Elk season, it's soon here...time to get excited....

[HarryToolips]

Elk hunting related pics, stories, info, video links, whatever you want to post related to elk hunting, please post it here, I'll start:

https://i.imgur.com/6zTJtK7.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/KKkE6Vm.jpg

[HarryToolips]

Who has heard a bugle in the fog? It makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up even more so than a bugle at any other time, at least for me..

https://i.imgur.com/dEtXayq.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/01AZ4tM.jpg

[HarryToolips]

Sometimes while elk hunting, you find sign of grizzlies....

https://i.imgur.com/mXkxn6z.jpg

[HarryToolips]

And sometimes, you find the grizzlies....

https://i.imgur.com/DCBtVoI.jpg

[HarryToolips]

https://i.imgur.com/jHnhR9r.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/28WU50v.jpg

[HarryToolips]

https://i.imgur.com/jHrJuYX.jpg

[HarryToolips]

Sometimes you come out light...

https://i.imgur.com/3fUS7Rs.jpg

[HarryToolips]

And other times, heavy....

https://i.imgur.com/B6pQU1b.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/uGI5snR.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/3lrkvbz.jpg

[HarryToolips]

https://i.imgur.com/UYyeSvY.jpg

[savage10]

Awesome pics Harry.

This will be my second year chasing elk. Found some last year, just nothing legal. Had a blast though!

Heading to region 4 for 9 days (hopefully less with a bull down.)

With the drought this year, do you think the elk will be down lower in river valleys? I have quite a few spots to check out, some higher, some lower. Will be interesting to see where the majority of action is this year. Can’t wait!! We leave on the 8th.

[HarryToolips]

https://i.imgur.com/E0HGSrk.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/6RIjWtc.jpg

[HarryToolips]

The elusive R8 mature bull - nocturnal of course.....

https://i.imgur.com/9VJdqs9.jpg

[HarryToolips]

https://i.imgur.com/3dFl95Z.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/9SyCNxO.jpg

[HarryToolips]

Awesome pics Harry.

This will be my second year chasing elk. Found some last year, just nothing legal. Had a blast though!

Heading to region 4 for 9 days (hopefully less with a bull down.)

With the drought this year, do you think the elk will be down lower in river valleys? I have quite a few spots to check out, some higher, some lower. Will be interesting to see where the majority of action is this year. Can’t wait!! We leave on the 8th.
Right on man, hey if you got on elk in your first year, that's a big success..good luck on your upcoming hunt, they are going to be where the optimal food, water and cover are, if it's been really hot and dry in the area you're hunting, then more open forage may be too dry...if going high, I'd still focus on N facing slopes/ drainages...

[savage10]

Right on man, hey if you got on elk in your first year, that's a big success..good luck on your upcoming hunt, they are going to be where the optimal food, water and cover are, if it's been really hot and dry in the area you're hunting, then more open forage may be too dry...if going high, I'd still focus on N facing slopes/ drainages...

Appreciate the tip! Definitely have some north faces on the list.

[HarryToolips]

Appreciate the tip! Definitely have some north faces on the list.

Right on man, keep us posted, harvest success or not..

[RackStar]

can feel it in the air these last couple days. 13 days until bow opens up here in the peace on the Alberta side. Have my tree stand setup over a nice wallow/ natural lick near a creek with 5 trails leading to it. Going to give the treestand method a go this early season. I’ve got many small 4-5 points and a nice 6x7 , 5x6 , and a big 5x5 still hanging out. There was a few moose that are also open but the elk started pissing everywhere and seemed to push the moose out.

kind of a double edge sword this year , have many spots scouted , but will be a weekend warrior / when lucky to get a day off type season. Patch keeping me busy. Usually take 2 weeks for elk…

the first legal animal that walks by gets a free ride to my freezer , cow elk bull elk or bull moose
Good luck everyone


https://i.postimg.cc/fyhBw7dG/IMAG0510.jpg (https://postimg.cc/LYNzD1ND)


https://i.postimg.cc/4NPBg9x0/IMAG9800.jpg (https://postimg.cc/fJ3x7kX7)


https://i.postimg.cc/j2QvCWQL/MFDC5215.jpg (https://postimg.cc/ctCfbLzS)


https://i.postimg.cc/44zWWMks/MFDC5217.jpg (https://postimg.cc/XXYKJsYz)

[RackStar]

also set a camera up right where I shot my buck last year. Some decent bulls and bucks hanging around

https://i.postimg.cc/13KNYkyh/IMG-5722.png (https://postimg.cc/jDL5DkWZ)


https://i.postimg.cc/3wS032yt/IMG-5723.png (https://postimg.cc/Z9N5cBxN)

[RackStar]

my old fav early season camp spot that is now turned into a cut block.

https://i.postimg.cc/28nDmmqJ/IMG-1174.jpg (https://postimg.cc/SJQ57Bf7)


https://i.postimg.cc/G26WwSbd/IMG-1203.jpg (https://postimg.cc/5Yq78gHR)

[asherriff]

Great pics Harry! Beautiful habitat you are hunting.

[Arctic Lake]

Oh man those pictures WOW !
Arctic Lake

[browningboy]

Best of luck to all! Have my cameras out to see what’s around, new spots this year in R8

[RackStar]

Definitely some way different country you hunt Harry. Would love to try that style of elk hunt one day. Usually it’s hard to count points and get a clear shot at 40y where I’m use to hunting elk PG north to the peace. Love that open country mountain style hunt you do

[high horse Hal]

Beauty hunting country you have there H, I see why you choose that, nice sight lines


Sometimes while elk hunting, you find sign of grizzlies....

what is the hole about? chasing salt? blood?
I've seen where wolves have done that one a kill sight with sandy soil, happened over winter, figured they were starving for something

[Redthies]

I hear the elk are taking this year off. Some sort of protest thing?

[TheObserver]

Top date is wrong, that is him in the spring of last year

https://i.imgur.com/StZNGib.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/FcdxKHR.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/SJHVkJ7.jpg

[Arctic Lake]

Beauty !
Arctic Lake
Top date is wrong, that is him in the spring of last year

https://i.imgur.com/StZNGib.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/FcdxKHR.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/SJHVkJ7.jpg

[Arctic Lake]

Okay so it’s an elk thread so here goes . I have never been elk hunting I did buy a tag for where we are going for moose 7-25 just in case we see one that’s legal . Not sure what the numbers are for that MU .
I need a mentor for if I was going to target elk specifically . I think they are very striking animals and have heard the meat is great . Never have eaten any so I don’t know .
Arctic Lake

[Arctic Lake]

How deep was that hole Harry ? Looks like a real excavation .
Arctic Lake
Sometimes while elk hunting, you find sign of grizzlies....

https://i.imgur.com/mXkxn6z.jpg

[HarryToolips]

Definitely some way different country you hunt Harry. Would love to try that style of elk hunt one day. Usually it’s hard to count points and get a clear shot at 40y where I’m use to hunting elk PG north to the peace. Love that open country mountain style hunt you do

Thanks buddy... ya we'll have to see, the high country non North facing may be a little fried after this hot dry summer...I have a lower elevation backup spot where my partner and I almost got eyes on the herd bull... if he's anything like his tracks indicate, he's a monster bull... hey I love the cam pics you posted, looks like you've got a great chance at one this year in that spot, good luck..

[HarryToolips]

Great pics Harry! Beautiful habitat you are hunting.

Thanks man, best of luck to you this year! Cheers

[HarryToolips]

Best of luck to all! Have my cameras out to see what’s around, new spots this year in R8

Good luck man! Cheers

[HarryToolips]

Beauty hunting country you have there H, I see why you choose that, nice sight lines

what is the hole about? chasing salt? blood?
I've seen where wolves have done that one a kill sight with sandy soil, happened over winter, figured they were starving for something

Hard to tell by the pic, but the hole was dug out by a griz I think either to drink, but most likely just to sit in and cool his assoff!

[HarryToolips]

I hear the elk are taking this year off. Some sort of protest thing?

Lol I sure hope not....

