Rookie elk hunter looking for help

[kmast]

I live in Colorado and this year I decided to take up big game hunting and bow hunting at the same time (I know). I've been hunting units 28 and 18, but have yet to see (or hear) any elk. I'm concentrating on elevations between 9,000' and timberline and am covering 8-12 miles a day or more, concentrating on edges between heavy timber, food and water. I'm seeing quite a bit of sign, but no elk.

I don't think my calling is too bad, bacause I get good response from the resident herd than lives near my house. One thing I know that is hurting me is my time is limited to day or evening hunts. Should I be doing something different? Will elk in those areas be bugling or has the hunting pressure shut them up? Should I hunt the same areas twice or cover new ground?


Thanks!

 

[Constitutionalist]

A couple of options you might try:

If you are limited to hunting during the day, you will be dealing with them while they bed. Cow call only and leave the bugling as an extreme measure (when everything else fails).

Evening hunts: Work the lower areas...or where the grass is. USUALLY, the elk head down to the water and grass for the evening. You want to be below them when the wind starts drifting down the mountain.

If it is a warmer day...sit on a water hole (a wallow is perfect). The bulls get pretty worked up as the season goes on and will visit "their" water hole midday when it is hot.

And last but not least...KEEP TRYING. Darned elk do the craziest things, and when you don't expect it he'll be standing there looking at you.

Good Luck,

Eric

 

[kmast]

Eric,

That's exactly the kind of spot I was in last night. I'm assuming elk will bed down in the same place on consecutive nights if something doesn't run them out of the area? I can tell they've been there before.

I guess I'm just paying my dues and getting to see some amazing country in the process...

Thanks for the help.


Kevin