Question For Elk Bowhunters

[longarm]

I have never tried it. Never personally known anyone who has bowhunted elk successfully.
Thing about it is I have ALWAYS wanted to learn. Ever since I was a kid I have held in awe those folks who could get close enough to bring down such a tremendous beast.
Well I'm not getting any younger. And while I have successfully hunted other game with rifle, pistol, and shotgun I STILL have yet to learn anything at all about bowhunting. I LOVE tracking and sneaking up on game. There is nothing about 'the hunt' that thrills me more that learning what 'they' do and getting inside their bubble without being noticed.
So... how the heck does a guy learn to bowhunt for elk?! Any books that are considered 'the bible' of bowhunting? Videos? I'm really curious and hope to give this a try next season. All your recommendations very much appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

[Twodogs]

Short answer get out and do it.
Learn to shoot, learn to find elk.

[Beamerfish]

Let's just be very clear about the direction about which you are asking. Archery elk can really get it's hooks in you and if it does look out.

If you like a total immersion hunting experience...

If you like to see and chase more critters than you will see in several rifle seasons...

If you count a successful hunt as one where you found critters, gave your self a chance, and learned something even if it didn't quite work out...

If you never get tired of watching an arrow fly or seeking the zen of a perfect shot...

Then archery is your game. Welcome but beware!

Six years ago, I was much like you. Then my brother who had been trying to talk me into archery for years tricked me into it by giving me his old bow. Got some pointers from the archery shop. Set a target by the shed and started shooting after work. Read like a sponge. Got out in the coast range that first season and called in a bull on my second day. Never got a shot at that one but it was all over for me. Who says old guys like me can't learn new tricks?

[Wade A.]

Have your local archery shop set you up with a bow.

[BornToFish360]

Love to bow hunt for elk. Takes alot of mental push and physical push in some areas, But well worth it to be able to bring down a beast of that size.. I use a martin panther With 65lb pull and 26inch draw. I dont know what others thoughts are on this but for new hunters to bow i suggest a doughnut to get comfortable shooting. Just my

Btf360

[Jim]

I'm not certain anything you read can prepare you. As said before: Go to a bow shop and get fitted for a bow that fits you...you don't have to spend tons but it isn't free. Then practice, practice, practice, practice and then practice. There is that saying; "Amateurs practice until they get it right, pros practicfe until they can't get it wrong." Be the pro. I have hunted both deer and elk with my bow since 1978...almost thirty years. I have shot 18 elk during that time...all of them a trophy...only 7 had antlers. The biggest advice beside practice that I can send your way is to commit to not shooting over thirty yards, stay inside that mark and you will do well. Thats my opinion of course but I have adhered to it and have never lost an animal, which is my biggest fear.

Have Fun and Good Skill!

Jim

Originally Posted by BornToFish360

Love to bow hunt for elk. Takes alot of mental push and physical push in some areas, But well worth it to be able to bring down a beast of that size.. I use a martin panther With 65lb pull and 26inch draw. I dont know what others thoughts are on this but for new hunters to bow i suggest a doughnut to get comfortable shooting. Just my

Btf360

[luckyr]

All the shooting is great but you have not lived until you have called a bull in during the rut. I never pulled an arrow back so far this year but had two bulls in one to 30 yards and one to 46 yards. (just never got the shot I wanted)Some how I still feel successful. There was so much adrenaline in my veins. I cant explain it. Learn to call with a in mouth reed and practice practice practice.

[Mossyhorn]

I have bowhunted since 12 years of age and am 25 now, I've done nothing but. I've taken many deer, and an elk. My only advice to you is that no matter what anyone says, it's not like the videos you see, not even close. Calling an elk in, in Oregon, can be a very difficult task. It is hard to find animals that aren't call shy. Most of my experiences end with the elk moving the other way. Don't go into the woods blowing on a bugle every 5 minutes of the day. Use your ears, if they want to talk, they'll talk, then get close. You can spend two weeks in the woods, be in elk everyday, and still not have things fully work out. Unless you have someone with you who is an experienced caller I would suggest not calling a lot right off the bat. As soon as you call, the elk know there is something there and depending on how they feel about it, they may do nothing or they may boogie out of there without you ever knowing they were there. The place I hunted this year had elk in it everyday it was way back in a secluded canyon with no roads, it was perfect elk country. Heard bugles every day, the elk would bugle like crazy and I tried everything I new of as far as calling, tried getting close and putting a guy out front and cow call, the bull moved off until out of ear shot. Tried getting close and bugeling, trying to irritate him, he didn't care. Tried to sound like a bull stealing his cows, nothing. The result was the same every time until I just tried sneaking in on him and that resulted in the closest opportunity. Elk can be called in, guys do it often, but it takes the right bull and the right situation. All I'm saying is, it's nothing like the movies. Good luck

[greenbuttskunk]

if you like the track and sneak aspect of hunting, than bow hunting is for you. There is a much bigger aspect of intimacy with bow hunting over rifle. Remember, you'll see animals, but can you get within 40 yds or less??? Always the biggest challenge. It's often more physical to make these kind of hunts too. I've done both. success rates are higher for rifle, but I prefer bow. Just more fun as a whole to me. Have fun out there!

