Watch THIS BEFORE Your ARCHERY ELK HUNT Un-Cut, Un-Edited Advice

Hunting elk on public land on easy-to-draw or otc tags is the toughest hunting there is. In this video I go over a few pieces of advice that will help you enjoy and succeed in that type of elk hunting. Good luck out there!
#hunting #elkhunting #archeryhunting #muledeerhunting #backpackhunting #adventure #selfreliance #pursuitwithcliff
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*Cliff no longer takes on new guided hunt or expedition clients. He sold all operating outfitting/guiding businesses prior to 2021.

[@toddnash789]

I love your honesty and reality! Here is my dose of reality...As a native Coloradan and lifelong hunter, I can attest to the fact that over the last several years the number of hunters in Colorado has become a major detriment to the overall experience. I believe that the social media craze of backcountry hunting videos has done a great disservice to the expectations and behaviors of elk and deer hunters in general. Too many of the non-resident hunters that I meet in the woods have arrived with high expectations of calling in giant bulls and filling their tags only to go home empty and thousands of dollars poorer. I know first hand that many of the influencers out there are not hunting public land OTC or even OTC units. Much of what you see is shot on private land by paying for land owner tags in OTC units. I have witnessed first hand the migration of elk to private land the day before the season opens when all of the trucks and campers are piling into the forest. My rancher friend and I watched as elk would jump his fences and pile into his property as these trucks and RVs drove through the public access on his land which borders Flat Tops wilderness and forest service property. The introduction of wolves into this area will just exacerbate the problem. If everyone were to watch your videos there might be less disappointed souls in the woods each year.

[@ColoradoStreaming]

One of the issues is that CPW treats out of state OTC tags like a cash machine instead of taking care of the state residents who actually live here.

[@LukeSeiler]

As a nonresident i totally agree. I hope more content like this comes out. I had the best archery mule deer hunting ruined by social media in a state only a couple over from WI where I reside. Took up elk hunting 6 years ago and found the most amazing thing i have ever hunted.I learned from the biggest content creators on youtube and it works. So its Kinda a catch 22 for me. Now seeing more and more opportunity taken away. There is way to many people hunting and fishing. I honestly think that 70% give it a try and do something else. But it doesnt eliminate the numbers in the woods now. So tag prices rising and prefrence points climbing guess we have to roll with the punches!

[@patricktorgrimson3996]

If you’re out there just to bag an elk, you’re out there with a misallocation of priorities in my opinion.

[@martygraves499]

That’s so real. I turned 61 this year. I’ve been doing self guided pack in archery hunts in CO from OH for the last 16 years. Mostly OTC with a few low point draw units in there. It’s so hard and nearly all mental. I took a 320” bull off a CO OTC unit at treeline in 2020. I definitely put my time in but I also know very few people score a 300” bull in CO on a OTC unit. The crazy thing is I’ve seen 300” bulls on at least 1/2 of those years. But getting close is a totally different story. And I’ve seen so many people suffer through that mental breakdown a couple days into a hunt. Your comments on this short video are so spot on. Thanks! PS it’s all about the experience for me. Sept in the mountains is the best thing ever. I just want to be there.

[@CliffGray]

👍 good luck this Fall. Congrats on that big bull.

[@warren3665]

61 and still getting after it! I hope I can still hunt hard at that age. I just shot a bull a couple days ago and am still recovering from the pack out, and I’m 20 years younger.

[@alexboyd8275]

Cliff, I agree with most of the others in the comments that this is my preferred style. It feels like you are talking, sharing, more on a personal level. This video is one of my favorites. I love your description of 'the perfect hunt'; "lip bawling in your face as you frontal shoot them perfectly and the blood squirts out all over the place and he head plants in front of you and rolls over so you can gut him..." LOL. Hilarious! Awesome stuff. Love your videos. Good luck on your hunts and a sincere thank you for all the straight-up advice and hard-earned knowledge. Al in St. George

[@CliffGray]

Haha! Really appreciate the feedback. Helps a ton figuring out what is optimal.

[@ericgardner7579]

Really like the straight forward non edited. Straight to the dam point.

