Archery Tips, Tricks and Advice (elk)

I admit that I am an archery noob. I gave it a shot last year for the first time, and this year I was denied for black powder so I'm at it again. I love it, but would like to hear some basic tips and tricks from the pros (like spencerhenry, who passes on 6x6's!!)

Here's my basic approach:
Get into the forest and hike upwind (if possible) into dark timber until I find a suitable place to sit that has a few good shooting lanes. Cow call a few times every 15-20 minutes and try to draw them in. I usually stay at one place for about 2 hours then move on to another location.

I have gotten into elk a few times while archery hunting, but every time was when walking - never when sitting and waiting, ever. Opening day yesterday I saw 3 elk (2 cows, 1 bull) when stalking around looking for a good spot to sit.

Any advice? Maybe sit longer in one spot? Sit less? I know one season and 2 days isn't a big sample size. Just making sure I'm on the right track.

[Luck]

When you get the shot, take it. Do not sit and admire the animal for 20-30 seconds in the wallow...

Don't call so often or so much. We've stalked many hunters just for fun because they were calling so much we knew it wasn't an elk.

You can put up a blind on a wallow if you find a good one that is getting used. Obviously setup the blind and leave it for a couple days if you can so they get use to it being there.

Try to find some good paths that they are using to walk on, sit next to those paths behind some cover. Wait.

If you're hunting with some others, have someone go to the top of a ridge and walk down while the rest of you are scattered about down hill. Been doing this for years at our special spot, works pretty well most of the time.

GilpinGuy- what unit you hunting in?

call less, sit less.

elk are NOT like deer. they dont have daily rituals for the most part. the exception this year is water. they will likely hit the same water every day at about the same time.

calling like in the tv shows is highly overrated especially if you are hunting land with any amount of pressure. the big bulls often run the other way when they hear people callling. they have heard every call made and though you may fool a small bull or cows, they generally dont come running. however, if you just want to shoot a cow, you may try a distress call. i have had cows come within arms reach when using a distress call.
scent is a problem, sitting in an area for a long time means that your scent permeates the area. unless you have perfect wind, which rarely happens in the woods.

my method that i have used for many years is to move quickly until i find an area with fresh sign, then slow down and still hunt it. if you hear elk, move toward them as quickly as possible while still being quiet.

this year your best bet is probably water holes. the feed is poor in many areas, so also try to find an area with better feed.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by d_striker

GilpinGuy- what unit you hunting in?

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38 - Gilpin County. Heading up near Rollins Pass tomorrow morning.

Save you legs and glass a lot. I also echo the need not to call. You should never need to bugle (maybe very few times but definitely not right now) on a public land hunt. These days it hurts more than it helps.

On TV guys like to kill monster bulls out ink big meadows, that's not reality. Stay in the timber, move slow, and watch for sign. look for big flat spots (good for bedding) on the north facing slopes. Also watch the edge of the timber, right next to an opening. Bulls like to be able to see when they are bedded. If you get on fresh track and want to follow it don't walk right on it. Walk parallel to it as far away as you can still see it.

Sounds like you are spending plenty if time in the woods which is good, can't kill them from the couch.

I got into a few cows today but no dice.

I got into the woods right at sunrise and sat at a small clearing until about 8:30. There were a few bugles way off but I'm not sure if they were from hunters or not.

Then I walked up a stream for a while and decided to head up hill. About 500 yards in I spot 2 cows munching on the foliage. I was only about 30 yards from them but I was totally exposed. No cover nearby within 10 yards so I was kinda stuck. The ground was wet so I could walk quietly.

I watched these two for a few minutes then decided that I had to make a move. I took a few steps and one sensed something and stared right at me for a few minutes. She then relaxed and started munching away again. After a few minutes I again tried to move but was foiled. The same cow was on me immediately and bolted.

The funny thing was that the other cow was not intrrested in me at all. She never once raised her head until the other one took off, then she followed.

They'll just be fatter that next time I see em! [Weight]

Sounds like a great day up in the woods. I still have my OTC elk tag in my pocket to fill. I am taking the long weekend off and will head up next weekend in your neck of the woods. I hear it is pretty nice

Sounds like if you are seeing elk regularly and getting within 30 yards on occasion you must be doing something right. Keep in the woods and you will connect soon enough. Good work.

If you're 30 yards, no cover, stand up and shoot anyway, they might spook and run, but they might not! Sometimes they will just pause long enough for the shot.

i have a policy that i stick to. if the animal is looking at you, do NOT shoot. at 30 yards there is plenty of time for an elk or deer that is alert to move before the arrow gets there. sure it could be a miss, or you could get a gut shot, or some kind of non-lethal shot. if it is looking before you draw, your odds of getting a shot off are low, if you do manage to get a shot off, the noise of the bow will likely get the animal to bolt. wait for the animal to turn away or go back to eating before releasing the arrow.

Try to stay comfortable, eat well, and stay hydrated. It'll give you more energy to hunt well, and longer, and you'll enjoy it more.

Be the Arrow.