EHU's

[Mitchell-Ranger Boy]

I am looking for some help. My Uncle was drawn out of Northern KY to participate in the Elk hunt this year. How can you choose an EHU if you dont have anywhere to hunt? How do you obtain permission to hunt? Is there any public land in the EHU's that may be sucessful? I would really like to help him out because he wants me to go and assist but we dont even know where to start. If anyone could help me out with this I would appreciate it. Feel free to email me or PM.

Ryan Mitchell
[email protected]

[Rangerman]

First congrats to your uncle on the elk tag!!!! I am sure he has a lot going through his mind right now. However, I will be glad to help answer any questions as I have been there done that and understand what is going through your mind. Let's start here and then I can try to answer any other questions you might have. PM me if this is unclear or you want to ask me anything else.

As it sounds like you have figured out getting a hunting area is a big deal. In the past they used to provide a list of potential hunting locations or some contact information. I'm not sure if they are doing that this year or not. Anyway, you guys need to start networking to determine where you want to go and who you need to contact to get permission. If you don't have a clue then you can either go with a guide or I can put you in contact with one of the Elk Biologists that might be able to help. I have guided primarily in EHU #3 which is one of the first restoration units with older class animals but lots of pressure. Also, some areas though will be limited or have certain restrictions. You will have to do some calling around but get this taken care of first because they will fill up. I had three areas where I had permission to hunt and even got a key to a couple areas that had limited vehicle access. Next I would make a few scouting trips to get familiar with where the elk are hanging out. Again this is taken care of by the guide if you use one. I am a prostaff member for a guide who lives in the heart of elk country but we were booked up within days. I am sure there are others. Also, some other thoughts, get confirmation from some people he can count on to help! Take as many people with you as possible and have more people waiting for the call when he is successful. My gutted cow elk took four guys, two trucks and lots of rope to get it out and load in the back of the truck. We skinned and quartered the elk in the back of the truck which kept it pretty clean. We were able to get the truck close enough to take the long rope and pull her out and eventually into the truck. Even with all this and the help it took about 5 hours from the time of the shot until we were ready to take her (skinned and quartered) to the processor. She filled 4 coolers and one large utility tote. It was below freezing that day so I didn't have to worry about the heat. If I have to do it again and it was hot I would just gut her and drag her into the truck (fill her cavity with ice) and head for the nearest processor with a cooler and finish it there. If bowhunting like I did, practice, practice, practice. The country where elk live will run you down fast. Nothing ruins a hunt faster than being out of shape. Walk up and down the stairs, take long walks with your day pack and hunting boots on. This will prepare your feet, back, and shoulders for exertions that you don't experience on a day to day basis.Learn "how to": (a) Hunt Elk: I purchased a great video by Primos which also included calls and it helped me learn a lot. Watch as many elk hunting shows and video's as you can. (b) Skin and quarter and elk. Here are some helpful links. http://elkhunter2.tripod.com/
http://www.outdoorlife.com/outdoor/h...194288,00.html
http://www.braintan.com/articles/Skinning.html
http://www.biggamehunt.net/sections/...9230301.html

Let me know if you have any questions or I can be of assistance.