat around all day. We talked with the guide about how to hunt elk, but I think it would be more enjoyable if i were on my own and had to actually scout, adjust, fail, figure it out, and you know - hunt. The physical realities of it are intimidating though, since that is tough country. I need to get in shape (work an office job and i'm 5-10" and 205lbs with some knee meniscus problems that flare up occasionally). I think i'd really enjoy getting out there on my own, but do realize the chances of getting an elk are much slimmer and the way its become you basically need to wait 5-6 years for another chance to draw a tag. Cost is not really a issue.

 

[Dan-06]

Okay I see. My concern would be after getting one. Packing or dragging one can be difficult in that terrain. There used to be an outfit over there with lamas. Maybe they could help with that.

 

[Laurel Highlands]

Okay I see. My concern would be after getting one. Packing or dragging one can be difficult in that terrain. There used to be an outfit over there with lamas. Maybe they could help with that.

Yes that is a big concern of mine and one of the main reasons I am considering the guide. If its hot out that could be a major problem getting the meat out by myself in time. I would go out there before hand in September to scout and learn the terrain and limit my shots to where recovery is within my limits. I've also never field dressed any game, but i've processed deer myself dozens of times.

 

[ccc23454]

That area ain't that rough, hell its mild compared to many so do it yourself! You have all summer to physically prepare and resolve concerns with knowledge. Packing and handling meat is as much mental as phyical, but elk hunting is not for everyone. If you are the type to challenge yourself you will be fine and at end when your driving 80 east your going to be glad you pushed yourself.

 

[RemingtonRules]

You are packing a lot of weight to add an elk on top. Compound meniscus issues, I would find help. Packer or a guide or a group of friends.

 

[Laurel Highlands]

That area ain't that rough, hell its mild compared to many so do it yourself! You have all summer to physically prepare and resolve concerns with knowledge. Packing and handling meat is as much mental as phyical, but elk hunting is not for everyone. If you are the type to challenge yourself you will be fine and at end when your driving 80 east your going to be glad you pushed yourself.

It was pretty gnarly but there were areas that were not that bad. Hunting the dry creek and cottonwood creek areas east of Afton/Smoot. I don’t mind a challenge, this is more about enjoying the hunting. I would be happy as heck getting an elk with a guide but something tells me I’ll be more happy getting out there and trying it myself even if I don’t get one.

 

[Laurel Highlands]

You are packing a lot of weight to add an elk on top. Compound meniscus issues, I would find help. Packer or a guide or a group of friends.

Yeah that may happen. We have a good relationship with the guides out there since my family hunted with them twice now and IF they have the time they would help pack out for a fee. I may be able to get someone, Dad or brother or a friend to come out also. Everyone else only has 3 points.

 

[Laurel Highlands]

Lots of dumb questions, get ready..
When we went out we didn't really do anything midday, and I did not like that but these guides already had the areas they were going to hunt. I walked around a little bit but I don't think the guide wanted us to stray far. Do you scout and walk around in the middle of the day when they're bedded down, or just use that time to rest or move to an evening glassing spot. Do you stay out of the timber, are you worried about bumping the elk.
I feel like even if I fly out there once ahead of time say in August or September and scout, come October when i'm hunting I will still be spending the majority of the time just finding where they are at. Yes i would go out a few days early.
Do these elk really bed all day long, or are they like deer they will bed and move every few hours, but unlike deer they will just stick to certain areas (timber, grazing, etc) depending on time of day or pressure. I am trying to figure out how much pressure affects their movement, will they circle or just bust up and over. I think I can generally figure out how food/cover/weather affects their movement.

 

[Dan-06]

Man in mid September while bow hunting above timber line and down to the first couple hundred feet of springs we always have great luck in the middle of the day. 11 to 2 is when we score. We catch them moving around wallows, water and shade.