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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: jtwalsh62 on December 13, 2011, 09:11:00 AM

Title: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: jtwalsh62 on December 13, 2011, 09:11:00 AM
Anyone putting plans together for 2012  I am going but not sure where and with who
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: Stump_pounder on December 13, 2011, 10:38:00 AM
Yea Im in the midst of it. I really dont get to serious until spring cause the winter kill can nock the poop out of a herd. I want to scout some areas I have never hunted. Ill be hunting with my 19 year old son and mostly in eastern Oregon somewhere but I am not going to rule out the oregon coast. There are a lot of nice big fat elk on the coast. Ive shot 14 bulls and 10 came from the coast but we spend 90 percent of out time hunting east. Stupid Huh? well Eastern oregon is Dry and more open. the coast is a rainforest= not fun
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: steadman on December 13, 2011, 10:49:00 AM
Yep, every year. Just depends on the draw in this state. Good Luck!!
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: jtwalsh62 on December 13, 2011, 11:00:00 AM
I have points in Co and Wy don't think I want to used them so ,I will be figuring out where for me. I am thinking about and Outfitter this year. Maybe a drop camp
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: Tree Killer on December 13, 2011, 11:28:00 AM
I was planning for 2012 when I was still elk hunting last September.  Really never stops, and I'm fortunate to live where there's elk right behind my house at times.     :archer:
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: Bel007 on December 13, 2011, 11:56:00 AM
I am planning to try a DIY hunt this year.  I'm an elk newbie so starting from scratch.  Less concerned w results, more interested in a new adventure.

I have started getting gear together, reading tons, spending lots of time on Colorado's  DOW maps, trying to drop pounds and get in shape.  

I think I have read every elk hunting thread on TradGang.

Now I just gotta make it happen.
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: snag on December 13, 2011, 11:57:00 AM
Ron you live in paradise!     :thumbsup:     I'm "planning" on drawing a tag here in Oregon. But if not I will be hunting in a different area here in Oregon that I like to hunt. Starting in March, if the snow level allows, I'll be up looking around. I also put in for Wyoming.
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: monterey on December 13, 2011, 12:04:00 PM
I'm going to drop into a black hole discovered this year.  Was too late to get a serious hunt in there but next year will be different.  Hmmmm.  Seems like every year "next year will be different".  :)
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: don_h on December 13, 2011, 12:09:00 PM
Same as stump, eastern Oregon and the Oregon coast. Probably 90 percent in eastern Oregon and will see 90 percent of my elk on the coast.
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: Tater on December 13, 2011, 12:11:00 PM
Plan on sharing Elk camp this year with a couple Trad Gang brothers.!......    :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: arky714 on December 13, 2011, 12:34:00 PM
Plan on sharing camp with Tradgangers also....need to lose 20 lbs or so...
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: huntnmuleys on December 13, 2011, 01:24:00 PM
putting in in a few states, probably wont draw anything though, but for sure here in wyoming, and probably colorado otc as well...
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: stykbow67 on December 13, 2011, 01:27:00 PM
Goin back to the Zirkel willderness in Colorado with another trad buddy. We heard enough and saw enough sign to make me want to get in BETTER shape for next fall!!! Can't wait!!
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: BradLantz on December 13, 2011, 03:07:00 PM
July I had patella tendon ACL replacement surgery for one real reason - so I could solo back pack elk hunt 2012

Where I go is still liquid .... likely back to southern Colorado though the last time I went in there the elk herd sucked and it was overfilled with outfitter camps  :(
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: adamgti on December 13, 2011, 03:22:00 PM
I recently uncovered an awesome Elk honey hole. I found 60+ elk scrapes within 100meters. the season is only open for 8 days and I'm hoping if they rut middle of September.
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: Gentry on December 13, 2011, 03:25:00 PM
I will be hunting here in Montana and putting in for Arizona....
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: Stick n' String on December 13, 2011, 03:32:00 PM
I took 2011 off from elk hunting but will be returning to a very, very good OTC area in Colorado with a group of guys from Texas and Pennsylvania. I killed a P&Y 6X there in 2010, so the anticipation level is obviously rather high. Probably going the week of the 16th (new moon phase).

