5 MISTAKES Successful Public Land Elk Hunters DON'T MAKE

[@MTwildguides]

I couldn't have said it better myself. As a MT wilderness guide for almost 3 decades, I can attest to your sound advice. I'm headed into the field this weekend and I've put a link to this video on our FB for our clients to review. This elk guide granny gives you a "thumbs up". Well done!👍

[@CliffGray]

Thank you!

[@jshappart]

Thank you so much for mentioning the low recovery rate for elk shot during archery hunting, almost all competent archery hunters have a story of this, either their personal story or a close friends

[@Tim.Steinmetz]

Thanks for speaking about the reality of shot animal recovery rates in archery hunting. I wish more people would do that. All the other KZbin content would lead a new archer to believe they can hit a bull almost anywhere and expect a whirling vortex of blood like an oscillating sprinkler and a dead elk within 50 yards. And I imagine that kind of content actually leads to more wounded animals because people watch the guy on KZbin hit the carotid on that 60 yard frontal shot and head out there expecting to do the same, and therefore taking more risky shots. My archery experience is with whitetail. For me, about 60% of the time I release an arrow it results in a recovered deer. I'm sure it would be less with elk.

[@DustinBasom-wh6lt]

Sounds like awesome advice and hopefully it helps me this September on my first archery elk hunt in Montana

[@richardmonson8657]

A lot of great elk hunters out there. And a lot still learning. What you bring to the table are solid skills and the ability to teach. Learn something new or often corroborate what I learned the hard way every time I watch. Great content.

[@CliffGray]

Thanks Richard, really appreciate it

[@XhaleSpearfishing]

My Guy always putting out the best content for the people!

[@CliffGray]

👊🏻

[@jeffjohnson3302]

You just nailed 25 years of my experience! 100% agree!

[@CliffGray]

thanks Jeff!

[@ntsomelo7232]

Good stuff. The statement about "seeing with their ears" is almost understated. Elk can locate you by sound with extreme accuracy, pretty incredible accuracy at times. I've had a lot of bulls locate my calls within a couple yards from 100's of yards away. Whether they come in or not, and respond to a call or not, has everything to do with the scenario and the behavior of those particular elk. Wolves, hunters and overcalling change behavior... solo bulls with a few cows are usually trying to keep them away from other bulls and won't vocalize. I think hunting, particularly public land, can only improve with better techniques and understanding of elk so they aren't overly educated, and their natural behaviors aren't affected due to poor strategies.

[@jons2cool1]

I'm a lot more prepared this year than last year. From this video I'm going to research calling positions more and plan my route for good glassing locations. I've spent the last couple months practicing with my bow and I can shoot vitals sized groups out to 60 yards. I practiced shooting from kneeling and also completely seated and I'm just as accurate from those positions. I have been practicing with diaphragm calls for over a month and I can do a basic cow call and a locator bugle. I went out and tested my camping gear last weekend, I realized I need a better ground pad and more waterproof gear so I've ordered improved gear. I know the limit of my feet is about 4 or 5 days of hunting so that is all I've taken off work. I live at 6,000 feet and I'm in my 20s so elevation isn't much of a problem for me. I've been out scouting several times this year. Last weekend I noticed that the elk aren't where they usually are, hunters moving in and setting up their campsites, riding side-by-sides down trails, and spreading their scent in the area has caused the elk to move deeper and further from roads. I have 2 different knives, a bone saw, and a wet stone for processing an elk. I am excited to go elk hunting, but I've managed my expectations because I know how hard it is to get an elk. If nothing else this archery hunt will provide me with information for rifle season.

[@Myname77778]

@@jons2cool1 you should be a golfer

[@jons2cool1]

@@Myname77778 Hahaha I do golf I'm about a 16 handicap. Seems like bowhunting and golf are both hobbies that out of the million things that can go wrong you got to prepare for the 750,000 you can control and understand that the other 250,000 are up to chance.

[@briantimmins9723]

Great advice! We always tell each other to put an arrow into an elk if you get the chance. It doesn't matter who shot it first, it matters that it dies fast and we get it out of there. Everyone keeps lobbing arrows until it is out of range. Just killed mine at 30 yards here in CO at 11,500 ft after 11 days of busting my ass.....it is all about the setup.

[@TTGTanner]

How many arrows did that elk take?

[@hadleytorres8171]

I haven't hunted in 15 years. I'm hunting mule deer and elk this year in utah. Having a phone to take a picture of where I'm standing and where I shot my animal is a huge change that will certainly help. I wouldn't have thought of that without your advice. Thanks for the detailed information, I've forgotten so much.

