Q for solo elk hunters

[firsted]

I could use some pointers on how guys that hunt elk by themselves do so successfully.  I'm home for a couple days but plan to go back out for the last couple of days of the season.  I'm hunting a mesa top (Mt. Taylor for the folks that know New Mexico)and haven't been successful so far hunting by myself.  Hunting with the wind is a nice idea but the winds here constantly shift - you walk in a not-so-big circle following the wind.  You can literally have a strong breeze in your face and 3 minutes later it'll be blowing on your neck.  A couple days ago, I was close early in the morning to a few (including what sounded like a nice bull; a rack moving through thickets makes a nice, distinct sound) but couldn't follow them to where they came out.  Since I'm alone, I'm thinking about putting my Millenium stand in a tree that's in a well-traveled corridor.  If I'd put a ground blind up a few weeks back, that might have worked except this is pub lic land in
New Mexico - it would be gone in a second.  Hunting water isn't the obvious solution this season since there's been alot of rain.  There's been so many folks using calls out there that my calling would be more than just redundant.  Anyone else face similar conditions and what do you do?  I know elk hunters don't seem to use tree stands but elk seem to pattern more so than mulies; seem more like whitetail in that regard.  I make arrangements with other local hunters regarding packing out the meat so that part, usually the most daunting for solo elk hunting, isn't an issue.  Weather permitting, I'll have a couple days left and I do have a good, well-trafficked area, but want to make the most of it.  I'm leaning towards the tree stand; oops, forgot a big part - I'm a typical former paratrooper from 35 years ago - knees are crap.  Any thoughts, suggestions, whatever are appreciated.  Thanks to all you folks.  And thanks to Bob Walker for the Silvertip.  I swear, that is the best shooting bow I've used to date.

Thanks again and good luck to all,

Eddie P.

[FerretWYO]

Wind is always an issue.  If the wind sucks likely you will find the elk are there.  The wind will often chang 180 therefore I hunt with the wind on my sides a lot.  Helps some.

Mesa top mountians are a tough deal.  ELk like them and elk are very hard to spot at a distance.  I think your treestand idea will work if they are using a trail a lot. Look for a place they are forced to use the trail as bulls often dont travel right on the trails.

[firsted]

Yep, kinda my thoughts.  One other thing - it's an either sex hunt and I'm not that picky.

[akaboomer]

Have you looked for any hot wallows? Even in wet years I have had good hunts that way. In Colorado it's normal for ranchers to summer their cattle in the mountains on public land, they generally put salt licks in the same locations for years. The elk love these spots too. Travel areas have never worked for me as much as destinations, but my expieriance is limited to Colorado.

Keep us posted on your adventure.

Chris

[stocker56]

If you want to increase your chances listen to what Randy is telling you. Trails are great ambush points between bedding and feeding areas. The bulls have a habit to travel to the sides of where the cows travel and if you can gain some height in a tree stand the wind seems to be a little more constant than right on the ground. Good luck..  

[firsted]

Thanks guys.  Seems like height will take wind out of the equation somewhat.  I didn't mention that a couple pine poles in the area have been rubbed to death by a VERY big bull.  One pole was around 3" in diameter & had been shredded.  What I've tried in the past is using lower powered binocs (10x25) & looking low, under the scrub oak growth to see if I can see legs moving.  I've had elk (& deer) very still thru the body but w/more active legs.  And yeah, it does seem that a good, tall tree that's easy to get in & out of may give a little advantage in seeing a little farther & maybe taking advantage of that by getting somewhere ahead & maybe ambush.  But I know that I'm missing something - hard for a solo elk hunt.  I'll say that I used some beach shoes from Wallyworld and have never been as quiet stalking!  As long as you go slow, feel (gently!) for cactus, seems to work really well; well, except for not getting an elk!!  So, guess I can't say much.
But thanks for any input.  Always looking to use some good stuff in hopes of success.

Thanks again & I'll let you guys know how it works.