[HarryToolips]

Okay so it’s an elk thread so here goes . I have never been elk hunting I did buy a tag for where we are going for moose 7-25 just in case we see one that’s legal . Not sure what the numbers are for that MU .
I need a mentor for if I was going to target elk specifically . I think they are very striking animals and have heard the meat is great . Never have eaten any so I don’t know .
Arctic Lake

Bring a bugle, ya never know and I've seen a vid or 2 where moose have come into bugles, give it a try!

[HarryToolips]

Top date is wrong, that is him in the spring of last year

https://i.imgur.com/StZNGib.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/FcdxKHR.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/SJHVkJ7.jpg

What a beauty, I hope ya find him this season, cheers

[HarryToolips]

How deep was that hole Harry ? Looks like a real excavation .
Arctic Lake

IIRC about 3' deep..

[RackStar]

Arctic , there’s most definitely elk in 7-25 , nothing crazy but I wouldn’t go without a tag. In 7-24 sept 23 2019 I had a 50” bull moose come to my elk bugle and cross a river and walk 15 yards from me and stood there for 3 minuites grunting at me. No moose tag but great encounter

[RackStar]

Crazy genetics with those kickers observer , good luck

[Arctic Lake]

Thanks Rack Star ! I will need to look up how to bugle for elk .
Any recommendations on elk calls ,I have never used one and know nothing about them ?
Thank You
Arctic Lake
Arctic , there’s most definitely elk in 7-25 , nothing crazy but I wouldn’t go without a tag. In 7-24 sept 23 2019 I had a 50” bull moose come to my elk bugle and cross a river and walk 15 yards from me and stood there for 3 minuites grunting at me. No moose tag but great encounter

[HarryToolips]

Thanks Rack Star ! I will need to look up how to bugle for elk .
Any recommendations on elk calls ,I have never used one and know nothing about them ?
Thank You
Arctic Lake

Since you won't have time to properly learn to use a mouth Reed in that short timespan, I believe primos makes a decent bugle with the mouth Reed on outside of the bugle they usually sell them at Cambodia Tire...k going camping for 5 days with the family TTYL..

[Husky7mm]

Great thread.
Hows this for a rub?
https://i.postimg.cc/R0wt0WBz/IMG-7728.jpg (https://postimg.cc/3yJNSJNL)

[Arctic Lake]

Thanks Harry ! Have a safe camping trip !
Arctic Lake
Since you won't have time to properly learn to use a mouth Reed in that short timespan, I believe primos makes a decent bugle with the mouth Reed on outside of the bugle they usually sell them at Cambodia Tire...k going camping for 5 days with the family TTYL..

[Arctic Lake]

Could you fellas please explain about skinning out a bull elk when they are rutting . Something about them urinating on themselves ? The topic was covered last year and I posted up about it but not sure where that thread is now .
Thank You !
Arctic Lake

[Ron.C]

Could you fellas please explain about skinning out a bull elk when they are rutting . Something about them urinating on themselves ? The topic was covered last year and I posted up about it but not sure where that thread is now .
Thank You !
Arctic Lake

yes they do (or can). That said , I have had some very clean looking (smelling) bulls too.

Elk will (can) piss up their bellies, and piss in wallows then role in it. Have smelled many bull elk before I ever saw or heard the. You can often tell elk were just in an area as their stink lingers, especially a pungent bull.

I shot the Rosie bull in my Avatar with a bow and when I tracked him after the shot, could smell him 25 yards before I laid eyes on him. Worst smelling animal I ever walked up on. He still tasted amazing. Just take care while field dressing. I gutless quarter my elk and start skinning at the backbone down, never touching the outside of the hide with my knife.

[Arctic Lake]

Thank you Ron !
Arctic Lake
yes they do. They piss up their bellies, and piss in wallows then role in it. Have smelled many bull elk before I ever saw or heard them, and you can often smell when elk were just in an area (that you unknowingly bumped out).

I gutless quarter my elk and start skinning at the backbone down, never touching the outside of the hide with my knife.

[RackStar]

Husky that’s a rub alright!

interested in you shotgun setup there? Interesting sling , you must pack that for your work

[Husky7mm]

Husky that’s a rub alright!

interested in you shotgun setup there? Interesting sling , you must pack that for your work

I got that at the army surplus. Its like a small scabbard with a sling. It works well, I pack it at work sometimes….. but its a secret, being as there is that whole firearms are prohibited thing. Lol
The gun is a Revolutionary Armoury Canada edition called the Mauler. Lol It looks neat but its cheap.

[TheObserver]

Crazy genetics with those kickers observer , good luck

Thanks! You as well

[TheObserver]

Thanks Rack Star ! I will need to look up how to bugle for elk .
Any recommendations on elk calls ,I have never used one and know nothing about them ?
Thank You
Arctic Lake

I also called in a Bull Moose last year, 6:00PM October 4th. I was raking and bugling and then I heard crashing coming in my direction breaking everything in its path for 3 minutes, I got hidden and got my rifle ready. Then it was 30 yards away saw antlers and what I thought was a mane through the timber, thought it was going to be a 6 point Bull Elk for sure. Then he stepped out, large Bull Moose. It happens.

The Bull Elk I called in on Sept 12th last year came in to a Power Bugle very aggressively, they are made by E.L.K. inc. Very easy to get using, they work he definitely thought I was an Elk. But for me they have very little versatility. But like already mentioned, to late for you and diaphragms this year most likely to become proficient.

[Arctic Lake]

Good to know . Thanks Observer !
Arctic Lake
I also called in a Bull Moose last year, 6:00PM October 4th. I was raking and bugling and then I heard crashing coming in my direction breaking everything in its path for 3 minutes, I got hidden and got my rifle ready. Then it was 30 yards away saw antlers and what I thought was a mane through the timber, thought it was going to be a 6 point Bull Elk for sure. Then he stepped out, large Bull Moose. It happens.

The Bull Elk I called in on Sept 12th last year came in to a Power Bugle very aggressively, they are made by E.L.K. inc. Very easy to get using, they work he definitely thought I was an Elk. But for me they have very little versatility. But like already mentioned, to late for you and diaphragms this year most likely to become proficient.

[KodiakHntr]

Could you fellas please explain about skinning out a bull elk when they are rutting . Something about them urinating on themselves ? The topic was covered last year and I posted up about it but not sure where that thread is now .
Thank You !
Arctic Lake

As Ron mentioned, if you are going gutless and start from the spine it isn’t an issue.

However, if you gut a bull first, skin that black patch of hide off without touching it. The black hair is years of accumulated dried piss. Don’t cut up through the middle of it or hold that and then handle meat. Skin around it, peel it off, then gut if you are wanting to go that route.

Careful handling will ensure top shelf meat.

[Arctic Lake]

Kodiak Hunter . Okay let me get this right as a hunter that cares about meat care and former knifeman .
Is it hide on the belly and legs that the bulls urinate on ? Do you know of any YouTube videos that talk about this ?
Thank You !
Arctic Lake
As Ron mentioned, if you are going gutless and start from the spine it isn’t an issue.

However, if you gut a bull first, skin that black patch of hide off without touching it. The black hair is years of accumulated dried piss. Don’t cut up through the middle of it or hold that and then handle meat. Skin around it, peel it off, then gut if you are wanting to go that route.

Careful handling will ensure top shelf meat.

[Ron.C]

https://www.google.com/search?q=elk+pissing+on+himself&sca_esv=556931206&rlz=1CAKDUD_enCA1046&tbm=vid&sxsrf=AB5stBinhg8I1BwsYXzQHzHKvm_6GoQ6ag:169205594 8931&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjMqprOp92AAxWJJjQIHTm3CFQQ_AUoAnoECAUQB A&biw=1366&bih=617#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:390ba8fa,vid:VL0j3Fui1j0

beleive me, when you have a ripe on the ground there will be no need for video's or articles. You'll understand :wink:

[KodiakHntr]

Kodiak Hunter . Okay let me get this right as a hunter that cares about meat care and former knifeman .
Is it hide on the belly and legs that the bulls urinate on ? Do you know of any YouTube videos that talk about this ?
Thank You !
Arctic Lake

No clue about any youtube videos that cover it.
My dad was a big proponent of skinning off the belly hide with a different knife before anything else and I grew up with that drilled into head.

