Wyoming Hunt Summary

[Elkman]

I will start out by saying this season was the worst I have had (so far) since 2007 in Idaho. I did not kill an elk and I had a either sex tag. I was hunting in the unit/area where we have seen hundreds of elk and have killed several within yards of each other. I saw one elk and had a shot at it. Underestimated the range and shot under her. (I will cover that in another post). I cannot believe it. A quick summary and some pictures. Got to the unit three days before the opener, cold and light snow. It actually snowed every day for about 5 days. Next day hit one of my favorite glassing spots prior to daylight, glassed and hiked in a circle and saw no elk nor tracks. Last year I probably saw 30 on this route. Day two into the canyon where we have had such great success. Up 1500 feet in elevation, and 3 miles in. Not one track, in the snow. Hunkered in all day and glassed 3 large openings on the way out. No elk. Day three, wandered farther down the unit boundary and saw lots of hunters and camps but no elk glassing from the pickup. Opening day new snow, no elk. On the second day of the season back into my honey hole, a cow crossed the largest opening at 0700 and I positioned myself for a shot. Missed her broadside standing still, TWICE. Next day hunted the drainage to the east, (different unit) A really nice drainage and on the second day there at daylight, I spotted a large bull headed into the timber approximately 3.5 miles away. I hiked in there in the PM and he never came into the opening. That day I started at 0500 and was back to camp at 2200. Glassed and watched that area for two more days, and never saw another elk. That pretty much summarizes the hunt. Here are some pictures.
Scouting


Snow day


Neat tracks



I will be headed for Oregon in a couple of days, looking forward to another hunt.

 

[DrMike]

That stinks, Bill. FWIW, hunting up here has been pretty demanding this year, as well. The game appears to be nocturnal. I'm finding tracks, at least. Looks as if you found some carnivore tracks. They look reasonably fresh, which doesn't do much for your hunting. Better success for you in Oregon.

 

[FOTIS]

You get an "A" for effort Bill!

What unit is that?

 

[Kodiak]

Yup, BTDT, Bill.

I elk hunted Colo. in a unit known for its game populations. Been there before, took a nice bull years before.
Only this time, no tracks, no sign, no scrapes or wallows. Talked to game wardens working the area and they were clueless, as usual. After the season kill reports showed only 2 bulls taken in the whole unit, where historicly 20-30 taken, so .......... maybe you'll do better in Oregon.

Best of luck,

 

[Elkman]

Thanks all. Kodiak I can feel your pain, I know that there were probably elk in other parts of the Unit but I couldnt locat them. FOTIS its the north 1/2 of 104. South of Afton.

 

[Silentstalker]

Beautiful country! Looks cold, perfect elk weather! Hopefully you can find them next time! Thanks for sharing!

 

[SJB358]

Well, it is beautiful country, but it seems like the elk moved off when they heard you were coming to town.. Some blame the wolves, I blame Al Gore's Internet! Those elk knew what was in store for them if they stuck around. :lol:

I am pretty sure Oregon will be better.. At least I know we will work our butts off to get on the elk..

 

[nosler06]

That is some beautiful country where you were. I can totally relate to you wolf problem. We are starting to see the wolves become aggressive towards hunters with 3 or 4 of them surrounding guys and then moving in from 3 sides. Places where I would usually see 40-50 head of elk now not seeing any fresh sign of them at all. Time to shift onto wolf hunting.