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Old 01-13-2023, 09:41 AM
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wolfman403 wolfman403 is offline
 
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Default Suffield 2022-2023

How’s everyone doing. Been on here a long time but haven’t posted for awhile. I’m heading to Suffield 18-20 for my cow tags and then the next weekend for my wife’s. How have things been? Roads decent , numbers harvested and where guys were seeing them. If anyone else is going up for the last 2 seasons PM me if you want to exchange numbers. Never been there and looking for advice on where to start. Thanks in advance.
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Old 01-13-2023, 01:38 PM
Big Dog Al Big Dog Al is offline
 
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PM sent.
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  #3  
Old 01-14-2023, 12:56 PM
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Pm sent. I will be down there the 18th also.
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Old 01-16-2023, 09:57 AM
Blazer 1 Blazer 1 is offline
 
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I got my 2 in November. Started around the CHAT radio tower on the south side. Decent size herd around there.

Good luck!
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  #5  
Old 01-16-2023, 01:21 PM
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wolfman403 wolfman403 is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Blazer 1 View Post
I got my 2 in November. Started around the CHAT radio tower on the south side. Decent size herd around there.

Good luck!
Excellent, thanks for the info. Will definitely check it out.
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  #6  
Old 01-20-2023, 12:27 PM
simpatico simpatico is online now
 
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Default How was Hunt?

Just wondering on the action and if people were successful?

Thanks
Tony
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  #7  
Old 01-21-2023, 09:49 AM
pol3557 pol3557 is offline
 
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Was out there this week, was a tough go for a lot of people. Herd is either broken up hard and or hiding. First two days had pretty significant fog limiting visibility a That slowly burned off. Walking conditions are doable in the North but tough due to the crusted snow and breaking thru. Road conditions are good tho as long as it stays cool, will get muddy and slushy if it warms up. East boundary road closed in the NW but pretty much everything else is open.

11 taken day one, 11 day two and when we left the base on day three 12-13 had been taken.

Military was awesome and efficient this year it seemed. We were on the base before 8:45 every day.

All the other hunters were pretty awesome to meet and chat and share notes as you came across them. Prepare for some longer walks to try and dig them out from some of the more remote spots. Happy hunt!
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Old 01-21-2023, 05:48 PM
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I agree with everything pol said.
I was a though 3 day of hunting.Lots of walking in heavy fog which was a bit dodgy Wednesday and Thursday but overall really good 3 days.Army personal were great.There is a fairly big herd in the north NWA you got to walk 10k to get to them they are down at the river.These elk have it figured out since the last time I was there.I dont think people can call it a cull anymore.
Happy hunting
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  #9  
Old 01-23-2023, 03:40 AM
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Elk Nut Elk Nut is offline
 
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Default Suffield 2022-2023

I agree, definitely not a cull hunt anymore. These elk are into hiding now. This was our first time on the base. Was down on the 18-20th to help fill my wife’s bull tag.

Day 1 was foggy until about 1pm. With nothing to glass I decided we should walk into an area that my research lead me to. When the fog lifted we were able to get in on a big herd of cows with a couple smaller bulls in it, nothing big enough for day one.

Day 2 was also foggy until about 1pm. My wife decided that maybe one of the bulls in the group was big enough and we went back in the fog to track them down. Unfortunately the group had moved way deeper. There was some gossip of a group of bulls in a near by are. We got out and found the group of bulls. Definitely a couple decent ones in the group. They had figured out the game and were acting more like Rams now and bedding on large lookout points along a drainage a couple miles out.

Day 3 was crystal clear. We tried for the first couple hrs to track the group of bulls down but they had also moved deeper. We decided to make a last stitch effort and track them down. We ended up tracking them down about 5 miles in. As we setup there was others joining the group of bulls which was at about 100 animals now. In the back drop was a scene I will never forget. The whole valley was crawling with elk. Had to be about 1500 cows and calves mixed in with a few bulls. We were able to get about 800 yards from the main group of bulls with a couple being closer. The closest bull was just over 500 yards away. It was a smaller 5 point bull but with no way of getting closer without being busted we decided to setup on him. Gave him a good range, made the adjustments on the NF scope. My wife made a clean shot dropped him on the spot. We quartered him up and got half out on day 3. Was definitely a grind. They gave us a permit to retrieve for day 4 which is not actually supposed to be in the hunt.

Day 4 we got a special escort from two military personal. We spent 5 hrs hiking in and back out with the second half. At the time it seemed like a horrible decision but now I’m already looking forward to the next trip.

