So you're going elk hunting....lessons learned

[GMMAT]

I've been trying to get ready for my Sept. elk trip, by running on the treadmill.....and that's about it,.............so far.

My goal was (and still is) to be proficient enough to take a (______yd) shot at a perfectly calm elk, by the time I get to CO.

Yesterday, I shot a 3D shoot in really hilly terrain that had us climbing, often (often in snow over 8" deep).  What I found was....my accuracy isn't what it needs to be:

1.  When I'm winded
2.  When the ground isn't level

I learned 2 valuable lessons, yesterday.

1.  I need to up my workout regimen as time draws nearer (a lot).
2.  I need to practice, more, on terrain that's more indicative of what I'll see, there.

So...if you're headed west.....mix it up.  Shoot when you're winded.  Shoot in different positions.  Make your practice more "realistic".

To many of you, this is old hat.  If you're headed out west for your 1st go 'round.....this is my .02 worth.

Good luck to all!

[FerretWYO]

Originally posted by GMMAT:
  Make your practice more "realistic".
Good luck to all!

The best advice you could give anyone for any hunting situation.  Good post.

[Over&Under]

A most excellent post in many ways!

Flatfooted shooting when you are calm is a far cry from the type of shooting conditions that are sure to exist when chasing elk.

Great advice for sure!

If I could add something, it would be to be comfortable shooting from your knees as well.

[Chris Shelton]

I like to stick the camera by the 3d to do the following:

1. get one heck of a awesome camera angle
2. imulate the closest thing to buck fever as I can get, cause I definatly dont want to slam my camera with a arrow!

[woodsman 365]

Good advise. I will be doing a lot of stump shooting when the snow leaves.  Good luck.

     >>>>> RAY

[bofish-IL]

I like to ride a bicycle to work the legs also and practice climbing steep hills with back packs full of weight. But the mountains still kick my butt. never really thought of practicing while being winded but that is a good idea.

[Elkchaser]

Great advice.
I love to stump shoot for practice.
In fact yesterday I was out climbing around and shooting stumps and pine cones.

Distances vary, shooting uphill, downhill, under trees, etc.

Plus you are getting the exercise of up and down climbing.

[Bonecracker]

Take this into consideration, there are not many flat shots taken in the mtn's at ELK! No matter how good of shape you are in June, you need to be in better shape in July. No matter how good of shape you are in August, you need to be in better shape in September. The better shape you are in the more ground you can cover! In other words, get high early and get ready to work!! Most fun I have ever had and totally had my buttock kicked in the process!

It is simply amazing to be in a drainage with elk sign everywhere and no elk in sight for 2 miles. Two miles in the mtn's at altitude with a 12/20lb pack is nothing like a 5 miles flat hike with the same pack! Go Elknut.com and buy some of his CD's and practice. He has some of the best info and calling techinques I have ever read or heard! Oh yea, since you will be practicing your calling, make sure the wife or GF is out of the house or she will have grounds for divorcing you!!!!

[Outwest]

You will also need to practice shooting at your intended target through holes in the brush.
A lot of shot oportunities at an elk will be with the elk behind cover.
If you learn to shoot through the holes you will up your odds.

John

[Mark U]

It wouldn't hurt to get a life size target to shoot at.  Doesn't have to be a full blown 3D, but a cardboard cutout would work.  It will give you some perspective of the size of the animal.  They are quite a bit bigger than a deer.

[sagebrush]

I practice shooting all kinds of angles. Laying down on my stomach, or my back, on either side and still hitting what I shoot at. Shooting from kneeling down or off balance with one foot off the ground. If you can shoot and hit from these angles and in uneven terrain, especially steep you should be ok. In other words, know your bow. Another thing I see is people from flatter areas come to hunt elk and wear smooth bottom boots or shoes for stalking. Some of the hills are so steep I have been in that I can reach out my hand and touch the hill when standing straight up. I always wear the most aggressive boot treads I can find. I don't like slipping and sliding. Also work out your thighs alot. Hiking in steep country, you will need all the muscle you can build especially when you start packing out heavy packs full of meat.  Gary

[Overspined]

run around house, stop and shoot, run around house, stop and shoot!

i will try this! although unless you are chasing, literally chasing elk, I have never been winded when getting up on them. usually sneaky and slow.

[JMartin]

Pick a spot........don't take your eyes off of that spot!

[Matt_Potter]

Never ever fight the wind you will loose every time.

If you have to climb 1000 feet or sit on your ---- for 2 hours waiting for the thermals to change - DO IT.  

Being the best shot in the world does you no good when your hear all the happy noises stop - this is normally followed by the thundering herd.

[Goke]

This is a great reminder for everyone.

[Don Stokes]

Never trust the weather. It can kill you.

Never trust the mountain. It can kill you.

Always be prepared, and assume you will have to spend the night.

[bearsfeet]

My first shot at an animal in the high country was a high miss. (this was a mule deer) hen shooting down a steep hill or up steep hill your arrow flight changes more then a guy would think. Since then i have allways made it a point to practice every shot angle and condtion.

I jog and or walk durring the week after work but getting out and hiking with a pack is what I feel gets me the most ready. And plus I get to do some good stumpin'

[LoneWolf73]

Lessons learned on first trip.
1. Be in shape to cover some ground. Stair climbing is good. Realistic climbing hills with pack/bow. Good shape still beat, the first two days.
2. Shooting with pack on/off.
3. Practice out to 35 yards. But realise alot again happen between release and target at that range.(Like one Elk step).
4. Elk are ghost like.
5. Wet/cold weather can turn fun into survival.
6. Raise target off ground when practicing.
7. Attend 3-d Shoots during summer.

[Jmgcurve]

Like LoneWolf73 said, "a stairclimber" is one of the best pieces of equipment. Jump rope, run, or any other type of exercise during your shooting sessions. Heart rate ^

A enjoy each moment there!!!!  

[Ragnarok Forge]

Stump shoot a lot in hilly terrain and job in between the shots you take to make sure your hear rate and breathing are up.  Practice slowing your breaths under stress.  Just seeing a big elk close enough to shoot is going to screw up your heart rate and breathing.  

Remember, pick a spot a very small spot!  Looking at the rack guarantees your arrow will sail right thru that same rack!