FHL scouting report

[Mel Carter]

Not many good areas open, there has only been 1 bull ML tag filled so far and we know who that was. The other guys are still out holding out for a monster, they will probably go home empty. I seen a nice bull in 22 but was broke off on his left main beam. Seen about 15 elk off mission road with a small bull. Didn't see anything else. I think my hunt will all depend greatly on what areas will be open. If 22 is open, that's where I'll be.

Took this with my IPhone through the spotting scope.






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[sickguy]

I think you have a good handle on the situation. We all know I'm a fan of 22. I've also heard that sometimes they will open up portions of 20 to elk hunters. If that's the case during your hunt I would seriously consider trying it. I glassed a bull in 20 that made my bull look like a wimp.

 

[Mel Carter]

I heard the same thing about area 20. My plan is to hold out for a truly big bull, the first couple days, then see what areas are open after Xmas. I think that more areas will be open since a lot if military may be on leave.

Sickguy,
What all did they cover in the orientation?


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[sickguy]

The orientation was mostly for safety concerns. They spent most of the time talking about unexploded ordinances and avoiding them. They gave us phone numbers to call for different circumstances (game wardens, base security, etc.). They also handed out a map packet for the areas that could be open for our hunt, and a breakdown of which areas would be open on each individual day of our hunt. They also made it clear they could open and close areas at anytime, so it was important to check in each day for open areas. For our hunt there was a clipboard that we used to sign in and out each day, and list which area we were hunting. They also showed a movie during the orientation that just gave the history of tule elk and relocation efforts. I highly advise to check in multiple times a day, because you never know when they're going to open up a new area. TA 22 was never supposed to be open for our hunt, but all it took was one afternoon for that to change. My elk was down in about 1.5 hours after they opened up the new areas. Don't be afraid to talk to the DFG wardens and FHL biologists, as they were nice and as helpful as possible. Of course, Live2hunt probably knows the different TAs as well as anyone I have talked to, and was critical to the success of my hunt. Don't get discouraged, because all you need is one chance to get the bull you're looking for. Good luck, and I look forward to hearing all about your hunt.

 

[Mel Carter]

Got it. Tks!


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[jls456]

Now,go get 'em. Good luck.

 

[Live2hunt]

Sickguy, glad I was able to help. I told an older couple in the campground the exact same spot I put you on, they found the spot, but they said they didn't see any elk. Five minutes after they told me they didn't see any elk, I drove to the same spot and found the elks laid under one of the green tree.

Mel, the elk off Mission road, if they were on your right as you drive towards the base, then they were in 13A (Archery only). Sometimes they cross into 13W where it may be open for muzzleloader or rifle. If they were on your left, they they were in 16B (Archery Only). Sometimes they crossed into 16A (rifle or muzzleloader if open). So don't forget to bring your bow.

 

[Mel Carter]

I'm bringing everything I got, rifle, ML and bow.


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[sickguy]

I saw at least 50 elk in there, and 13 of them were bulls. I also saw more elk sign in the first 5 minutes in that zone than the entire time I hunted the other zones. If you spot one elk in an area you can bet there are others close by.

 

[Mel Carter]

Mel, the elk off Mission road, if they were on your right as you drive towards the base, then they were in 13A (Archery only). Sometimes they cross into 13W where it may be open for muzzleloader or rifle. If they were on your left, they they were in 16B (Archery Only). Sometimes they crossed into 16A (rifle or muzzleloader if open). So don't forget to bring your bow.

They were in 13A. I seen about 10 cows and a spike in 22, then right after I got off the phone with you I seen a bull and 3 cows in 22. The bull looked good on his right side but was broke on his main beam on his left.