First light elk

[saddlesore]

Not to trample on the the other thread, here are few first light elk I have tagged and photo of one area.

Unit 54. It took me about 1/2 hour to get to this bull after the shot. I watched him from when he was only a shape in the early dawn until I could see horns.I got up at 1:30 am that morning, in saddle at 3.Sitting at 5:30 Four bulls and two cows killed from that spot.

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This was in Unit 25. Last day of hunt. I found them bedded down.

first light elk.jpg (331.38 KiB) Viewed 142 times

[Swede]

Great picture and your point is well taken. I can't say I have ever killed a buck or bull at first light. That seems odd to me, but I just don't remember any. I can get around with a flashlight, but I have to slow down a lot and be extra careful. One of the big reasons I went to tree stand hunting is poor eyesight. I hate stumbling around in the dark even with a flashlight, so I usually wait until there is daylight before I leave my truck. I have waited many times in the truck so I could see better in the timber. Maybe I will get a bull at 0 dark thirty in 2024. I will just need to consistently head out a little sooner in the dark.

[saddlesore]

It is disheartening when you are trying to sneak in and hear elk busting thru the timber in front of you.

[Swede]

Especially when you are getting really close to your tree stand. Based on too many experiences I know there is no bringing them back. When that happens, I do not call or chase them. I turn around and head for a different stand.

[7mmfan]

I haven't killed a first light elk. Close, within 15-20 minutes but not right at light. I have killed a few first light deer. It does always feel kind of weird to be done so early in the day.

[saddlesore]

I haven't killed a first light elk. Close, within 15-20 minutes but not right at light. I have killed a few first light deer. It does always feel kind of weird to be done so early in the day.

Ha, last two I killed, I was not done until past noon. It was 4 PM when buy the time I had it packed in and into to the cooler. I do feel that way if it is the first or second day of the season.

I am not too good a hunter until I have few days under my belt. Get a little tired and let my patience settles in.