When people think of elk hunting, their minds typically go to the rut and screaming bulls. However, the early season is different. Laramy tells Jim and I that the early season can actually give hunters a better opportunity to kill a big mature herd bull because at this point they aren’t herded up yet and being saved by cows. In order to take advantage of the early season activity Laramy cautions against calling too much. Leading up to the rut, bulls are establishing dominance and aren’t overly vocal so stalking and slipping within close proximity is the strategy Laramy prefers. Once he’s in close, Laramy says he likes to follow with a challenge bugle. This challenge may very well bring in a big herd bull to defend his territory and give the hunter a perfect shot opportunity. He’ll explain why this same tactic doesn’t work later in the season when satellite bulls and cows will likely come in, too. During the early season a decent amount of activity will be centered around water sources and wallows. Laramy says that in addition to hydration, the elk are actively searching for scent and also covering themselves in mud to keep the bugs off. So, finding these water sources can be a solid way to create an ambush point. Laramy tells Jim and I that he scouts year-round, which has given him an understanding of how the elk move and where they go at different times during the year. During the early season, Laramy says that Northern facing canyons with easterly or westerly winds are where you’ll find the elk. These locations tend to be dark and have plenty of food and water – everything that big bulls need. Finally, Laramy will talk about what happens after the shot, field care. Laramy tells Jim and I that once you get an animal on the ground you want to get the hide off as soon as possible. The longer the hide is left on the carcass, the slower the enzymes break down which will lead to tougher and gamier tasting meat. He’ll also highlight the importance of being realistic about packing out your game in elk country. Tune in as Laramy Miller talks early elk season strategy this week.
Also, be sure to catch “Last of a Breed” on Sportsman Channel, Saturdays 10 am ET.
Sasquatch is awesome! -Trav