Over the past several weeks I have experienced ups and downs with the elk. The first week was fair in terms of elk sign and bugle activity. However, things really picked up the second week with the bugles…especially after a day of light drizzle dampened things in the woods. Twice I had nice bulls within 30-yds but the wind would swirl 180-degrees before they would step into my shooting lanes!

Swirling winds have to account for most blown set-ups than anything for bowhunters…the one thing you can’t control. And I don’t care how much of a scent system you try and use. You could soak your clothes and body in the stuff but if you’re that close and the wind blows just right…they’re gone!

In any case, this past week has been very dry and relatively warm. Trying to walk anywhere in the forest is like walking on eggshells. The elk went into one of their “moods” and “hung-up”. So the excuses you mention in your article start to fly from my mouth and from the mouths of those hunters I passed on the trails back to the truck.

But without a doubt, I know where those “elky” spots are located. Those dark, thick, lush, timber riddled jungles that, at times, can reek with the smell of Mr. Bull. They are a pain to get into and out of quietly or otherwise. I assume the key will be to stay below, above or on their edges? Otherwise you’d have to go in well before first light. Before Mr. Bull and his gals return for the day. And yes…that would just be plain scary.

So I am going to give it a try. I grew up trolling for fish in the oceans and then walleye on Lake Erie. So I guess I can give it a try for the Elk in Colorado!

Thanks for the recommendation.