Only takes watching one bugling bull piss up his belly to his neck to realize that it doesn’t make for great table fare if you run your knife up through the middle of that wet patch of hide that has years of crystalized piss soaked into the hair and then hold it open with your hands before handling all the meat you want to eat that you can pass along a pretty funky taste if you don’t skin that off first.

That hair from his pecker to his mane didn’t start off black…. It’s stained black.

[Ron.C]

That hair from his pecker to his mane didn’t start off black…. It’s stained black.



http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/95_1_.jpeg

[Arctic Lake]

Thanks fellas ! Sheesh I had no idea it’s that bad ! Again I have never hunted these magnificent animals .

Arctic Lake

[KodiakHntr]

Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t a bad smell really, just a musky scent.
But you sure don’t want to be cutting through it or handling it and then touching meat.

[TheObserver]

Thanks fellas ! Sheesh I had no idea it’s that bad ! Again I have never hunted these magnificent animals .

Arctic Lake

Treat it exactly like the tarsal glands on a rutting buck, essentially exactly the same thing. The Bucks piss on those glands (that already emit odour to begin with I believe) and rub their legs together.

For removing them I always have nitrile gloves with me and use my leathermen knife not my main knife to remove them, then the gloves get taken off and leathermen also put away. Some guys keep these glands or Elks piss belly patch for scent for the next year throw them in a ziploc then freeze them, never done that with a Bucks tarsal glands myself.

[j270wsm]

If you watch videos of bulls bugling you’ll see that sometimes they piss when they chuckle, which results in them spraying piss all the way from their bellies to their chin if thy have their head down far enough. Like previously mentioned, cut around the black belly patch.

[Husky7mm]

Seen my first rub of the year yesterday, been too busy to check cams but I hazard a guess the bulk of branch antlered bulls are now hard horned and some are bugling at night. The rag horns are likely hanging around the cows now. We open up here on august 25 and a surprising amount of archery hunters call bulls in on that day.

[KodiakHntr]

Saw about 10 rubs in 200m of old road that are from the last couple of days as well.

[HappyJack]

I also called in a Bull Moose last year, 6:00PM October 4th. I was raking and bugling and then I heard crashing coming in my direction breaking everything in its path for 3 minutes, I got hidden and got my rifle ready. Then it was 30 yards away saw antlers and what I thought was a mane through the timber, thought it was going to be a 6 point Bull Elk for sure. Then he stepped out, large Bull Moose. It happens.

The Bull Elk I called in on Sept 12th last year came in to a Power Bugle very aggressively, they are made by E.L.K. inc. Very easy to get using, they work he definitely thought I was an Elk. But for me they have very little versatility. But like already mentioned, to late for you and diaphragms this year most likely to become proficient.

I'll second on the Power Bugle, very easy to use and they work. I choke on mouth diaphragms so they aren't for everybody, I prefer a bite style cow call or use a Squeeze Me.

[RackStar]

Praying to the elk gods I get august 25 off.

[HarryToolips]

Great thread.
Hows this for a rub?
https://i.postimg.cc/R0wt0WBz/IMG-7728.jpg (https://postimg.cc/3yJNSJNL)

Wow that's huge! That bull really took his time .

[HarryToolips]

Praying to the elk gods I get august 25 off.

Is the archery only season in Alberta for any bull, or is it point restricted?

[RackStar]

Any bull moose and 3 pt or better elk , and cow elk

6 more days… just got in from a shooting session feeling confident to 50y

[RackStar]

I got October 16-22 off this year if I can’t pull one together before that. Definitely different tactics and time of year than I’m use to. Just going to put the boots to the ground and try and make it happen. It’s a pretty high density area, I will stick to areas within 10km of farms passively hunting for whitetails at the same time. The whitetails should be starting their scrape lines by then and moving around

[TheObserver]

Any bull moose and 3 pt or better elk , and cow elk

6 more days… just got in from a shooting session feeling confident to 50y

F**k thats killer!

[TheObserver]

I'll second on the Power Bugle, very easy to use and they work. I choke on mouth diaphragms so they aren't for everybody, I prefer a bite style cow call or use a Squeeze Me.

I advise AL to use it forsure!! It works!

[TheObserver]

Any bull moose and 3 pt or better elk , and cow elk

6 more days… just got in from a shooting session feeling confident to 50y

I have been shooting the flat field out to 80 (now grouping 3") with my compound or 3D twice per week and everyday 20 yard shot in my house, i'm redeeming myself on that 4 point BT from last year

[RackStar]

That’s wicked! Takes some skill for sure going that far! , sounds like you’re into the big bucks. That’s one animal I wish I had went after more while living down there. I only have a 5 pin sight I can hit decent groups at 60 on the last pin but not sure I’d feel good about hunting that far myself yet.

[RackStar]

I smoked a black wolf in the general area il be hunting elk this year, last weekend. Had a massive grey one leap across the road at 75Y. I got out, loaded my gun was going to run into the cut block to try and shoot. As I put my last shell in , this creepy black one was watching me at 50Y half exposed broadside on the brush. 308 took care of him. Hoping that scores me some bush karma with the elk gods.

[HarryToolips]

Any bull moose and 3 pt or better elk , and cow elk

6 more days… just got in from a shooting session feeling confident to 50y

Wow nice, do you find there's plenty of hunters out for that season? 50 yards is a good range, with my recurve I'm only good to about half that distance..

[HarryToolips]

I got October 16-22 off this year if I can’t pull one together before that. Definitely different tactics and time of year than I’m use to. Just going to put the boots to the ground and try and make it happen. It’s a pretty high density area, I will stick to areas within 10km of farms passively hunting for whitetails at the same time. The whitetails should be starting their scrape lines by then and moving around

Right on good luck... I'm assuming if their forage is agricultural fields this time of year,their preferred forage is alfalfa due to its high protein content?

[HarryToolips]

I have been shooting the flat field out to 80 (now grouping 3") with my compound or 3D twice per week and everyday 20 yard shot in my house, i'm redeeming myself on that 4 point BT from last year

Wow 80 yards is awesome, are you going out for any of the bow season? I'll be hitting up the last half day of it, then hunting the opening of 6 pt GOS..

[HarryToolips]

I smoked a black wolf in the general area il be hunting elk this year, last weekend. Had a massive grey one leap across the road at 75Y. I got out, loaded my gun was going to run into the cut block to try and shoot. As I put my last shell in , this creepy black one was watching me at 50Y half exposed broadside on the brush. 308 took care of him. Hoping that scores me some bush karma with the elk gods.

Right on man congrats! You should post your kill on the pred thread..I'd have had my first wolf last year if I wasn't reluctant to shoot it, thinking it could be another hunters dog..

[Husky7mm]

I smoked a black wolf in the general area il be hunting elk this year, last weekend. Had a massive grey one leap across the road at 75Y. I got out, loaded my gun was going to run into the cut block to try and shoot. As I put my last shell in , this creepy black one was watching me at 50Y half exposed broadside on the brush. 308 took care of him. Hoping that scores me some bush karma with the elk gods.

Oh ya, awesome. Smoke a pack a day!!! Don’t forget if its within a few ks of the county of green view there is a $300 bounty. If its within a few ks of private land in the saddle hills its a $500 bounty, last I heard.

I have a bunch of blacks and greys in my area. So far I have only killed grey ones. I have a salt and pepper in my area 2, he is the alpha and the female is a black. They are going to get it this year as they are around on way to many camera. They must have a den in my area. They don’t know it but I got their number.

Pics??

https://i.postimg.cc/0MNqjmgn/PICT0494.jpg (https://postimg.cc/0MNqjmgn)

https://i.postimg.cc/N9nZ0zkG/PICT0471.jpg (https://postimg.cc/N9nZ0zkG)

https://i.postimg.cc/HjJfNTTr/PICT0440.jpg (https://postimg.cc/HjJfNTTr)

[Husky7mm]

Can you smell the colour?

https://i.postimg.cc/Xvphsj7d/IMG-5935.jpg (https://postimg.cc/061cQqSy)


My hunting buddy called this bull in at 4 pm in the afternoon on sept 19. He came in silent. Had a huge body.