[@CliffGray]

👍

[@johncannady6105]

I just want to say THANK YOU Cliff!! The content you're putting out for us is invaluable and I really appreciate it! As a Eastern Whitetail hunter in my 50s with two unsuccessful DIY elk hunts under my belt I feel like the clock is ticking. Anything I can do and/or learn to up the odds before these knees and back can't climb the mountain anymore is golden! Have a great season! 🏹👊

[@georgeeccarius9889]

Hey Cliff two ideas for you: 1.) Lots of hunters post-2020 discovered it from you, JRE, Cam Hanes, etc. They've learned some things on the internet but may have drawn their first tag and never spent much time in the field. What advice would you give for someone getting into big game hunting? 2. Some videos focused on cow elk, specially post rut and late season

[@CliffGray]

Thanks George. I’ll hit on these in future videos. Great ideas. 👍

[@georgeeccarius9889]

@@CliffGray awesome! Your videos are great. Thanks!

[@monsterman2u]

Great info! Watching your videos and your knowledge since I found you here is great! Oregon bow hunter here, and I have been hunting Elk (and Deer) my whole life...I said hunting...LOL. Harvesting of course is always an experience of a successful hunt that we cherish in our souls for sure! And we thank God for that! Taking a life of any creature on this Earth, is, I guess, what God has provided for you to survive, and live...I will always have an emotional time with that, and of course...I always have a prayer if I was lucky enough to gain a harvest...I lost my 'blood brother' more than 25 years ago, now. He and I were just tactical Elk finders...And we were great to make a setup that just worked the Elk...I always have a spiritual moment for him the night before opening day in my camp, of only now to forever be the 'Lone Wolf'. My Elk hunts are now just myself...Now...Missing a part of me and not having him makes it so much harder of the years, past...We always learn a lesson in the woods. The "Wapiti" is such a mystical creature, and will so show you, your weakness and your faults...And, they can take you for a ride for sure! I've fallen down cliffs to pursue them...They have led me into places that I so needed a machete to get out of...Places in the woods where I have felt kinda scared at moments...I sometimes realize that I feel the grip of my 44 Mag on my side...The quest has always been so real...And undeniable...Man is supposed to be the ultimate creature on this Earth...But in the woods, he is just another predator, or prey to another..."What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger". Sorry so long, but I hope you read this...MaHalo! "I venture among the trees"

[@toddnash789]

Wow! Great advice and timely. I just came back from 4 days (the only time I had available from work) on the Tops. My hunting partner and I were constantly seeing fresh steaming elk sign but we were not seeing the actual elk. No vocalization at all. No responses to calls either. We did bump a couple but not to the extent we expected based on the amount of sign we were seeing. I have hunted over 2 decades and I am at a loss as to what we should have done and what we were doing wrong. We didn't see any other hunters during that time and we were over 4 miles from the nearest road. We backpacked in and would hunt 5 to 6 miles from camp each day. Very frustrating...

[@jefferylorsung8846]

The other tip I would add to high pressure areas is dogging herds. A lot of times if you keep pushing they will not bed. You will run them clear off the mountain. If they keep moving give it 45 minutes let them get to where they are going and then move in. Learned the hard way dogging a herd for 7 miles. Only stop was for water and the wind was bad and we couldn't close. Looking back had we stopped and had breakfast those cows would have bedded and we could have pushed in and challenged him. Also sometimes if a bull won't close start talking to his cows, glunking, raking ect.

[@robpower7690]

Great true insight thanks Cliff

[@jackdundon2261]

Cliff, I can only speak for myself but I'm a pretty good Hunter with many trophy quality public land kills in my album. You're one of the few guys on KZbin. I can actually learn something new from. I don't care what gear your.wearing. How cool you look against the background, the setting the script. If you can teach me something new I am riveted. Thank you for all the advice and I look forward to using your advice this fall and many falls in the future. I am going into two new units this year in Oregon mule deer in Southern Oregon in the unit called Keno, and elk in Keating Oregon. I found your videos on glassing and scouting to be extremely helpful. Thanks again!.

[@CliffGray]

Really appreciate it Jack! Happy to hear that someone with years of experience still picks up a few things from the videos. Good luck on those hunts!

[@danbond5971]

Edits happen who cares, you're info and knowledge is hard earned and priceless. Over the counter tags are tough and often low percentage of success. Don't let the mental game take you out ,hunt your ass off. Your info is the best keep it coming. Just turned 72 and still able to day hunt 1-2 miles from the road,50 plus years of elk hunting and every one has been a blast. Accept nothing less.

