First time Elk Hunter


stick

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Hey Guys, this is my first elk season and I am looking for any tips that will help. I am hunting a area that has a lot of elk and and two days ago I saw two bulls sparing and their horns were already clean. I live at 9000 ft so I am already use to the elevation. I drew first rifle season in unit 59 bull only. if anyone has any tips or info for this area it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks ahead of time for the help!

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Hey stick- GOOD LUCK, first of all, I was a 1st timer last Nov (3rd season rifle). You should be able to have some luck with the calls yet in catching the tail end of the rut. One important thing, get comfortable with the rifle you plan to use and practice......Get in shape !! You are already accustom to the elevation, go up & down the hillsides so if you need to get up higher quick you can.

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If the bulls are still responding to bugles at that time (they should at least respond/answer during the late rut period) using a spike bull whistle/squeal is a good way to locate a bull. Use a cow or calf call to get them in closer or to stop a moving bull. Be careful about calling in another hunter who might be a bit trigger happy if they see movement. Hunt as far from the road as possible and be prepared to get your elk out once you have him on the ground. Have an enjoyable hunt!

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  • 3 weeks later...

Well, they've about covered everything. I only have to say one thing...don't get bull fever and aim for the antlers! :D I was out on my first elk hunt last year in unit 123 in Wyo. I had chances at tremendous bulls but blew it for two reasons.

1. Yes I had sighted in my .270 at the range before I left for my hunt, but I failed in that I didn't make sure it was still sighted in once I got out there.

2. STAY CALM and remember to take your time and gently crush the trigger. Just because you have a big fancy bolt action doesn't mean it's ok to hurry up the first shot, knowing you'll have three more shells to back the first one up. Concentrate on the bull's boiler room rather than those gorgeous ivory tipped antlers and breath steadily, if the wind is right the bull won't know you're there till he tips over sideways.

Follow these two rules and you won't have to watch as a 375 class bull swiftly gathers his harem and hitails it out of there completely unharmed like I had to watch.

Dakota :)

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