Been watching 32 head, with two or three rag-horn bulls. Too far to shoot (about 1 1/4 mile). Will get “busted” if we try to move on them. Waiting for them to decide.... our next move!
memtb
No, we got “busted”...... by the park ranger!
Actually, they had about 4 different directions to move....they picked the one we couldn’t/ wouldn’t follow! Now hoping to find some more cooperative! memtb
Watched about 100 head right at dark. Maybe Fri or Sat.
I’ve been fortunate to live in elk country for a long time. I lived on a ranch here in SW Montana that held upwards of 5,000 elk. I was also fortunate enough to live within eye sight of the National Elk Refuge in Jackson, WY. So, while I’m pretty much used to elk, I absolutely NEVER tire of seeing them... even if it’s just one.
Would add, was on a friends property Sunday and had a 5pt in my sights at 120 yards. Fun is letting an immature bull live to see another day.
I have been trying to find some on Copper mountain (and surrounding area, #47) for weeks now. No luck. In fact, I have not seen a track so far.
Any of you guy have any intel? We've done well in other areas but zip in 47 so far. And now it's cows only but I and a few friends have 4 tags we'd like to fill.
This is our last day for bulls and elk in this area. We still have cow permits south of here. We had an opportunity early, on a rag-horn. But, late afternoon, pretty dense grizzly population, and a 560 yard shot.....we passed! Looking back....maybe should’ve attempted the shot. Shooting conditions were ideal.....except for the distance. Felt pretty confident.....but there’s always the chance for a screw-up. Didn’t want to wound an elk.....would rather pass! memtb
Nothing on Copper! Have a friend that occasionally hunts it.....but haven’t talked to him since I retired. Good Luck.....maybe, “if” we get some weather, things will get better. We hit the low 50’s at our camper yesterday afternoon! Snow is mostly gone!
memtb
I was up there yesterday again. Most of the ground had snow. I went to the very tops of 4 mountains including Copper itself with all the towers. I spend 9 hours looking for elk sign. Zero! Not a track.
I am told by a few folks I know in Thermop that the heard runs east to west in those areas, not north and south so most of the elk may be over in area 48 now. I have been up there 7 times so far since Oct 9th. Zero! So I'm thinking they may be a few miles to the east, but that is either on closed private ground or in area 48 (or both) So I may leave it alone for a week or a bit more and try again just before the close of the season. But this year 47 has been a real bummer. I thought I'd ask however. Some of you guys may have a tip that would help.
I am going up with an 80 year old friend named Steven, who has bad knees and a back problem. I am trying to to help him. He can't move around very well, so for his elk I have to get him to a place he doesn't have to try to go up and down in some of the steep country. That adds another challenge for this year. I have helped "wounded warriors" in the past several times and so I have some experience in dealing with handicapped hunters, but I have never tried to do it on Copper Mountain before. Steven is not a vet, but he's been a real blessing to a lot of other people so many time (including myself and my wife) and so I want to help him if I can.
szihn, I wish I could give you some “uplifting” info....but, I got nothing! I can however, wish you Good Luck! memtb
Thanks memtb.
I am not giving up. I'll go out again in a few days and see if any have moved over onto the land and maybe with God's blessing, I'll get one
Hey Memtb:
Did you ever get out and fill that tag??
It's get late. Only a few more weeks left for the extra cow tags.
Grand daughter has one to fill still. Filled my second one Friday evening.
No! Too much “family BS”. Deer season (very hard to draw tags) wasted, and some of the elk season. Pretty much lost the desire to try....as the BS continues!
Good Luck to you and your granddaughter! Will it be her first elk? memtb
Yea; First elk. Just got word the school work is slacking, so she might not go this year. Dad's.. We'll see if she applies herself in the next couple of weeks.
Coming over your way on the 21-22. Tourny in Thermop. I'll wave as I go by.
Been seeing lots of elk, just not in a spot I can get to and get them out... Maybe tomorrow..
Hopefully the schoolwork improves, and she gets her elk. What kind of tournament? memtb
Maybe they’ll soon cooperate. Moonless nights coming on....maybe they’ll be around longer in the daylight! Good Luck! memtb