[traks44]

The best way to start for me was by watching primos hunting videos. I had a couple friends who archery hunted and I started calling for them and eventually bought my own bow. It is WAY addicting and the only reason I am not still bowhunting is because I do the Long range thing now. I feel I have a better chance at a bigger bull with the ability to 8-900 yards on an elk. I also didnt have anyone that could call for me. I bow hunted for a couple years and blew lots of chances because I was alone trying to make it work. While I have rifle hunted the past couple seasons, My new GF wanted to try archery, she bought a new bow and the whole nine yards right before bow season she got bucked off my horse hurting her shoulder. She had only got to practice about 2 dozen times; however, the bow was perfectly tuned to her from ths shop and I knew that anything to 25 yards was in trouble. Long story short I called in nice 5 point and she smoked him at 8 yards with minimal practice. I will never get her to rifle hunt now because she is way addicted. I plan on chasing trophy mule deer in the desert next year with a bow, so we'll see. while I havent bow hunted for them I do go and take lots of pictures of bulls I call in. Great practice for the real thing, pretty soon some raghorn or small bull is just another elk and you would pass on them. Like these guys said, just get out and do it is the best way, It has taken me about 3-4 years where I feel confident enough that if I can get a bull to respond to me I have a 90-95% chance of calling him in. I can tell you this, As soon as I get that true trophy of a lifetime bull with a rifle I will deff. go back to bow hunting.

[longarm]

Thank you all for the stories and encouragement. I plan to take .. well ALL the advice offered thusfar!
Q: Where is there a qualified archery shop in the mid valley?
Q: Regarding bows.. I am fairly tall (6'5"). Will this effect my choice of bow? Also I would have to describe myself as NOT a buzzers-and-bells kind of guy. My revolvers are all old Smiths, my shotgun an old 870.. they work perfectly and work every time. That is what I will be looking for in a bow as well. Classic dependability. Is there a bow or maker you would recommend based on this sketch?
Again, thanks much for your help. I woke up this morning thinking about bow hunting elk.. and I've never even been!!

[Steelie Ben]

Go to the Bowtech factory and get fitted. They are great guys there and they make a choice bow!! I am tall too, 6' 7", they make bows for us with longer draw lengths! Heed the warnings though, its not like you see on tv and its more addicting than crack!! Once you have a bull(or cow) at 10 yards you will never look back!
Ben

[Gun Rod Bow]

The best advice I can give is to not pay TOO much attention to the videos.

Newbies think all they need to do is hang a "Hoochie Momma" around your neck and practice bugling all day.

When you call in a bull to close range it is awesome, but it doesn't always work like the videos. They don't show the 20 times it didn't work, just the one where it did.

Be competent with a bow. For the last month or two, practice with your broadheads. Know you limits, wait for the clear shot. You will pass a lot, and wound less if you do.

About anybody can pick up a modern bow and hit a pie plate at 40 within 5 minutes. Go hike in the woods and use Judo tips and shoot stumps. It will teach you about clear lanes angles and guessing yardage.

As a bowhunter, you will be constantly in touch with your wind. Wind is everything and should affect every move.

Be observant, slow down and listen and watch.

When you get in close, press the attack. Too many bow hunters get within 100 yds and throw out a few calls and just wait and hope the elk will wander in. Keep your wind right and press the attack.

Be competent with your gear. Get to the point you can guess yardage without your finder within 3 yards out to 40. Very important skill. Beyond 40, if you can't range them, dont shoot.

Be competent with a diaphram elk call that you can keep in your mouth and blow without moving your body.

Good luck.

[Dave Smith]

longarm I know you can do it- because I've done it- thanks to alot of great help from all these guys. I am not too young and just took it up- more or less out of the blue. My intent was to start blacktail hunting and my elk hunting was just for "practice". I didn't go at all until well into the season and didn't get serious about it until the end of the season. I came incredibly close to getting a good shot off at a really nice Rossevelt bull that I called in all by myself and still ended up getting a cow on the last day. Like has been mentioned- it's quite a rush- more so than you can really comprehend watching videos. I will say, though, that videos taught me a ton about calling strategies- watch them and pay close attention and figure out why they are quiet here and not there- why there are multiple callers behind the shooter and what can you do to help your own situation. Ask for advice and offer something in return. Spend a ton of time scouting and trying on your own and people are way more likely to help you. Good luck! Mid-valley- I would have to agree with the Bowtech factory or better yet, The Bow Rack in Springfield. There is a good one in Lebanon, too. If you want a cheap nuts and bolts bow that will get the job done with no frills or hyped-up name, I would even look into BEAR, also PSE. If you want top-of-the line, maybe Mathews, Bowtech or Hoyt. Shooting in itself is so much fun and you can do it anytime. During archery season you have the woods to yourself and it's quiet and the animlas are doing what they would normally do so you can actually learn something about them as opposed to rifle season. Dave

[traks44]

Some quick advice on calls....

while some people walk around all year blowing duck calls, I do the same thing with elk calls(not in the woods). As Far as Rocky mountain elk go I have had my best success with a Primos hyper lip single, and a sceery open reed call. Actually all of this season I left the hootchie moma in the truck. I like having lots of choices with the open reed. It just feels like you can do so much more with them. The hyper lip single is very easy to use!!

