Archery Hunting Help (Gen. Info)

steelhead22 · 01-23-2006, 06:38 PM

Well, I finally did it. Went out and dropped $800 (from my student loans...shhhhhh) and bought myself a Hoyt Powertech bow. Been shooting 3 days a week for the last few weeks and I'm getting some pretty decent groups. I'll tell you what, I LOVE THIS STUFF! I can't wait until hunting season starts up and hopefully I get my first crack at a shot on a live animal.

With the WHOLE STATE wide open to me now and no more worries about those damn preference points, I was just wondering:

How do you guys decide where to go?

I've got some decent spots on the westside which I'll hit up if I don't score during the first season, but the unit I hunt on the eastside (where I want to go for the opener) gets quite a bit of pressure during the rifle seasons....will it be the same way, or worse during the archery season?

Any general tips are helpful as well. PM's always welcome.

THANKS!

SH22

Bugle4em · 01-23-2006, 06:46 PM

I'm not sure what unit your talking about, but it depends on location. I hunted 5 days in Silvies and only hunters I saw were on the road. I hunted a whole lot more days in Paulina Unit and never saw another legal hunter in the woods. I say legal because my hunting partner turned in two guys on closed roads driving their camo vehicle, wearing camo clothing, each with rifles sitting next to them in the vehicle. How far away from the road do you plan on hiking? If you hunt near roads, you will see more people.

PullShootExplode · 01-23-2006, 06:47 PM

I would first talk with the biologists in the area that you want to hunt. Keep in mind they are your employee that is always in the woods. Though some may hunt and won't be helpful, I have found most are more than willing to help. It also doesn't hurt to stop and knock to get some farmers permission. If you go during the off season a little work will pay dividends in the future. Godd luck and welcome to the addicted and afflicted. :smile:

fishinpoor · 01-23-2006, 06:57 PM

SH22,it's no secret that archery is more popular nowdays,some units you will find as many or more people as you do during rifle season.The only way to know is to go and look for yourself.As far as how to decide where to go is look at the areas that generally produce elk,and don't be afraid to seek out new areas.Our group has moved 3 times since '88,usually it gets to crowded for us,we research a new area and then decide as a group.The area we hunt now has yielded us 12 bulls in the past 5 seasons,looks like we will stay there until the crowds run us off.Have fun and keep an open mind and learn as much as you can about your chosen area,remember elk during bow season are a different animal than they are in oct/nov.

ehunter · 01-23-2006, 07:28 PM

That is the nice adventage to archery hunting. We usally start on the East side if the woods are closed to archery and then move closer to home when and if they open up. My advice scout several locations so you can move depending on pressure or weather.

elkoholic · 01-24-2006, 04:03 PM

Talk to as many people that you know who archery hunt. I am sure they will not give you the exact location where they hunt but maybe a unit. When you find this out, look at a map and find a big roadless area. Then call fish and game and see what kind of numbers they can give you for that unit. Next, visit those areas and go for long walks. This is how I have been able to find some big bulls. I get to where not many people like to go. Get into shape and hunt hard. It will pay off some day.

steelhead22 · 01-24-2006, 07:08 PM

Quote:

How far away from the road do you plan on hiking?

AS FAR AS POSSIBLE! I'm 24 and in pretty decent shape (getting worse now that school's started and I'm off the river and behind a desk again

), so getting away from the road isn't a problem. My dad has a little more trouble than I do (needs to replace his knee), so that limits me somewhat. I like to stay within a mile of him in case one of us takes an animal, the other guy can come help him track, quarter, pack, etc.

In the past, I've hunted in the Ukiah Unit during rifle season. Lots of people, but we always seem to have decent success there.

steelhead22 · 01-24-2006, 07:15 PM

Thanks for all the great info guys and to those of you that sent me the PM's.

BTW, most of my buddies that archery hunt basically focus on elk. Deer seems to be a distant second for them. Sort of a, "if I get a chance at a deer I'll take it, if I don't...whatever" sort of thing. Same for most of you guys?