My secret has always been to outwork the masses hunting the most inaccessible country possible. It has worked in terms of opportunities but really backfired when it came time to pack my critter out. That two days almost killed me. I am looking into renting Llamas this season to lessen the burden somewhat.
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: elk nailer on December 13, 2011, 06:35:00 PM
I go to CO every other year and this is my year!
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: Butts2 on December 13, 2011, 06:47:00 PM
I would glass across at another Mountain range while Elk hunting and say I need to check that out some time. That time came 2 weeks after the Archery season ended. Busted 6 Elk and never came across another human track. It was rifle season. I met a hunter that was about 1 mile from the road when I was on the way back to my pickup. He told me the area sucked that there were none to be found. I pointed right to where I jumped the 6, "I dont want to go that far"  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: Over&Under on December 13, 2011, 07:13:00 PM
Didn't get to hunt elk this year (first time I can remember)  It hurt!  

I am definatly planning for 2012...

Won't draw a good tag this year, but plan on scouting some new areas that I have been wanting to try.  

I too am fortunate to have some decent hunting close by.
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: joe ashton on December 13, 2011, 07:16:00 PM
I'll be applying for my favorite but I'll be getting a preference point this year... So I'll hunting elk in an over the counter unit.  Hope to get a week off to do so.
55# mohawk
woodsman B/H
gold tip shafts. dipped in yellow with 4 4" yellow feathers
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: Bill Kissner on December 13, 2011, 07:37:00 PM
If God is willing I will be heading back to my place in southwest CO.  It will be my 47th consecutive year as a nonresident.
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: Outwest on December 13, 2011, 08:05:00 PM
Yep I am always thinking about next elk season even though this season doesn't end until after Dec. 15th here.

John
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: Bjorn on December 13, 2011, 08:11:00 PM
UT is more than likely but the draws haven't started yet.
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: njloco on December 13, 2011, 08:39:00 PM
Hoping for Colorado, will be my first time, I'll probably end up getting lost, just kidding, I hope!

Got my light weight camping gear ready, hope to do a bivy hunt, we'll see how it starts to work out as the season gets closer.
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: twitchstick on December 13, 2011, 09:11:00 PM
I plan on hunting close to home this season on my days off. I won't have that much time this year but I'm lucky to have elk close. Good luck on your hunt.
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: bigbowsh on December 13, 2011, 09:15:00 PM
Going to Colorado 2012 with my brother and maybe a few friends,OTC CAN"T WAIT! Be here befour you kn ow it.

          Harry
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: Furseeker on December 13, 2011, 09:21:00 PM
My son, my brother and myself will be going this year, won't know where for sure until we get some scouting done. Planning a pack in trip with the agreement that as soon as one of gets one on the ground everyones hunt is over until we get it out. We know where they hang out but it's just hell to get them out. But hey that's elk hunting, right?
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: ELKDUDE07 on December 13, 2011, 10:06:00 PM
Somewhere in Colorado,undecided as to where,since I used all my preference points this season.
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: durp on December 14, 2011, 12:58:00 AM
seasons still open till the 24th so havent started planing much for next season...

