Archery Elk Hunting Essay Example

bedding spots. Typically, elk spend most of their time bedded until late afternoon when they go out to feed. They continue feeding throughout the night and into the next morning before returning to their bedding areas.

When walking along these travel corridors, it's important to be aware of hang-ups, which indicate a bull moose is using the area. Mature bulls can create hang-ups taller than 9 feet by targeting small sapling trees. These hang-ups are easily identifiable due to their scraped and barkless appearance. Fresh hang-ups with a recently cut lumber-like look suggest that a rutting bull is using that area as his territory.

In addition to travel corridors, elk also create wallows near waterholes and springs where bulls urinate in them, roll in clay while rubbing their antlers on the ground displaying dominance. To determine if moose regularly use these wallows, look for fresh signs such as clay with water in the center or round depressions measuring about 4-7 feet wide.

During rutting season, bull moose emit bugle calls as part of their mating behavior. If you find a location where sound travels far distances, you may be able to hear a bugle call and locate the bull moose. The author makes an effort to fully engage with elk behaviors and habitats, gaining more knowledge each time they go out into nature. Extensive knowledge of moose and their habitat can greatly benefit you and lead to success. If you lack frequent access to forests for scouting, there are alternative methods to locate moose.

Trail cameras are the best option; hang them near water sources, trails, and if legal in your area, set up salt licks or feed. "Trail

cameras have become an invaluable tool to aid in my scouting efforts," says Steve Chappell, Scouting with Trail Cameras. They are captivating and fulfilling while helping identify elk patterns. I recommend placing cameras near water sources or salt licks as it yields high-quality images and better insights for antler growth. Position the camera about 20 to 30 feet away from the water or salt lick.

Google Earth is another great tool that allows a bird's eye view revealing details not easily noticed on foot.It displays slopes and hidden logging benches where moose may be hiding, particularly useful when hunting pressured moose.Google Earth can also help locate a herd if they disappear on opening day after being watched all summer.Shed hunting in winter and spring offers insights into elk patterns and movements, as well as information about the bulls in the area. If you're hunting out of state, scouting can be challenging, so gathering as much information as possible on elk behavior and habitat is crucial. When it comes to bow moose hunting, seek information from forums, magazines, biologists, and experienced hunters. Don't hesitate to ask questions. Many bow moose hunters are gear enthusiasts, so the equipment needed depends on your hunting style and budget. Remember that backcountry hunting requires more equipment compared to day hunting. There are various brands available at different price ranges; however, investing in the best affordable equipment is important because you get what you pay for. Optics play a significant role in hunting; therefore, do not skimp on purchasing them. Investing in an expensive pair of field glasses with low light visibility can greatly enhance your chances of spotting and successfully hunting

moose during daylight hours. A range finder is essential for accurately determining the distance of the moose. Different types are available ranging from 500 to over 1000 paces. For bow hunting purposes, having a reliable range finder that works effectively under any condition is crucial. It's worth spending extra money on such a device since knowing the exact distance can prevent missed shots or causing unnecessary harm to the animalHaving appropriate clothing is crucial, especially during archery seasons in late August and September when the weather tends to be warm. Wearing suitable attire while hunting is essential for endurance and success. However, if you are unprepared for any type of weather, it could jeopardize your hunt and even put your life at risk. Therefore, a good layering system is necessary for the unpredictable conditions of autumn. This system will regulate body temperature and remove moisture from the body.

The recommended layering system includes six layers for the torso and four layers for the lower body. It's important to find suitable clothing for each layer by shopping around. Remember that in elk forests, you can always remove or carry extra fabrics, so it's better to have too much than too little.

When choosing a backpack, consider how long you'll be out in the field. For day trips, a smaller backpack will suffice; however, if you're a backcountry hunter planning on staying out for several days, opt for a larger backpack with at least 3000 cubic inches of capacity. Regardless of the type of hunting you do, having a pack frame available to assist with carrying meat is vital.These frames can accommodate all your camping gear and are also

suitable for meat transport purposes. There are five types of moose calls available: mouth reeds, unfastened reed calls, bite and blow calls, external reed calls, and push calls. In my opinion, the most effective way to hunt moose is by using mouth reeds and unfastened reeds. These calls produce high-quality dimensional sound that accurately replicates the sounds of a moose, and elk respond well to them. To enhance bugling from a mouth reed, it is recommended to use an oink tubing. Proficiency with these calls may take time, but continuous practice will improve hunting skills and effectiveness.

When hunting in the backcountry, it is essential to have a water purification system as carrying enough water for the entire trip is not feasible. Staying hydrated while hunting is crucial. Being prepared for any situation in the backcountry requires having a proper medical kit containing items such as Epipens, inhalers, pain medication, allergy medication, bandages, gauze, medical tape neosporin packages,and a needle. Other items you should bring on your backcountry trip include thread; 10' of paracord; an exigency cover; cleansing/Alcohol rubs ace gum Imodium AD; a lighter/matches; and SPOT placement device. Besides the essentials mentioned above, having a headlight and an indispensable knife when entering moose forests is crucial.
The knife should possess the qualities of being lightweight, sharp, and durable. It is also essential to have a small sharpener. For attracting bulls within bow scope, it is recommended to use a moose steerer; however, caution must be exercised in not fully exposing it for authenticity. To create the illusion of another moose's presence, either full-size 2D moose steerers or steerer chapeaus that imitate an elk head can be

utilized. Furthermore, there is an option of using a 2D elk caput decoy. While numerous factors aid in harvesting elk successfully, having an elk hunting partner stands out as one of the most crucial elements. This individual provides companionship and shooting assistance on alternate turns while also offering valuable help in packing out the moose after a fruitful hunt. Elk running with archery equipment will lead to low points; hence having someone to assist and motivate could result in getting hands dirty by achieving success.