[@CliffGray]

👍👍👍

[@MiddleOutdoorsman]

Well, good luck to you guys in CO. I'm kinda glad Archery is almost over for me. It's been a helluva year so far, and the season isn't over yet. Super anxious about this weekend. Labor day weekend with 80% chance of thunderstorms the whole weekend. Gonna be a lot of stupid happening, I just hope I avoid it all and come home safely.

[@KeithKeller-e5f]

The little pockets on the pressured backcountry was spot on brother. They find little fingers to settle in! Hunt smarter, not harder...

[@Yomamasllamas]

Way to keep it real! I love getting back there and you’re right some of my hunts have out right sucked. Missed stalk after stalk with no luck, storms, bears, etc. We did succeed during rifle. Thank goodness! Either way I always walk away feeling blessed and grateful I’m able to get out and experience our wonderful outdoors. That means the world to me and I know others feel the same. Thx for the advice!

[@tbg2561]

Great video! I like the realness of this style

[@CliffGray]

Thanks! I appreciate the feedback, really helps.

[@muffchomp635]

Thanks for the content. Elk are definitely more savvy than our local mulies. Love the value and attitude from this channel

[@71HOOKSC]

New elk hunter. Your videos are my go to on everything to do with the pursuit 💪. Thanks brother.

[@CliffGray]

Glad you like them! 👍 good luck this Fall

[@spodyr6]

Excellent advice and pulled no punches. Thank you for quality content Cliff.

[@CliffGray]

👍

[@rona5374]

I don’t know whether to love you or hate you! You just gave a tremendous amount of accurate information. Know I’m going to be looking that F & G hidee-hole plan.

[@zakksrage]

I have a bow tag for unit 70 this year. Binging all these videos

[@backcountry_PRWLR]

Definitely love this kind of format, just off the cuff honest, hurt your feelings truth!! 🤘

[@jackdundon2261]

In Western Oregon yesterday I saw herd of 30 cows and two raghorn bulls. All rubbed out with white tips

[@JohnPhillips-qw4db]

Only follow this advice if you’re ready to pack! Seriously. This guy nailed it for otc. Thanks Cliff for confirming much of what I have learned in Idaho. It’s a game of chess (not checkers) during the early season. Some thought about approach and where to set up makes all the difference. It ain’t Primos style, but it works! Giving you the horns on this one! 🤘

[@jessehensel3638]

Great info. I just did my first archery otc hunt. It was nothing short of magic. I had two close encounters with the same bull. I'll say the best piece of advice for elk hunting is not on you tube. You have to get out and experience what the animals do and don't do. I've got a long ways to go. I thought I was sneaky😆. Turns out these animals act allot different when you encounter them in their environment. I now plan to stalk any animal any time I can to get practice, cause these guys are not dumb. Anyways you got great content I always welcome any information that can help in the pursuit.

[@rockymountainlockpicker9606]

I live local to the flattops and elkhead mountains in Colorado. Just harvested a nice mule deer buck a couple days ago during 2nd season. Getting myself psyched up for 4th season elk hunt. This is great advice

[@Tom-fu4cv]

Love listening to your vids. Great advice for a complete newbie.

[@johnsimonelli9988]

Thank you Cliff, Flying out to Wyoming tomorrow to hunt Elk in the Wyoming Range with a bow ( first time ) honestly I will be happy to just set eyes on any Elk!!

[@blazingnate2]

I’ve never heard anyone address the “anxious” or “panicked” feeling on KZbin or hunting forums before. It’s very real! I get it worse solo hunting which sucks because solo hunting is awesome. Having unlimited texting on the garmin helps and sometimes going into town for a burger can completely dissolve the negative mood.

[@CliffGray]

👍👍👍

[@Brandansquests]

I had no idea but Know exactly what it feels like… I thought I was getting old

[@ImBetterThanYouHoe]

Only happens if you're a total newb

[@Brandansquests]

Are we talking about the same thing here? - maybe you’re right I don’t know the first thing about a wall tent or elk or goats or bighorn .. thanks for the reality check though I’ll keep looking for antlers at the fishing access 😘

[@robinworkman3621]

I've noticed that about elk hunting with myself. It is very psychologically challenging for me. I ask myself those same questions,"what am I doing here, I should be at home with my family","I should be doing something more productive."I don't know why it messes with my head like that but it does

[@patrickscheel3943]

Love all of your content Cliff!! Super appreciated

[@CliffGray]

For sure! Glad it’s helpful

[@TalonID]

Hey Cliff, I just discovered that we've met! As a matter of fact, I was running around with one of your buddy's wives last weekend... All kidding aside, I was archery elk hunting in ID with the "J" of J&Z (we met at their wedding). Glad we have some mutual ground when it comes to quality folks. Best regards, Jimmy

[@ChrisSypniewski]

your an awesome person. just wanted to say that. Thanks bud and good luck this season.

