M.T. Pockets
09-27-2006, 01:02 PM
Hello all. Just got back yesterday from a 6 day hunt in the Thorofare area of Wyoming. Worked very hard and took a 5 point just at dark on day 4. It was tough hunting, we didn't see many elk and they were hard to hunt, they didn't bugle or respond to cow calls, in fact they ran away. Hard to believe since it should have been the prime of the rut and there was snow on the ground. The guide said last week when he bugled a pack of wolves responded to his call, he thought it is changing their behavior. He also said we were seeing about 25% of the elk we saw 2 years ago. No shortage of grizzly bears though, we saw a few and there were tracks everywhere. No trouble, but a couple of changed plans when we ran into them. Also saw a trophy class bighorn ram, that was fun.
I've hunted in quite a few elk camps now and have learned quite a bit. Here's some observations for what they're worth.
- The most important part of the hunt is choosing your partners. They can make or break any hunt. Go with someone who can handle adversity and has a positive attitude.
- Second, pick the best outfitter you can find. Talk to as many recent references as possible. I've hunted elk on my own too, but believe me, if you haven't hunted elk before an outfitter is well worth it. They have a lot invested in camps and horses, plus they know the area. They're worth the cost, save a couple years - if I can do it anybody can.
- Your boots are the most important equipment you'll have with. Get good ones with airbob soles and break them in.
- Leave your cotton clothes home. Your going to get wet from the inside & outside and the new synthetic fabrics are much better at drying out and keeping you warm. Stuff like thermax...Also, wool is still the best outerwear made. Get some quiet rainwear too.
- Be able to dry out at camp. Bring a clothes line and be able to build a fire in your tent.
- Shoot heavy, premium bullets. I visit with lots of outfitters and everyone I've talked to prefers their clients to bring a .30 cal or larger. They like magnums, but would rather have a client show up with a .30-06 with heavy premium bullets, than a .7 Mag with lighter fast bullets. The benchmark rifle in elk camps is still the .300 Win. Mag. You can handle one if you practice and don't apologize to anyone if you want to shoot a larger caliber, as long as you can back it up with your shooting ability.
- Go as soon as you can. It's not going to get any cheaper or easier. The mountains are steep so get in shape.
- Drink as much water as you can hold, you'll feel better and it helps with the altitude problems. Take it easy on the booze in camp, wait til you get out if you want a drink.
- Keep a positive attitude, tell yourself before the hunt that you're going to hunt til dark the last day.
- If you're scared of heights or bears, make sure you know what you're getting into in the area where you're going.
- Know a little bit about horses, take a few lessons and know how to tie them up. Your guide will do it, but it saves time if you can help.
- Bring or build a cooler large enough to hold your quarters, then you don't have to wait in town a couple days while your elk is processed.
- Take an extra day off work for when you get back, you'll be tired and your equipment will need care.
- Don't get too hung up on trophy size, the size of the rack doesn't relate to how great of a hunter you are. Go for the experience of hunting them and be happy with the one you get an opportunity to take.
These are just a few things that come to mind off the top of my head.
Say, can anyone help me with some advise on how to shrink down a photo so I can attach one ?
Thanks.
I've hunted in quite a few elk camps now and have learned quite a bit. Here's some observations for what they're worth.
- The most important part of the hunt is choosing your partners. They can make or break any hunt. Go with someone who can handle adversity and has a positive attitude.
- Second, pick the best outfitter you can find. Talk to as many recent references as possible. I've hunted elk on my own too, but believe me, if you haven't hunted elk before an outfitter is well worth it. They have a lot invested in camps and horses, plus they know the area. They're worth the cost, save a couple years - if I can do it anybody can.
- Your boots are the most important equipment you'll have with. Get good ones with airbob soles and break them in.
- Leave your cotton clothes home. Your going to get wet from the inside & outside and the new synthetic fabrics are much better at drying out and keeping you warm. Stuff like thermax...Also, wool is still the best outerwear made. Get some quiet rainwear too.
- Be able to dry out at camp. Bring a clothes line and be able to build a fire in your tent.
- Shoot heavy, premium bullets. I visit with lots of outfitters and everyone I've talked to prefers their clients to bring a .30 cal or larger. They like magnums, but would rather have a client show up with a .30-06 with heavy premium bullets, than a .7 Mag with lighter fast bullets. The benchmark rifle in elk camps is still the .300 Win. Mag. You can handle one if you practice and don't apologize to anyone if you want to shoot a larger caliber, as long as you can back it up with your shooting ability.
- Go as soon as you can. It's not going to get any cheaper or easier. The mountains are steep so get in shape.
- Drink as much water as you can hold, you'll feel better and it helps with the altitude problems. Take it easy on the booze in camp, wait til you get out if you want a drink.
- Keep a positive attitude, tell yourself before the hunt that you're going to hunt til dark the last day.
- If you're scared of heights or bears, make sure you know what you're getting into in the area where you're going.
- Know a little bit about horses, take a few lessons and know how to tie them up. Your guide will do it, but it saves time if you can help.
- Bring or build a cooler large enough to hold your quarters, then you don't have to wait in town a couple days while your elk is processed.
- Take an extra day off work for when you get back, you'll be tired and your equipment will need care.
- Don't get too hung up on trophy size, the size of the rack doesn't relate to how great of a hunter you are. Go for the experience of hunting them and be happy with the one you get an opportunity to take.
These are just a few things that come to mind off the top of my head.
Say, can anyone help me with some advise on how to shrink down a photo so I can attach one ?
Thanks.