Thanks for the work here Todd, its obviously being enjoyed!
Todd has found what he likes and what works for him. Thanks for sharing it with us Todd, so that we can learn from it. looking forward to reading the rest of it.
If I can throw in my two cents. It is my observation that we as hunters tend to get stuck in saying that this is what works, don't do this, do this, etc... Though not very many hunters do everything the same but alot are consistently every year successful doing things differently. Not blaming Todd here, just saying that we should all have an open mind always to people like Iodd who want to share, and remember that our way is not the only way, nor always the best. I think there is a point to be made here, sorry If i feel or sound preachy.
Todds "system" and Paradigm works. IT kills elk, regularly. IT is full of fundamental truths that when applied, push the odds in his favor. It is a successful system, similar to skinning a cat, it can be done a bunch of ways, but in the end its easier with a knife and experience no matter what you do in between.
Basically, it could be said that anyone who thoroughly studies and applies Todds system, with the additive of experience, will be relatively as successful as Todd is (with a few limiting factors).
As Brad pointed out, it isn't the way he does things. That doesn't mean that Todds system doesn't work, nor Brads, nor mine, which is a bit different still.
But in studying all of these ways of going about it and applying them, you can become more succesful. Broadening your horizon this way can make your success skyrocket, as you can adapt and change to the situation. No two days need to be the same, only as the elk and situations dictate.
For instance, I rarely spend two consecutive days in the same area, unless there are a lot of elk and the elk are really fired up, if so, why move? I live close to the ares I will hunt. I hike in them a couple of times a week at least throughout the year. I try to have as many "go-to" spots that I can, spots that hold a very high concentration of elk who aren't molested relatively often. I develop a few every summer, and one or two pan out in the fall. This way, I now have nine (given the ebb and flow of honey holes) where I can go. If one isn't hot, than I move to the next. I've kept a journal every time I've been in elk country the last 12 years or so (wasn't smart enough to write things down before that). Studied the effects of calling strategies I used, the sounds, what worked and what did not.
Unlike Todd, I believe VERY strongly that bugling works staggeringly well, but only correct bugling, and have seen many hunted-public-land-general-tag herd bulls die from coming to a challenge or challenging a nosy intruder. Yes, I think the bulls are saying something in particular when they speak, and will respond when we say believable things to them, its in their blood. Not that I think Todd is wrong on this, as for him he is dead on. but for me, I've developed a relatively large system of calling that covers the phases of the rut, when they are talking, when they are not, when they are fired up, who I think they are talking to, what I think they are saying, etc... Admittedly I will never know what they are really saying, but my system of calling, whether cold or through replies, kills several elk every year, from Aug 25 into October, calling in many more. At the same time, a couple of them have died by spot and stalk and still hunting. So, what do you like?
I have a pseudo-friend named Paul Medel (elknut), some here might know him too (love him or hate him), heck he might be a member, hes a trad guy now. HE too has a system of calling that he has developed through study and observation over the years. Its dang effective, hes laid it out abc in videos. Alot of people are applying it and killing elk. His system is very similar to mine not identical though, but they both work. Elk respond to them, how we respond back is a personal preference, neither working 100% of the time.
Chuck Adams (heresy?)has killed some big bulls, and he uses stalking almost exclusively, and is very succesful, decrying the use of a cow call for any "mature" elk.
"bigdan" outta Montana uses Bugling (never cow calling) almost exclusively, and you'd be hard pressed to find an elk hunter who is more successful at taking mature elk.
Experience matters, find what works for you. Find what you LIKE and do it. And for heavens sake, IMO don't go home for lunch, eat it on a log in elk country. :-)
My dad and I call 12:30-2:30 "killing time" for a reason. Elk have rested, and are willing to be up and moving. Especially big bulls with cows who they feel are safe in their beds, in there safe Zone bedding ares.
Good luck to all, and thanks again Todd for the informative and thought provoking post. Sorry If I sound preachy. Dan
Topic: Wanna go elk huntin'? 2010 UPDATE. More photos Pg. 5 (Read 2131 times)
