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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Dusty Nethery on April 27, 2010, 12:14:00 PM

Title: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: Dusty Nethery on April 27, 2010, 12:14:00 PM
While applying for my Kentucky elk permit I began wondering if anybody has been successful in Ky. with a traditional bow? (After seeing another post I thought I'd clarify my "stickbow" usage")  

Has anybody here been drawn?

Or does anybody know somebody who has? I'm curious what the hunting is like.
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: e alexander on April 27, 2010, 12:32:00 PM
Yes, I know at least two elk have been taken with recurves, one story was in Trad. Bowhnuter.

I have not been drawn, but I've applied again for 2010.
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: KentuckyTJ on April 27, 2010, 01:29:00 PM
This year is my year I just know it.
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: dpowers311 on April 27, 2010, 01:41:00 PM
Mine also.

Dave
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: LoweBow on April 27, 2010, 01:46:00 PM
My son and I are in.  Wish him all the luck!
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: oneshot-onekill on April 27, 2010, 01:53:00 PM
I too hope my son gets drawn...just to see the look in his eyes!

TJ....when my son gets drawn this year you going to show me where the big ones hang out?

Good Luck to all....
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: KentuckyTJ on April 27, 2010, 02:07:00 PM
Terry, I'm an elk virgin. All I know is you need more buddies to help you pack one out. Haha.
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: oneshot-onekill on April 27, 2010, 02:13:00 PM
I figure if he kills it he has to carry it out all by himself...lol Told him it's a right of passage! I'll carry the video cam and bow.
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: LoweBow on April 27, 2010, 02:33:00 PM
99% of the elk killed in KY are packed out whole!  Have yet to figure this one out, but there is some issue w/ checking them in that my buddy Joe was telling me.  I believe the elk must still be whole till Telechecked in and cell reception is spotty up there....something like that.
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: Dusty Nethery on April 27, 2010, 02:34:00 PM
Best of luck to all who apply. This is my first year so I'm hoping beginner's luck is in store!

Does Ky. elk hunting dictate any changes in elk hunting strategy?
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: bluegrassbowhunter on April 27, 2010, 02:42:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by LoweBow:
99% of the elk killed in KY are packed out whole!
:eek:  I have a hard enough time with  a 100lb deer...
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: Bowwild on April 27, 2010, 04:38:00 PM
Many KY elk hunters have an entourage that follows them around or is on call for when the kill one (76% success rate).  I've been with a gang of folks everyone holding a leg, antlerss, etc. packing the animal down the hill.  I have a picture of yours truly with a 2001 RMEF Banquet knife beginning full-body caping of the 1st elk killed in KY's first elk hunt back in 2001-- Tracy Cerise from Lexington killed it about 8am with a muzzleloader. I had to wait until I retired to apply for a permit. I'll apply for the my 4th year this week (April 30 is deadline guys). I've been turned down three years -- only 50 more years and I should draw a tag! Google KY elk and go to the KY Dept. of Fish & Wildlife WEbsite. Costs only $10 to apply. If you get drawn then you purchase the license -- 12,000 elk in 16 counties and only 800 hunters. Long bowseason.
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: koger on April 27, 2010, 05:14:00 PM
I just put the wife and I in, she drew a bull tag lastyear and got a nice 4x4 with her .270 I built her, dropped him with one shot at 150 yds, neckshot. Not as cut and dried as you would think, we spent several weekends on public land, did it ourselves scouting with a friend, no guide. The reason you can get them out whole, is a lot of acces roads on steep terrain, slide them right down to the road and in the back of a tilt trailer. I have put in every year, but no luck. She shot her elk on a 70degree grade, slid him 300yards to an access road in 10 minutes. If it is in a place you need to skin and quarter, bone out, there is not problem, they just wanted them whole first few years to examine the stomachs, take samples and so on. Her elk made 290# of  proceessed meat, mud fat and deliciouis. We did a European Mount because of size,and had the HIde tanned, hair on for a throw, beautiful souvenir of the hunt.  If you have any more questions PM me. Sam.
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: SteveB on April 27, 2010, 05:48:00 PM
Cow from 07.

  http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/stevebny/DSC01011-1-1.jpg
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: robtattoo on April 27, 2010, 05:52:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by SteveB:
Cow from 07.

   (http:// [url=http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/stevebny/?action=view¤t=DSC01011-1-1.jpg]  [img]http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y217/stevebny/th_DSC01011-1-1.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
Cool!

Anybody wanna volunteer to help pack mine out when I get drawn?
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: Winterhawk1960 on April 27, 2010, 09:50:00 PM
Somebody's gotta get drawn, it's worth the $10.00 to me.

