elk gear - Page 2

labgrade · September 30, 2000, 05:13 AM

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.

gunmart · October 4, 2000, 08:07 AM

thanks guys.i think i about have all of my stuff ready.i leave next thursday so if there are any last min reccomendations i would love to hear from you.

September 30, 2000, 05:13 AM	#26
labgrade Member In Memoriam Join Date: November 29, 1999 Location: west of a small town, CO Posts: 4,346	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.

October 4, 2000, 08:07 AM	#27
gunmart Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2000 Posts: 551	thanks guys.i think i about have all of my stuff ready.i leave next thursday so if there are any last min reccomendations i would love to hear from you.