I definitely think this has turned into a real hunt as the numbers are way down from previous years. I also think the military personnel were great to work with and all in all it was a great experience.
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  #10  
Old 01-23-2023, 09:05 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Elk Nut View Post
I agree, definitely not a cull hunt anymore.
I definitely think this has turned into a real hunt as the numbers are way down from previous years. I also think the military personnel were great to work with and all in all it was a great experience.
Welcome to the forum Elk Nut - and thanks for your great opening posts. Well written, respectful, and informative. Looking forward to your continued posting - well done!
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  #11  
Old 01-23-2023, 09:28 AM
fishnguy fishnguy is online now
 
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Sounds like some good effort!

Congrats on the bull!
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  #12  
Old 01-23-2023, 09:50 AM
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We found 3 herds of about 3-400 in the South NWA when I was there in Nov. 2 of them joined into 1 herd when we spooked them. Still ended up getting both cow tags filled.

They definitely seem to be using the terrain to their advantage. They stay high and when they see you, it’s into the coulees and they disappear.
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  #13  
Old 01-23-2023, 01:33 PM
simpatico simpatico is online now
 
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Thanks for all the posts. I’m considering putting my antlered elk in there. I’m a priority 10 but I have mobility issues. The hike I’m not worried about, it’s the retrieval that will be an issue.
My helper is going to be either my brother who’s a very fit sheep hunter or my son who is a very strong young man.
I did this hunt as a helper in 2017 and we got 1 cow. Never seen bulls but I was told that they had made their way into the very back part by the river.
Thanks again for all the replies.
Tony
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Old 01-23-2023, 02:45 PM
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  #15  
Old 02-01-2023, 02:19 PM
Hikinghunter Hikinghunter is offline
 
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Hello friends!

First off, Bravo to the folks putting up information & to all the hunters in Suffield that were willing to chat & share while we were on the base.

I want to give my quick synopsis of the hunt having never been there before.

Mornings: we stayed at a hotel in Brooks, were up at 4:15 every morning & packed & ready to go. Quick stop at Uncle Ronalds Steakhouse for a coffee & a mcmuffin and on the hwy. arrived in Ralston around 5:30 every morning. First 2 days the military personnel were there getting people registered even though the gates didnt open until 6 on the info package. 3rd day (due to temps no doubt) they didnt come out until 6 on the nose. Briefing is really well laid out, easy to follow. A few forms to fill out and its all quite self explanatory. You will be asked if you want to go into the north or south NWA (hiking only) and if you do, you need to have a compass or gps & a flashlight of some kind with you (have to show it when entering into the base).

Day 1 - no idea on strategy. Drive across the base to the North NWA (took a solid 40 mins on good roads as the speed limit is 50. See a herd off Mule Deer road, try to make a move, unpredictable as they are being pushed around by a bunch of different groups. After 2 attempts at getting to them (never got within 1000 yards) decided to do some driving, thats when the size of the base really set in! Place is HUGE. Saw nothing else that day.

Day 2 - boots on the ground. Approx 18 kms of hiking. North part of the north NWA we find a group of 15 bulls, really cool to see but I only have cow tags! Move farther into the north & go for another hike. Every rise we came over it felt like a herd would be there but it was nothing but vast rolling hills! A far more entertaining day, but I have not put a round in the chamber yet. Pulled one truck out that was waiting for a tow truck as they were pretty buried.

Day 3 - we are in Alberta, lets burn some fuel! After some consult with base personnel & fish & wildlife, we decide to put in for the south NWA as most animals had been shot in there. Spot a small herd first thing, make a move but a snowed in road slowed up those plans. Keep moving is what we kept telling ourselves. After glassing a coulee a few times, we were sitting at the top of it when we look in the rear view of the truck & there is a group of 8 standing there. Slowly exit truck, a group of 100 + comes over the hill! Very cool to see. They were also nice enough to lineup and cross infront of us & I was able to take a big cow, pretty exciting.

If I were to do that hunt again, I would do a couple of things differently.

