Critique my first season plan

[jaguigui]

Hey everyone,

Just looking for some critiques or suggestions for my bow hunting season this September.

I took off of work from September 8-15. I also have some interspersed days off during the following weeks due to my job as a missileer at Malmstrom. It's tough finding partners for my days off, so might be hunting solo. The spot I'm looking at is about 1.5 hours from Great Falls, MT.

I don't have much camping gear for overnight hunts, so might just wake up super early and do consecutive day hunts or sleep in my truck. An option would be to rent some stuff from Outdoor Rec for an overnight hunt. My friend agreed to go with me when he has a day off to be my caller (he didn't get his bow hunting license in time). I didn't have a lot of time to scout this summer (new dad) and am basically going in blind using topo maps and a GPS. The wildfires here kind of threw a bump in the road for my plan.

So during those first days hunting, do you all suggest finding a wallow and waiting? Or scouting from a ridge with my binos (can't afford a spotting scope yet)?

Any other suggestions or questions to help me out? I'm mainly after elk meat and not so much for the antlers. Just looking to put some meat in the freezer.


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[kjw]

Your on the right track because your going to have a first season! Nothing wrong with either plan of attack you have. I personally would say get to a vantage point and glass. Being the first time in I wouldn't burn a tons of time just being in one place. I would try to move from vantage point to vantage point. I would want to cover as much ground as possible looking for sign, fresh sign. Once I found it then I would spend more time there. There is no point being at a wallow or glassing country if there is nothing there. Been in a lot of great elk country with no elk in it. Also look for sign that would push elk out of the area, sheep,wolf, or griz tracks might let you know whats going on. Remember to not get discouraged if you don't find elk right away, use everything as learning something. Also remember, bowhunting elk like everything else, you need to use the wind. Good Luck

 

[jaguigui]

Thanks for the reply! I'm definitely excited. The wife wants me to tag one so I can get it out of my system and stop practicing my calls in the house haha


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[RICMIC]

Your wife doesn't have a clue if she thinks that by tagging an elk you will get it out of your system. After your first you will likely become an obsessed fanatic. The day after your last one you will be planning your next hunt.

 

[MWScott72]

Getting on vantage points will help in hearing the elk too. With the 9/8-9/15 dates given, the bulls should be bugling, and there's nothing better than letting them tell you where they are! As to what you should do camping or otherwise, whatever keeps you in the field longest is going to up your chances of getting an elk. Where you go with it from there - whether day hunting from home (lots of lost time/sleep there), sleeping in your truck at the trailhead, or renting camping gear, that's up to you. If I really wanted an elk, the latter two options are the ones I'd be considering.

 

[jaguigui]

So had a $400-500 budget to either buy a spotting scope or camping gear. Went with the camping gear setup to help me stay for 3-4 days hunting. Will update next week!


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[rcfireninja]

Good luck!


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[jaguigui]

Went out in a scouting mission yesterday to get a lay of the land and look at some potential areas. Man I need to get in better shape! I had surgery this past summer for my knee. I told myself when I was hiking up a steep grade that once off season hits, I'm concentrating on mountain fitness. We're heading out tomorrow to check these three finger ridges we found. Will update later!


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