Q
I’ve hunted elk all my life. After tiring of the loud shots, crowded mountains, and spooky elk, my dad and I have switched to bowhunting. Last year we saw lots of elk sign, but it all appeared to be a couple weeks old, and we never really got into elk. How does archery pressure affect elk? Do they run and hide, as during rifle season? Do they just shut up and quit talking? Do they just run to the next mountain but go about their usual business?
–Brant Wiedel via e-mail

A
The short answer might be “all of the above,” but that’s a bit simplistic. The fact that you were seeing elk sign means the elk are there somewhere, but bowhunters may have pushed them around. Any given territory contains only a given number of pockets of good elk habitat — meadows/springs/dark timber. If elk get harassed in their favorite hangouts, they’ll move to alternate areas. If hunters have pounded all of these, the elk may move into marginal habitat, such as lower pinion/juniper winter range, or higher, rocky, drier areas.

Finding these places could take some serious map study, a lot of boot leather, and some luck. When you do find a herd, I think you will find them going about their usual business. They’re just doing it in a different place from earlier in the season.Heavy pressure and calling could make the elk shut up and quit talking. However, I do believe that in most cases, if you locate elk, hunt carefully to avoid disturbing them again, and call judiciously, you can call-in even call-shy bulls.
–Dwight Schuh, Editor

Q
I was wondering if you could recommend any outfitters for spring black bears or elk.
–M.O., via e-mail

A
I would suggest you contact Bowhunting Safari Consultants (1-800-833-9777, www.bowhuntingsafari.com). We use them regularly and they always have a list of outfitters for just about any big game species with openings/cancellations. You could also check with Wes Atkinson of Atkinson Expeditions (970/568-9667, www.atkinsonexpeditions.com).

Regarding spring bear outfitters, I can recommend Rob Nye in Saskatchewan (337/380-1976, www.canadiantrophyquest.com). Also, check with Russ Bettschen in Manitoba (320/732-6843, www.bearhunt.net). Larry D. Jones and I killed really good bears with Russ. Good luck with your search.
–Curt Wells, Equipment Editor

Q
I enjoy hunting big game with my recurve. What are your thoughts on using a clicker while hunting?
–Diana Suiter, via e-mail

A
I’ve been using a clicker for years to help eliminate target panic, achieve consistent draw length, and maintain good shooting form. My clicker of choice is a Crick-It Draw Check System from Hunter’s Niche (www.huntersniche.com). Three Rivers Archery (www.3RiversArchery.com) also carries the Crick-It and other clickers.

I modify my Crick-It a little. To eliminate noise, I remove the adjustable chain and use the supplied cord by tying a knot in it and threading it through the chain attachment cup in the clicker hole. I make the knot large enough so it won’t slip through and then use a match to melt the end so it will not hold the clicker away from the base plate.

Finally, I wrap the clicker with cloth tape to reduce the click sound level. I want the click loud enough for me to hear — but not for the animals to hear.
–Larry D. Jones, TV Videographer

Q
As a traditional bowhunter, I record the specs and settings for my bow to help me keep the bow tuned. My son wants to keep a similar record of specs and settings for his compound bow. What specs do you record to help keep a compound tuned?
–Ron Dodge, via e-mail

A
Some compound bows have “tuning marks” on the cams that will help you determine if the cams are synchronized. These marks might be notches in the cams where the cable aligns between the marks, or they might be holes in the cams that the cables must intersect. Your owner’s manual will clarify the system. Note the alignment of these marks.

In addition, once the bow is tuned, measure the exact distance from axle to axle and the precise brace height. If the strings or cables creep, you will detect it in these measurements. Measure the distance from nocking point to peep sight to reveal whether the peep gets moved. Use a visible marker to make a mark on the cams on either side of the limbs.

If the relationship between the limbs and these marks changes, the tune of your bow has changed. Make similar marks for the elevation and windage adjustments for both the sight and the arrow rest. These will instantly reveal whether something has been bumped out of place. Record the draw weight of the bow, because if you change that, the other measurements will change as well.
–Curt Wells, Equipment Editor

Q
I am an avid deer hunter from Maryland, but I’d like to bowhunt for game other than whitetails. What is the best big game archery hunt for someone to go on for their first real archery trip?
–Chris Kelly, via e-mail

A
An elk hunt on private land (see “Elk Heaven,” by Fred Richter, page 22) is always a safe bet, meaning you will see plenty of game and have a high chance for success. Another safe bet is an antelope hunt. A quality bear hunt over bait ranks very high in the satisfaction category for most bowhunters (see the Q/A above). With one or two of these hunts under your belt, you’ll want to advance to mule deer, caribou, moose, and other northern and mountain game.
–Dwight Schuh, Editor