[@RyanCooper-o2f]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom! I'm headed to AZ in early Dec for a unit 22 bull and ill be playing your words back in my head for sure! Keep it coming!

[@southernhood5145]

thanks man. packing food bags and getting everything ready to leave next week for the Steamboat Area

[@walker50aaron]

Hey man I'm heading there myself in two weeks are you going to Sarvis?

[@southernhood5145]

@walker50aaron no, I've Escouted that area a bunch but I'm looking at some other stuff. I'm sure Sarvis is good. I'm going solo so I'm sticking to areas within 3 miles of a road

[@walker50aaron]

10 4 man good luck no matter what!!! Hunt hard keep me posted it'll be my first elk hunt with my little brother.

[@tbg2561]

Thanks Cliff ! Getting ready to go up the hill so I am running through all your videos . I appreciate all your knowledge

[@stalker7892]

I've always wanted to hunt Sarvis. Not this year though. I'm sure you know that there's RMEF access from Stage Coach Res. to Sarvis. Likely crowded though with the lake campsites. Good luck!@@walker50aaron

[@BMCBryce]

So good. All truth man. I genuinely appreciate your approach! Thank you.

[@billypetrak2646]

Thx man. I appreciate the truth & reality. Solid choice on the shirt selection.

[@GarryBreland]

Thanks for the straight talk.

[@CliffGray]

👍

[@darkstreakaia5267]

Great video! Keeping it real. Good luck this season everyone.

[@dtwiemer]

Good luck on the upcoming hunts. Get Ric onto one.

[@zacharyphelan]

Hahahah camera keeps dying lol. First part of the video so true. Take it easy on the first part of hunt. Watch the stress video cliff did. Keep stress levels low going into hunt and during the first 2-3 days.

[@CliffGray]

👍👍👍

[@BigMuddyOutdoors]

I wish I would have watched this prior to my hunt this was perfect

[@highlandproducts569]

True. The density here in NW MT is so low. No bugles. Light cow calls work. Just finding where they are frequenting and waiting is the best way to hunt them in our region. Social media is very misleading. Study the region you plan to hunt before you go out there blowing your hoochie mama thinking a bull is just going to show up.

[@CliffGray]

For sure 👍

[@kmin3434]

Thanks for the reality check lol. Good luck out there.

[@CliffGray]

Good luck to you, too!

[@ericbaylor3571]

As always, good stuff Cliff! Have you tried the boost oxygen for altitude sickness? Have a safe season!

[@robinflory6109]

Great video brother....

[@tripleD73]

Love these videos! Telling it like it is.

[@gabriellespinello8928]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge!!

[@woodardcsw]

. Totally enjoy your channel and content very helpful

[@CliffGray]

Glad to hear it! 👍

[@briannabeasley2995]

Love the video. Halfway through the video.. “just two or three more minutes guys” 😂

[@CliffGray]

Bwhaha it’s a problem 🤦‍♂️

[@perryknetter8577]

Thank you so very true information God's Blessings on all your adventures

[@JohnG975]

Good stuff! Thanks for the tips.

[@jager9825]

In units I've hunted where there is a ton of pressure, calling shuts them up. What i do is hope I can find an active bull and move in on him silently. It's worked well but you are at the mercy of their mood. It can be very frustrating when your not hearing anything, you start grouse hunting pretty fast!😂

[@NAubc]

Thanks for rawdogging this video.

[@CliffGray]

Bwhaha 👍

[@da1dada]

I’m going through the four corners and the signal keeps dropping out, but I can’t tell if it’s me or your camera!! Ha! (Thanks for the OnX code)

[@CliffGray]

Ha! Drive safe, good luck 👍

[@tonyviers-de9qi]

First time listening to you. Great job . I feel like were good friends. And we’re not .. ha! Suscribing now. Thanks alot!

