need2hunt Posted August 9, 2009 Report Share Posted August 9, 2009 I'm going to be headed out to the Flat Top Wilderness in Colorado to hunt elk with Winterhawk outfitters in a little over 4 weeks. Anyone have some tips or advice for a first time elk hunter? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetailtrax Posted August 10, 2009 Report Share Posted August 10, 2009 Listen to your outfitter and trust in what they say - they should be well versed in chasing elk around. Is that a bowhunt you are on? My first advice to new elk hunters is to always be aware of the wind direction. An elks greatest defense is its sense of smell. They can bust you from hundreds of yards away if you aren't careful. Your guide should be doing all the calling - so you shouldn't have to worry about that too much - I would have a simple cow call on you to stop an animal for the shot - often times a guide set up behind you will not know the exact spot to stop an animal - so you may have to do that. A hands-free diaghpram is the best...but also the hardest to master. Hopefully you have been preparing yourself physically for the hunt - the high altitude Colorado Rocky Mountains will kick your butt if you aren't ready for it! Work hard the next 4 weeks - you won't regret it. You will fall in love with elk hunting the rut - I can just about promise you that!! Have fun, take lots of photos, shoot straight, and let us know how you did. Good Luck! Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckee Posted August 11, 2009 Report Share Posted August 11, 2009 Have a blast Gary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VermontHunter Posted August 11, 2009 Report Share Posted August 11, 2009 Can't give ya any tips Gary, but I hope you have a fun and safe trip out there .... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toddyboman Posted August 11, 2009 Report Share Posted August 11, 2009 Just wait til a big ol bull lets out a screaming bulge from under a 100 yards and the hair on the back of your neck stands on ends............ Yeah I am jealous. I can't wait to go back out!! Have to agree with mark....Be sure you get in top possible physical shape before you go out!! Good luck!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m gardner Posted August 11, 2009 Report Share Posted August 11, 2009 The Flattops is big and high! Good luck. Actually been there a few times myself. You'll love it.Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silvertip_co Posted August 12, 2009 Report Share Posted August 12, 2009 Try this, its pretty complete: http://elkhunter2.tripod.com/ I hunt with friend in Gypsum and he does the Flat Tops a lot, he likes it and seems to have good luck there. Need to try it myself one day. Good luck on your hunt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevebeilgard Posted August 12, 2009 Report Share Posted August 12, 2009 listen to your outfitter! hopefully, he knows what he's doing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
need2hunt Posted August 13, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 13, 2009 Thanks everyone! I've been hiking 5 miles with 50+ pounds in a backpack for a while now trying to get prepared. I'm getting more excited every day! I'll try to keep you all updated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhino Posted August 19, 2009 Report Share Posted August 19, 2009 You've gotten plenty of good advise Gary. I just have 1 wish for you besides putting your tag on a BIG one. Here's to wishing your guide has shorter legs than you. The 1st time I went elk hunting (bowhunt) I had to take 3 steps for every 2 of my guide's. :helpsmilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckee Posted August 21, 2009 Report Share Posted August 21, 2009 You've gotten plenty of good advise Gary. I just have 1 wish for you besides putting your tag on a BIG one. Here's to wishing your guide has shorter legs than you. The 1st time I went elk hunting (bowhunt) I had to take 3 steps for every 2 of my guide's. :helpsmilie: Yes...very, very important Keeping up with SteveB was like running behind a train.:clown: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJL Posted August 21, 2009 Report Share Posted August 21, 2009 Thanks everyone! I've been hiking 5 miles with 50+ pounds in a backpack for a while now trying to get prepared. I'm getting more excited every day! I'll try to keep you all updated. That's a good start..................now do it without oxygen. Drink lots of water.............breathe ALOT. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted August 22, 2009 Report Share Posted August 22, 2009 Thanks everyone! I've been hiking 5 miles with 50+ pounds in a backpack for a while now trying to get prepared. I'm getting more excited every day! I'll try to keep you all updated. Sounds like a good way to prepare/get conditioned for sure Gary. I told my wife she needed to do something along those lines(a backpack with some weight) before heading off on her trip to Alaska. Cannot help you with elk, but hope you have a great trip. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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