Drew FHL 450 anterless archery hunt

[LavaHunter]

Got called today from the Fish and Widlife as the #3 alternate got the tag for 450 antlerless archery hunt Oct 1-9!! Now time to start researching for this hunt. I have seen in the past the success rate hasn't all that great but have decided to give it a try. My neighbor drew it 8 years ago and had his chances but couldn't connect. Does anyone know if it would be best to go scout earlier or do they give you enough info at the orientation?

 

[JTA6498]

On the FHL elk hunts they give you pretty much access to the whole fort. It is in their best interest for you and everyone else to harvest. But with that being said, you should definitely scout. I would say two weeks prior to your hunt you should get up there. Truth be told, that is a tough hunt. Those cows are always in big groups. My advice, be patient, anticipate where they are going and try to cut them off (ambush). You aren't putting a stock on a herd of 30 elk in an open field. And tune up your skills!!! be able to shoot out to 60 yards. if you have a clean shot at 50-60 yards on a full size cow, you better take it. cant ask for a better opportunity than that. Good luck

 

[LavaHunter]

Thanks JTA6498 for the advise. My neighbor drew it 8 years ago and had some opportunities but didn't connect. I am prepared to stay the whole season so all I can do is hope for the best and give it my best shot. I would appreciate any tips or advise from any one else.

 

[CaliJeephuntr]

Cow hunt is not easy due to all the eyes that are looking around. But you can get close with patience and a good plan. If you have buddies hunting with you, don't be afraid to have them get out and push/drive the herd. Or if you see a herd, but notice people driving around them, try and cut them off. It's hard to control where the elk will go, but could give you an opportunity to have one/them walk by your setup. I helped on an cow elk hunt a few years ago at FHL and we stalked in on a herd of about 75 cows by way of a very slow belly crawl. I ranged with spotting scope and he shot with his muzzleloader. Utilize the terrain, don't be afraid to hit belly, and really be patient. They really like the flats, but you can also catch them in the rolling oaky hills of 9/15/16/24 and 20 if they let you hunt it.

 

[LavaHunter]

Thanks Calijeephuntr I figure I will have nothing but time as I plan to hunt the whole 9 days if needed. I hope to get up earlier to do a little scouting but will also be going on two deer hunts. I drew A3 archery in Modoc and will be leaving next week for it then off to Wyoming the first week of September for two weeks for archery deer.

 

[Navy SWO]

LavaHunter,
Good luck to you with the 450 hunt. I may see you there if I hunt the first weekend of the G8 hunt. I'll also be up at FHL in Nov for the 444 hunt. Like others have posted, getting close enough for a bow shot is harder with all the eyes watching, but it can be done. I was able to use a dry creek channel to crawl up to 40 yards of a small cow herd in TA 22 a few years ago to get one with my muzzle loader. One of the advantages about the Oct hunt is that the elk are still in the smaller 10 - 20 animal herds and spread around, so there are more chances to locate them and less eyes to avoid. In addition to the areas Calijeephuntr posted, there are usually some elk in TAs 25 and 10/13 (especially 13B across Jolon Road from TA 22.) If they have TA 22 open for hunting like they have in the past there is always a small herd on the flats and usually by the river or in the oaks near the camp ground.

 

[LavaHunter]

Thanks Navy SWO I'am going to camp at the camp ground if you see a red Dodge 2500 diesel stop buy and have a cold one. Thanks again for the input.

 

[Navy SWO]

Thanks Navy SWO I'am going to camp at the camp ground if you see a red Dodge 2500 diesel stop buy and have a cold one. Thanks again for the input.

LavaHunter,
I'll be at the campground as well, just not sure whether first or second weekend or both - a lot depends on work schedule. I'll be in a gold Ford F150 quad cab. Ditto on the invite for a cold one if we meet up.

 

[LavaHunter]

Well 6 more days and will be at FHL to start the archery cow elk hunt and the best part of it is my neighbor was called and as the 4th alternate someone returned a tag and he will be going also to hunt! Can't wait!

 

[6x7]

I didn't know you could return a tag in Cali I have never heard of that.

 

[mr sunset]

great news, PM sent.

 

[LavaHunter]

Well got back from my hunt-----on the 7th day of the hunt finally got my first shot 45 yards and ........connected! I was so excited harvested my first Tule elk! Everyone was right this is a tuff hunt but if you stay after it you will get an opportunity. Seen the herd bedded under an oak tree in the flats of 13B used a ditch that my hunting buddy knew about and stalked to 45 yards of the elk two cows finally knew something was up and stood up but couldn't see us in the ditch. We both shot and I connected my buddy missed as the cow he was shooting at took off just as he released. Thanks to everyone who helped with info on where to look.

 

[Aught-SixGuy]

Congrats! Let's see some pics!

 

[inchr48]

I would love a 45 yard shot at a cow elk. You are a lucky man, congrats. Enjoy the steaks.

 

[Navy SWO]

LavaHunter,

Congrats on filling the tag! Way to stay persistant and get a shot. I am getting really excited for my hunt coming up in Nov. How spread out were the elk for your hunt? Were they still in the 10 - 20 animal herds or have they started consolidating into the larger herds they seem to prefer for the winter? I didn't get a chance to do any scouting during the G8 hunt other than seeing the herd in 13B from Jolon road on the drive home and one bull in 10 along the road. I'd appreciate any insights you have from your week chasing them.

Enjoy your freezer full of the best meat on the planet.

Thanks.

 

[jls456]

Good for you. Now,lets see some pictures.

 

[LavaHunter]

Navy SWO I sent you PM