[@JohnDoty-w2s]

Loved it

[@randyhelgeson1254]

Cliff. If you're not gone yet. Roughly how far off the path do they usually go? Ik it depends on water and the hole. Based off of what you have been teaching. Is there like a guesstimate?

[@Paul-q3m7k]

I live in northern British Columbia Canada . We don’t have line of sight up here to glass elk. It’s crazy thick bush with big mountains and thermals . These elk know how to use these things to survive . They are hunted their whole lives by wolves and grizzly’s up here . I’ve killed 5 and called in 13 for friends . What I tell people when calling is don’t expect them to walk out into the open. They don’t do that very often . What i normally do is I’ll locate elk in the dark . If I get one answering in the morning I’ll send my friend into the Timber down wind . I’ll even exaggerate how far down wind as the bulls normally hook downwind of me to get my smell. I’ll keep that bull talking so the hunter can get reasonably close and hope I can pull the elk into a spot that they can shoot . It’s worked very well for me but you need the right people in the trees for that .

[@aaronflanagan8983]

I love DIY public land hunting, but it’s true. Not great success rates.

[@baddrich1]

Great video

[@jeffrobbins5964]

Hey Cliff! I've been watching your vids over the last couple seasons and have a question I can't find an answer for. I hunt a heavily forested area mainly pre-rut and I'm wondering how you recommend finding quiet elk. I'm trying water sources mainly and game trails but not finding anything yet. Thoughts? (Btw, your wind & thermals video is my elk bible)

[@knuckledragger2412]

💪💪

[@reppin2c]

Stupid camera lol This version was far less PC. It more like your talking with your buddy. That being said having variety in your video diet breaks things up.

[@CliffGray]

👍

[@philbow6374]

I am filling up your comments, thank you, thank you, most elk videos are so staged! Let’s be real, elk hunting can be long days not seeing anything thing! Enjoy the fact that your actually healthy enough to be out in Gods creation! And see seeing things the average human will never see!

[@nickguerrero5184]

“Nobody cares, work harder”

[@bryanmoorefield8890]

Elk hunted 15 years and I’ve always been a loner. I backpack into wilderness area by myself usually 7 days this year going 13to 14. NEVER had an issue of being alone, it’s the best. 🏹🌲🏔️⛺️

[@southernhood5145]

this why I tell everyone who's planning on OTC diy to watch your stuff.

[@CliffGray]

Thanks man! Good luck

[@jaredklein6927]

Same here. I’ve watched a lot of Cliff’s videos, and I’ve yet to hear him say something that doesn’t match up with the experiences I’ve had

[@philbow6374]

Thanks for always shooting straight with us!

[@philbow6374]

Why didn’t anyone tell me that these kids will kick your heart around and stop on it and leave to all around the country and you can’t hunt together anymore cause they are too busy to put in for a hunt with you anymore…I love them anyway😂

[@dalegiessmann3729]

Great advice took me years to learn this myself I’m currently in Colorado on elk hunt DIY hanging out in camp getting acclimated .

[@criticalcompany4042]

Watching all your videos, practicing, and applying what you share and explain has been more valuable than wandering around in the woods for the last decade. I've applied your logic and positive mental attitude and have harvested 3 bull elk in the last 3 years. Keep up the great content and keep telling people how it is going to go. Good work.

[@CliffGray]

That’s awesome to hear! Love it. Appreciate the support

[@AC-ut8pl]

Thanks again for the awesome content. Don’t change a thing about how you present your information. You’re way of doing it is far more relatable than a lot of the other channels out there. Much appreciated. Good luck this season.

[@CliffGray]

Thank you! Good luck 👍

[@HikeHuntHaul]

#reality I love Cliff’s approach. This is not meant to be negative but an approach that is in your face the moment you head out into the mountains. Power through with a great attitude and hunt till it’s over as in the season is done or if your time doesn’t allow it. These animals (elk) have been doing this way longer than you and it takes determined diligence to tag out. Very real, if I could have told myself back then I would have said first: relax and enjoy, then gain knowledge and wisdom about hunting. Be safe and enjoy! It’s about the experience 👍🏻😃

[@scottblachly9353]

Great videos! I appreciate you telling it the way it really is in the hunting world these days. Keep it up

[@CliffGray]

Thanks Scott! 👍

[@scottblachly9353]

@CliffGray you're welcome. When I was growing up we didn't have all the gadgets and the certain camo pattern and all the crap that is out there. Some is useful but you have to wade through a bunch that is there to make $! Keep up the videos and speaking your mind it's appreciated out there!

