- Thread starter paulc
- Start date
When I went out last night. climbed my favorite glassing mountain with my son. It was raining and lighnting pretty good. When we got up close to the top I glassed one of my favorite hillsides and saw 3 cows. I made a decision to send Josh (my son) to the top with the 15x56 swarovskis/tripod and i would go all out to get to the other hillside.
The plan was that if when he got to the top and saw something in the other spots he would wave his arms. Not a real good idea since it was 6pm and not enuf time to do a bunch of things.
Hustled down the hill and up the other hill. Good thing about a soaking rain you dont have to worry about soaking your clothes with sweat cuz your already soaked. got up there, cows were gone, went all way to the top anyway.
sure enuf, like clockwork, at about 5 minutes to 7:00 i hear bugling on the bottom of the other side of the mountain i am on. Again due to darkness, i am under pressure to make something happen.
there is no wind at all. rain is coming straight down. this is not what you want. best case scenario is a good steady wind from 1 direction. I get to the bottom and there is a herd of about 25 staging on the bottom most likely to head up to hillsides to feed.
I got within 40 or 50 yards but there is trees and brush between me and the bull. and like every other time eventualy i get winded and they are off. Funny thing as i head up the hill, (its almost dark and I am 2 miles as the crow flies from the car) the bull keeps bugling and it seems that even though the cows took off he stayed. more self doubt. should i have pursued?
I get back to the vehicle and josh has it running with the heater on and tells me that he was jumping up and down waving for me. Says he saw the biggest elk he ever saw in his life in my favorite bowl.
This morning thats where i am headed i take the round about way and it takes about 1.5 hours hike so i can have the wind right. Not where i thought they would be but sure enuf there is a small herd with a bull. I glass the bull and he is a decent 5x5 not really what i want to shoot with 2 weeks left of the season and they are still not really rutting yet. Then i see another cow on another part of the hillside and mister big materializes with a herd of about 15. Holy mother he is big. I sit there helpless as his herd feeds over the hillsideand i am below him. The 5x5 is in a great position for a stalk. wind is steady at me, his cows are not sprawled out but grouped with him and there is a good group of pinyons and junipers to stalk in on.
I make the fatal decision to let the 5x5 go (definetly not a sure thing but definetly the highest percentage stalk I would have had so far). Lots of things could go wrong. 15 minutes later as i am leaving the bowl i see on a distant hillside Mr bigs herd heading into timber.
Give it another shot tonight.
The plan was that if when he got to the top and saw something in the other spots he would wave his arms. Not a real good idea since it was 6pm and not enuf time to do a bunch of things.
Hustled down the hill and up the other hill. Good thing about a soaking rain you dont have to worry about soaking your clothes with sweat cuz your already soaked. got up there, cows were gone, went all way to the top anyway.
sure enuf, like clockwork, at about 5 minutes to 7:00 i hear bugling on the bottom of the other side of the mountain i am on. Again due to darkness, i am under pressure to make something happen.
there is no wind at all. rain is coming straight down. this is not what you want. best case scenario is a good steady wind from 1 direction. I get to the bottom and there is a herd of about 25 staging on the bottom most likely to head up to hillsides to feed.
I got within 40 or 50 yards but there is trees and brush between me and the bull. and like every other time eventualy i get winded and they are off. Funny thing as i head up the hill, (its almost dark and I am 2 miles as the crow flies from the car) the bull keeps bugling and it seems that even though the cows took off he stayed. more self doubt. should i have pursued?
I get back to the vehicle and josh has it running with the heater on and tells me that he was jumping up and down waving for me. Says he saw the biggest elk he ever saw in his life in my favorite bowl.
This morning thats where i am headed i take the round about way and it takes about 1.5 hours hike so i can have the wind right. Not where i thought they would be but sure enuf there is a small herd with a bull. I glass the bull and he is a decent 5x5 not really what i want to shoot with 2 weeks left of the season and they are still not really rutting yet. Then i see another cow on another part of the hillside and mister big materializes with a herd of about 15. Holy mother he is big. I sit there helpless as his herd feeds over the hillsideand i am below him. The 5x5 is in a great position for a stalk. wind is steady at me, his cows are not sprawled out but grouped with him and there is a good group of pinyons and junipers to stalk in on.
