Early September Elk

jruet19

New Member
Oct 8, 2012
13
0
I have an early September elk tag in unit 17 NM. It's a bow hunt and my first for going after elk with the bow. I've scouted the area a few times this summer and had been told that the bulls are up high much of the year as well as for my hunt. So I looked high on several trips and say nothing. Some other trips I stayed low and ran into cows and some spikes. Any suggestions on how to get those bulls this time of year?IMG_0779.jpgIMG_0782.jpg
 

jruet19

New Member
Oct 8, 2012
13
0
I got in close to those cows and spikes. My hunt is 1st to 10th of September. So my hunt is before the rut typically kicks off. The tag is either sex so I can go for a cow if I can't find any bulls, but I would prefer a bull. I've never had a hunt this early or being bow and don't know how to get on those bulls in the pre-rut time.
 

ivorytip

Veteran member
Mar 24, 2012
3,768
50
44
SE Idaho
there is good water close by where you found those cows, and good feed too. as dry as the west has been this year you will find some good bulls in thick shaded areas close to those cowsa and food sources.
 

Don K

Very Active Member
Sep 10, 2011
664
22
Northern Illinois
Find the water and try sitting that.

I have been in 17 three times, but never quite that early. You found the cows and the bulls will be there soon
 

CrimsonArrow

Very Active Member
Feb 21, 2011
854
362
Minnesota
I agree with Don. If the bulls aren't talking, sit some water and put cameras on a couple other water sources. You'll find the bulls pretty quick that way.
 

trophyhill

Member
Feb 24, 2011
143
0
Tijeras, NM
I had action further south of your unit last year every day of the first 10 days. the bulls weren't talking loud or often but they were talking. you just have to be in areas where you can hear them. if you hear that lazy bugle you just found his bedding area. formulate a plan and go kill one.