The official 2025 Wyoming elk hunt for Dave N thread.

[rjthehunter]

Its day one. Idk about you guys but I don't usually expect to kill on day 1!

 

[8andcounting]

Not really what I intended, more of maybe Dave's way and thoughts might be just fine too

Yeh I can see that . Probably have a good point . But I think they’ll get him acclimated and get him a bull . Elk hunting out of a tree stand would be awesome lol

 

[Brittany Chukarman]

It's seldom easy but Dave's in good hands. I like his chances. Personally, I prefer a young cow if the chance arises.

 

[Dave N]

I'm trying. Maybe a touch of miscommunication today, but it's all good. We checked out a different area this evening and regrouped with a plan (J?) for the morning. There may be some options but we'll see what happens the next few days.

Stopped long enough to prove I was out there!

 

[El Jason]

Looks pretty elky.

 

[8andcounting]

I'm trying. Maybe a touch of miscommunication today, but it's all good. We checked out a different area this evening and regrouped with a plan (J?) for the morning. There may be some options but we'll see what happens the next few days.

Stopped long enough to prove I was out there!

View attachment 389087

Wow , beautiful country

 

[bowhuntmontana]

Quick update from my experiences today. I felt like we had solid morning plans to go after elk we had spotted. Dave and @Wildabeest were headed after a few close to the cabin that were spotted the evening before, and @Addicting and I were going after the group of 30 I had spotted. That group was down low, coming out of a burn with a ton of regrowth and deadfall. We found a route in on OnX and that's what we followed this morning in the dark. We wanted to be on an overlook by 6:30. As many routes in the dark go for me, we ended up in a blow down mess with head-high ceonothus (sp?). But we still made it to our glassing point anticipating seeing the herd moving back up into the burn. We glassed hard for 30 to 40 minutes and couldn't turn them up, despite finding several other critters. We thought they might be in a deep draw we couldn't see, so we started to make a move around to get above there. Bumped into another guy who was in there with his teenaged son. Super nice guy who has been hunting that basin for years. He also mentioned a trail they had cut in and come in on. We found that going out later. He tells us his son is up high on the main ridge and he has seen 4 other hunters in this basin in addition to us. Just then, shots ring out from his son's location. A few minutes later his son comes through on the radio saying he had the big bull down. That group I had put to bed in the bottom last night was clear at the top and going over just after first light. I still liked our plan and would have done the same thing 10 out of 10 times. We worked around the basin for a ways with the father and there was a lot of sign from this herd, but now they had pushed over the top and were gone. We chatted with another pair of hunters then decided to head back, as that burn was pretty well cooked for the day with all of that commotion. Found the custom trail on the way out with daylight.

Got back to the cabin about noon and found that Greg and Dave weren't able to turn up the elk from the evening before.

Ate some lunch, regrouped, checked out some areas and split up for the evening, with Dave and Greg heading around to access a road system get on top of the main ridge, while Tony and I went to a trailhead with the intent to hike in a few miles and watch a face where I'd seen another group yesterday afternoon. Well, we got to get trailhead and there were six other rigs, plus horse traffic. That plan felt like a waste. After some mild frustration, we elected to also drive around to get up on top of the main ridge and see what that country looked like and how it related to what we'd been glassing and hunting. Long drive, but gained some good intel and have a decent plan for the morning.

Definitely a general unit elk hunt experience. Plenty of hunting pressure, learning new country besides e-scouting, and enjoying getting to know some Hunt Talkers. My time is short, as I need to head home Friday late afternoon, but this has been a great experience. I live a few hours away and may be able to get back for a cow in the late season.

Pulling for @Dave N with the time he has to be here.

 

[Silentstalker]

Definitely sounds like a general season elk hunt! Fun times, lots of people, and enough elk to keep you going with new plans. Keep at it. You will get a chance.

 

[bowhuntmontana]

Listening to Ozzie and waiting for some glassing light.

 

[bowhuntmontana]

Bundling up before we drop off the edge of the ridge to an out-of-the-wind glassing spot. A bit foggy up here on top, but I think we will be okay glassing down. Can see ranch lights scattered to the eastern horizon.

 

[Addicting]

 

[Addicting]

Just like that the view is gone!

 

[bowhuntmontana]

Bull spotted, but now it's fogged in.

 

[Dave N]

Fog never ends!

 

[Dave N]

Is this an elk hunt or a sheep hunt?

Still waiting for a clearing.

 

[Dave N]

That's a wrap! Snow started and still foggy. Time for breakfast.

 

[rjthehunter]

That's a wrap! Snow started and still foggy. Time for breakfast.

Dang, what I wouldn't give to be sitting on that hillside in shitty weather waiting for it to clear up so I could keep glassing... My truck will be pointed your direction tonight! Should be out that way by end of day tomorrow. Save some elk for me

 

[recon6036]

I have faith in all of you!! This is my buddy from high school. Just started hunting a couple years ago. Never killed an animal, not even a squirrel, until October 6, 2025. We hunted 5 days and he was discouraged, but kept at it. Im glad I was there with him!
Give er’ hell

 

[ammo]

My dad always says that is why it's called hunting and not killing - the journey is really the best part of all of it. Psyched you guys are out there and rooting for you!

 

[EastTNHunter]

My dad always says that is why it's called hunting and not killing - the journey is really the best part of all of it. Psyched you guys are out there and rooting for you!

Glad to see you back @ammo