Hey everyone! My dad and I were lucky enough to draw 16-1 this year! I've spent a lot of time out in shirley basin antelope hunting but not a ton of time in the shirleys themselves. I have been around the freeze outs lately and chalk mountain scouting but that's it. I was wondering if anyone would be willing to share any info with me on places to check out, and if anyone knows what an average size bull is for out there. Thanks!
Area 16-1 elk
- Thread starter Keylen Siebigteroth
- Start date
A ton of private out there and the bulls go there when the shooting starts. I'd be up top on the mountain for bow and the first couple days of the rifle season. Average good bull there would be 260-320. There are plenty bigger there too but you asked for average size. Its a way fun hunt, but can be disappointing later in the hunt w/o securing private access. Bow season is the best, good luck!
I had the tag in 2013 and had an awesome hunt. I hunted the Shirleys the whole time and seemed to find elk in every drainage I checked out. I ended up getting a 345 bull during archery season. A friend of mine drew the tag last year and he wasn't very happy with his hunt. He waited to go until the peak rut and he said there were people everywhere. If I was you I would go earlier in September, the moon phases favor the early part of the month anyways.
Thank you for the input! I'm planning on hunting hard during archery so I'm really looking forward to this year of exploring and hunting a new area!
HiMtnHnter
Active Member
If you are good with the map/gps, you shouldn't have too much trouble. Those Freezeouts hold good numbers if you can slip in there on public. Probably not too many guys wanting to do that. Apply for the hma too.
