NYBUCK Posted July 25, 2006 Report Share Posted July 25, 2006 I am heading to Colorado..... Leaving NY with two buddies on August 29th to hunt elk from September 1st to the 8th. I would like any info that you experienced hunters can give me that will help in the trip. Here are the basics .... We are driving, plan on stopping in Laramie Wy and getting a good nights rest and one last supper. We are hunting Unit 14 near walden, with archery gear. We will buy eiither sex tags when we get there. We will be roughing it totally, tent, cots and all that good stuff. One of the guys that we are going with has been there before so we won't be totally blind. I know I need to be in shape, working on that, slowly. I have GPS, compass, hootchie mama call and the terminator bugle, I think that is what it is. If you guys could give me some pointers I would appreciate it. Things like what to bring, what to expect, and maybe some tactics you think may help. Really looking forward to this trip. My expectations are not real high for shooting an elk, I would love too, but I am realistic. Basically would like to go out there and enjoy the great country and learn the land. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texan_Til_I_Die Posted July 25, 2006 Report Share Posted July 25, 2006 Re: Elk Hunters - throw everything you got at me If it stays hot and dry, the water holes could be a good bet. If you find one with a lot of tracks around it, but you're not sure how fresh they are, take a stick and make an X over all of the freshest looking tracks, then come back later and see if there are any new ones. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest andymansavage Posted July 25, 2006 Report Share Posted July 25, 2006 Re: Elk Hunters - throw everything you got at me If you haven't had a lot of practice with the bugle, leave it at home. Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joebobhunter4 Posted July 25, 2006 Report Share Posted July 25, 2006 Re: Elk Hunters - throw everything you got at me dont use a bugle... just whistle... thats what i do... called a 7x7 within 40 yards of me in utah by just whistling... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYBUCK Posted July 25, 2006 Author Report Share Posted July 25, 2006 Re: Elk Hunters - throw everything you got at me [ QUOTE ] dont use a bugle... just whistle... thats what i do... called a 7x7 within 40 yards of me in utah by just whistling... [/ QUOTE ] What were you whistling ??? First I have heard of that. I have been practicing the bugle, but what I have heard is that the time frame we are going its better not to bugle much. Speaking of time frame. we chose this date to get in before the muzzleloaders. What can I expect during these dates. Will this be like a pre-rut for the bulls? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetailtrax Posted July 25, 2006 Report Share Posted July 25, 2006 Re: Elk Hunters - throw everything you got at me I love the first week of September for chasing elk. The bulls generally do not have their harems together and so they are out looking for cows. Use your cow call and be prepared for bulls coming in silently without you knowing they are on their way. Don't just call and then pack up and move immediately if you don't get a response - be patient. I've had numerous bulls come in silent and catch me off guard but it might take em 10 minutes to get there. You will need to be prepared to deal with warm temps and taking care of meat so it doesn't spoil. If it's real hot, I generally skin the animal quickly and hang the quarters in the shade. You can also cool meat off in a cold mountain stream. Sounds like a blast - have fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Phaseolus (BeanMan) Posted July 26, 2006 Report Share Posted July 26, 2006 Re: Elk Hunters - throw everything you got at me Andyman has given you some very good advice for public land Colorado hunting. Leave the bugle at camp. You will do more harm than good with it. There are so many people calling these days that elk become call shy very quick. Cow calling can be effective. Bring your treestand if you have one. Most Colorado people don't use them but hung over water or on a well used trail they can be killer. Still hunt in the mornings and spend the late afternoon in a tree. If there are ferns there will be elk. It can be pretty hot in early September, where would you be if you were wearing a fur coat? In the shade on a North facing slope. Prefereably one that is steep and then has a flatter transition zone. Elk love to hang out on a steep slope just above a flat spot during the day. Steep and hard to get to ground if there is lots of hunting pressure. BeanMan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvertip_co Posted