I make the fatal decision to let the 5x5 go (definetly not a sure thing but definetly the highest percentage stalk I would have had so far). Lots of things could go wrong. 15 minutes later as i am leaving the bowl i see on a distant hillside Mr bigs herd heading into timber.
Give it another shot tonight.
shovelerslayer
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 29, 2001
- Messages
- 557
- Reaction score
- 4
Paul,
Something I have learned in pursuing elk is to combine persistance and patience. Keep at it, but don't push a situation that is not high percentage. Once the elk get spooked they can travel a LOOOONG ways. More than i want to admit I have pressured a bull when I should have moved back and tried some other time. Each time I lost and ran the elk out of my area. You have lots of time and with how smart you are hunting them, will eventually get your chance. Sounds like you have had a great season no matter what the outcome is. Keep posting!!
Something I have learned in pursuing elk is to combine persistance and patience. Keep at it, but don't push a situation that is not high percentage. Once the elk get spooked they can travel a LOOOONG ways. More than i want to admit I have pressured a bull when I should have moved back and tried some other time. Each time I lost and ran the elk out of my area. You have lots of time and with how smart you are hunting them, will eventually get your chance. Sounds like you have had a great season no matter what the outcome is. Keep posting!!
Speckmisser
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 12, 2001
- Messages
- 12,900
- Reaction score
- 27
Paul, we're all watching over your shoulder now... so no pressure, right?
Good luck on that big boy! Sounds like it's just a matter of time.
Good luck on that big boy! Sounds like it's just a matter of time.
The difference between Archery and rifle hunting. My musings from the last week.
Rifle hunting: You spot, you stalk, you kill.
Archery hunting: You spot, you stalk, you scare>
Yesterday morning was a real kick in the guts. There are basically 2 bulls that are easily 350+ ", and a 3rd that is 330+. I have seen all 3 of these at least 2x. I havent come up with cool names for them yet like screamer, slammer or anything else. I will refer to them as bastard 1, bastart 2 and bastard 3.
Anyhow, yesterday morning I go to my favorite glassing spot. Way out in a far drainage, i see a cow. I now know that if you see 1 cow in this bowl most likely one of those good bulls is nearby and other cows.
I get on my horse (figuratively speaking), actually get my fat body going for another forced march. As i get closer there are some cows spread on the hillside and then small group of cows and a huge 6x6 easily 350+ up a small ravine. The wind is perfect for me. Coming right down the mountain and i am way down at the base of the ravine looking way up at them. I start heading up knowing that even though i am in the ravine, i will pass some of the scattered cows on the way up to the small group including the bull.
With this in mind, i try to balance patience with aggresivness (there is a place for both and i cant seem to get them in the right combination). I head up fairly quickly. Knowing that the scattered cows could whif me at any time even though i got a real good steady wind.
I stop and glass the small group and the bull at 200 yards. I slow way down and start creeping. At 93 yards one of the cows gives me "the stare" she must have seen movement. Often they will stare where you were for several minutes then cautiously go back to eating and keeping an eye on the area. I must have been to close because no such luck. She stared thru the tree i was behind for at least 10 minutes then barked. She then proceeded to bark every 3-4 minutes and left the small group and very slowly circled around me. This must have taken 1/2 hour because my legs were asleep and she had the small group staring at the juniper i was behind. When she got all the way behind me got my wind and she barked extra loud and then took off at a fast lope. The big 6x6 just started walking away in full view. I ranged him one more time at 130 yards as he walked off.
the 2 mile walk back to the truck really stunk. I now feel like i have blown this area wide open. last night me and my son glassed the entire basin and saw one spike and nothing else. This morning I stupidly hiked into it and saw nothing. And tonight was uneventful as well even though i went to another area.
The cool thing is that these bulls are a few mile from my house. When i lived in Riverside CA less than a year ago it was no where near as cool as this. It is awsome to be able to hunt in the morning and evening and get your work done during the day.