Winterhawk1960
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: Steve H. on April 27, 2010, 11:10:00 PM
Last year I drew a cow tag. No choice to apply for bull vs cow, just elk.  I almost went but in the end decided I wasn't going travel 4,000 miles to hunt cows when I had better places in Wyoming t go for less money.
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: koger on April 27, 2010, 11:11:00 PM
Only lottery I have ever played. Last year they gave out 1000 tags, 46,386 entered, lets see that is about 1 in 47 odds of getting drawn, best odds I have seen in any gambling, period. Beats Vegas's odds.
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: KentuckyTJ on April 27, 2010, 11:19:00 PM
Yep Sam, this year only 800 getting drawn and out of those no more than 10% can be non-residents.
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: str8jct on April 27, 2010, 11:24:00 PM
I put in for the 1st time this year, me and my brother.

TJ I did not that about the 10% non res thing, I don't like it one bit, but then again I do understand.  Good luck all, if I draw I hope the wife will 'let' me go, were expecting our 1st munchkin in late Aug.
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: oneshot-onekill on April 27, 2010, 11:24:00 PM
My son and I are 0-3...but this is the year! If not us then I hope some of our tradgang brothers and sisters.

If someone gets drawn and would want a camera man/pack mule give me a call. I would love to just tag along. My forte is strong back...weak mind!
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: ethan on April 28, 2010, 06:23:00 AM
I'm with ya Rob! If you can give me about 4 hours to drive over there!
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: turkey522 on April 28, 2010, 06:43:00 AM
Been putting in every year,no luck yet.Have had a couple of friend draw and both took nice bulls.
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: LoweBow on April 28, 2010, 10:07:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Steve H.:
Last year I drew a cow tag. No choice to apply for bull vs cow, just elk.  I almost went but in the end decided I wasn't going travel 4,000 miles to hunt cows when I had better places in Wyoming t go for less money.
KDFWR is working on this for next year as we've asked for a % of tags to be "archery only".  You would be able to apply twice $10 + $10 for your choice of Archery, Firearms, Bull or Cow...your choice.  Also the archery hunters would get 1 or 2 week head start prior to the gun hunters pounding them.  Right now you must wear orange to bowhunt as both are going on at the same time.

As of now the % of cows being harvested is really low.  Most "don't bother" , but on the other hand the Bull harvest is over 95%.
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: Mint on April 28, 2010, 10:27:00 AM
I put in this year for the first time. I'd love to get a cow or bull tag. Never been to Kentucky so I'm sure it would be a blast.
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: Dusty Nethery on April 28, 2010, 11:44:00 AM
SteveB-

Thanks for posting your picture!

Doesn't matter to me if I draw a spike, cow, or bull tag and I'm heading to Ky. for some elk regardless. Of course I only live 2 hours from the northern line! Fingers, toes, and anything else I can think of are crossed.
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: Dusty Nethery on April 28, 2010, 11:46:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by KentuckyTJ:
Yep Sam, this year only 800 getting drawn and out of those no more than 10% can be non-residents.
Is this info posted on the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website? I couldn't find any details of the draw beyond the tag breakdown (spike, cow, and bull).
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: LoweBow on April 28, 2010, 12:55:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Dusty Nethery:
 
Quote
Originally posted by KentuckyTJ:
Yep Sam, this year only 800 getting drawn and out of those no more than 10% can be non-residents.
Is this info posted on the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website? I couldn't find any details of the draw beyond the tag breakdown (spike, cow, and bull). [/b]
Gimme a few and I'll locate it for you.....it's in the regulations somewhere...
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: Dusty Nethery on April 28, 2010, 01:03:00 PM
Thanks for taking the time LoweBow. I looked again at the website but still failed to find it.
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: LoweBow on April 28, 2010, 01:32:00 PM
The 800 tags and spike, cow and bull tags is in "frequently asked questions", but I'm not locating the % yet...  
 http://fw.ky.gov/navigation.aspx?cid=159&navpath=C811

I'll keep lookin...I may have to dig out the hunting guide....
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: Apex Predator on April 28, 2010, 03:02:00 PM
This is my second year applying.  If only 80 tags are going to be drawn out of 40,000 applicants as non residents, I may save my $10 next year!  

Guys winning and then deciding not to go because they drew a cow tag, is just screwing it up for the rest of us.  I'd love to shoot a cow!  Tags are non-transferable.
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: Bonecracker on April 28, 2010, 03:50:00 PM
What the heck, I am in for $10.00!!
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: Bmac on April 28, 2010, 05:19:00 PM
I'm in!  I've almost got my 2008 Michigan bull elk out of the freezer.  By fall I will be ready to restock.
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: Dusty Nethery on April 28, 2010, 05:43:00 PM
I'm leaning towards how Apex feels. At first I thought the 800 tags were open to all.

