Elk hunting in the 300s

Tyangelo · #1 10-25-2016, 03:57 AM

Finally getting a chance to head out this weekend, and taking along a new hunter. I've got a few deer under my belt, but I have yet to put down an elk. Any that I've seen have been totally by chance.

I've hunted 340 and 346 for a few years, and seem to be going farther and farther deeper into the bush to get away from the road hunters. I know these areas decently well, but am not opposed to trying new areas obviously.

My only concern is obtaining meat, so I'm not after any trophies.

Assuming that my current deer calling techniques will somewhat crossover to calling for elk. Any other general tips that can be thrown my way, particularity on what type of terrain that would be beneficial to set up on in those areas. Pretty hilly, but not exactly mountainous. Usually hunt from a blind.

Our main target will be WT's, but I'd love to fill my first elk tag!

Rockman · #2 10-25-2016, 08:55 AM

New elk hunter myself, so I don't have any wisdom to contribute. But best of luck. Enjoy and hope you fill your elk tag!

Slicktricker · #3 10-25-2016, 08:57 AM

From Edson my self I can say your in the right zones both 340 and 346 are great for elk just very busy as well

Big Grey Wolf · #4 10-25-2016, 09:23 AM

If you want to harvest elk and have limited experience you need to go to Peace country where lot more elk. Also farming areas have more elk as feed better and less wolves and bears eating them. My trapline covers good part of 346 and I see very little elk sign these days, to many wolves.

Tyangelo · #5 10-25-2016, 11:28 AM

Thanks for the feedback guys.

Peace country eh? Any suggested WMUs?

walking buffalo · #6 10-25-2016, 11:55 AM

Choose an area and learn it.

Nothing will increase you chances at killing a general season elk more than this.

Pudelpointer · #7 10-25-2016, 12:04 PM

Your blind is pretty much useless for elk, unless you are sitting on the edge of an alfalfa field.

A few steps to becoming a better elk hunter:

1. Wear out a set of boots hiking to the most remote area of your zone,
2. Learn what elk sign looks like (see #1),
3. Learn what elk habitat looks like (see #1),
4. Learn what elk sound like (see #1),
5. Learn where elk go when they are pressured (again, see #1).

If you don't yet get the point I am making, here it is in plain language:

Get out there and find them. Chances are you won't see them from the road, so climb high in the dark to a place where you can see lots of terrain and see where they are. If they are visible from a road, chances are there are already a dozen guys headed there before you. Where the elk are, you will never want to pack an extra sweater, never mind a blind.

Go get 'em.

st99 · #8 10-25-2016, 12:19 PM

Choose the closest unit from home and scout year round. The best way to have success elk hunting, is to know where they are at any specific time.

Tyangelo · #9 10-25-2016, 06:48 PM

Agreed with all these points. Definitely plan to do my own legwork.

I guess the question more pertains to how I can compare their diets and patterns to deer. In the more dense bush, what are they normally eating? Are they as skittish as deer? Do they prefer valleys? Etc.

Slicktricker · #10 10-25-2016, 06:56 PM

They love ridges go along the Berland river up the north road

waterninja · #11 10-25-2016, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slicktricker

They love ridges go along the Berland river up the north road

Another place Elk love are rivers. Elk require a lot of water and also like crossing rivers.
Are you after general only or do you have a cow tag? Bulls are worn out from the rut and are resting in the deep deep bush.
If you want to stay in the 300's then 359 is probably your best bet, though 526 and 527 are a better bet imo. Good Luck

purgatory.sv · #12 10-25-2016, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyangelo

Agreed with all these points. Definitely plan to do my own legwork.

I guess the question more pertains to how I can compare their diets and patterns to deer. In the more dense bush, what are they normally eating? Are they as skittish as deer? Do they prefer valleys? Etc.

You have answered your own question.

When you are off the beaten path they are grazing?

Lefty-Canuck · #13 10-25-2016, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walking buffalo

Choose an area and learn it.

Nothing will increase you chances at killing a general season elk more than this.

Yup this...best advice you can follow. Took me a few years to figure the elk out in the area I hunt, since then I have had a fair amount of success and helped others have success as well.

LC

Mountain Guy · #14 10-25-2016, 10:06 PM

Hope for a cold snowy miserable November and you may have a chance of seeing a general elk in legal light.
That is of course if you happen to be in an area where they are..

Because I always say...They are where you find them,and hunting them where their not makes for an empty freezer