-1st morning I would be first in line for the briefing, giving you advantage of being first guy out there. I believe that resulted in elk for a couple guys in the north NWA.
-either commit to hiking or commit to driving, either way you’ll probably find something but you need to cover some ground, again, the place is huge.
-talk to everybody, most people there are great & want to share information, including base personnel
-be sure you can accurately shoot 400 yards plus, some long pokes to be taken out there
-if your old hunting truck is a gas guzzler, Id bring some extra fuel along. Lots of idling time in the morning, plus the drive there, plus the driving on base & the gas station will be closed on the way out if you are there on a weekend. Day 1 I burned 3/4 of a 90L tank pretty easily & that was with half of the driving a guy could do
-be ready for wind (clothing wise, goretex or similar wind blocker)

Please, dont be like the d bags that were standing & shooting at a herd from 500 yards away with a 30 km/h crosswind. Thats all Ill say about that.

The travel lodge in Brooks pricing reflects the shape of the place, but it worked.

I hope this helps anyone looking for info if its their first time there! Now if you’ll excuse me, Ive got some meat to cut.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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  #16  
Old 02-01-2023, 04:37 PM
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^^^ congrats on your elk and nice write up. You’re right, it’s a big place!
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  #17  
Old 02-01-2023, 05:38 PM
eyeflyer eyeflyer is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hikinghunter View Post
Hello friends!

First off, Bravo to the folks putting up information & to all the hunters in Suffield that were willing to chat & share while we were on the base.

I want to give my quick synopsis of the hunt having never been there before.

Mornings: we stayed at a hotel in Brooks, were up at 4:15 every morning & packed & ready to go. Quick stop at Uncle Ronalds Steakhouse for a coffee & a mcmuffin and on the hwy. arrived in Ralston around 5:30 every morning. First 2 days the military personnel were there getting people registered even though the gates didnt open until 6 on the info package. 3rd day (due to temps no doubt) they didnt come out until 6 on the nose. Briefing is really well laid out, easy to follow. A few forms to fill out and its all quite self explanatory. You will be asked if you want to go into the north or south NWA (hiking only) and if you do, you need to have a compass or gps & a flashlight of some kind with you (have to show it when entering into the base).

Day 1 - no idea on strategy. Drive across the base to the North NWA (took a solid 40 mins on good roads as the speed limit is 50. See a herd off Mule Deer road, try to make a move, unpredictable as they are being pushed around by a bunch of different groups. After 2 attempts at getting to them (never got within 1000 yards) decided to do some driving, thats when the size of the base really set in! Place is HUGE. Saw nothing else that day.

Day 2 - boots on the ground. Approx 18 kms of hiking. North part of the north NWA we find a group of 15 bulls, really cool to see but I only have cow tags! Move farther into the north & go for another hike. Every rise we came over it felt like a herd would be there but it was nothing but vast rolling hills! A far more entertaining day, but I have not put a round in the chamber yet. Pulled one truck out that was waiting for a tow truck as they were pretty buried.

Day 3 - we are in Alberta, lets burn some fuel! After some consult with base personnel & fish & wildlife, we decide to put in for the south NWA as most animals had been shot in there. Spot a small herd first thing, make a move but a snowed in road slowed up those plans. Keep moving is what we kept telling ourselves. After glassing a coulee a few times, we were sitting at the top of it when we look in the rear view of the truck & there is a group of 8 standing there. Slowly exit truck, a group of 100 + comes over the hill! Very cool to see. They were also nice enough to lineup and cross infront of us & I was able to take a big cow, pretty exciting.

If I were to do that hunt again, I would do a couple of things differently.

-1st morning I would be first in line for the briefing, giving you advantage of being first guy out there. I believe that resulted in elk for a couple guys in the north NWA.
-either commit to hiking or commit to driving, either way you’ll probably find something but you need to cover some ground, again, the place is huge.
-talk to everybody, most people there are great & want to share information, including base personnel
-be sure you can accurately shoot 400 yards plus, some long pokes to be taken out there
-if your old hunting truck is a gas guzzler, Id bring some extra fuel along. Lots of idling time in the morning, plus the drive there, plus the driving on base & the gas station will be closed on the way out if you are there on a weekend. Day 1 I burned 3/4 of a 90L tank pretty easily & that was with half of the driving a guy could do
-be ready for wind (clothing wise, goretex or similar wind blocker)

Please, dont be like the d bags that were standing & shooting at a herd from 500 yards away with a 30 km/h crosswind. Thats all Ill say about that.

The travel lodge in Brooks pricing reflects the shape of the place, but it worked.