[@CliffGray]

Glad was helpful! Appreciate the comment

[@indyreno2933]

The Elk (Cervus canadensis), also known as the wapiti is a large deer species native to North America and Eastern Asia, it is the largest of the six extant deer species constituting the genus Cervus and the second largest deer species alive today, with only the Moose (Alces alces) being larger, the closest living relative of the elk is the Hangul (Cervus hanglu) that resides in Central Asia, there are fifteen known subspecies of elk: the Tibetan Elk (Cervus canadensis wallichii), the Kansu Elk (Cervus canadensis kansuensis), the Sichuan Elk (Cervus canadensis macneilli), the Mongolian Elk (Cervus canadensis mongoliensis), the Alashan Elk (Cervus canadensis alashanicus), the Tian Shan Elk (Cervus canadensis songaricus), the Manchurian Elk (Cervus canadensis xanthopygus), the †Korean Elk (Cervus canadensis coreanus), the Siberian Elk (Cervus canadensis sibiricus), the Roosevelt Elk (Cervus canadensis roosevelti), the Rocky Mountain Elk (Cervus canadensis nelsoni), the Tule Elk (Cervus canadensis nannodes), the †Merriam's Elk (Cervus canadensis merriami), the Manitoba Elk (Cervus canadensis manitobensis), and the †Algonquin Elk (Cervus canadensis canadensis).

[@Naumets1]

Good Info For Sure Thankyou

[@yanceymcdonald6017]

I will add this little tidbit to all of the wise advice Cliff just gave. For all of you guys that are unmarried. Tell the girl that you were with right now that you go on hunts sometimes for weeks before you marry her, and make her give you a direct yes or no answer before you marry her. The answer you get will tell you whether or not you wanna marry her. This is a lot of hunting seasons end of divorce worth of experience. 😂 I have absolutely no problems with my now wife.

[@CliffGray]

Bwhaha that’s some good advice

[@davidkurtze836]

Solid advice

[@tripleD73]

Solid advice! Having a wife that supports and encourages me to go on weeks long hunting adventures is a game changer. I shared camp with a friend and his 20 year old son this year that were both on their first elk hunt. They had a Garmin InReach and were constantly being badgered by messages from home, particularly the girlfriend of the kid. We tried to impress upon him that you have to nip that in the bud and lay the law down or find a different girl if you think you’re going to do these sorts of trips after marriage. Needless to say they left the hunt early due to a multitude of reasons but my wife encouraged me to stay longer if I hadn’t killed one and the hunting was good.

[@RandyHaynes-x9n]

Incredible info, just let everyone know that all the elk left Wyoming ;-) Thanks for this honest information. I still run into lots of noise makers and road hunters,

[@nativewarrior5052]

Make one of these for post rut rifle season! Us late October hunters are gonna needs advice for finding bulls after the rut.

[@CliffGray]

ill work on it!

[@kriskodisko]

I just watched this video the other day on my lunch and was like "huh, if I ever hunt elk, I'll be better off". Ffwd to today, watching a Meateater hunt on the outdoor channel and the guide is repetitively bugling while the elk is 20 yards away! (That or it was just cheesy tv sound effects put in by someone else) All I could do was smile as the bull ran away and think about this video.

[@ShaneGregory-b4u]

I use 2 decoys and cowcall close to a herd. This really works well.

[@jslull]

1st mistake… not keeping up on these videos

[@CliffGray]

bwhahaha! that's right. :)

[@mattf6397]

​@@CliffGray😂😂y😊😊

[@desertclimber78]

Good stuff as always, Cliff!

[@CliffGray]

thanks!

[@garrett2980]

Really appreciate the video on this. Been watching for a while and enjoy the content. Personal opinion - the constant change in camera angles is distracting on this one. Thanks for all of the help in the elk woods!

[@CliffGray]

Thanks Garrett. Appreciate the feedback. I'll find a happy medium, I feel the same about this one. a bit too much

[@gienny]

It's long overdue that we had Apple air tags for arrows. Failure to recover is highly underreported in both Arrow & gun hunting. Elk typically show no sign of being hit by the biggest rifle & people are quick to say oh I missed. I watched Jim Shockey shoot a 6-point bull & confidently say, oh, I missed, the bullet hit way behind him. If not for his partner insisting the bull was hit, Shockey would have left that bull unrecovered without even looking. If a professional like Shockey can do it, how much more so the average hunter? Bow & arrow hunting is worse, but not that much; elk are incredibly stoic animals. Elk are not tuff, they are stoic, A 22-rim fire can kill an elk, but not before he totally loses you. Once, I was hunting with four other men, and we were ready to give up after 3 hours looking for a bull elk. We regrouped and spent more than 5 minutes discussing giving up. Finally, I looked down at the ground, shaking my head at the loss and surprise; the bull was literally lying there 3 feet from where we were standing. It was in unbelievably light cover, but that elk just blended in with the grass two feet off the trail. How could five men not see a 4 point bull elk lying 3 feet away? It’s baffling. I wish you would address loss rates more; it’s badly needed. It’s hard for people to be honest with themselves, but I know I’m as guilty as anyone; that’s why I’m making a point to say something. All that effort you're talking about is wasted when we can’t even recover the animal. I do like your videos, you provide very accurate info, thank you

[@CliffGray]

Thanks for the comment, particularly the story about finding the bull. I have had similar things occur. Lots of truth in this comment. I'll keep talking about this subject matter. Its a good one. thanks, Cliff

[@bubbles4471]

Maybe you have, but if you made a video about the final setup, that would be awesome!

