2nd Tule elk scouting trip

[BOWUNTR]

Went up with the wife an kids and stayed at my buddy's condo in Mammoth. I was able to get two half days of scouting in. I found the bulls!!! All the difference in the world as far as confidence goes. Still going to be tough though. Temps were at least 105 every day and I heard that on Sat, the Washington Mutual sign in Bishop said 116

Most of the bulls that I saw were bedded out in the open sage during this heat.

Heading up this weekend again. Scouting pays off everytime. Ed F


Here's a nice 6x6.

 

[SDHNTR]

Nice bull Ed. The big bull I told you about was with two other bulls about the same size as the one in your picture. The bad boy had quite a bit more rack though. They were in a very similar looking location. Same herd?

 

[BOWUNTR]

Probably, they were in the same area you described. I didn't look real hard, most of the others were bedded down. Real nice fronts for a Tule, small fifths. P&Y for sure, pushing B&C (280). Some of the other bulls I saw were definately B&C. Man if they are in that same area, watch out, good stalking area. Ed F

 

[YORT40]

Go for broke, throw a tree stand in one of those Cottonwoods along with a cooler full of water. At least you'll have some shade.

 

[easymoney]

Just a headsup... The elk move around quite a bit. Sometimes onto private property.
Good luck, you seem to have it figured out. I can't wait till I get one of those coveted tags...

 

[SDHNTR]

That is a good stalking area. Only down side is lots of eyeballs. But I guess that will probably be the case just about anywhere. Yort40, I like your idea, but I think you need to change the water in the cooler to beer and include a large shade umbrella and topless suntan lotion application girls.

 

[BOWUNTR]

No doubt that they move around, especially when the rut starts or they are pressured. Believe it or not, most of the land that these elk call home is owned by the City of Los Angeles

. The farm and ranch land is leased. All of the ranchers that I talked to, gave me permission and were excited about helping me be successful. Totally different from my past hunting experiences, especially in this place called California. Ed F

 

[bubba]

Good luck, souds like you have a plan. Looking forward to your hunt story and more pics. Good luck...

 

[YORT40]

Originally posted by SDHNTR@Jul 19 2005, 10:02 AM
Yort40, I like your idea, but I think you need to change the water in the cooler to beer and include a large shade umbrella and topless suntan lotion application girls.

Fine, as long as they're not local girls.

Ed, if you're coming up this weekend, you might get a break from the heat. And get to see what the bulls do with the thunder & rain.

 

[BOWUNTR]

I'll be up there this Sat and Sun. Has it rained any? Have you heard any bugles? Ed F

 

[YORT40]

The Owens Valley forecast calls for a chance of afternoon showers with cooler temps. until Wed. Everything above 6,000' has got wet the last 3 afternoons.

I havn't been down to check out the elk in weeks, its too hot & I'm trying to narrow down the areas I need to scout for my A-16 tag.
good luck

 

[huntducks]

Bowunter

I was in Bishop this past weekend 22-25 brother in laws wedding, I went out looking saw two nice bulls down by Big Pine and 6 more off WS rd. there where not bugling yet.

You do know at your mandatory DFG meeting before hunt biologist will have maps for everyone and they also fly the valley that day and will pin point all the elk for all the other hunters there, so be prepaired for some extra hunting pressure opening morning try to figure there excape routes incase someone is working that same herd.

 

[BOWUNTR]

Thanks for the info. I too just got back. Awsone scouting trip, I'll post under another topic tomorrow. They are flying the zone the week before the opener. The biologist gave me some numbers and they didn't add up. I saw more mature bulls in one area than she had for the entire Owens Valley. I'll have open ears though when I sit down with her for the orientation. I asked the same question about the hunting pressure. This year for my hunt all the hunters (7) meet with her the friday before the hunt and she gives individual orientations. I asked, "what if all 7 end up in one area". She said she would start a list where everyone says they are going to hunt. Oh well, it's better than nothing. Anyways, I think I found a secluded area with 14 bulls, 12 are shooters (P&Y+) and I bet half of those are B&C!!!! By the way, they are bugling. The larger herd bulls are also going through the motions with the cows too. I'm pumped. Ed F