Curious as to whether you folks that hunt elk in grizzly country ( mainly within the yellowstone ecosystem) call much, if any at all .
It's all we do.... But we hunt with partners always. And we carry spray and firepower. It heightens the experience knowing you are also part of the food chain.
Not a Grizz, but this Gal was coming in on me while i was calling last year. I heard some movement and moved to check it out hoping to see an elk. We surprised each other and she went up the tree. Close enough!
(http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y434/danamhay/Mobile%20Uploads/1413911481_zpsffe2d6d4.jpg) (http://s1274.photobucket.com/user/danamhay/media/Mobile%20Uploads/1413911481_zpsffe2d6d4.jpg.html)
I came across this the year before in the same general area. Bear tracks all around. Maybe i should have a bear tag.
(http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y434/danamhay/174_zpsjzigcztp.jpg) (http://s1274.photobucket.com/user/danamhay/media/174_zpsjzigcztp.jpg.html)
(http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y434/danamhay/Mobile%20Uploads/1413911328_zps42545a5a.jpg) (http://s1274.photobucket.com/user/danamhay/media/Mobile%20Uploads/1413911328_zps42545a5a.jpg.html)
This was closer to Missoula and not Yellowstone. I have can of Bear spray that is has been on the waist belt of my pack since and probably should have been before.
Being bear aware in Griz country is smart. Carry bear spray and if legal a large handgun. I carry a .480 ruger in Alaska just in case. Hope I never need to fire it other then checking sights on the range.
Mike
Don't forget about the mountain lions.
A real trip is calling grizzlies on purpose. I got a couple of clients their bears that way.
Calling in Grizzlies has to be a rush. And completely unnerving.
Pretty much what has been said...be bear aware and prepared. Have a partner. Truth be told, mtn. lions worry me more, though.
I've called in at least 3 lions over the years elk hunting that I saw. I an area of Idaho I used to hunt there were a lot of cats and they responded to calf calls real good. Kinda spooky.
Mike
Did'nt call this guy in but it got a little "hairy" for a few minutes :scared:
(http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh216/quartermoonlongbows/P1000221.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/quartermoonlongbows/media/P1000221.jpg.html)
(http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh216/quartermoonlongbows/P1000227.jpg) (http://s257.photobucket.com/user/quartermoonlongbows/media/P1000227.jpg.html)
My only black bear (7 foot boar) came in very aggressively to an elk call, and I shot him coming straight for me at 7 yards, as he growled and grumbled. The following year, my hunting partner had the exact same experience.
Be careful in bear country period, but be real careful in Griz country. They will respond to elk calls.
(http://i1086.photobucket.com/albums/j456/jalariso/grizzCrap.jpg) (http://s1086.photobucket.com/user/jalariso/media/grizzCrap.jpg.html)
Does griz crap in the woods? Yep. :)
Thanks for the input guys...back in the day I use to guide therefore I always had a partner with me, the client. And I was well armed when calling. Now I will pretty much hunt alone and do very little elk talk.