My confidence has taken a pretty hard hit, and I can look back at some mistakes i have made, but, hunting big bulls that are not in the rut in open country is just plain tough. I am if nothing else persistent.
Rifle hunting: You spot, you stalk, you kill.
Archery hunting: You spot, you stalk, you scare>
Yesterday morning was a real kick in the guts. There are basically 2 bulls that are easily 350+ ", and a 3rd that is 330+. I have seen all 3 of these at least 2x. I havent come up with cool names for them yet like screamer, slammer or anything else. I will refer to them as bastard 1, bastart 2 and bastard 3.
Anyhow, yesterday morning I go to my favorite glassing spot. Way out in a far drainage, i see a cow. I now know that if you see 1 cow in this bowl most likely one of those good bulls is nearby and other cows.
I get on my horse (figuratively speaking), actually get my fat body going for another forced march. As i get closer there are some cows spread on the hillside and then small group of cows and a huge 6x6 easily 350+ up a small ravine. The wind is perfect for me. Coming right down the mountain and i am way down at the base of the ravine looking way up at them. I start heading up knowing that even though i am in the ravine, i will pass some of the scattered cows on the way up to the small group including the bull.
With this in mind, i try to balance patience with aggresivness (there is a place for both and i cant seem to get them in the right combination). I head up fairly quickly. Knowing that the scattered cows could whif me at any time even though i got a real good steady wind.
I stop and glass the small group and the bull at 200 yards. I slow way down and start creeping. At 93 yards one of the cows gives me "the stare" she must have seen movement. Often they will stare where you were for several minutes then cautiously go back to eating and keeping an eye on the area. I must have been to close because no such luck. She stared thru the tree i was behind for at least 10 minutes then barked. She then proceeded to bark every 3-4 minutes and left the small group and very slowly circled around me. This must have taken 1/2 hour because my legs were asleep and she had the small group staring at the juniper i was behind. When she got all the way behind me got my wind and she barked extra loud and then took off at a fast lope. The big 6x6 just started walking away in full view. I ranged him one more time at 130 yards as he walked off.
the 2 mile walk back to the truck really stunk. I now feel like i have blown this area wide open. last night me and my son glassed the entire basin and saw one spike and nothing else. This morning I stupidly hiked into it and saw nothing. And tonight was uneventful as well even though i went to another area.
The cool thing is that these bulls are a few mile from my house. When i lived in Riverside CA less than a year ago it was no where near as cool as this. It is awsome to be able to hunt in the morning and evening and get your work done during the day.
My confidence has taken a pretty hard hit, and I can look back at some mistakes i have made, but, hunting big bulls that are not in the rut in open country is just plain tough. I am if nothing else persistent.
wmidbrook
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2001
- Messages
- 4,405
- Reaction score
- 3
I admire the likes of Chuck Adams et. al. who have years of stalking experience under their belts. There's no way I'd ever catch up....
I can relate to how discouraging it can be. This will be year 4 with archery tackle for me and I have yet to bag a bull. I've sometimes kicked myself for not shooting a cow or taking a shot at a spike. But, I've never gone home wishing I didn't do the trip. I've come close and I'll too soon get a real good bull. I can say I know the rush of instigating a bull to tear up a juniper, starting two of them fighting, been under 10 yards away from a good bull...but, have yet to bag one.
Can't get a biggun unless you hold out for one and it ain't easy....
You'll no doubt hit rut conditions any time. I heard that they were sounding off big time in 16A a few days ago. 34 should be any day now....keep at it
I can relate to how discouraging it can be. This will be year 4 with archery tackle for me and I have yet to bag a bull. I've sometimes kicked myself for not shooting a cow or taking a shot at a spike. But, I've never gone home wishing I didn't do the trip. I've come close and I'll too soon get a real good bull. I can say I know the rush of instigating a bull to tear up a juniper, starting two of them fighting, been under 10 yards away from a good bull...but, have yet to bag one.