will be here in idaho again as it will be my 46th season...hope the wolves save me one!!!
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: beachbowhunter on December 14, 2011, 01:36:00 AM
Montana most likely. Love that combo elk/deer tag that lasts all season.
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: Chain2 on December 14, 2011, 08:26:00 AM
I am happy to say I am going back to Wyoming, but I need to give you guys the whole story.
 I cancelled an elk hunt last year. My wife was diagnosed with one of the female cancers. She has kicked the cancer after a tumultous year of chemo, radiation and then more chemo. The outfitter called to see how she was doing and we were talking about elk and traditional. I said it would be nice for Sue (wife) to enjoy the horse riding, fishing and elk camp without being in on the kill. He said to congratulate her on kicking cancer's butt, he would waive the fee for her accompanying me as a non-hunting companion. He is a first class guy. We jumped at it. My first archery elk hunt, hopefully with my HH Wesley Special if it ever gets here.
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: ScottinPA on December 14, 2011, 09:43:00 AM
While this years hunt wasn't all I expected I am hooked on elk and planning to go back.  Unfortunately I don't think 2012 will be a good year.  I'm working on a huge project for work and we'll be in the middle of erecting equipment and cold commissioning in Sept.  
Will do a DIY in 2013.
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: Scott Teaschner on December 14, 2011, 09:45:00 AM
Chain2 glad to hear your wife is doing good! She should love the country from horseback. What part of Wyoming are you hunting?
Scott
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: Chain2 on December 14, 2011, 09:51:00 AM
Thank you. We are going into the Bridger outside of Pinedale. I shot a 5 X 5 with a rifle there two years ago. The outfitter uses alot of mules, Sue has a thing for mules.. Maybe that is why she married me.
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: Montanawidower on December 14, 2011, 10:16:00 AM
If it ain't broke don't fix it.  

Barring the unforseen, I'll most likely be hunting the same couple of ridges as the last several years.  They are too good to look elsewhere.  

Good luck everyone.  I start training Jan 1st.   :)   Until then, its time to rest, enjoy a warm fire, and eat well!!
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: Whip on December 14, 2011, 10:27:00 AM
Not sure yet at this point. It sure would be hard to think of not elk hunting.  But with a boat load of preference points for moose, deer, and antelope I don't know what else I might draw for tags.
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: Morning Star on December 14, 2011, 10:49:00 AM
I'm trying to figure out where we're are gonna go.  My 1st trip was tough in CO.  To many hunters and ATV's.  Anyone here able to recommend a trustable outfitter to drop camp us in an OTC Colorado Wilderness?
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: Fishnhunt on December 14, 2011, 11:51:00 AM
yes, this time its personal  :)

SW Colorado unit 73, first week of the season

 (http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s123/fishnhunt/IMG_4166.jpg)
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: Robhood23 on December 14, 2011, 11:56:00 AM
I am debating this year! I am 0-5 on DIY. If I go it will be a guided one this year! Might want to try something different this year!
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: don_h on December 14, 2011, 12:00:00 PM
Nine months out, and due to this thread my fingers were hiking over my elk hunting mountains on the map last night. Can't wait, can hear the bugles now.
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: fnshtr on December 14, 2011, 02:08:00 PM
I missed Colorado this past September due to a ruptured disc in my low back. Had to send my tag in for a refund (BUMMER!).

If the Lord is willing... I will be back in 2012.

Anxious already!
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: rlc1959 on December 14, 2011, 04:29:00 PM
Going in to the AZ drawing this year with 13 points. If I do not draw a top unit I will probably try to find a decent Landowner tag in NM. Open for other options. Harvested 4 P&Y with wheel bow. Looking for my first with Trad Gear. Good luck to all.
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: wooddamon1 on December 14, 2011, 10:36:00 PM
I'm putting together a bivy camp to hunt an OTC unit that I got a weekend look at here in CO...

 (http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l502/MrDwood/DSCN1110.jpg)

 (http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l502/MrDwood/DSCN1108.jpg)
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: Basic Instinct on December 14, 2011, 11:16:00 PM
The only bad thing about opening day of Elk season, Is it's another yr before the next opening Day
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: Knotter on December 14, 2011, 11:36:00 PM
I am blessed to have elk in my plans every year in Alberta.  Although the season for archery only is well before the rutt I still plan to head out to a few spots for a couple of short weekend bivies.

I have been thinking about putting in for draws in CO and WY just for the heck of it.  The "boss" will have a fit though.  

I'm a DIY kind of guy and that will likely only be how I hunt.  They have a few late season hunts up here but they are usually brutally cold and the elk are weary after the rifles have been blazing for two months.
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: BradLantz on December 15, 2011, 10:59:00 PM
does NM or AZ, WY or MT have OTC tags?

Colorado obviously does
Oregon does, right?
Idaho FCFS still but many non-draw areas?

