Got a cow elk tag, now what?

[VegasAR15]

So I finally put in for tags and drew a cow elk tag in Nevada. I want to start buying whatever gear I may need this summer so I don't have to go get everything all at once. What gear do I need, or what gear is nice to have when going hunting? As of now I have basic camping gear and a Tikka 30 06 with a Leopold Rifleman scope mounted.

Also, I assume I should be going up and scouting things out prior to hunting season, when should I start doing this?

Thanks

 

[exbiologist]

Start scouting now, and try to go out at least once a month. I normally shoot for at least twice a month when investigating new country. You're equipped just fine. All you need is basic camping gear and a basic rifle. Might also want binoculars. No need for a spotter, you aren't trophy judging cows. You'll want some sort of framed pack to pack out meat.

Also of importance are maps and a GPS and knowing how to use them.

 

[oneounceload]

You're going to want some help when you fill your tag with field dressing, skinning, quartering and packing out. Depending on when your hunt is, if it is hot, you'll need a way to cool the meat down, which may mean some coolers

 

[VegasAR15]

You're going to want some help when you fill your tag with field dressing, skinning, quartering and packing out. Depending on when your hunt is, if it is hot, you'll need a way to cool the meat down, which may mean some coolers

Luckily I think I should have at least one experienced hunter that will be willing to go with me, hopefully. I think I will be bringing my big ice chest and maybe a second one and packing it up with ice blocks and maybe some dry ice. The area I drew in is fairly close to Ely, Nevada, so I am going to check into butcher shops there and see if I can take it straight there to have everything processed professionally. I don't want to make a mess hacking up good meat, with it being my first time.

I am feeling the need to order something for it this weekend. I am leaning towards a knife since I like things that are sharp and shiny. I am leaning towards this one,http://www.amazon.com/Case-Cutlery-Ridgeback-Hunter-Stainless/dp/B00002N9FI/ref=lh_ni_t, any comments on it?

 

[Cob]

Go kill a Cow Elk

Got a cow elk tag, now what?

Go kill a Cow Elk.

 

[murf]

contact the game and fish dept (or whatever they call it in nevada) and get as much info on the hunt area as you can. try to contact the game warden in ely for some hunting tips. they usually know where the elk are and may be willing to share the info if you ask.

save your dollars for some scout trips. ely is a bit of a drive from lost wages.

murf

 

[CoRoMo]

Scout the way you plan to hunt. That means wake up early and hit the trail while it is still dark. Hike like you would hunt, quietly. Hike deep and far. Don't simply try and get to know the area/terrain. Do all you can to find some elk now, and all through the summer.

The public land that I hunt is rough, but the elk are even worse. They don't play fair, so you are going to have to get up earlier than you like. I've only ever killed elk at the first, darkest, hour, or the last one. They certainly move about during the middle of the day, but don't put all your eggs in that basket. I've seen them midday, but only rarely. I've seen 98% of my public-land-elk when it is coolest, and transitioning from night to day and vice versa.

They are phantoms. They are continually prepared to spot you, hear you, and smell you well before you ever know they were even around. I hunt with guys who've been hunting elk for years and have never seen one single solitary animal. Mainly because they don't hunt hard enough. They don't wake up early enough, they don't hike quietly enough, they don't go where it is hard to go, etc.

Other than that, it's real easy.

 

[Leanwolf]

Regarding that Case knife, this is just my opinion, but I do not care for that style, a "trailing edge" and that "thumb hump" on the top of the blade at the hilt. I used one once and that "hump" gave me a blister.

I prefer a semi-drop point fixed blade of about four to four one half inches in length. Here is what I use.



The top is a forged of 15N20 steel, custom knife I had a bladesmith, Bill Buchman, in Bend, Oregon make to my specifications, in 1983. I've used it on elk, deer, antelope, and Black bear. I would not be without it on a hunt. I always carry it on my belt.

The second is my ancient Camillus Stockman that has been "inside" more game animals than I can count. Plus a thousand other chores. That folder is always in my pocket.

The third is an old Gerber A475 that I bought about 30 years ago. Stays sharp and is the knife I carry in my day pack. I used it, along with the others, numerous times.

Are these the best knives (or their type) for you on your elk hunt?? Not necessarily. Hunting knife selection is highly subjective. There are thousands of opinions out there on knives for hunting all kinds of game. But.... these are the best for me and I've used lots of different ones over the many years I've been hunting.

Buck makes good hunting knives. You might do a search on Buck Kinves. Lots of good knives out there.

Best of luck on your hunt.

L.W.

 

[oneounceload]

Last time I knew someone who hunted near Ely, IIRC, there is a town dump not too far from the road. Tain't exactly HUNTING, but it makes filling that tag a little easier as the elk would wander down at dusk. (I believe it was Ely)