[@CliffGray]

I'll work on a setup video

[@mountainlivin]

Outstanding advice. Love the truth in it

[@CliffGray]

thanks! appreciate the support

[@jimbiggs2461]

calorie intake is so important on the trail.

[@brianpeters3298]

Great perspective man. Good advice.

[@CarolinaNocked]

Great info. None of the links your reference made it into the video. Would love to see those. 2 weeks and counting. Lots to consider but also good to know I’ve been doing a lot of these things in prep 👊

[@tonesmith909]

Theyre there for me sir…🤔

[@chuckparson6712]

Elk Expert without a doubt 👍👍

[@samual-n3r]

thanks this really helps

[@southernhood5145]

Always the best information

[@CliffGray]

thanks!

[@jefffultz3805]

Appreciate good information.

[@CliffGray]

Thanks!

[@JackrabbitAppraisersLLC-kr1fc]

Man I miss your content... you are HANDS DOWN the fukin best... thx Poor Willy

[@CliffGray]

Bwhaha thanks man

[@mictrey2267]

Ive found a bull scouting last week. Can i expecr him to be there in 2 weeks? How should i go about pre rut elk? Limited calling and stalking in?

[@CliffGray]

I have found that bulls right now (post velvet scrapped) will be pretty close to where they are until they get a lot of pressure or rut intensifies 9/10-9/20

[@acmontoya69]

Do you know of any videos or resources for hunting Cows? My son and I have archery cow tags in the upcoming September hunt in Northern Arizona. We are pretty new at this and all information seems to be more "bull" oriented. Thank you!

[@JonGilGonefishing]

Any videos for November 3 rifle?

[@ridgerunner1977]

Great advice

[@Chasindinner]

So your sayin’ everything can and will be used against me?

[@CliffGray]

bwhahaah exactly

[@daveshell7251]

Are you referring to Colorado unit 131 flat tops?

[@allenfackler]

What if you are trying to find a cow, after the rut?

[@Bredsun]

How are you supposed to pinpoint the elks exact location after a location bugle? That logic would seem to work both ways. Would you move in to where you think they are and try to either spot or use more subtle calls?

[@CliffGray]

Yeah, it’s a bit of a chess game. Every time you get them to bugle, you get some information but they get asymmetrical more information due to their superior senses. You can move in their direction and be as silent as possible so you catch any additional unprovoked bugles. You can also try to glass them up on the way, use your judgement on where they are likely headed, etc… Then there will be times where it just makes sense to provoke them to bugle again… the key is to understand that you give something up every time you call. I’ve been guilty of it too, but most guys get the elk to constantly respond as they move in.

[@batdad1678]

As a new hunter that didn’t have anybody to teach me when I was a kid and growing up these videos are amazing thank you sir.

[@CliffGray]

Glad to help man!!!

[@jameshurd4815]

Good stuff!

[@CliffGray]

thanks!

[@jasonscoggins01]

Ty

[@wileyflohr9299]

Good stuff

[@veryfastride]

Question from a newbie elk hunter, not bowhunting. Southern British Columbia, I am going for Whitetail, but there are elk around. Any chance I can get a shot at one without calling? I had a chance to see some while in my treestand, but they never got close enough. So any chance at all?

[@blaahster]

Of course!

[@bringthefitenow]

You called out me and my buddies by name, multiple times! 😫

[@moneyandtimefreedom3352]

50+ % not found is a problem, HUGE PROBLEM. We as hunters need to do better, that’s fuel for the anti hunters.

[@BrettVaughnB100]

Hey Cliff have you done anything with "Save the Hunt Colorado"?

[@FlyingVFan]

He had a podcast with Dan Gates not too long ago! It was a good one.

[@CliffGray]

Yes, I have interviewed Dan Gates on here. I have also done some of the events. I am no longer in Colorado so it's a bit hard for me to be much of a hands-on participant.

[@BrettVaughnB100]

@@CliffGray Ok thanks .. we are trying to raise money .. I have a friend that will match everything up to $10,000.00 Just checking with everyone.. Dan will be on our live this Monday night .. "Interviews, Stories and Tails .. my other channel .. Thank you

[@andreisharma]

Please talk about mid October

[@andreisharma]

Rifle

[@4leafoutdoors1]

How would a 15 year old get into the realm of wilderness guiding and outfitting?