[LBM]

I smoked a black wolf in the general area il be hunting elk this year, last weekend. Had a massive grey one leap across the road at 75Y. I got out, loaded my gun was going to run into the cut block to try and shoot. As I put my last shell in , this creepy black one was watching me at 50Y half exposed broadside on the brush. 308 took care of him. Hoping that scores me some bush karma with the elk gods.


Since you say him, guessing it was a male, what was the hide like, what did you do after the shot try for the other, see or hear any others after the shot, it can be quit possible to get another chance after taking one
from a group.

[RackStar]

Unfortunately I did not recover the wolf. Not sure on sex. I made a post a while back about taking a nasty fall, I hit my scope hard and just found out today it was shooting a country mile to the left.

I managed to find blood but no wolf , he ran into a nasty thicket of willows, it was getting dark and creeped me out after seeing the size of the first wolf and hearing soft howls on either side of me. I must of hit it far back. Either way by now it’s a dead wolf.

I’ve seen some decent wolves around PG but this one that jumped across the road in one stride was XXL. Creepy as hell.

[RackStar]

Can you smell the colour?

https://i.postimg.cc/Xvphsj7d/IMG-5935.jpg (https://postimg.cc/061cQqSy)


My hunting buddy called this bull in at 4 pm in the afternoon on sept 19. He came in silent. Had a huge body.

that’s a great bull! Did you use bugles or cow calls? Evidence not to give up mid day right there …

[Husky7mm]

https://i.postimg.cc/dZkvs542/IMG-5895.jpg (https://postimg.cc/dZkvs542)


Sept 17 right at lunch. Came in screaming and my son shot him and he started to run away on 3 legs, he called one more time and he stopped and looked back and he finish him.

They were bugled in. It was a hot calling year.

[RackStar]

Thanks for sharing! I’m getting stoked …

I hear the 17th is a great day. Nice size bulls too. I see lots of smaller ones taken around here ,

Not to de rail, have you had luck calling any moose during bow?

[savage10]

Those are some sweet bulls!

[HarryToolips]

Can you smell the colour?

https://i.postimg.cc/Xvphsj7d/IMG-5935.jpg (https://postimg.cc/061cQqSy)


My hunting buddy called this bull in at 4 pm in the afternoon on sept 19. He came in silent. Had a huge body.

Awesome pic, great pics of the wolves too BTW, hope you get em'..

[HarryToolips]

https://i.postimg.cc/dZkvs542/IMG-5895.jpg (https://postimg.cc/dZkvs542)


Sept 17 right at lunch. Came in screaming and my son shot him and he started to run away on 3 legs, he called one more time and he stopped and looked back and he finish him.

They were bugled in. It was a hot calling year.

That's awesome, can't wait to do that someday with my kid... I shot my bull at mid-day as well, and bugled him in, cow calls weren't needed..

[Husky7mm]

Thanks for sharing! I’m getting stoked …

I hear the 17th is a great day. Nice size bulls too. I see lots of smaller ones taken around here ,

Not to de rail, have you had luck calling any moose during bow?


I have seen some very quiet sept 17ths and the whole next week too. Depends on the bull to cow dynamics and the wolves. Hunt all day for sure.

Moose, I usually get a Draw every 3-4 years and staggered them between a few people, so we focus on them in Oct, we go every year that way. Just one shooter, 2-3 helpers. Works good. I see them from time to time when traveling into my elk spots, while not really looking for them. Usually I am focused on elk, so by the 17th of sept no more packing that GD bow. I have a few really massive bull moose on cam this year so I may purposefully try for one.

As you now see, the free time is few and far between.

[RackStar]

https://i.postimg.cc/RqrFLqZn/IMAG0484.jpg (https://postimg.cc/CnNSFhDF)

I wouldn’t think twice about arrowing this guy

[Husky7mm]

https://i.postimg.cc/RqrFLqZn/IMAG0484.jpg (https://postimg.cc/CnNSFhDF)

I wouldn’t think twice about arrowing this guy


Looks real nice. Mine are too big to share in public :). Sorry back to elk , lol

[HarryToolips]

https://i.postimg.cc/RqrFLqZn/IMAG0484.jpg (https://postimg.cc/CnNSFhDF)

I wouldn’t think twice about arrowing this guy

Very nice, I want to try for archery moose one day, calling them in close like elk when they're rutted up sounds like fun..

[RackStar]

Definitely getting started now. I called 2 bulls in today. Unfortunately both were too small. Only 2x2 and 1x2. Both came in completely silent. Just needed 1 more point and it would of been a easy bow shot

[TheObserver]

Checked wallows and trees and pulled cards at my spots this weekend a couple wallows are getting hit and trees starting to be rubbed, had a stand off with a nice 6 point at 70 yards. Almost got a pic, he couldn't see me through the conifers but heard me unzipping camera case and trotted off. Keeping it unzipped from now on.

Anyways was cool hopin to come out of there with a Bull next month. Put in insane amounts of time and effort last and this year.

[kevingm1987]

Took a 3x4 elk already between me and the hunting partner. Good eating!

[RackStar]

Nice! Hoping to connect before rifle myself. Not being picky.

did you guys call?

[kevingm1987]

Nice! Hoping to connect before rifle myself. Not being picky.

did you guys call?

Didn't get any response to calls but wasn't calling a ton either. We chased elk through a valley but weren't elk hunting at the time. It was more of a good opportunity for the one we took.

[HarryToolips]

Checked wallows and trees and pulled cards at my spots this weekend a couple wallows are getting hit and trees starting to be rubbed, had a stand off with a nice 6 point at 70 yards. Almost got a pic, he couldn't see me through the conifers but heard me unzipping camera case and trotted off. Keeping it unzipped from now on.

Anyways was cool hopin to come out of there with a Bull next month. Put in insane amounts of time and effort last and this year.

Hope you connect buddy.. lol I honestly haven't even scouted my areas this year, but I've winged it the last couple times so we'll see.. just been too busy close to home and with family commitments..

[HarryToolips]

Nice! Hoping to connect before rifle myself. Not being picky.

did you guys call?

Same for you, hope ya connect.. is your rifle season in Alberta 6 pt or better like in bc?

[HarryToolips]

Didn't get any response to calls but wasn't calling a ton either. We chased elk through a valley but weren't elk hunting at the time. It was more of a good opportunity for the one we took.

Right on man congrats, look forward to the pics..

[RackStar]

3pt all season

[HarryToolips]

3pt all season

Wow that's awesome, Alberta must have some robust elk populations..

[300H&H]

I wish I had better knees and a buddy who would take me out. :(

[j270wsm]

Wow that's awesome, Alberta must have some robust elk populations..

I was actually talking about this with my boss today( grew up in south east Alberta) most guys I know from southern Alberta hate the 3pt+ season and want to see a 6pt+ season for rifle. They have told me that it’s hard to find any big bulls unless your hunting trophy areas like the waterton leh area.

[HarryToolips]

I wish I had better knees and a buddy who would take me out. :(

How are the elk pops doing around Kelowna area? You guys still seeing that large herd of 150-200 around East Kelowna in the wintertime?

[HarryToolips]

I was actually talking about this with my boss today( grew up in south east Alberta) most guys I know from southern Alberta hate the 3pt+ season and want to see a 6pt+ season for rifle. They have told me that it’s hard to find any big bulls unless your hunting trophy areas like the waterton leh area.

Ya that does make sense... so with a 3 pt season, how are the bull:cow ratios there?

[TheObserver]

https://i.imgur.com/wBWJhPS.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/8Ic05sU.jpg

[RackStar]

Nice bull observer hope you get him.

when I hunted the BC side of the peace I always hunted 6pt side. I agree it’s better for big bulls. Lots of guys I notice take average 4x5 and 5x5s, although I’ve turned up some really nice bulls on camera so they still roam. The elk population seems great in the peace side, not sure about south. They have some cool areas down south near the crows nest that look like Montana.