July 27, 2006 Report Share Posted July 27, 2006 Re: Elk Hunters - throw everything you got at me get a Hoochie Mama its all you need Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYBUCK Posted July 27, 2006 Author Report Share Posted July 27, 2006 Re: Elk Hunters - throw everything you got at me I have a hoochie Mama. Keep ideas and suggestions coming. What about a good set of boots, what do you recomend. I want something light and most likely non-insulated for this time of year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rifleman25 Posted July 29, 2006 Report Share Posted July 29, 2006 Re: Elk Hunters - throw everything you got at me I hunt most years during the rifle season between Walden and Steamboat Sprgs. Take along some good binocs and a spotting scope if you have one. Remember you never know what the weather will do. Here is a packing list I have used for years on my elk and deer hunts in the rockies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest colohntr Posted July 31, 2006 Report Share Posted July 31, 2006 Re: Elk Hunters - throw everything you got at me As warm as it has been here lately the elk are not expected to be rutting good until late September but, you never know. I have found bugles are good locaters and a good cow call works best for luring inthe bulls. Bring clothes for both hot and cold weather, the temp. can drop fast and get very cold in the high country. Good luck and have a great hunt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rifleman25 Posted July 31, 2006 Report Share Posted July 31, 2006 Re: Elk Hunters - throw everything you got at me Here is the above mentioned packing list I left out License Rifle Bullets Bullet Belt Knife Rope Deer Bag Binoculars Spotting Scope Backpack Day Pack Flash Light Extra Batteries Hat (Orange) Orange Jacket Gloves Gun Cleaning Kit Water Bottle Maps Compass or GPS Hand Warmers Rangefinder Two-way Radios Archery Hunting: Bow Arrows Broadheads Field Tips Allen Wrenches Extra Arrow rest Bow String Wax Camo Face Paint Scent Neutralizer Bow Release Treestand Tree Steps Bow Saw Practice Target General Camping: Water Food Toilet Paper Stove (extra Fuel) Matches & Flares Lantern (Mantels) Tent (Waterproof) Sleeping Pad & Bag Pillow Alarm Clock Cook Wear Cooler & Ice Tarp or Plastic Garbage Bags Shovel Pack Stove & Fuel First Aid Kit Camera Extra Film Camp Shower Chairs Muzzleloading: Muzzleloader Powder Bullets Cleaning Supplies Powder Measure Bullet Starter Caps Tools (For Cleaning) Clothing Needs: Coat Shirts Pants Socks (Warm also) Boots (extra pair) Hat (Warm) Underwear (Long) Rain Gear Belt Personal Items: Comb Deoderant Shampoo Conditioner Soap Toothbrush & Paste Trailer Camping: Fill Propane Tanks Test Furnace Test Refrigirator Charge Battery Test Water Lines Test Trailer Brakes Test Trailer Lights Check Tires Check Roof Check Generator Oil Vehicle Needs: Tire Chains Extra Fuel Extra Fan Belt Jack Spare Tire Tools Tow Chain Fuses Jumper Cables Quart of Oil ATV Needs: Fuel Extra Spark Plug Bungee Cords Tire Pump Clean Air Filter Check Oil Tie Downs Misc. Items: Wash Clothes Towels Dish Soap Toilet Paper Waterproofing Spray Insect Repellent Pencil and Paper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYBUCK Posted August 1, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 1, 2006 Re: Elk Hunters - throw everything you got at me Thanks rifleman, I will print that out. I bought a pair of boots at Cabelas Sunday but just not sure. I haven't really wore them yet but I am concerned that I wont have a good enough pair of shoes. What do you guys recommend for a pack. I looked at some but they were about 179 bucks for a frame pack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texastrophies Posted August 1, 2006 Report Share Posted August 1, 2006 Re: Elk Hunters - throw everything you got at me Rifleman25, I am going to copy your list and add it to the post about the RT elk hunt, very good info. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rifleman25 Posted August 1, 2006 Report Share Posted August 1, 2006 Re: Elk Hunters - throw everything you got at me [ QUOTE ] Thanks rifleman, I will print that out. I bought a pair of boots at Cabelas Sunday but just not sure. I haven't really wore them yet but I am concerned that I wont have a good enough pair of shoes. What do you guys recommend for a pack. I looked at some but they were about 179 bucks for a frame pack. [/ QUOTE ] I have a badlands pack but I can't recommend spending that much money for the once in a lifetimers. Just get yourself a fleece day pack. There is no need for a frame pack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYBUCK Posted August 9, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 9, 2006 Re: Elk Hunters - throw everything you got at me Anything else guys. I mean anything, bad experiences for me to avoid? ` Cmon, hit me I am leaving in 20 days !!