[@r37l36]

Your opinion at the end is 100% how I’ve hunted for the last 20 years. You can’t eat antlers and any successful hunt is one to be proud of. I am raising my kids the same way and when people ask for advice I explain that same thing to every new and seasoned hunter alike. Any legal animal taken is a hell of a story. Be proud of that animal regardless of antler size. It’s all about the meat we eat all year, our time in the field and hunting with ethics. I personally avoid cows and does after harsh winter years but when there’s a good strong population the arrows fly. I have been binge watching this awesome channel. Thanks Cliff.

[@lcampbell358]

Who care how long it is. I could listen all day. When people know what they are talking about

[@ryanganson]

Appreciate the data-driven and experience-based advice. Us newbies are still in the good ol' days too with videos like this! Nothing replaces getting out there, but saves a lot of potential time/frustration having these tips heading in.

[@puckshcnick]

Why don’t people use more Montana decoys ? Just a butt in the trees?

[@CliffGray]

People probably should. I personally think most folks just don’t want to carry them

[@puckshcnick]

@@CliffGray I just see all of these videos where every bull comes in, hits the skids and just stares. They don’t look around and search, they are dialed in on a spot. It seems like a simple butt patch from behind a tree might draw them closer or at least distract their focus. Thanks for the answer!

[@johngeiman6569]

Great advice for first timers and new to hunting. Be flexible on your hunt.

[@CliffGray]

👍

[@paulellsworth7679]

I'm heading out Friday for my first moose hunt! Beyond excited! Good luck this fall!

[@CliffGray]

Good luck!

[@southernhood5145]

well don't get the ZVE10, if you want to do outside quality videos and pictures. I would recommend an extra Samsung Galaxy 23, it seems to be better than any camera for the price and size

[@TG_Wyers]

Except for the rut behavior stuff, I feel like this will all apply to my general season rifle tag. I appreciate the authenticity and effort to get content out to us. I don’t need all the polish. Those highly edited videos seem like a bunch of ego stroking at some point. Good luck on your hunts!!

[@CliffGray]

Thanks. Appreciate the video feedback. Really helps

[@adamwebb4485]

Hey brother, I love your videos however you do them, but I do like this style a lot more. Let me see the fuck ups and everything, just start rolling and see what happens, to me it makes it more relatable. One more thing, it's really great to find somebody that actually knows what they're talking about, there's a ton of people out there making videos that don't have a fucking clue what they're doing. The Primos hunts everybody has seen are awesome to watch but in all my time hunting elk I've had that style of hunt maybe once or twice and I've hunted elk for 18 years now. I love calling and I practice all the time just because I love doing it, but I normally hunt in otc, highly pressured units just because that's all I can afford and the elk just flat out don't act like they do in all the Primos hunts it's fun and I have a blast anyway but I know what expect and I'm there to kill an elk to eat. If a calling opportunity presents itself I'm gonna jump all over it but it's a rarity. Anyway, enough of my blabbering. Thank you for making great videos with a ton of great advice.

[@CliffGray]

Really appreciate the feedback Adam 👍 good luck this Fall

[@adamwebb4485]

​@@CliffGrayThank you, I'll be hunting in unit 81 in Colorado this year, I leave on the 9th. Ya eve hunted that unit? If so ya got any tips? It's a new unit for me. I would REALLY appreciate any help.

[@tomsahunter3395]

Never give up. I hunt until the last legal minute of the season and have killed many elk on the last evening!!

[@jamesstockton3777]

Sitting in a tree saddle right now hunting blacktail deer reading your video lol..Good luck all.

[@CliffGray]

Good luck man!

[@wapiti128]

Good luck man! What state?

[@danielstreety6771]

I’m so stoked for my 2023 Colorado elk hunt. Thank you for the years of advice.

[@CliffGray]

Good luck! 👍

[@bradleyjosh]

This may be the most helpful video about elk hunting I have ever seen. Thanks, Cliff.

[@CliffGray]

I really appreciate it man 👍

[@sarahhunter3486]

This is one of my favorite episodes. It's like hanging out with your favorite uncle while he shares his decades of hunting experience with you. Name it Coffee with Uncle Cliff and make it a regular feature!