Can't get a biggun unless you hold out for one and it ain't easy....
You'll no doubt hit rut conditions any time. I heard that they were sounding off big time in 16A a few days ago. 34 should be any day now....keep at it
Thanks everyone. I have decided to be a little less aggressive. The locals say that around the 18th the bulls start to rut and my odds should get alittle better.
I am still going out every morning and evening.
This morning i glassed from my property and watched a ok 6x6 (300 class) with a small herd walk thru my neighbors property (they dont live there year round) and into the forest.
Tonight I told my son to glass the same area to see if they go out the same way and i went to glass about 8 miles away.
Glassed a bull on a distant hill with a big herd. and when i got home my wife and son proceeded to tell me that a bull was at our water tanks on the hill (i set up a small water tank there) and then my son went up there to glass like i told him to and a nice 6x6 walked by him with a herd 27 paces from him.
2 bulls on our property. We hardly ever see elk on our property. this is with the commotion of kids, 4 dogs.
I think God is punishing me.
I guess i will hunt my own property tomorow
.
I am still going out every morning and evening.
This morning i glassed from my property and watched a ok 6x6 (300 class) with a small herd walk thru my neighbors property (they dont live there year round) and into the forest.
Tonight I told my son to glass the same area to see if they go out the same way and i went to glass about 8 miles away.
Glassed a bull on a distant hill with a big herd. and when i got home my wife and son proceeded to tell me that a bull was at our water tanks on the hill (i set up a small water tank there) and then my son went up there to glass like i told him to and a nice 6x6 walked by him with a herd 27 paces from him.
I think God is punishing me.
I guess i will hunt my own property tomorow
jlostrander
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2004
- Messages
- 462
- Reaction score
- 0
Hang in there. Many of us are now waiting each day to see your entry.
It will happen eventually. Enjoy every minute and don't worry or push yourself to much. I think you should keep yourself fresh and be ready when the rut comes.
Good Luck and I wish you the best.
Logan
PS. If I were you, when you get tired, hunt your property in the evening to keep yourself fresh.
It will happen eventually. Enjoy every minute and don't worry or push yourself to much. I think you should keep yourself fresh and be ready when the rut comes.
Good Luck and I wish you the best.
Logan
PS. If I were you, when you get tired, hunt your property in the evening to keep yourself fresh.
shovelerslayer
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 29, 2001
- Messages
- 557
- Reaction score
- 4
Paul,
Keep the posts coming. I have one other suggestion I would make to you. If you have never arrowed an elk before, towards the end of the season if a small bull (even a spike if he's legal) gives you a great shot don't pass on it. I know you want one of those big boys, but you can proud of any elk you get with a bow. More than that you'll have more confidence after you have an elk under your belt.
For the first few years I elk hunted I got hung up hunting "herd" bulls and such. Finally out of frustration the last day of my 4th year hunt I arrowed a cow . After making a great shot and watching her collapse in sight of me I gained some confidence ( and a lot of great meat). The next year I decided to hunt big bulls until the last three days and then drop my standard to any bull. On the second day a raghorn strolled within 7 yards of me and I decided that this was a sign. Another successful year and more great eating. After that I learned to just feel out the situation and launch the arrow when my gut tells me too.
My point is that every elk I have shot has felt like a trophy to me, and each has increased my confidence and my skills. Some years I arrow small bulls or cows, others I come home empty handed but still satisfied. No I have never killed that P&Y bull, but I definitely know I can do my part when the time finally presents itself.
JUst my
Keep the posts coming. I have one other suggestion I would make to you. If you have never arrowed an elk before, towards the end of the season if a small bull (even a spike if he's legal) gives you a great shot don't pass on it. I know you want one of those big boys, but you can proud of any elk you get with a bow. More than that you'll have more confidence after you have an elk under your belt.
For the first few years I elk hunted I got hung up hunting "herd" bulls and such. Finally out of frustration the last day of my 4th year hunt I arrowed a cow . After making a great shot and watching her collapse in sight of me I gained some confidence ( and a lot of great meat). The next year I decided to hunt big bulls until the last three days and then drop my standard to any bull. On the second day a raghorn strolled within 7 yards of me and I decided that this was a sign. Another successful year and more great eating. After that I learned to just feel out the situation and launch the arrow when my gut tells me too.