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Phaseolus (BeanMan) Posted August 10, 2006 Report Share Posted August 10, 2006 Re: Elk Hunters - throw everything you got at me Rifleman, Nice list. I will add under vehicle needs: Spare tire, check to make sure it has air in it. I found out the hard way that they don't always stay inflated. Bean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Phaseolus (BeanMan) Posted August 10, 2006 Report Share Posted August 10, 2006 Re: Elk Hunters - throw everything you got at me NYbuck, When you pause to cow call, or even bugle make sure to 'set up' before you call. Too many times I've blown on a call without getting into position where you can be both hidden enough and have freedom to make a shot (no branches in the way of your draw etc.). Just being backed up into a spruce tree or in the shadows can make a worls of difference. Bean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYBUCK Posted August 10, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 10, 2006 Re: Elk Hunters - throw everything you got at me Thanks Bean, little things make a big difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rifleman25 Posted August 14, 2006 Report Share Posted August 14, 2006 Re: Elk Hunters - throw everything you got at me [ QUOTE ] I am heading to Colorado..... Leaving NY with two buddies on August 29th to hunt elk from September 1st to the 8th. I would like any info that you experienced hunters can give me that will help in the trip. Here are the basics .... We are driving, plan on stopping in Laramie Wy and getting a good nights rest and one last supper. We are hunting Unit 14 near walden, with archery gear. We will buy eiither sex tags when we get there. We will be roughing it totally, tent, cots and all that good stuff. One of the guys that we are going with has been there before so we won't be totally blind. I know I need to be in shape, working on that, slowly. I have GPS, compass, hootchie mama call and the terminator bugle, I think that is what it is. If you guys could give me some pointers I would appreciate it. Things like what to bring, what to expect, and maybe some tactics you think may help. Really looking forward to this trip. My expectations are not real high for shooting an elk, I would love too, but I am realistic. Basically would like to go out there and enjoy the great country and learn the land. [/ QUOTE ] I hunt most years between Walden and Steamboat Springs. I hunt area 17 with a rifle though. You are in a good area with plenty of elk. Good Luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYBUCK Posted August 15, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 15, 2006 Re: Elk Hunters - throw everything you got at me Thanks rifleman, thats what I want to hear. I leave two weeks from today !!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYBUCK Posted August 21, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 21, 2006 Re: Elk Hunters - throw everything you got at me What about food, basically dinners. What type of non-parishable things should I take? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rossman Posted August 23, 2006 Report Share Posted August 23, 2006 Re: Elk Hunters - throw everything you got at me Depending on how far back into the wilderness you will be, I would rent a satellite phone for emergency purposes, find a "packer" to be on call so when you kill something you can get it to the processor before it spoils. Get in shape, get in shape and get in shape!!!! Make sure your boots are broken in. I would go for a hike every night at midnight and try to locate some bulls. then you will have a better idea on where to start the next day. I would find the bulls and stalk them. Because I'm not a great caller, I don't trust myself to not spook the elk. Locate them and then stalk into their kitchen!!!! We'll be in wyoming the first two weeks of sept, so good luck to you!!!! --rossman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RangerClay Posted August 24, 2006 Report Share Posted August 24, 2006 Re: Elk Hunters - throw everything you got at me Be sure to take a camera so you have lots of pictures for Smackdown Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Danbo Posted August 24, 2006 Report Share Posted August 24, 2006 Re: Elk Hunters - throw everything you got at me Shoot the first legal bull if you get a chance - whatever the size. Less than 12% of archery ELK hunters are successful and even less for Bull's. It will be a trophy either way!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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