[j270wsm]

Ya that does make sense... so with a 3 pt season, how are the bull:cow ratios there?

im not sure, that never came up in our conversation.

[jan.wi97]

How are the elk pops doing around Kelowna area? You guys still seeing that large herd of 150-200 around East Kelowna in the wintertime?

Yes they roll through during the winter. The guy I buy hay from in the airport area usually has them on his farm for a couple days each winter.
Apparently the herd bull was shot a few years back and they've start to hang on private land... those elk are an itch I really want to scratch but I know there a tons of guys
just waiting for them to cross into crown.

If I am not mistaken I think there was even a bit of poaching happening on that ranches property two or three years ago with that Elk herd.

[snowhater]

That pissy belly is golden for attracting elk and covering your scent. Keep it, put in a couple bags in the freezer, opposite end of the wife's pies, and reuse it. Cut small squares and tie them to your boot laces to reduce your scent and attract elk..Just make sure you remove them when in the truck with the heater on. It does work..http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/95_1_.jpeg

[mike31154]

How are the elk pops doing around Kelowna area? You guys still seeing that large herd of 150-200 around East Kelowna in the wintertime?

February this year. Definitely a robust herd.... ;)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NxwDd4mYMA

[HarryToolips]

https://i.imgur.com/wBWJhPS.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/8Ic05sU.jpg

Man I hope you get him... finding cows on camera?

[HarryToolips]

Yes they roll through during the winter. The guy I buy hay from in the airport area usually has them on his farm for a couple days each winter.
Apparently the herd bull was shot a few years back and they've start to hang on private land... those elk are an itch I really want to scratch but I know there a tons of guys
just waiting for them to cross into crown.

If I am not mistaken I think there was even a bit of poaching happening on that ranches property two or three years ago with that Elk herd.

Man that sucks about the poaching...

[HarryToolips]

That pissy belly is golden for attracting elk and covering your scent. Keep it, put in a couple bags in the freezer, opposite end of the wife's pies, and reuse it. Cut small squares and tie them to your boot laces to reduce your scent and attract elk..Just make sure you remove them when in the truck with the heater on. It does work..http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/95_1_.jpeg

Man that's a good idea..

[HarryToolips]

February this year. Definitely a robust herd.... ;)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NxwDd4mYMA

Great to see!

[TheObserver]

Man I hope you get him... finding cows on camera?

Yes cows in all spots I got cams, and me too haha. Won't be picky though for my first any nice 6 will do.

[Arctic Lake]

Harry sorry but which model of Primos is that call , is it the one is it the one that extends with the blue ring at the end ?
Also have you or anyone on here tried the Berry Thunder Bugles . Would they be good for a novice ?
Thank You
Arctic Lake
Since you won't have time to properly learn to use a mouth Reed in that short timespan, I believe primos makes a decent bugle with the mouth Reed on outside of the bugle they usually sell them at Cambodia Tire...k going camping for 5 days with the family TTYL..

[Husky7mm]

This guy made it through the winter and will hopefully be even bigger this year, I have few pics of him in velvet from june and have not had time to return. Its been a sad year for pre-scouting for me. Way behind, luckily I have years of data to fill in the gasps.
https://i.postimg.cc/9DnmGWsW/IMG-7116.jpg (https://postimg.cc/9DnmGWsW)
I have no clue why post image will sometimes post up a large image but most often it is small.

[Arctic Lake]

Beauty !
Arctic Lake
This guy made it through the winter and will hopefully be even bigger this year, I have few pics of him in velvet from june and have not had time to return. Its been a sad year for pre-scouting for me. Way behind, luckily I have years of data to fill in the gasps.
https://i.postimg.cc/9DnmGWsW/IMG-7116.jpg (https://postimg.cc/9DnmGWsW)
I have no clue why post image will sometimes post up a large image but most often it is small.

[RackStar]

Nice bull husky ..

went into a bedding area to try and call in a bull last night. My wife stayed in the truck and read a book. I get a picture of 1 huge cow and a legal bull standing next to my truck in the lease. I hurried back to my truck with 5 mins of light left.

almost got a shot on the cow but didn’t work out. Just looking for meat this year , to frickin busy at work to know how much hunting I will get this sept.

hope to be out for the long week be

[HarryToolips]

Yes cows in all spots I got cams, and me too haha. Won't be picky though for my first any nice 6 will do.

Indeed, any legal 6 pt harvest is a huge accomplishment..

[HarryToolips]

Harry sorry but which model of Primos is that call , is it the one is it the one that extends with the blue ring at the end ?
Also have you or anyone on here tried the Berry Thunder Bugles . Would they be good for a novice ?
Thank You
Arctic Lake

Ya it has the blue diaphragm piece at the end.. very easy to use.. good luck..

[HarryToolips]

This guy made it through the winter and will hopefully be even bigger this year, I have few pics of him in velvet from june and have not had time to return. Its been a sad year for pre-scouting for me. Way behind, luckily I have years of data to fill in the gasps.
https://i.postimg.cc/9DnmGWsW/IMG-7116.jpg (https://postimg.cc/9DnmGWsW)
I have no clue why post image will sometimes post up a large image but most often it is small.

Wow beauty, good luck!

[HarryToolips]

Nice bull husky ..

went into a bedding area to try and call in a bull last night. My wife stayed in the truck and read a book. I get a picture of 1 huge cow and a legal bull standing next to my truck in the lease. I hurried back to my truck with 5 mins of light left.

almost got a shot on the cow but didn’t work out. Just looking for meat this year , to frickin busy at work to know how much hunting I will get this sept.

hope to be out for the long week be

Good luck man, lol funny how that went, hopefully they're still hanging in that area..

[Husky7mm]

Nice bull husky ..

went into a bedding area to try and call in a bull last night. My wife stayed in the truck and read a book. I get a picture of 1 huge cow and a legal bull standing next to my truck in the lease. I hurried back to my truck with 5 mins of light left.

almost got a shot on the cow but didn’t work out. Just looking for meat this year , to frickin busy at work to know how much hunting I will get this sept.

hope to be out for the long week be

Oh man, isn’t that just the way it goes. I have had bulls bugle from where I called from after I left more than I care to admit. Doesn’t seem to matter how long I stayed or didn’t.
Good luck with the freezer filling. Bow hucking season starts for me a few days before rifle, I start wanting to huck my bow…..

Crossbows are not considered legal archery tackle in Alberta unless you have a permit because you have a disability/ injury for those that don’t know.

[mike31154]

Just returned from a little hike with my bow. Fairly local so I was after mulie or whitetail buck. I didn't expect to stumble upon a fricken Elk lol. Maybe 25 yards off the trail I was hiking. Didn't get a point count 'cause the timber was thick but the rack looked massive.... Crashing around.... I froze, nocked a broadhead hoping he would move & let me have a better look. The wind was favourable & I decided to take a few steps to try and get a better look. The old ticker was pumping, I took a deep breath or 2 to settle down. Still crashing around so I took another cautious step..... crap he must have seen the movement & bolted.... doh.

I waited a while listening for any sign he might still be around & sure enough there were some short whistles..... but he had moved a fair ways into the thick timber. I moved down off the trail into the woods a bit but the sounds became more distant. Being solo I had no illusions about bagging a 6 point elk in thick timber & trying to haul it uphill to the trail let alone back to the vehicle.... So I continued up the trail, hearing the occasional bugle. The trail ended up at a short section of decommissioned FSR where I found an ATV parked. I suspect the fella knew there were Elk in the area too, there was a bow case on the back of his quad. Heard a few bugles down in the timber, no idea if it was he or Elk.

Checked around a small lake off the road & headed back down the trail to the Taco... thus endeth opening day for me....

[300H&H]

February this year. Definitely a robust herd.... ;)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NxwDd4mYMA

Isn't that always the case...JUST inside the city limits ! :evil::evil:

[300H&H]

How are the elk pops doing around Kelowna area? You guys still seeing that large herd of 150-200 around East Kelowna in the wintertime?