I've not been elk hunting in 5 years nor out west hunting really .... I'm not up to date on the changes
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: don_h on December 16, 2011, 12:38:00 AM
Yep, Oregon has general season bow tag for elk as well as a draw system. Never put in for a draw, too much good land I can go to every year, no questions. Though wenaha would be a nice draw.
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: Ulysseys on December 16, 2011, 05:14:00 AM
Solo DIY in Colorado again - might cash out the PPs to get in a decent area with 4 years of grad school on the horizon.
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: zootown2007 on December 16, 2011, 02:29:00 PM
Im planning a week long hunt with my best friend in the Anaconda-Pintler range in Western MT. Elk or no elk..Its gonna be a memorable one.
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: Montanawidower on December 16, 2011, 10:07:00 PM
No OTC in MT for non residents.  Its about 50/50 odds I hear for the general draw.  With that you can hunt most units.  

Sometimes I'm suprised more DIY guys don't hunt Montana.  But then I remember we hunt amongst griz, the wolves ate half our elk, and we have more land with a smaller herd.  So I guess it makes sense.   :)  

However, where its good.... its really good.
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: BradLantz on December 17, 2011, 01:17:00 PM
50-50 are good drawing odds anymore I'd think.

I wish Oregon wasn't 1500 miles away ... I think that would be a very nice place to visit/hunt
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: screamin on December 17, 2011, 08:34:00 PM
It's either Nv or Utah for me. If I don't draw a bull tag I'll pick up an otc spike/cow for Utah.
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: RookieBwhunter on December 19, 2011, 07:50:00 PM
Crossing my fingers im on the good side of that 50/50 draw in Montana so I can join Zootown! Got vacation covered for 2 weeks.. now to practice and get in better shape.
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: Iowabowhunter on December 22, 2011, 10:35:00 AM
A friend and I are planning a DIY elk hunt by flaming gorge Utah next September. Haven't gotten many details figured out yet, I just got the ok from my wife haha. We are going to b using our compounds, just started shooting traditional an am not confident enough with it yet, maybe 2013 will b the year!
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: coaster500 on December 22, 2011, 11:28:00 AM
I'm hoping I draw this year?

I've put in every year and in areas I know (hi odds for draw) but it gets harder to draw every year. The terrain plays a big part in my choices anymore(my wheels aren't what they used to be)....  New Mexico, Wyoming or Montana????  We'll see???
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: Steve Chappell on December 22, 2011, 12:03:00 PM
Don't have formal plans as of this date but will for sure be hunting somewhere...will probably return to Unit 7 in North Central CO where I have hunted DIY the last few years with some very good friends.  Would like to hunt Elk in another state one of these years.
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: Missouri Sherpa on December 22, 2011, 01:06:00 PM
No OTC tags in Wyoming.  Some leftover cow tags can be obtained after the drawings.  Many units can be hunted with the statewide general tag.  Tag takes one preference point to draw. Special general elk tag can be drawn without points but still is a drawing.  Applications due by the end of January.  Drawing results around end of February.
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: longbowray on December 22, 2011, 02:34:00 PM
Hoping to draw a bull tag , if I don't I will be hunting some where come September . Hoping for for a great bear hunt in august and then there deer and turkery and so on.....
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: Gerardo on January 29, 2012, 05:17:00 AM
This will be the year I finally go elk hunting , I am trying to get as much info as possible as to where
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: trad_bowhunter1965 on January 29, 2012, 11:00:00 AM
I Hope to draw a Tule Elk tag in California this year. If not there are some OTC tags that look good in Staes like CO,OR,UT I just know I am hunting Elk this year.
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: Smithhammer on January 29, 2012, 11:20:00 AM
I doubt I'll stray more than 5 miles from my house. In fact, I'm looking at a few of them up the hill right now!
Title: Re: Elk hunting Plans for 2012
Post by: 1Longbow on January 30, 2012, 08:38:00 AM
I've got some points saved up ,so a buddy from Wisconsin and I will try our luck here in Az again