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Elk Hunting Tip:
Hiding in the Open .......
One of the things we discuss quite a bit in this newsletter,
is the fact that today's elk hunting requires more forethought and planning than ever before if we are to be consistently successful. Sometimes, that means hunting differently, too.
Elk are always pulling-off a new trick on us. Why not do the same and be a little unpredictable? Why not hide in the open? It's worked for me more than once!
I had downed a nice bull the year before in a long, terraced meadow.
Out in the middle of this meadow, was a single, dead tree and a large log lying next to it. We thought if we could get to the old log quickly, and remain still enough, we would have a much better chance of connecting on a bull leaving the timber on the far side of the meadow. We would be at close range from that position. Eric and I hurried across the open expanse and concealed ourselves behind the log.
Within 30 minutes, a 4x4 rag-horn bull came charging out of the timber and nearly ran right over us! No elk would
expect a hunter to be where we were.
This may sound a little strange, but after watching enough elk run from one meadow to another, I began to realize how they often use 'sign posts', or landmarks, such as this old dead tree to navigate. This is especially true, if they're in a big hurry. It can be a dip in the terrain, a tree, a rock outcropping, or any naturally occurring object.
For whatever reason, they almost always seemed to pass the same rock, tree, or whatever, landmark, when running.
Sometimes, I would see them suddenly change directions at the landmark. In the case of this meadow, whether elk were heading north, south, east, or west, their tracks in the snow seemed to indicate that they had a tendency to pass close by the old log, no matter which direction they were travelling.
If you find such a landmark, give it a try.
It's hard to get into position before sun-up, as any elk that might happen to be in the open will likely see you. However, it's a great evening tactic, so long a you get into position early and stay still. Elk pay little attention to stationary objects. This year, I piled rocks around me on a ridge to conceal myself. I was on an almost bare ridgeline. Yet, two coyotes came within 20 feet of me from behind without noticing me. One came around the left side of me, the other the right side. It was a thrill to outwit something as wily as a coyote, especially in the open, and in broad daylight. Try hiding in the open. Just as elk feel in heavy timber, they often feel the same way when they're way out there in the open, (just as antelope do.)
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