Hello Tradgangers,
I am inquiring on any Tactics/Advice/Tips for early Elk season (more specifically pre-rut)?
I don't like calling (bugle or cow calls) too much when its early. What tactics work early?
I have done a great deal of scouting where I hunt and have noticed the following:
-The bulls are still in their bachelor groups.
-There is no velvet on any of the bigger ones, except the spikes.
-I have noticed the younger (rag horns) are sparring and also heard a couple half bugles in the last few days.
any input is appreciated thanks.
I'm no expert on Elk hunting but I recommend the search button. Many posts on this subject have already been written. That is what is so awesome about this site. A wealth of knowledge is already here AND people will gladly jump in with their thoughts as well.
Scout hard, pattern their living and feeding areas. Hunt where they will be and know where to intercept them while traveling. I do not call during the pre rut.
Hunting a wallow or water hole can be really productive early season. I also really like spot and stalk.
Good luck to ya!
My advice for what it is worth.
Glass a lot. As Tracy said water and wallows are great early season. Patterns will start to fall apart as soon as the elk get preasure so dont tie yourself to any one area or one idea. be open to changing.
Your best bet is find them set up a stalk and be aggresive in the approach.
Thanks gents. I didn't have time to do a search but will do so this evening.
Where I hunt it is so wet this year that the elk can get water anywhere they want. There is so much grass and green feed- its everywhere. Lots of open parks with meadows. So many in fact its no bet the elk would use one over another- they have so many choices. Some parks they probably won't use at all. There is a lot of grass and green shoots in the timber as well.
I don't know why, but there are no active wallows in this areas either. Old ones that have not been used in several years.
If this sounds like your area plan on boot leather.
They are there, but water sources and food sources are not good bets to focus on until you find very, very fresh sign.