[@chelseazarate189]

Contact several reputable guides and outfitters looking as an intern with opportunity to grow into a paying position

[@McDanielRanch]

What sound do oryx make lol. idk very many people that have heard it. Comment if u have.

[@CliffGray]

is it more of a bugle or more of a yodle? :)

[@McDanielRanch]

@@CliffGray lol for sure a yodel.

[@gregorykemp2511]

"points at link" and no link come up. lol

[@CliffGray]

Bwhaha yeah, YT decided I was doing it too much and being annoying 🤦‍♂️

[@gregorykemp2511]

Love the content. As someone who lives in Colorado myself, it's nice to see a perspective that is relatable to the "areas" where I hunt.

[@natetruth6828]

Way to many people have no right hunting with a bow!! 50% recovery is not exceptable.

[@CliffGray]

Well it’s the reality

[@k9leadstheway531]

I'm a new archer and this is what I'm afraid of. Been working really hard for 8 months to prepare, shooting 15-20 arrows a day at different t ranges and angles. I workout a lot to make sure my fitness is squared away, I tested it on my turkey hunt this year. But I wanna do right by the animal and worry I will fall short.

[@natetruth6828]

@k9leadstheway531 yeah I'm that way. I probably never will bow hunt elk. I bow hunt deer in wisconsin for 35 years. But I set up so I can't shoot more than 30 yards. Less chance for error.. I would probably be to tempted to shoot outside my comfort zone. I think that's how only 50% are recovered.

[@natetruth6828]

@CliffGray yes I know. I been bow hunting deer for 35 years in wisconsin. I only set up that I can only shoot no more that 30 yards. Probably never hunt elk with a bow. Because I would probably be to tempted to shoot outside my comfort zone. I think that's why the recovery is so low. People shooting outside their comfort zone. Taking bad shots. I realise it's part of hunting. Hear way to many stories of guys shooting at deer at 60+ yards. Because they poke and hope yet never practice at that range. Most people have no clue how to track big game, is the other problem. I watch a lot of your videos. Would like to see a tracking after the shot video. Brother and I have found many deer with very little blood. Buy knowing how to track them without blood. Thank you so much for all your videos biltong looks delicious gonna try and make some today.

[@CliffGray]

@@k9leadstheway531 Yeah, primary thing is wait for a close shot. Good luck!

[@matthewholmes8638]

Crazy 1/2 the people quit early. I wish they would figure this out before they apply for the draw or buy a tag. What a waste. HUNTING IS HARD PEOPLE. Elk hunting is not Whitetail hunting. You dont sit in a cozy treestand.

[@lynnjohnson5511]

The biggest mistake is buy an atv and destroy the roads!

[@ShayneONeill-r5i]

Sounds like a you problem burn 100 litres in a 3/4 ton or 10 litres in a quad? Destroy roads or environment. Can't ever win with you people

[@DixieNormus_007]

50% recovery rate in archery season seems pathetic. lve arrowed 7 bulls in 9 years and haven't had one go over 150 yards. Pick your shots and angles well, and if it's not there, don't shoot..

[@JamesM-l5g]

👍

[@johnandrosemarywyatt977]

Probably don't want to give the cows info either.....just sayin

[@bridgerdemers3349]

This guy cracks me up. A whole lot of opinions..any real elk hunter knows this guy is full of bs.

[@CliffGray]

I know totally. Guy’s a dipshit.

[@tonesmith909]

🤡

[@richarddragseth7953]

A quick note, you seem to over use (at). You know where they are(at ). At not needed.

[@AikensLake701]

Lol, grammar police alert

[@CliffGray]

Bwhaha you always gotta know where they are……. ……. AT

[@droptine04]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@johndoe-k3b4w]

This dude my nigga

[@jfreak7589]

😂well said

[@Myname77778]

The video is good for reinforcement but if these mistakes are a surprise to you then you shouldn’t be elk hunting.

[@CliffGray]

bwhahaha, well at least it's a decent reminder

[@Motivatedk9]

Well then you shouldn't have had to click on his video....lol

[@BushToBellyAdventures]

Lol these mistakes were all probably ones you've made before with out realizing. Go hunt a different species you've never hunted and tell me all the mistakes before you've done it.. I have never hunted elk in my life so obviously these are things i never would have considered.. Thanks cliff for the content!

[@mikebarriga]

There’s no such thing as a dumb question but there is such thing as a dumb comment.

[@Myname77778]

@@BushToBellyAdventures don’t hunt elk

[@isaachernandez2670]

All I have to say is !!! You R 100% why give your position. When your position is your advantage 🫣