
Originally Posted by
CO Hugh
They also have Elk University. One problem with asking now is that people have planned their hunts for a while and usually the plans don't provide for a lot of flexibility. Planning for first rifle takes all non work time.
Nonetheless, if someone had time you could probably have someone help you 3rd or 4th season. 4th often has leftover tags for cows and by then the elk should be moving to low elevation.
The youth hunts are great, my kids are a bit too little, but my friend has signed up for elk and turkey with his daughter and they are like guided hunts. They got on an elk, and last spring she had a turkey in about a half an hour. You can accompany them so you can learn too.
Here are some quick preseason tips. Find good private land (a pipe dream); wool works good, check surplus stores and online, quiet and warm. Carry a stocking cap, neck gaiter, or balaclava (hood) you lose a lot of heat from your head and neck. Use a cow call not a bull call, sparingly about every 10-15 mins. I buy disposable plastic tarps from Home Depot, they are like a heavy trash bags, about $2, for quartering. Once you are done throw it away.
Bring a field knife, fillet knife (backstraps), and a saw. There are a couple of hunting saws, gerber makes some with a flat end and T-grip, they work great for cutting the pelvis bone. You can find information at the DOW website or online about how to gut and quarter an animal.
I have done both stalking and sitting. Sitting or stand hunting is more successful. Trying to hike and find elk only pushes them you will just burn boot leather. Our group uses ground blinds, and they are nice especially if you get weather. Use your senses to find them hearing and smell.
I hunted for several years without hardly seeing one, so it seems that if you don't see them in herds, find another spot. you can often smell or hear them before you see them.
Especially with elk make sure you have a plan to get the quarters out. They are heavy approximately 75lbs or more, plus a head if your bull hunting. If you are far from the car you will work for it, and without a plan it is like a dog that catches its tail.