My point is that every elk I have shot has felt like a trophy to me, and each has increased my confidence and my skills. Some years I arrow small bulls or cows, others I come home empty handed but still satisfied. No I have never killed that P&Y bull, but I definitely know I can do my part when the time finally presents itself.
JUst my
Shovelerslayer I think you make some good points. As of today, i will be going on a business trip to CA for a few days and I know that a break will be good. I have been getting a little sloppier than i like.
I have done a lot of hunting over the past 5-10 years but i cant remember getting as excited (heart racing) as when i was sneaking up on that big 6x6. I remember trying to calm myself down and not really being able to do it. Herd bulls that are not in rut are very difficult to get in on. And when i got close I was almost hyperventilating.
I have not given up on a big bull, but, I will put meat in the freezer if i can the last couple days of the hunt, maybe, a sattelite bull.
I have spoke to the CWD inspector set up down the road and he has only seen a couple of bulls a day and no big ones, so i feel a little better
My game plan when i get back from CA is to come back refreshed, the locals say they start rutting towards the 18th of the month, but, i will be willing to shoot a legal bull at that time. Legal is at least 5 points on one side. I have till the 22nd and then my 2 oldest kids have bull tags (rifle). We will show them big bulls then if i can find them
.
Yesterday morning, i hiked from my property into the forest where i had seen a good bull and herd feed up from the flatlands in a small canyon. First problem, my stupid dogs followed me halfway even though i told my wife to hang on to them. As luck would have it, the elk chose the otherside of the canyon to come up and the wind was not right to go over there anyhow.
Last night, I set up a blind by my water tank where my family had seen a good bull yesterday. Again my darn dogs showed up and i had to send them home (not sure if that messed things up or not).
Taking a break and back at it on wed night or thurs am.
I have done a lot of hunting over the past 5-10 years but i cant remember getting as excited (heart racing) as when i was sneaking up on that big 6x6. I remember trying to calm myself down and not really being able to do it. Herd bulls that are not in rut are very difficult to get in on. And when i got close I was almost hyperventilating.
I have not given up on a big bull, but, I will put meat in the freezer if i can the last couple days of the hunt, maybe, a sattelite bull.
I have spoke to the CWD inspector set up down the road and he has only seen a couple of bulls a day and no big ones, so i feel a little better
My game plan when i get back from CA is to come back refreshed, the locals say they start rutting towards the 18th of the month, but, i will be willing to shoot a legal bull at that time. Legal is at least 5 points on one side. I have till the 22nd and then my 2 oldest kids have bull tags (rifle). We will show them big bulls then if i can find them
Yesterday morning, i hiked from my property into the forest where i had seen a good bull and herd feed up from the flatlands in a small canyon. First problem, my stupid dogs followed me halfway even though i told my wife to hang on to them. As luck would have it, the elk chose the otherside of the canyon to come up and the wind was not right to go over there anyhow.
Last night, I set up a blind by my water tank where my family had seen a good bull yesterday. Again my darn dogs showed up and i had to send them home (not sure if that messed things up or not).
Taking a break and back at it on wed night or thurs am.
shovelerslayer
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 29, 2001
- Messages
- 557
- Reaction score
- 4
You have a whole crew waiting for you to get back from CA, and all of us are rooting for you!!!
Hey Paul
I hope I have 1/2 the fun your having, everytime I read your post I get all worked up. I am leaving on the 17th and will be hunting the 19th - 24th. We have been told thats when the bulls will get hot and heavy into the RUT
Keep up the HARD WORK it will pay off
Eddiehsf
I hope I have 1/2 the fun your having, everytime I read your post I get all worked up. I am leaving on the 17th and will be hunting the 19th - 24th. We have been told thats when the bulls will get hot and heavy into the RUT
Keep up the HARD WORK it will pay off
Eddiehsf