They went to the summer grounds and I hope the wolves do get them.
In the Kelowna area we have so many hunters (lots from the LML) that getting a good spot where no one goes is tough, especially with these knees !

[jan.wi97]

They went to the summer grounds and I hope the wolves do get them.
In the Kelowna area we have so many hunters (lots from the LML) that getting a good spot where no one goes is tough, especially with these knees !

are you in Kelowna? Shoot me a pm if so

[HarryToolips]

Just returned from a little hike with my bow. Fairly local so I was after mulie or whitetail buck. I didn't expect to stumble upon a fricken Elk lol. Maybe 25 yards off the trail I was hiking. Didn't get a point count 'cause the timber was thick but the rack looked massive.... Crashing around.... I froze, nocked a broadhead hoping he would move & let me have a better look. The wind was favourable & I decided to take a few steps to try and get a better look. The old ticker was pumping, I took a deep breath or 2 to settle down. Still crashing around so I took another cautious step..... crap he must have seen the movement & bolted.... doh.

I waited a while listening for any sign he might still be around & sure enough there were some short whistles..... but he had moved a fair ways into the thick timber. I moved down off the trail into the woods a bit but the sounds became more distant. Being solo I had no illusions about bagging a 6 point elk in thick timber & trying to haul it uphill to the trail let alone back to the vehicle.... So I continued up the trail, hearing the occasional bugle. The trail ended up at a short section of decommissioned FSR where I found an ATV parked. I suspect the fella knew there were Elk in the area too, there was a bow case on the back of his quad. Heard a few bugles down in the timber, no idea if it was he or Elk.

Checked around a small lake off the road & headed back down the trail to the Taco... thus endeth opening day for me....

Oh man, that's a great experience though.. you shoot recurve as well don't you? If so, what's your max comfortable distance to shoot at game?

[HarryToolips]

They went to the summer grounds and I hope the wolves do get them.
In the Kelowna area we have so many hunters (lots from the LML) that getting a good spot where no one goes is tough, especially with these knees !

I'm assuming you meant hope the wolves don't get them.. ya it gets busy with hunting traffic around there for sure.. sorry to hear the wolves have increased in # around there..

[RackStar]

Great elk Harry. Your hard work and dedication paid off.

spending sun up till sun down in my stand with the bow tomorrow, hoping something legal comes by.

[HarryToolips]

Great elk Harry. Your hard work and dedication paid off.

spending sun up till sun down in my stand with the bow tomorrow, hoping something legal comes by.

Thanks buddy... good luck man hope ya get one..

[mike31154]

Oh man, that's a great experience though.. you shoot recurve as well don't you? If so, what's your max comfortable distance to shoot at game?

Recurve yeap. I've never actually had a shot at large game but I reckon 25 maybe 30 yards would be my go zone, no farther. I have a target set up in my back yard at about 12 yards & practice regularly.
https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=A0157E1B64909474%2147000&authkey=%21APC6FsL8NFrfH2o&width=1008&height=1008

Definitely a great experience even though the critter took off. Seems to me it was on the same trail last year also bow season, lower down, closer to the road I had a similar experience with crashing in the timber just off the trail. I didn't get a look at what it was, but it was also large & wreaking havoc among the bushes. ;) I managed to get LEH elk on the island a couple years ago & filled the tag, so really grateful for that.
https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=A0157E1B64909474%2145032&authkey=%21ANQDIyp7Z4y9lTE&height=1024

Might head out to this spot tomorrow...
https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=A0157E1B64909474%2134303&authkey=%21AFWEX1m3vu7nq5Y&width=1024

Island elk...
https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=A0157E1B64909474%2144614&authkey=%21AOK5FP2x4R79i3E&width=1024

[Ron.C]

I had been following this thread, vicariously living through everyones excitement. IMHO, elk hunting is the most exciting big game hunt. Didn't look like I was going to be doing any elk hunting this year due to conflicting work vacation schedules so I had been looking at a mid-late Nov whitetail rut hunt.

But on Thursday a 10 day window opened up for last few days of Sept, first week of Oct. So it's elk for me. Crazy, I'm in my 50's and feel like a kid that just realized Christmas is a month away! Love it

[jan.wi97]

I had been following this thread, vicariously living through everyones excitement. IMHO, elk hunting is the most exciting big game hunt. Didn't look like I was going to be doing any elk hunting this year due to conflicting work vacation schedules so I had been looking at a mid-late Nov whitetail rut hunt.

But on Thursday a 10 day window opened up for last few days of Sept, first week of Oct. So it's elk for me. Crazy, I'm in my 50's and feel like a kid that just realized Christmas is a month away! Love it

glad to hear you can make it this year Ron!! We are going out from the 12th to the 16th. I’m already losing sleep

[Ron.C]

glad to hear you can make it this year Ron!! We are going out from the 12th to the 16th. I’m already losing sleep

Good luck Jan, if you have the time definitely check out that VCA I pm'd you about. It's a bit of a hump for sure and to much for me to do solo when it's warm but doable with a partner to share the work. Could be a good bet to head back into about 5k and spike out for a day or 2.

[Arctic Lake]

Mike your Robin Hood of Sherwood ! Fantastic !

Arctic Lake
Recurve yeap. I've never actually had a shot at large game but I reckon 25 maybe 30 yards would be my go zone, no farther. I have a target set up in my back yard at about 12 yards & practice regularly.
https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=A0157E1B64909474%2147000&authkey=%21APC6FsL8NFrfH2o&width=1008&height=1008

Definitely a great experience even though the critter took off. Seems to me it was on the same trail last year also bow season, lower down, closer to the road I had a similar experience with crashing in the timber just off the trail. I didn't get a look at what it was, but it was also large & wreaking havoc among the bushes. ;) I managed to get LEH elk on the island a couple years ago & filled the tag, so really grateful for that.
https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=A0157E1B64909474%2145032&authkey=%21ANQDIyp7Z4y9lTE&height=1024

Might head out to this spot tomorrow...
https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=A0157E1B64909474%2134303&authkey=%21AFWEX1m3vu7nq5Y&width=1024

Island elk...
https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=A0157E1B64909474%2144614&authkey=%21AOK5FP2x4R79i3E&width=1024

[Arctic Lake]

Our LEH Moose hunt in 7-25 is coming up and was informed there may be elk there as well . So as recommended on here for a totally newbie I have a couple of calls coming ,the E.L.K. Power Bugle and the Rocky Mountain Temptress which I saw gets good reviews for beginners . I will need to watch some videos to practice .
Arctic Lake

[Ron.C]

Our LEH Moose hunt in 7-25 is coming up and was informed there may be elk there as well . So as recommended on here for a totally newbie I have a couple of calls coming ,the E.L.K. Power Bugle and the Rocky Mountain Temptress which I saw gets good reviews for beginners . I will need to watch some videos to practice .
Arctic Lake

Get a few packs of spare bands for your bugle. Its a great call (use one myself) but the bands are delicate, easily stretced and torn

[LBM]

I had been following this thread, vicariously living through everyones excitement. IMHO, elk hunting is the most exciting big game hunt. Didn't look like I was going to be doing any elk hunting this year due to conflicting work vacation schedules so I had been looking at a mid-late Nov whitetail rut hunt.

But on Thursday a 10 day window opened up for last few days of Sept, first week of Oct. So it's elk for me. Crazy, I'm in my 50's and feel like a kid that just realized Christmas is a month away! Love it

You heading to the EK

[Arctic Lake]

Thank You Ron ! Do you use the 3 different coloured bands or…. stick with one Colour ?

Arctic Lake
Get a few packs of spare bands for your bugle. Its a great call (use one myself) but the bands are delicate, easily stretced and torn

[mike31154]

Our LEH Moose hunt in 7-25 is coming up and was informed there may be elk there as well . So as recommended on here for a totally newbie I have a couple of calls coming ,the E.L.K. Power Bugle and the Rocky Mountain Temptress which I saw gets good reviews for beginners . I will need to watch some videos to practice .
Arctic Lake

When is your moose hunt? Our Island LEH for elk was in November so the rut was long finished, calling was a waste of time at that point. The mature alpha bulls were all hunkered down regaining strength. The one taken was part of a pair of young satellite bulls shadowing a herd of cows.

