elk gear
- Thread starter gunmart
- Start date
Gunmart, this is really ambiguous, but it depends on where you're hunting. Where're you hunting in Wyoming, and what elevation will you be hunting??
Last year I was hunting east Idaho, right next to Yellowstone Park, and the elk were much higher than we were camped. We were at about 7,000 feet, but the elk were much higher. Our problem was that to go much higher, we had to get into the Park, and of course, that was an absolute no-no.
When i hunted northwest of Dubois, Wyoming, several years ago, again, we were at about 7,200 feet, and as there was a little snow, the elk didn't come down to the area where we were. We climbed the mountains to get to them.
If you're not seeing a lot of fresh sign, then go up and see if you can find where they are.
By the way, drink LOTS of water. Altitude sickness comes mainly from dehydration. Best of luck. J.B.
Last year I was hunting east Idaho, right next to Yellowstone Park, and the elk were much higher than we were camped. We were at about 7,000 feet, but the elk were much higher. Our problem was that to go much higher, we had to get into the Park, and of course, that was an absolute no-no.
When i hunted northwest of Dubois, Wyoming, several years ago, again, we were at about 7,200 feet, and as there was a little snow, the elk didn't come down to the area where we were. We climbed the mountains to get to them.
If you're not seeing a lot of fresh sign, then go up and see if you can find where they are.
By the way, drink LOTS of water. Altitude sickness comes mainly from dehydration. Best of luck. J.B.
Elk are where you find them.
We usually start off at the ~8500-9K' elevation (CO & for our particular area) especially if there's big-time snow just before - it takes day or two for them to move in.
Last year though, we hunted from tree-line (~13K+' down & 8500' up) - I saw two elk & not jack for sign. Whole season sucked.
Fisrt one was at ~25 yds (dark timber) & had it in my scope for ~1/2 minute in the dark timber. Didn't take the shot 'cause I couldn't tell what part I had - you can always shoot when they move. Turned out I was looking at the front shoulder the whole time & when she moved, she moved fast (giving lie to "you can always ... "). Second was at about 10 feet & no chance for anything other than being glad I did get so close (didn't even know she was there till she headed for a distant place). Better than my bud tho' who didn't see a one.
Best advise I can give is "looking is easier than walking." Elk, no matter what the weather (3' of snow or none), get around the hills much better than you ever will. If you have the good fortune to be able to glass wide areas & stalk without other hunter interference, count yourself very lucky. We have to hunt the dark stuff & pull 'em out - a lot of hunting pressure.
As seen last week, October can bring anything in terms of weather. Many times it'll be 10 degress when you start out & in the 60s mid-day (it could get colder if a front moves in). Take a pack that'll carry stuff as you take it off but not so big that it impedes your travels.
& beats me about that "lighter that stays lit with hands off." Coupla mini-Bics take up no room, weigh less & provide 1,000s of lights. If you're really worried about making fire, carry a railroad flare.
We usually start off at the ~8500-9K' elevation (CO & for our particular area) especially if there's big-time snow just before - it takes day or two for them to move in.
Last year though, we hunted from tree-line (~13K+' down & 8500' up) - I saw two elk & not jack for sign. Whole season sucked.
Fisrt one was at ~25 yds (dark timber) & had it in my scope for ~1/2 minute in the dark timber. Didn't take the shot 'cause I couldn't tell what part I had - you can always shoot when they move. Turned out I was looking at the front shoulder the whole time & when she moved, she moved fast (giving lie to "you can always ... "). Second was at about 10 feet & no chance for anything other than being glad I did get so close (didn't even know she was there till she headed for a distant place). Better than my bud tho' who didn't see a one.
Best advise I can give is "looking is easier than walking." Elk, no matter what the weather (3' of snow or none), get around the hills much better than you ever will. If you have the good fortune to be able to glass wide areas & stalk without other hunter interference, count yourself very lucky. We have to hunt the dark stuff & pull 'em out - a lot of hunting pressure.
As seen last week, October can bring anything in terms of weather. Many times it'll be 10 degress when you start out & in the 60s mid-day (it could get colder if a front moves in). Take a pack that'll carry stuff as you take it off but not so big that it impedes your travels.
& beats me about that "lighter that stays lit with hands off." Coupla mini-Bics take up no room, weigh less & provide 1,000s of lights. If you're really worried about making fire, carry a railroad flare.