WMU 300 LATE SEASON ELK

Anyone had much luck late in the season down south?

I do not have that draw this year but if there is no snow, there is no Elk. I do not think 300 has had much in the way of snow this year. Need a good dump to push those old bulls down the mountain.

This going to be the official thread this year? I have had this tag the past 3 seasons and have yet to see an elk outside of the park. I once had a landowner call and say they were out (about 15 above and 100km/hr winds) but by the time i arrived (1 hr later) they had moved out. We need snow and lots of it. 1996 was the last year the elk really left the park. Nice scenery, lots of walking, but i've had no luck. You'll see lots of moose and deer though, keeps it exciting. Access seems relatively easy to gain as well, a nice change from other areas i've hunted.

jrs

The problem with that area is that there are so many places for the herds to hang out where you cannot get to them. The park, private lands that you cannot access and the good old USA (depending if you are on the A or B side). If you are on the Eastside you can PM me and I will tell you a good place to go if you get the snow.

If you have the draw just watch the weather channel. Only go if you see that there is about 1.5 feet of snow and 20 below. Other than that, sleep in.

JRS,
You're in the "A" side this year right? I cant wait to get out there after X-mas and see some of the country....

Thats correct rackmastr, the good side Thats the beauty of the hunt really, incredable scenery and always a chance at a critter. Hopefully this weather starts turning bad soon though. I like to get out at least 5 to 6 times and walk two or three different properties. Have seen lots of everything but elk. Probably go talk to landowners couple days after christmas. Maybe get a few extra days down there this year. If i get any tips i'll try to help you out as well, would be nice to see someone shoot an elk down their someday.

jrs

JRS,
I'll do the same for you...got a friend with some very strong connections down there, so that should help.....if that darn weather gets goin...

Rack, give me a call when you are going, I might be able to make it.

Jamie

Anyone know how much snow they have along the park? I was out in 302 and 400 fishing Wednesday and couldn't believe how much snow there was. Would have been perfect hunting conditions. Any ideas? I like to walk the boundary with fresh snow, you often see the elk tracks come up to the fence then walk along it rarely crossing. We need more snow and cold!!!!!

JRS,
Hey what are your plans for tomorrow or Thursday? With this new snow and some good fog and blowing stuff I was thinking of taking a drive tomorrow morning. Let me know if you wanted to get together for a drive......PM me or post if you're around....

Im pritty optimistic about getting an elk this year i've been getting this tag for 3yr. and nothing yet but like they say a day of hunting is better than any day at work, its great just being outdoors. look forward to all your commits. good luck hunting it would great to hear if anybody gets one. well just waiting on the weather

Lots of snow last night, but I had things to do around the house so I didnt get out there. Might take a drive for coyotes out that way tomorrow to see what we see....now we just need some really cold stuff to come in. Wish I was out there this morning though!!

Hey Rackmastr,

Did you make it down there? I was off camping, just got back about a hour ago. There was lots of snow up high in the Crowsnest Area, not sure how much down towards Waterton or Pincher. I haven't heard of any cows being around as of yet, we'll see if the weather improves (need about -30 now. Good luck! The challenge has begun!!

JRS,
Made it out on Thursday for a drive and to chat with some landowners and firm up some permission. Saw a nice herd of 250 in the park....forgot my binos so I couldnt even look at big bulls!!
I know of one cow that was shot on Dec 26th....landowner was telling me about it. Other than that, the wait for cold weather begins.....heh

At least you saw a few. I love to run into the big herd, amazing number of animals. On our way out last year we drove through a herd which was supposed to have 450 members (according to landowners and a rough count). I swear i took pictures but they seem to be missing right now. They all walked along the boundary just east of the highway, amazing how not even one crossed. There was only one legal bull in the bunch, looked like the big boys had moved on already. I'm going to try and make it down there later this week or possibly just phone the guys who always seem to know whats going on. Hopefully Mr. Wapiti makes an appearance and heads for my freezer.

Last year a good bull which would net just under 400 non-typical was taken on the B side right around the 25 of December and it was T-shirt weather taken by a guide from Pincher Creek. This year another guide who lives down that way took a good bull should net around mid 365 typical, East of the river again, and it wasn't all that cold. But then again it helps to have access. I know of only one good bull on the A side (west of the river) taken earlier this year taken by you guessed it another hunting guide should go 340. Thats three good bulls and no-cold snowy weather.

The bulls are always around, landowners can always tell me right where they are and roughly how big they are. The cows stick much more to the park, of course they wander out now and then but for the most part the big herd needs harsh weather before moving down low. My dads up to 3 or 4 yrs priority now waiting for a bull tag, should be fun. I know the one rancher has about a 370'' bull skull a meat hunter left him about 10 yrs ago now. Really cool someone would just leave it.

I've really considered starting to build some priority there for bulls....we'll see how the cow season goes and maybe will draw a bull tag in the future. I've got a 7 on my antlered elk right now, so for now I'll stick with that......but know there are some crankers down in 300....

My dad got a 340 bullon the b side this year, will go 330-340, -28 in Nov, know of one other bull killed on b-side earlier in nov

My dad got a good bull on the b side this nov, -28, should go 330-340, know of 1 other bull killed on the b side earlier in nov, have been hunting down there for past 6 years this is the first good opportunity for an elk we've had.

Will post pic if someone can tell me how

Email me the pic and I'll post it....rackmastr@hotmail.com

e-mail sent let me know if oit works, it will be from potatobutt@saw.ca

About 15 years ago one buddy of mine killed a 325 6pt bull after hunting for about 20 days total and the weather was nice and the bull was by itself. Another buddy of mine killed a big thick 7 pt bull in a willow and aspen jungle along Crooked Creek on the Birds Eye Ranch, it took 5 of us all day to get this one out, and the snow was deep in places, and this bull was by itself too. We used to hunt this area before the draws came in effect. It might be better now with less hunting pressure. Elk used to come out of the park like crazy when there was a north wind blowing and it was -30 below.

Here are the pics!!! Nice bull BTW....

Awesome bulls. Have you guys been around willow valley in the past? Think i've met you before. Awesome pics, thanks for sharing. Thats the type of bulls that show up down there. I have a friend who harvested 6 elk in six years in the early 1990's late 1980's but he said its somehow changed since then. I don't think he's shot one since 1998 or 1999. Thanks for sharing the pics once again though, awesome bulls.

JRS, ya we usually go down to willow valley each year, aren't members but enjoy the trophy day, hopefully get down there this year, as for the bull we were pretty happy, actually the first elk we-ve gotten waited ong time to get one, i have to say hunting 300 is one of the most beutiful places in alberta and man are there some nice, nice bulls in the park, all i can say is patience and praying to the elk gods finally paid off

JRS not sure if i read your post correct or not but that's the same bull not 2 different ones , first pic is my dad second is me with the bull, cheers

Nice looking bull your dad got, congrats. Great pics, thanks for sharing. Your dad looks pretty cold.haha Looking at these pics just makes me want to get back out there. I can't wait until this next season.

Congrats on the very nice bull. I enjoy seeing pics of big bulls like that with polished tips, he should make a wonderful mount.