Rough Start, Trying to salvage the season.

[DIYLife]

This year my hunting trip was cut short because of work. Two weeks before my trip my leave was denied. I had planned this archery elk hunt with my cousin and uncle coming up from California. They still made it out and I salvaged 2 days on the mountain with them. The first two days of season the elk were not bugling but my cousin and I managed to call in two bulls on separate occasions. I was able to draw back on both bulls but they did not present me with a good shot. My cousin and uncle stayed on the mountain for 10 days before going back to California empty handed. I have managed to get a few days off work for a last weekend effort. I have never hunted elk solo, and am not really sure what tactics to use as far as calling and setting up for a shot. But I have to make one last effort, I will be able to be on the mountain 3 full days. We did get some good trail cam footage. Here are a couple of pics from this year and two from the same area last year.

 

[Ikeepitcold]

Those are some awesome Bulls. Good luck on your hunt. What a bummer you got denied your time off to hunt with your family.

 

[velvetfvr]

That one bull is a toad. Go get that 7x

 

[NVBird'n'Big]

Good luck out there! Can't wait to hear all about it!

 

[Work2hunt]

Good luck! Bummer about your work.

 

[Retterath]

good luck on your hunt, hunt hard, stay positive

 

[CrossCreeks]

Indeed a rough way to start , best of luck and keep at it.

 

[Hilltop]

Good luck on your hunt! I recommend using a decoy when calling by yourself. Many times bulls will hang up 80 to 100 yards out from the caller- the decoy will bring some into range if you setup properly. Remember those bulls will do their best to circle downwind so setup is the key.

 

[Cobbhunts]

This may sound harsh, or unrealistic, but I would quit over a stunt like that. All of the planning, family time, their travel time ect....its not worth it.

I hope god shines on the 3 day hunt for you. Sounds like you deserve some luck man.

 

[firebeck]

Wishing you good luck!!!

 

[ivorytip]

I hope it played out

 

[DIYLife]

I am back from my weekend on the mountain. I got hit with a lot of rain. I talked with another hunter coming off the mountain. He told me that the elk haven't been vocal at all and that it was hot and dry for a week prior to me going up there. I was excited because I had found a wallow this summer that I planned on sitting by for the mornings and evenings. While I was packing in camp it started to rain and did not stop raining even after I made it down last night. I had a really nice 6x6 on the trail cam at the wallow 3 days in a row prior to my arrival, and the rain. It was a good time being up on the mountain but came home empty handed.

 

[humbletaxi]

Dang it. Oh well at least you got to go.

 

[Aught6Fan]

That too bad. Sounds a lot like my bow season.

 

[sneakypete]

Dang, some good looking bulls. I hope you make it back out.