Calling for them remains the most popular and effective method for hunting moose. The heat call proves particularly efficient as it mimics a cow in heat. Bulls often respond with bugling if they believe other bulls are present near the cow. Utilizing both cow calls and responding with bugles when a bull reciprocates can make the bull excited and eager to engage in fights for cows' possession.This approach involving cow calling stands as the preferred technique used frequently.To enhance effectiveness when encountering a distant bull that responds positively to calls,it is advisable for both you and your partner to call and imitate different cows.This tactic will further ignite excitement within the bullOnce the bull is within 100 yards, position yourself for a clear shot while creating a straight line from the bull to the caller, with the shooter hidden off that line. This way, the bull will walk broadside past you for a clean shot.

In most cases, bulls will attempt to circle downwind before approaching the caller in order to use their sense of smell as a defense mechanism against danger. Therefore, it is crucial to frequently check and acknowledge wind

direction by using a wind checker. Additionally, using scent eliminators abundantly is essential in order not to emit human odor which may alert moose of your presence.

Bugling can be an effective method for exciting bulls and locating them. Once you find a bull and get it worked up, try getting within 100 paces and initiate cow calling. It's important to note that not every calling tactic will work as effectiveness depends on individual bulls' responses; therefore, do not hesitate to mix up your approach if you're not receiving any response.

Spotting and stalking is another hunting method for moose. I personally had success shooting my bull this year using this tactic. From approximately 500 paces away, I spotted it and carefully monitored wind direction in order to sneak into range for a shot.

When employing spotting and stalking techniques, remember the three S's: Sight, odor, and sound.When approaching a moose,it is important to wear high-quality camouflage that blends well with the terrain and doesn't stand out at long distances.When approaching a moose, it is important to use open pattern camouflage and consider factors such as wind direction and noise level. Taking off boots can minimize noise. If the moose detects your presence through smell, it is best to back out and wait for another opportunity. Once you have sight of the moose, aim at its broadside behind the front shoulder for an ethical kill. Give the moose time to run away after shooting. To track the moose's path, search for your arrow to determine entry point and follow the blood trail using flagging tape. If blood is lost, look for tracks. It is better to give the

wounded animal more time if there are doubts about its status rather than risk further injury by pursuing it too soon. When in doubt, back out! After successfully taking down an elk, remember that there is no need to gut it when removing edible meat; instead, use the gutless method recommended here. Have enough game bags on hand to store all quarters and meat cuts while keeping flies and dirt away from them and allowing air circulation when hung up. Packing becomes easier with more people assisting you in this task.After retrieving the meat from your campsite, it is crucial to hang it up for about 4 hours without any bags, as long as it's not too hot and there aren't too many insects. Depending on the temperature, you can hang the meat in a shaded tree or use a walk ice chest in town. If your house is nearby, you can also pack the meat and store it in your ice chest or freezer. This hanging process ensures proper air circulation, keeping the meat cool and dry to prevent spoilage. Elk meat is well-known for being organic and lean.

In my opinion, hunting elk is one of the top reasons to hunt. Let me explain what I consider as the number one reason: Continuity is key when faced with difficulties and uncertainty; success cannot be achieved by simply sitting on a sofa. Embrace failures positively, analyze them to understand what went wrong, and learn from them. Always remember that hard work, preparation, and dedication pay off when you eventually succeed – providing for your family brings unparalleled satisfaction.

Each time you go into elk country to

hunt, you will gain more knowledge about bow hunting. The duration of this learning process may vary – whether it takes 10 years or just a single day – but every time you enter moose forests, approach it with the mindset that it could be your last chance.
Elk hunting holds a special place in my heart as my favorite activity of all time. It has gifted me with everlasting memories that I will treasure indefinitely. Without the pursuit of elk hunting, I am uncertain where I would find myself today. It has served as an invaluable teacher, offering lessons about self-discovery that surpass any other experience. Through this endeavor, I have learned to honor all creatures, appreciate the land we inhabit and embrace camaraderie among fellow hunters.

Above all else, it has shaped me into a man. Hunting moose encompasses more than mere killing; it embodies traits such as endurance and nutrition while celebrating the purity of nature itself — ultimately highlighting life's essence! Although some may struggle to grasp its significance now, there comes a time when carrying the weighty burden of meat and antlers on your back as you descend from the mountain alongside your brother at sunset reveals the true meaning behind this endeavor against the backdrop of majestic mountains.

Words genuinely fail to capture the indescribable emotions one experiences during these moments. Even now while composing this essay at 18 years old, I reflect upon my numerous hunting escapades in elk country and realize how fortunate I am to have witnessed what many can only imagine. Thus, I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to seize September opportunities armed with their bows and alter their perspectives

alongside these magnificent elk creatures.The anticipation of hearing the bugling of large bulls in the September air fills me with excitement. While most teenagers will be indulging in leisure activities tomorrow, such as playing video games and sleeping in, I will be dedicating my time to preparing for the upcoming bow season. This has become a daily routine for me because I know that the longer we stay inactive, the more formidable and skilled the moose become out there in their natural habitat.

In exactly 8 months, 2 weeks, 2 days, 4 hours, 32 minutes, and 47 seconds from now, the much-awaited 2014 bow moose season for Oregon will commence. I am confident that I possess all the necessary skills, equipment, knowledge, and determination required to belong to that esteemed group of individuals who succeed at this endeavor - a mere 10%. As for the remaining majority comprising of 90%, they can only question whether they are truly willing to endure pain and hardship on this quest.