Big Game Hunting
Elk Hunting Archery 2013
3/6/13 @ 7:33 PM
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My comments were referring to my experience on my hunt. I was within 100 yards of 3 different herd bulls during my archery hunt which was also during the first week of muzzleloader season in CO. The other three guys on my group would have killed big bulls had they been carrying a muzzleloader. It would have been easy while we were there. Again my opinion was based on my hunt, I did not say any of you should expect the same thing. Then again we were hunting on the other side of the mountain.
Also to add to that there is a HUGE difference between hunting private and public land bulls. We hunt one plot of land that is up against private land. We heard a dozen bulls every morning and evening on the private land and not a peep on the public. They are less vocal. There are elk there we had one come in but he was very nervous and never made a bugle. They are extremely leary on public land unless you get way back in where they are not pressured. Its all about the pressure the animal gets. I've had them fired up bugling on public land but its pretty rare. Just from my experience on hunting on public land. Loved the pics and good luck on the rest of the year guys. I already cant wait until next September
Flyguy- I understand that elk hunting is still a challenge whether with gun or bow. The last couple of years we have hunted our last couple of days during the muzzle loader season. We were archery hunting. To draw a tag in that area it takes a few years from what I have heard but I did a few elk broadside all within 50-75 yards standing. Thats a long shot with a bow but not too tough with most muzzle loaders especially with some practice. I'm just saying that your success is better with a gun in your hand. The last day we were there I walked up on a 6x6 over a hill and he was staring at me at 20 yards. I even drew on him but did not feel comfortable taking a front shot on an elk. Not a high percentage shot. I will take a muzzle loader in my hand over a bow any day
Just to add to drptine....my brother had a very difficult to draw elk tag this year...with his work schedule he was about to take off 26 days...he could not close the deal and was extremely bummed. He later read that his area had a 30 percent kill rate average. Did he see them..yes...daily...You just arent walking up to them....
Most guys that hunt out west shoot any legal bull they can get. There is a reason these herd bulls are giants and have never been shot.
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Then again, if you can get onto private land success rates change considerably....I would venture to say a lot of the elk videos take place on private land. Elk on the places are very predictable...Then again, you still have to get within range.
Those that think its easy to get that bull with a muzzle loader/gun think again. Unless you have a very special permit that allows for hunting the rut, the rut is often over by gun season. The elk spread out, the orange pumpkins roll in and its a different story. More pressure and more skittish elk.
Never bow hunted the rut her for deer but Im guessing its similar. Lots of big deer up and about during the rut/bow season....no so much after that first morning of gun.
Cajun, sounds like an interesting hunt. Thank goodness you had some action! I felt the same way when I was out there, if I had a muzzleloader or rifle it would have been pretty easy to kill a herd bull while we were there. I would like to bow hunt a couple more times and then go to smoke pole or rifle.
Just got back from Colorado. Hunted 9 days. Had that rain hit us hard and were soaked for the first 7 days. Not much bugling but plenty of opportunities. 2nd day walked up on a huge 6x6 full draw he was facing me couldn't take the shot. 3rd day called in a small 4x4 15 yards in pouring rain my bow was on the ground. He bolted and called him back to 40 yards. Shot over his back. Next day had bull run 75 yards broadside chasing 10 cows. My buddy missed a 5x5 twice and other buddy missed a cow at 60 yards. Last day had a bull come in from behind. (I thought it was a hunter and ignored because I had 2 in front of me. Stood broadside 100 yards raking trees for 45 minutes. Great hunt and action just couldn't seal the deal. I might not head back out til I get a muzzle loader tag. Hunted 8 years with a bow but only have 2 bulls to show for it. Pretty sure I could have shot bull every year with a gun. Tired sore and going to sleep for 2 days straight. Great story guys and good luck! cajun.
Was in West Central Colorado from September 6-13. Bulls were screaming the first two days and the last day. However they were fairly call shy. Would come in to around 70 yards and were all with cows. Finished the week seeing 36 elk, 9 of which were bulls. Mainly 5x5's but one was a dandy 6x6. Mid week was very quiet but elk could still be found if you put the miles in. Waterholes and wallows were good the first two days, then it rained and was cooler the rest of the week so activity slowed in those areas. 4 guys = 1 single lunged cow and 1 chip shot at a 4x4 that was passed on. All in all not too bad, but would have liked some meat. May have to apply for muzzleloader someday as all 4 of us could have tagged out on bulls in first 3 days with shots under 70 yards. Good luck to the rest of the hunters!
Displaying 1 to 15 of 52 posts
