First time elk hunter

[joshp689]

Greetings every one,

My wife and are going to take our first elk hunt. She has never hunted before, I have hunted a lot (mostly small game/birds). We are both good shooters and camp often, I just need the hunting side of it.

We are going to try for a spike elk and a cow of the 2013 year. I am looking for some decent areas, nothing extreme. I want an area I can get familiar with over the summer and scout. also I need some luring technique. Gear/ packing list tips..... Anything a first timer should know.

 

[wbm]

Will your 2013 hunt be in Utah in the fall of 2013? If so then there are a lot of Utah hunters that will probably chime in.

 

[joshp689]

yes fall of 2013 in utah, I have heard manti area is good or the uintas are good spots over the summer I will get familiar with my area and spot elk find their habits, bedding locations......ect

 

[TravisW]

Utah and Colorado are the best places for hunting Elk. You have chosen the right season for hunting. Wish you & your wife to enjoy your exotic game hunting and get success in it.

 

[Richard Owl Mirror]

Greetings every one,

We are going to try for a spike elk and a cow of the 2013 year.

I am curious why you are automatically limiting yourself to "a spike elk" before you go hunting?
Just curious if you would pass up a huge Bull with a huge rack and wait for a spike to come along?
No disregard intended but, I just find it interesting that you have limited yourself before you even get out in to the field.

 

[jarheadhunter]

I am curious why you are automatically limiting yourself to "a spike elk" before you go hunting?
Just curious if you would pass up a huge Bull with a huge rack and wait for a spike to come along?
No disregard intended but, I just find it interesting that you have limited yourself before you even get out in to the field.

Because in UT a spike tag is about all your guranteed to get without having a ton of PP.

I have been on the general UT hunt for the last 5 years and have killed 2 bulls one of which was a spike. Not the best of odds there.

I am not to far from you PM me and I will be willing to help you any way that I can.

 

[Richard Owl Mirror]

Because in UT a spike tag is about all your guaranteed to get without having a ton of PP.

I have been on the general UT hunt for the last 5 years and have killed 2 bulls one of which was a spike. Not the best of odds there.

I am not to far from you PM me and I will be willing to help you any way that I can.

Well, as you can tell by my question I know absolutely nothing ;>}
I've never even had a hunting license before ! I guess I'll find out more when I go to buy a hunting license this year. Sent PM, thanks for the offer

 

[roninflag]

you have a rifle, binoculars and a knife??

 

[Richard Owl Mirror]

you have a rifle, binoculars and a knife??

Not as yet, I live on a fixed budget so I'm taking this one step at a time.
Once I'm certain I'll need a knife with which to field dress a deer or elk, then I'll look for the right one, in my price range. Same goes for binoculars.
While I'm sure a good pair of binoculars would come in handy, even if I just wanted to watch wildlife from a distance. They can be expensive, at least according to my pocketbook. So I figure I'll wait and get what I need as I go along.
I may go with my friends who already have these items and not need to invest in them until next year.

 

[cohunter14]

Not as yet, I live on a fixed budget so I'm taking this one step at a time.
Once I'm certain I'll need a knife with which to field dress a deer or elk, then I'll look for the right one, in my price range. Same goes for binoculars.
While I'm sure a good pair of binoculars would come in handy, even if I just wanted to watch wildlife from a distance. They can be expensive, at least according to my pocketbook. So I figure I'll wait and get what I need as I go along.
I may go with my friends who already have these items and not need to invest in them until next year.

Always good to find friends with gear However, solid hunting knives and decent binoculars do not have to be crazy expensive. Outdoor Edge makes some very good knives and kits for hunting that include knives and bone saws. These are great and fit easily in a pack. I think they are in the $40-$80 range depending on what you get. Also keep an eye out for sales and deals like Cabelas bargain cave. I got a nice pair of Bushnell binocs last year from the bargain cave for $40.

 

[Richard Owl Mirror]

Always good to find friends with gear However, solid hunting knives and decent binoculars do not have to be crazy expensive. Outdoor Edge makes some very good knives and kits for hunting that include knives and bone saws. These are great and fit easily in a pack. I think they are in the $40-$80 range depending on what you get. Also keep an eye out for sales and deals like Cabelas bargain cave. I got a nice pair of Bushnell binocs last year from the bargain cave for $40.

Thanks, I'll keep those in mind

 

[mrblond4]

I am. also going for Elk for the first time this next season.. hopefully so I am interested in this information as well. I have the basics, well most of them in the shape of my rifle and a solid knife. I as of yet have any field glasses or a range finder. Is there anything else that is normally overlooked from we 1st time elk hunters.

 

[Richard Owl Mirror]

I am. also going for Elk for the first time this next season.. hopefully so I am interested in this information as well. I have the basics, well most of them in the shape of my rifle and a solid knife. I as of yet have any field glasses or a range finder. Is there anything else that is normally overlooked from we 1st time elk hunters.

In my particular situation, I'm confident my friends will advise me on most everything I need. (Perm. Disabled)
The one thing, especially for Elk is, how do you carry out 100's of pounds of animal from wherever you will be hunting?
I will always have someone with me so, I'm sure they will be able to pack out the animal but, one product which might easily be passed over is: A MEAT CART with which to assist in carrying out your deer or elk.
The DIY Hunter - Lightweight Game Cart

"How do I get an 800 lb elk out of the mountains by myself."
Game Carts & Carriers and maybe a Game Hoist ?

I don't know if it will make a difference for me but, I qualify for permit to shoot from a vehicle.
Montana Permit To Hunt From A Vehicle

I hope you and I can share stories of our first hunts.

 

[Shane1]

You quarter it into pieces small enough to carry, hind quarter, head and neck, front quarter ect... I guess counting the head that would be 5th's. This is where the work starts my friend. I've packed a 5x6 bull out of the back country alone making 5 trips in and out. You will be thankful you have friends with you to help. Sometimes you'll be lucky enough to drive truck or 4 wheeler close to use it for part of the hauling. You should be able the leave the rib cage just keep evidence of sex the fish cops will need to see that. In Idaho anyway. I'm not sure the rules in Utah. Good luck sounds like you have the basics worked out, you don't have to spend thousands in gear to be successful. The best glass and guns make it a little easier but deff. Not required. Scout a lot and hopefully nobody else your not hunting with shows up to ruin your hunt. So descent shooting gun, good backpack strong enough to haul an elk quarter and your gear, bino's, knife, rangefinder optional you should be able to get close enough it won't matter.snacks and water. Practice a lot with the rifle, scout some more. Mission accomplished. That said if the area your hunting is open enough for shots over 300 yards or so the rangefinder would be a must have, the areas your scouting will answer that. Don't make it to complicated or your pack will weight more then you ha ha. Having fun is more important then sucess you will learn a lot your first trip out.