I hope this helps anyone looking for info if its their first time there! Now if you’ll excuse me, Ive got some meat to cut.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
So shooting 400 plus yards should be expected but................if you shoot 500 your a d bag. LOL
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  #18  
Old 02-01-2023, 05:43 PM
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DiabeticKripple DiabeticKripple is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by eyeflyer View Post
So shooting 400 plus yards should be expected but................if you shoot 500 your a d bag. LOL
Read again. 500yds, offhand, 30km/h crosswind. I wouldn’t even do that at 200yds.
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  #19  
Old 02-01-2023, 06:48 PM
Blazer 1 Blazer 1 is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hikinghunter View Post
Hello friends!

First off, Bravo to the folks putting up information & to all the hunters in Suffield that were willing to chat & share while we were on the base.

I want to give my quick synopsis of the hunt having never been there before.

Mornings: we stayed at a hotel in Brooks, were up at 4:15 every morning & packed & ready to go. Quick stop at Uncle Ronalds Steakhouse for a coffee & a mcmuffin and on the hwy. arrived in Ralston around 5:30 every morning. First 2 days the military personnel were there getting people registered even though the gates didnt open until 6 on the info package. 3rd day (due to temps no doubt) they didnt come out until 6 on the nose. Briefing is really well laid out, easy to follow. A few forms to fill out and its all quite self explanatory. You will be asked if you want to go into the north or south NWA (hiking only) and if you do, you need to have a compass or gps & a flashlight of some kind with you (have to show it when entering into the base).

Day 1 - no idea on strategy. Drive across the base to the North NWA (took a solid 40 mins on good roads as the speed limit is 50. See a herd off Mule Deer road, try to make a move, unpredictable as they are being pushed around by a bunch of different groups. After 2 attempts at getting to them (never got within 1000 yards) decided to do some driving, thats when the size of the base really set in! Place is HUGE. Saw nothing else that day.

Day 2 - boots on the ground. Approx 18 kms of hiking. North part of the north NWA we find a group of 15 bulls, really cool to see but I only have cow tags! Move farther into the north & go for another hike. Every rise we came over it felt like a herd would be there but it was nothing but vast rolling hills! A far more entertaining day, but I have not put a round in the chamber yet. Pulled one truck out that was waiting for a tow truck as they were pretty buried.

Day 3 - we are in Alberta, lets burn some fuel! After some consult with base personnel & fish & wildlife, we decide to put in for the south NWA as most animals had been shot in there. Spot a small herd first thing, make a move but a snowed in road slowed up those plans. Keep moving is what we kept telling ourselves. After glassing a coulee a few times, we were sitting at the top of it when we look in the rear view of the truck & there is a group of 8 standing there. Slowly exit truck, a group of 100 + comes over the hill! Very cool to see. They were also nice enough to lineup and cross infront of us & I was able to take a big cow, pretty exciting.

If I were to do that hunt again, I would do a couple of things differently.

-1st morning I would be first in line for the briefing, giving you advantage of being first guy out there. I believe that resulted in elk for a couple guys in the north NWA.
-either commit to hiking or commit to driving, either way you’ll probably find something but you need to cover some ground, again, the place is huge.
-talk to everybody, most people there are great & want to share information, including base personnel
-be sure you can accurately shoot 400 yards plus, some long pokes to be taken out there
-if your old hunting truck is a gas guzzler, Id bring some extra fuel along. Lots of idling time in the morning, plus the drive there, plus the driving on base & the gas station will be closed on the way out if you are there on a weekend. Day 1 I burned 3/4 of a 90L tank pretty easily & that was with half of the driving a guy could do
-be ready for wind (clothing wise, goretex or similar wind blocker)

Please, dont be like the d bags that were standing & shooting at a herd from 500 yards away with a 30 km/h crosswind. Thats all Ill say about that.

The travel lodge in Brooks pricing reflects the shape of the place, but it worked.

I hope this helps anyone looking for info if its their first time there! Now if you’ll excuse me, Ive got some meat to cut.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Nice job!
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  #20  
Old 02-02-2023, 05:00 PM
Hikinghunter Hikinghunter is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by eyeflyer View Post
So shooting 400 plus yards should be expected but................if you shoot 500 your a d bag. LOL

Probably want to re-read that section you are referencing!


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  #21  
Old 02-02-2023, 10:38 PM
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CBintheNorth CBintheNorth is offline
 
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Congratulations Hikinghunter, it sounds like you put in the effort and were rewarded.
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  #22  
Old 02-03-2023, 09:35 AM
DRhunter DRhunter is offline
 
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Thanks Hikinghunter for sharing and congrats on your success!

DR
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