elk hunting

longwalker · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 2:33 pm Post subject: elk hunting

We have a very huntable herd of Elk in South Dakota. Drawings are not so impossible to get. Someday I am going to get my draw, what am I going to need once I shoot an Elk. Can anyone suggest a good book describing elk hunts and the needed preperation.

longwalker

DallanC · Site Admin Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 3571 Location: Utah

Its doubtful a crazier animal has ever walked the planet. You get a herd of elk running and who knows where they will stop... maybe the next state Sad

On a serious note, what is the terrain like? What time of year do they hunt them? Hunting during the rut is much easier than outside of it. Elk can pack a heck of alot of lead so bigger is better as long as you can shoot it accurately. The .300WM is a favorite of many for elk. I use a 7STW for them as I like the ballistics and the SD of a 7mm bullet.

-DallanC

Knifeboy · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 5:53 pm Post subject: Re: elk hunting

I hunt them with a 300 RUM, but you can put them down with just about anything. You just have to ensure that you are going to hit them in the right spot. I know people who hunt them with a .270, I have done so myself, but never got a decent shot. I would say a little heavier caliber would be best. And a lot of poeple dont like the Idea, but I aim for the sholder bone when hunting elk. Otherwise you might end up shooting one and then having it run 5 miles on you.
What kind of terrain are you going to be hunting in? is it thick brush? Or is it kinda open for decent long shots? That might be a good thing to think about for calibers. Also if you dont have one, try to borrow a 4wheeler. This will save you a days work, if you shoot it anywhere off the road.

Knifeboy

longwalker · Posted: Tue Apr 26, 2005 7:26 pm Post subject: Re: elk hunting

The hunting is mostly in the Black Hills. There is plenty of public land to hunt and there is always the possibility to hunt Custer park. It is Mountain with open meadows. As far as the gun goes I have a 338-06. The point about breaking the shoulder I would not have thought about. Most places I will have to pack the meat out, to a logging road. Am I going to need a saw and a hand axe to cut up an Elk? Is it crazy to think this anything other than a two man operation?

Time of year is fall cool to cold at night can be hot during the day. Lots of up and down walking will be the order of the day. May be the first law of big game hunting according to bob will prevail, "shoot im small , they are easier to get home".

longwalker

DallanC · Site Admin Joined: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 3571 Location: Utah

While it can be packed out with 2 people... concider this:

www.huntingnut.com/mod...ackhoe.jpg

Big Bulls are another 20% bigger. It can be ALOT of work... I mean ALOT LOL! ATV access if possible is a lifesaver, or if you cant get ATVs in there a horse is great. Hunting Elk off a horse is like biscuits and gravy, it just seems right.

Quarter and debone as much as you can and you should be able to pack it out in 3 or 4 trips with 2 people. Your .338-06 should be fine, just get that bullet where it needs to be. Knifeboy wasnt kidding about having a wounded elk run 5 miles... its no fun at all.

Elk here rut around Sept 3rd - 17th roughly.

-DallanC

Knifeboy · Posted: Wed Apr 27, 2005 5:43 pm Post subject: Re: elk hunting

DallanC wrote:

Quarter and debone as much as you can and you should be able to pack it out in 3 or 4 trips with 2 people.
-DallanC

Well said debone the sucker out in the field. Its baisicly like trying to gut and clean a horse. LOL Very Happy

I am really envious of your tag, here in Arizona politics has really gotten involved in the last few years and has almost made it impossable to draw a tag any longer.:( It is really turning into a rich mans sport :(, Which is really sad for people like me who dont have a lot of cash to spend. I just love hunting, and the politics are starting to ruin it for me.
Good luck with the hunt I reall hope you get one. Razz

Knifeboy

slamfire · Rookie Member Joined: Feb 07, 2005 Posts: 19

Start saving up now so you'll have enough money to pay a guide. At least you'll be taught some things about elk hunting, and you may collect a nice one in the process. It's always best to have an experienced hand to hunt elk with, especially the first time.