[RackStar]

Arctic is going when the rut will still be on.. good luck

[Ron.C]

You heading to the EK

yep........... have one spot that I've been very successful in the past that I'm going to hit first for a couple days. If it doesn't pan out, might head up to a new spot north of where you know I normally hunt. Keeping my options open ;)

[Ron.C]

Thank You Ron ! Do you use the 3 different coloured bands or…. stick with one Colour ?

Arctic Lake

I prefer the white bands but have used grey as well with success. To be honest, I think it's more about how and when you call then which band/type of call you use.

[Arctic Lake]

Mike we will be in 7-25 from Sept 28 and have until Oct 18 for an LEH bull moose. If there are elk there 6 point only might not hurt to try calling . Never hunted elk before but you never know . I think they are beautiful animals and I hear very tasty .
Arctic Lake
When is your moose hunt? Our Island LEH for elk was in November so the rut was long finished, calling was a waste of time at that point. The mature alpha bulls were all hunkered down regaining strength. The one taken was part of a pair of young satellite bulls shadowing a herd of cows.

[Arctic Lake]

Okay Thanks Ron . I have the Power Bugle coming but the grey bands are hard to find except on Amazon and they want a fortune for them . There another elk bugle that seems to get good reviews Berry Elk Buggle uses little diaphragms on the end of a tube ?
Arctic Lake
I prefer the white bands but have used grey as well with success. To be honest, I think it's more about how and when you call then which band/type of call you use.

[LBM]

yep........... have one spot that I've been very successful in the past that I'm going to hit first for a couple days. If it doesn't pan out, might head up to a new spot north of where you know I normally hunt. Keeping my options open ;)

good luck have safe trip. Fires and all the activity may have things moved into different valleys, basins etc. A few taken with bow so far, hopefully get some cooler weather soon.

[HarryToolips]

Recurve yeap. I've never actually had a shot at large game but I reckon 25 maybe 30 yards would be my go zone, no farther. I have a target set up in my back yard at about 12 yards & practice regularly.
https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=A0157E1B64909474%2147000&authkey=%21APC6FsL8NFrfH2o&width=1008&height=1008

Definitely a great experience even though the critter took off. Seems to me it was on the same trail last year also bow season, lower down, closer to the road I had a similar experience with crashing in the timber just off the trail. I didn't get a look at what it was, but it was also large & wreaking havoc among the bushes. ;) I managed to get LEH elk on the island a couple years ago & filled the tag, so really grateful for that.
https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=A0157E1B64909474%2145032&authkey=%21ANQDIyp7Z4y9lTE&height=1024

Might head out to this spot tomorrow...
https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=A0157E1B64909474%2134303&authkey=%21AFWEX1m3vu7nq5Y&width=1024

Island elk...
https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=A0157E1B64909474%2144614&authkey=%21AOK5FP2x4R79i3E&width=1024

Beauty elk congrats! That spot looks great...

[HarryToolips]

I had been following this thread, vicariously living through everyones excitement. IMHO, elk hunting is the most exciting big game hunt. Didn't look like I was going to be doing any elk hunting this year due to conflicting work vacation schedules so I had been looking at a mid-late Nov whitetail rut hunt.

But on Thursday a 10 day window opened up for last few days of Sept, first week of Oct. So it's elk for me. Crazy, I'm in my 50's and feel like a kid that just realized Christmas is a month away! Love it

Right on man that would be a shame if you missed the season..I mean, hunting WT in the rut is great but, nothing compares to hunting elk in the rut.. you've killed some great bulls, hope it continues for ya..

[HarryToolips]

Our LEH Moose hunt in 7-25 is coming up and was informed there may be elk there as well . So as recommended on here for a totally newbie I have a couple of calls coming ,the E.L.K. Power Bugle and the Rocky Mountain Temptress which I saw gets good reviews for beginners . I will need to watch some videos to practice .
Arctic Lake

Right on buddy, well your at it, lol youtube moose coming into elk calls...it might be worth a try..

[Arctic Lake]

LOL I will look into that Harry ! I have the moose calling down pat so this elk calling will be a challenge I’m getting 3 different calls . Ordered the Power Bugle , The Berry Bugle and a small cow call from Phelps . LOL I’m going to be weighed down with calls . If we come home with one animal it will be a bonus !
Arctic Lake
Right on buddy, well your at it, lol youtube moose coming into elk calls...it might be worth a try..

[Ron.C]

Okay Thanks Ron . I have the Power Bugle coming but the grey bands are hard to find except on Amazon and they want a fortune for them . There another elk bugle that seems to get good reviews Berry Elk Buggle uses little diaphragms on the end of a tube ?
Arctic Lake

I just ordered some white and grey from here:


https://www.eaglefirearms.ca/generic-power-band-gray-power-bugle.html

[Ron.C]

Right on man that would be a shame if you missed the season..I mean, hunting WT in the rut is great but, nothing compares to hunting elk in the rut.. you've killed some great bulls, hope it continues for ya..


Since March, my plans have been all over the place for a number of reasons. Was looking at a new area to try for elk and maybe future goat LEH, but that got shut off and now on again. Sure is nice to have options though ( and a tolerant wife ;-)).

Anyhow, got the dates locked in and spent the long weekend cleaning and checking everything as well as blasting away on calls in the garage. Aside from doing some maintenance on the truck, I'm ready to go.

[HarryToolips]

LOL I will look into that Harry ! I have the moose calling down pat so this elk calling will be a challenge I’m getting 3 different calls . Ordered the Power Bugle , The Berry Bugle and a small cow call from Phelps . LOL I’m going to be weighed down with calls . If we come home with one animal it will be a bonus !
Arctic Lake
Indeed, and that's always the way I look at hunting: getting out there is what it's about, harvesting an animal is a bonus.... for me on a elk hunt, if I hear even just 1 bugle (from an elk of course, not another hunter), then the entire trip is worth it...

[HarryToolips]

Since March, my plans have been all over the place for a number of reasons. Was looking at a new area to try for elk and maybe future goat LEH, but that got shut off and now on again. Sure is nice to have options though ( and a tolerant wife ;-)).

Anyhow, got the dates locked in and spent the long weekend cleaning and checking everything as well as blasting away on calls in the garage. Aside from doing some maintenance on the truck, I'm ready to go.
Right on man...that elk in your avatar is a Rosie right?

[HarryToolips]

Time to test out the pack with spike camp gear included, and hit up some steep grades...and bring my bow in case I see a tasty buck..

https://i.imgur.com/Hkb9QiL.jpg

[Arctic Lake]

Nice picture Harry !
Arctic Lake

[Arctic Lake]

Thank You Ron!
Arctic Lake
I just ordered some white and grey from here:


https://www.eaglefirearms.ca/generic-power-band-gray-power-bugle.html

[300H&H]

Great picture !

[300H&H]

Time to test out the pack with spike camp gear included, and hit up some steep grades...and bring my bow in case I see a tasty buck..

https://i.imgur.com/Hkb9QiL.jpg


Great picture !

[HarryToolips]

Great picture !

Thanks buddy... cheers..

[mike31154]

Hey Harry what weight limbs you have on that Samick Sage? My recurve looks exactly the same but it's a Fleetwood Edge.... a Samick clone I reckon. I have 50 lb limbs fitted but my draw length is a bit shorter than the standard. Still puts me above the required 45 lb draw weight required for hunting most game.

https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=A0157E1B64909474%2131663&authkey=%21ABmivelJU5NsFyI&width=1024

[Arctic Lake]

I now have 4 different elk calls to my door so I need to start practising !
Arctic Lake

[J_T]

I now have 4 different elk calls to my door so I need to start practising !
Arctic Lake Like people, elk have different sounds/voices. I pack a good selection of quiet, loud, young, old calls in my pack. Never hesitate to change 'lures' if they aren't biting.