As far as the hootchie moma I have called in quite a few bulls with it but you are so restricted compared to the open reed. The HM is a Great call and has obviously put hundreds of bulls on the ground but as a rule of thumb personally. I only use this call when I am in the middle of bulls going wild!!( like 3-5 bulls going crazy around you) I also will give it to novice callers to work in a pinch. Love the call just not for me personally. You will find that some bulls will come to a certain call but not to others. A few seasons ago my buddy and I were hunting each had a different call. We would each call every ounce in a while to get a respoce. We kept hearing a bugle but only to my friends call. Fast forward we eneded up calling in a bull that wouldnt even flinch at my call but his call drove the bull crazy.

Any more ??? feel free to ask

[ElkTalker]

I got started Elk hunting after hearing so many stories about friend of friend's who had great success and killed elk every year. I wanted to be one of those guys that got into elk every year. My journey started by first paying close attention to the stories I heard from other hunters, What they did right and what went wrong and what they would do differently next time. Then I started reading books on elk calling and learning the history behind elk calling, I was interested in how it got started and how it progressed to where it is today.
After reading a book by Mike Lapinski called "High Pressure Elk Hunting" and "Solving Elk Hunting Problems", also by Mike Lapinski and all the stories from friends, I started to get a picture in my head of what was going on in the elk woods during the rut. (Mike has another great book called "Radical Elk Hunting Strategies".) I also watched videos about elk hunting. Every one told me "It's nothing like the videos". This is true, but I watch the bull’s behavior and listened to the bull sounds. Bulls make so many different sounds and I try to learn them all.
This is a good way to start, also save your vacation time. The more you rely on luck to be successful the more time you will have to spend in the woods before you get lucky. My first year I hunted 16 days, the next few years after that I spent 18-22 days in the woods. Most of my hunting is done by myself, although my young family comes along for the camping. Learn to be patient with the bulls. Move in close and use softer elk sounds. Break branches, stomp the ground, rack a tree. Then sit motionless for 15 minutes. If a bull moves your way even a little he is interested. If you hunt by yourself, when the bull is within 100 yards stop calling and just wait. Sometimes I have had to wait 20 minutes before the bull starts to move again looking for the elk he knows is there. If you try to move or don't stop calling he will pinpoint your location and not come in close enough for a shot. I had one bull take almost an hour to come the last 100 yards. I could see his legs the whole time I was waiting. He would move a little then stop and wait 10 minutes before moving again.
Call it beginners luck, the first bull on my first year that bugled at me came in to 17 yards. He is a heavy 274 inch 6 point bull, that now hangs on my wall. I feel I was lucky to have read Mike Lipinski’s books before my hunt. In the last nine years I have killed seven elk mostly cows or small bulls and almost all within the first week of season. I then spend the rest of my hunt trying to help my wife, dad or friends get their elk.
One last thing, never believe anyone who says you can’t call in a bull because it’s to hot, or to dry, or there’s a full moon, or it’s August. All of these reasons for someone not being able to call in a bull can be overcome. You just need to learn how.
I wish you the best of luck, and be prepared when he shows up screamin’.

[jnicholson]

Originally Posted by longarm

Thank you all for the stories and encouragement. I plan to take .. well ALL the advice offered thusfar!
Q: Where is there a qualified archery shop in the mid valley?
Q: Regarding bows.. I am fairly tall (6'5"). Will this effect my choice of bow? Also I would have to describe myself as NOT a buzzers-and-bells kind of guy. My revolvers are all old Smiths, my shotgun an old 870.. they work perfectly and work every time. That is what I will be looking for in a bow as well. Classic dependability. Is there a bow or maker you would recommend based on this sketch?
Again, thanks much for your help. I woke up this morning thinking about bow hunting elk.. and I've never even been!!

After you get your bow set up, go out and try to call and kill a coyote. If you get one. Elk will seem easy after that.

[s20055]

I've been bowhunting for 17 years now. Once you bugle a bull in close, you'll spend 4 weeks hunting elk and the other 48 weeks of the year wishing you were hunting elk. It gets in your blood.

[fhs willamette]

Great info. I can't add much, except encouragement. This was my second year and first elk with a bow. Just picked up the meat from the shop today. It can be done but it took a lot more dedication, practice, and time than the riflle ever did.

It can be done if you want it.

[packer]

Go see wayne at the Bow Rack in Springfield , one look at the racks in his shop and you will know why your there . Only two things to really remember , there are two ways to practice , good practice and bad practice ,they will explain that when they set up your bow . Before you go hunting write the word patience down 1000 times, after you blow your first stalk on an elk you will remember why. Always assume every bugle you hear is an elk until you see something to prove otherwise and never, never call unless your ready to shoot .

[sliverpicker]

Not a whole lot I can add about the excitement level of bow hunting, but if you're really interested in keeping it simple and want to look at or talk about recurves & longbows, PM me.