[@bladestone5666]

First time hunter here. I hunted a bit with my step dad when I was young but quit after awhile and just got back into it at 28. Interesting enough found a buddy at work to go hit areas 41,42,421 up near the grand junction area. Wish me luck lol as I have never hunted in the back country, let alone got a kill, but my gpa always said the best way to learn is to do it. Got a garmin satellite gps, .45 acp for bear protection (bear spray as well, and a ton of other stuff. Not expecting to get an elk my first try but I really want to fill my freezer and I’m determined to hike 10-20 miles in to get one.

[@tygoulding2547]

Totally agree that a bull literally knows what bush you are calling from, seen it happen where you stop calling and they literally stand where you were. But don’t agree on them not liking to go up hill. You do it right they don’t care. But calling I. The right cover is always better than spot and stalk

[@ohkahay]

Awesome content! … got super hyped up on a hard scout this weekend and made a plan in that excitement. things I should already know and wasn’t thinking about. Was definitely about to make it way harder. realized how many times Ive repeatedly made some of these hunts harder on myself.

[@jwdundon]

Cliff your videos are so damn good and so useful I watch this when I first came out of the year ago and now I'm finding myself a few weeks before my big elk hunt health can you watch it all over again as a refresher.

[@camaroguy84]

I have a lucky connection to an old neighbor who gets a herd across his property that I'll get the chance to take a cow elk on. BUT I'm excited to put the time in on an OTC tag for the real experience but not feel like my season was wasted. Cheating....maybe.

[@Tom-ln9ic]

Great information and advice. It also gave me a new appreciation for the amount of editing it takes to produce these videos.

[@CliffGray]

Bwhaha yeah man… and I don’t really know if people prefer the heavily edited version (a video like this would have been 12-15mins) or this type of video. Time will tell!

[@Tom-ln9ic]

@@CliffGray I didn’t mind this format. If it weren’t for the camera issues it would’ve just felt conversational. Which is cool compared to heavily edited stuff. Depends on the topic I would guess. You probably have enough subs at this point to do a mid archery season live stream which could be cool. Please plan it for September 23 so I can climb up to a ridge for cell service to ask you why I’m not finding any elk midway through my hunt lol.

[@kgreen175]

You’re the fuckin man! Appreciate the raw knowledge dump! I can tell you’re a master of the craft and how passionate you are. Downloading all this data to my brain for my first Colorado archery season coming in September!

[@JamesM-l5g]

That was awesome. Thanks Cliff

[@hummervee3395]

Great info as always

[@jwjenkins421]

Great content! Thank you. Last year was my first year hunting elk, I hunt in a heavily pressured area and if you call in there, the elk go quiet and disappear. I got to 110 yards of a 6x6 bull, and his cows they were headed down hill and I couldn't keep up. I wonder if I had made a small cow call if they would've come close enough to get a shot? I don't know! I also had a 5x5 bull that came within 70 yards, but he didn't see a cow and buggered out of there. I was still very satisfied with my hunt as I've known people who have hunted elk for years and haven't seen an animal.

[@CliffGray]

Yeah man, sounds like you’re finding them and getting into them. Just a matter of time 👍

[@Fearless_5280]

You the man cliff and to hell with that camera! Lol! Taking my 15 year old son on a backpack trip, kids a stud, should be a great experience! Thanks for the truth at the end. Told him, “we are gonna take what God gives us”

[@CliffGray]

Good luck to you and your son!

[@bradybingham7605]

I know this in itself is an entirely different type of hunting and a beast of its own but the calling aspect sounds a lot of public land gobblers in the southeast. People tend to call and call and call in situations they shouldn’t. If you call and a gobbler responds and you KNOW it’s a response instead of calling again most of the time you can just wait for his next move and it pays of more than just blasting your call. Also, just like you said about the the elk, that gobbler knows exactly where you are when you call.

[@CliffGray]

For sure. A bunch of analogies to turkey hunting… similar in many ways

[@BackcountrySportsman]

Get a a6600, zv1 overheats a lot

[@CascadePacificNW]

This is hilarious! Love your stuff man. I’ll be attempting the Angry Spike method hunting Roosevelts on the Oregon coast starting tomorrow.

[@CliffGray]

Good luck man!