1st Tule elk scouting trip

[BOWUNTR]

Me and my buddy, Terry, left at 2am, and drove balls to the walls, northbound. We were in Lone Pine when the sun came up. Checked some areas quickly and headed farther north, no elk seen. The first bunch was in the Timemaha west fields. About 75 elk, lots of calves, about 1/4 bulls, spikes and rag horns. Didn't see any elk on the east side. Went farther north and found a group from the Bishop herd, composed of the same numbers and mix, of the other herd. Didn't find the herds of big bulls though. They are usually easy to find??? We werent there to find the elk anyways, we had other business to take care of.
That afternoon I started knocking on the ranchers doors. I all ready had their names and info and was told that you don't need to ask permission, as permission to hunt their properties is assumed. I talked to them anyways and they were all very helpful and surpriesed that I was making such an early effort. They assured me that the bulls are there and they will keep a watchful eye for me. One guy told me that he has 22 bulls coming into his field like clockwork, some are "monsters". They all said that my hunt is during the prime rut and the bulls come out of the woodwork.
That's the good news. This is going to be a lot tougher that I thought. It was 105 in Bishop, all day. So far I have only talked to one other guy that had this early season hunt. He is a hardcore, successful bowhunter and he said that this was THE hardest hunt of his life!! The heat was just one thing....
Anyways, I'm keeping my head high. Some more scouting trips planned and both my fingers are crossed. Pics to follow. Oh yeah, we got home at midnight, 22 hours later. My azz is sore!!! Ed F

 

[One Track]

Ed;

Sounds like you're off to a good start. You'll find those bulls. I'd put all my money on you to take the monster bull of the year.

 

[TwoShot]

Hey Ed,

Which guy told you about the 22 bulls. Sounds like the ranch farest to the south. A DFG guy told me that guy got turned by the hunters a few years ago, glad to see he has changed his mind. And I agree with One Track, I'll sure that you will be sharing some great pictures of a monster bull shortly.

 

[YORT40]

It's all good. I think the temp. was only 101 during last years hunt.

Not to mention the grounds crew will be setting up bleachers to watch the show. Everyone wants to see the hunt.

 

[TwoShot]

YORT40 is right. Like I said the other night, when I hunted in 96' they were lined up on 395 to watch opening day.

 

[jerkee]

Ed- I see you got ahold of my friend (and Yorts), anyway that's good...I'm sure he was insightful. Email me again, I've got some info for you.

Brandon

 

[Orso]

HARDCORE scouting trip. At least you had some good things happen from the trip.

Good luck.

 

[Schoettgen]

I took a cruise through the San Luis NWR the other day and all the good bulls were in bachelor groups well away from cows and calves. The bulls you were looking for are probably doing the same. Congratulations on the tag, to be able to hunt Tules is awsome. To kill one with a bow will put you in a very exclusive group.

 

[BOWUNTR]

Here's a couple pics. Ed F

 

[bcbear3]

Ed
I'm going to start scouting next month for my period 2 bull tag. Maybe we can meet for a cocktail somewhere. Bcbear3

 

[BOWUNTR]

bcbear3, Sounds good. I had a couple beers with TwoShot and Rockdaddy last week and they spilled their guts to me about their successful Tule elk hunts

. When are you scouting? My hunt is 08-13 thru 08-21. I'll be up there on the 11th. I also have scouting trips planned for the next two weekends. Let me know. Ed F

 

[paulc]

Ed, my Mom was born and grew up in Lone Pine. Used to spend alot of time out there. Back then there was no elk. When I was still in CA i always applied for the Lone Pine herd. I am pumped that you have a tag for there. That is definetly a once in a lifetime hunt. your doing it right, getting out there and scouting and showing your face to the ranchers.
Only thing that I have heard is that the animals get moved around alot once the season opens up. Good luck. I am gonna watch with alot of interest. I hope you get the one you want.

 

[jerkee]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

Back then there was no elk.[/b]

How long ago was that? I thought they began transplanting the elk in the 20's. They definitely were here in the 60's because legislation was passed in 71' regarding how many elk were sustainable in the Owens Valley.

 

[jerkee]

Some trivia info if anything, "In 1933, the remainingYosemite population of 26 animals was relocated to the Owens Valley. By 1960,the number of tule elk in the Owens Valley reached 300." According to www.ceres.ca.gov

 

[paulc]

Jerkee, I was a kid, that would have been in the 70s and as far as my little world was concerned there was no elk. It sounds like there was and i just was not aware of it. The first time i ever saw them was in the early 80s going up there for backpacking trips.

 

[jerkee]

cool, wonder if we've ever met. I lived in LP from the early 70s till 90'.

 

[paulc]

My Mom's maiden name was Bonham, and her Grandfathers was Lubken.

 

[sierrasoloist]

Ed

Did you get my e-mail? I went scouting last week. Saw 220 elk in one herd. I wish my hunt was next month but mine doesn't start until November. Shoot me an e-mail I'll give you the 411.

Scott

 

[spectr17]

From my experience trying to film the elk right before the bow hunt starts I'd say the heat and getting close were my biggest troubles. Sometimes other people bumped the elk also.

One thing you might consider if you haven't is a decoy. I've seen them big bulls up there really charge an interloper and that may give you the shot. Lot more to lug around though too.

Biggest bull I saw up there was just south of Lone Pine on the east side by the high voltage towers. Aug 2002. Don't know if he's still there or not, haven't seen him since.

 

[SDHNTR]

Ed, saw a BIG bull this weekend. Check your email.