[Arctic Lake]

Thanks JT ! Do you know of any good YouTube videos ? Maybe I should just use the Search Function on YouTube for the Manufactures of the calls I purchased and see what they have to offer for how to use . I bought the calls from information given in this thread by the elk gurus . Two of the others came from recommendation on Google Search
Arctic Lake
Like people, elk have different sounds/voices. I pack a good selection of quiet, loud, young, old calls in my pack. Never hesitate to change 'lures' if they aren't biting.

[savage10]

Thanks JT ! Do you know of any good YouTube videos ? Maybe I should just use the Search Function on YouTube for the Manufactures of the calls I purchased and see what they have to offer for how to use . I bought the calls from information given in this thread by the elk gurus . Two of the others came from recommendation on Google Search
Arctic Lake

I personally liked Corey Jacobsons videos. That’s how I learned when I got my first calls.

[HarryToolips]

Hey Harry what weight limbs you have on that Samick Sage? My recurve looks exactly the same but it's a Fleetwood Edge.... a Samick clone I reckon. I have 50 lb limbs fitted but my draw length is a bit shorter than the standard. Still puts me above the required 45 lb draw weight required for hunting most game.

https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=A0157E1B64909474%2131663&authkey=%21ABmivelJU5NsFyI&width=1024

Wow ya it does look the same... mine is a 55# bow...

[HarryToolips]

Like people, elk have different sounds/voices. I pack a good selection of quiet, loud, young, old calls in my pack. Never hesitate to change 'lures' if they aren't biting.

Same here, I've got a few different ones I use...

[HarryToolips]

I personally liked Corey Jacobsons videos. That’s how I learned when I got my first calls.

Yes he's really good....

[Arctic Lake]

Hey Thanks for that Savage 10 !
Arctic Lake
I personally liked Corey Jacobsons videos. That’s how I learned when I got my first calls.

[savage10]

Hey Thanks for that Savage 10 !
Arctic Lake

Welcome!

I’d also recommend trying a couple different brands of calls to see which ones fit your mouth best. Rocky Mountain, Phelps, Wapiti River outdoors ect ect. We all have different shaped/size for mouths so don’t get frustrated right away if a call isn’t working for you as you may have to switch it up. I’ve had great success with wapiti river outdoors calls and Travis O’Shea is a great guy to support!

[Arctic Lake]

As recommended oh HBC by a few for ease of use I picked up the Power Bugle and a Berry Call . We are going after moose but if there’s elk in 7-25 we might as well give it a whirl
Arctic Lake
Welcome!

I’d also recommend trying a couple different brands of calls to see which ones fit your mouth best. Rocky Mountain, Phelps, Wapiti River outdoors ect ect. We all have different shaped/size for mouths so don’t get frustrated right away if a call isn’t working for you as you may have to switch it up. I’ve had great success with wapiti river outdoors calls and Travis O’Shea is a great guy to support!

[Bugle M In]

Below is a link to a bugle that has a mouthpiece where the diaphragm is built in.
Think Phelps also makes something similar.
My opinion, it’s the easiest for a beginner to start with and gets them to bugle similar to a mouth piece.
https://www.cabelas.ca/product/61517/rocky-mountain-bugling-bull-select-a-bull-elk-calling-system

As for actual diaphragms, it’s personal preference.
Lots out there.
I just avoid Primos diaphragms, imo.

[Arctic Lake]

I have been practising with the Power Bugle and I’m making some noise , wether it will attract an elk remains to be seen
One thing I can say it’s way easier to Moose call!
Arctic Lake

[HarryToolips]

So long story short, my hunting partner and I went into a hike in spot for elk where I shot a 6x6 bull 2 years ago...we figured that with the hot dry conditions we've had that they wouldn't be there but we had to look anyway...unfortunately, we don't live in elk country and we don't have time to pre-scout prior to hunting... we stayed a night up on the mountain then once we determined the elk weren't there, we went to another spot lower elevation where we found a herd last year (the only bull that year we got eyes on was a 5x5)...this year unfortunately, there was a major dynamic that had changed compared to last year: wolves had moved in...we found scat all over the area, including the main FSR...we decided to stay in the area we knew anyway and try our luck. The first morning I called in a bull but unfortunately, he was not a 6 pt...he came in silent. On the tail end of my calling sequence, the wolves decided to talk..so, after determining that the bull wasn't legal, we quickly switched gears, we decided to hike back and see if we could catch a wolf in the opening, and this decision paid off: I quickly got a shot off and took one out, then, my partner went into the timber and almost got another (he tried to fire but realized his safety was on, at that point the wolf had moved out of the shooting lane he found in the timber... in the days following, I only had one other bull that I bugled back and forth with but, it would not show itself....the main herd that was there last year was nowhere to be seen, I'm assuming either the wolves had pushed them out or, maybe they were completely silent due to the warmer temps and the wolves...

https://i.imgur.com/YmH3fyy.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/3f0OFkn.jpg

[HarryToolips]

https://i.imgur.com/AfBlhZd.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ixE5r0f.jpg

[HarryToolips]

The bull I had called in:

https://i.imgur.com/ZL8aR4X.jpg

The dead wolf:

https://i.imgur.com/5R9xbZC.jpg

[HarryToolips]

Hey BullReaper: I read through your thread earlier but unfortunately I didn't have time to reply (and one of the ridiculous things about this site is, they get rid of posts too fast rather than leaving them up for awhile under 'new posts' for ppl to review them)...anyway, feel free to chime in on this thread if you like, looks like you guys have had one heck of a season..if you're still having trouble posting pics, PM me and I'll give you my email address, and I'll post em for ya...

[Arctic Lake]

Harry those are great pictures ! The story is good also !
I doubt we will see country like that on our trip ,days counting down quick now, I leave the LowerMainland Sept26 .
Arctic Lake

[HarryToolips]

Harry those are great pictures ! The story is good also !
I doubt we will see country like that on our trip ,days counting down quick now, I leave the LowerMainland Sept26 .
Arctic Lake
Thanks buddy! I felt good to bag a wolf, judging by the amount of scat, they were/are heavily impacting the ungulates in the area...good luck on your trip, I hope ya get what you're after, cheers..

[HarryToolips]

BullReaper has sent me some pics to post, here they are:

https://i.imgur.com/MEpP405.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/idvxU8S.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/GSQvUWq.jpg

[HarryToolips]

Hey Bullreaper, I tried to post the video you sent as well but it wouldn't let me unfortunately...

[Elkaddict]

Nice. Was it Thursday BR, the morning of the frost? Had some good action that day. Otherwise very quiet with the mild nights.

[Bullreaper]

Thanks Harry, One day I might figure out how to use this site.

The bull in the back of ranger, that was September 7th archery bull.
The other one was my buddies on the 13th.
The other kill dates were the 3rd, 15th and 16th. It was hot pretty much every day. The morning bulls, was definitely a race against the heat and flys. Since it’s cooled off, the action has definitely slowed down. I haven’t ventured to far from the house yet this season, so I’d imagine it’s time to hit all the dark holes the elk move into when they’re pressured, cause they should be screaming right now.

[LBM]

Thanks Harry, One day I might figure out how to use this site.

The bull in the back of ranger, that was September 7th archery bull.
The other one was my buddies on the 13th.
The other kill dates were the 3rd, 15th and 16th. It was hot pretty much every day. The morning bulls, was definitely a race against the heat and flys. Since it’s cooled off, the action has definitely slowed down. I haven’t ventured to far from the house yet this season, so I’d imagine it’s time to hit all the dark holes the elk move into when they’re pressured, cause they should be screaming right now.

Is that a exo K4 pack and if so how are you liking it.

[Bullreaper]

Is that a exo K4 pack and if so how are you liking it.


I love it. While it was drying out after washing, I used my old Kifaru a couple times. So I got to compare them both pretty well side by side, the K4 is where it’s at. I was die hard Kifaru fan (they are still great packs, mine is a little older and the lumbar pad is wore out, so that probably didn’t help) but the K4 has been exceptional, very simple and very comfortable under load.