Now, I'd feel differently if I lived just a 100 miles further south.  :)
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: robtattoo on April 28, 2010, 05:54:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by ethan:
I'm with ya Rob! If you can give me about 4 hours to drive over there!
I couldn't ask you Ethan. I'd love to call on ya, I really would, but you'll still be worn out from packing out my TN Elk!   :laughing:
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: Steve H. on April 28, 2010, 07:53:00 PM
"Guys winning and then deciding not to go because they drew a cow tag, is just screwing it up for the rest of us. I'd love to shoot a cow!"

Well good for you.  I'd love to shoot a Kentucky bull and that is why I applied.  Kentucky didn't give me the option to apply for bull only so I had to treat my application like it was a bull application.  

So AP, would YOU buy a $800 plane ticket along with the OTHER costs to hunt cow elk?
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: Dusty Nethery on April 28, 2010, 08:24:00 PM
Steve H.,

I see your point clearly, but I can see what Apex is saying also. The best solution to the problem, in my opinion, is for Ky. to allow individuals their choice of which permit they would like to draw. For those like Apex and myself whom live close enough to warrant applying for and pursuing a cow elk this would be great.
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: Gary Logsdon on April 28, 2010, 10:11:00 PM
Don't feel bad if you haven't drawn a tag yet guys; my cousin is is the state biologist in charge of the KY elk restoration project and I'm still looking to draw a tag, HA!  My brother-in-law did draw a cow tag in 09 and drafted me to "guide" him during the archery season.  Lots of sign in the WMA he drew but unfortunately all we saw were bulls - BIG DUMB ONES.  I've hunted Colorado several times and believe me, KY elk are much, much, easier to approach.
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: smoked on April 29, 2010, 03:20:00 AM
I am thinking it is my turn!!! This will be the 8th year and a cow elk will be fine with me, really don't have room for that big of head on the wall anyway.
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: Marvin M. on April 29, 2010, 08:53:00 AM
I've been in the draw all but one year.  Don't care if it's a cow or bull, elk have always been a dream hunt for me and I just can't justify the $$$$ for a western states hunt.  Still in and optimistic.

LoweBow, I don't remember seeing the 10% nonresident thing in the rules this year either, but if they are still doing that, I think it tips the odds in favor of the nonresidents.  Last year's total of 46,000+ was fir all hunters who signed up.  Nonresidents were guaranteed a hundred tags out of that no matter how many were signed up.

If I get drawn, I'll be asking for lots of advice on here.
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: Bowwild on April 29, 2010, 05:53:00 PM
Hey Gary, I was wildlife director here when Charlie was living in Utah every winter!  He did and does a terrific job.  I don't know why everyone doesn't apply fo the elk tag. If you get drawn your chances are terrific.  I believe the state record is now 376. Many think KY will break the world record one of these days. The $10 goes to a great cause -taking care of the elk herd.
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: Gary Logsdon on April 29, 2010, 08:01:00 PM
HA, "living in Utah", that's a good one. Charlie invited me up for a guided photo tour in January; do you think he was really back in Utah and just pulling my leg??  HA!  I had to pass up his invitation to photograph elk last fall due my hunting schedule but he did say "anytime".  I'm definitely planning on hooking up with him sometime this fall for photography - unless I get lucky and draw an elk tag, then I'll have a stickbow AND camera.
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: Bowwild on April 29, 2010, 10:52:00 PM
Of course your Cuz would also be the best elk hunting guide in Eastern KY -- home of the largest elk herd in the eastern United States (and bigger than Nevada's entire herd)! That's who I'll call if I get drawn. To think the KY elk herd started with 7 animals brought from Central Kansas. Your Cuz didn't catch those KS critters but he caught most of the next 1,542 that were released over the 5-year translocation period!  I hope, because you are Charlie's cousin you get drawn this year, even if I don't.
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: Gary Logsdon on April 29, 2010, 11:37:00 PM
I have my fingers crossed and Charlie will definitely hear from me if I'm drawn.  He's not my first cousin, more distant, but a "cuz" nonetheless:^),and has really been good about offering me opportunities to view KY elk.  When I "guided" my brother-in-law on his cow hunt last year I was amazed at how many people over there asked me about my last name.  Charlie is well known east of the bluegrass.
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: Marvin M. on May 04, 2010, 09:23:00 AM
Web site says results will be posted tomorrow afternoon at 5:00.

Wonder how many calls they've been getting?

Can't wait to find out.
Title: Re: Kentucky Elk Hunting
Post by: Apex Predator on May 04, 2010, 09:32:00 AM
Steve,

My post came across a lot harsher than I intended.  I've never seen an elk, so this "driving distance" opportunity would be really cool for me, since I can't afford to hunt where some of you guys live.  I wish everyone the best of luck!