Realistic Expectations for Fishlake Elk

[Shedhead03]

What does everybody think i should be expecting to see on the fishlake unit this year? Average unit i know, but just trying to guage what people are seeing the last few years

 

[rraney]

What tag you draw? Will be up there with my dad on the muzzy

 

[shootem]

May wanna shoot the first spike/raghorn you see ? In all seriousness, a 280-320 inch bull should be expected if you do you’re part.

 

[Tikka]

May wanna shoot the first spike/raghorn you see ? In all seriousness, a 280-320 inch bull should be expected if you do you’re part.

That truly is a shame…

 

[Shedhead03]

What tag you draw? Will be up there with my dad on the muzzy

Archery.

 

[Shedhead03]

That truly is a shame…

Thanks for the reply. Yes that is what i was thinking. I won't pass up the first spike?

 

[Tikka]

Thanks for the reply. Yes that is what i was thinking. I won't pass up the first spike?

That wasn’t the point of my post

 

[BullElk07]

What does everybody think i should be expecting to see on the fishlake unit this year? Average unit i know, but just trying to guage what people are seeing the last few years

I had the LE Archery tag last year. Spent the first 10 days of the season there and never got a shot opportunity. Very few cows to be found, saw only a couple of rag horns and no spikes. Most bulls I encountered were like shootem mentioned, 280-320 The bulls were somewhat vocal the first day or two, but would not respond to any calling. I returned the last ten days of the season, which is better if you have a LE tag, due to the last week being dedicated to the those tag holders only. So no spike and cow hunters to contend with. Bulls were more vocal and did respond to calling. I had a close encounter with a 350” bull during the last week, but was unable to get a shot at him. On the next to last day I was able to harvest this bull. All in all it was a great trip and experience. I met a lot of great people willing to help and share information. Be persistent and don’t give up.

 

[Shedhead03]

I know. Sorry i replied on the wrong post. I know the quality is a shame. But at least there are a lot of elk and it should be fun

 

[BrowningRage]

My cousin Archery deer hunted there a few different years recently. He would see lots of raghorn and younger 5 and 6 point bulls in the velvet... The last year he was there, not too long ago, they found a deadhead (they reported it and were awarded it later)... It scored 305", but its 3rds were only 6 inches each. If they would have been like the other tines, he would have gone 325" minimum... Its a great Euro mount now.

Id recommend being there at the end of the Archery as thats when u are more likely to catch some rutting action... Good luck. Keep us updated as we love hearing follow ups.

 

[Shedhead03]

That is the plan. I am hunting from labor day through the end

 

[tracker12]

I had the LE Archery tag last year. Spent the first 10 days of the season there and never got a shot opportunity. Very few cows to be found, saw only a couple of rag horns and no spikes. Most bulls I encountered were like shootem mentioned, 280-320 The bulls were somewhat vocal the first day or two, but would not respond to any calling. I returned the last ten days of the season, which is better if you have a LE tag, due to the last week being dedicated to the those tag holders only. So no spike and cow hunters to contend with. Bulls were more vocal and did respond to calling. I had a close encounter with a 350” bull during the last week, but was unable to get a shot at him. On the next to last day I was able to harvest this bull. All in all it was a great trip and experience. I met a lot of great people willing to help and share information. Be persistent and don’t give up. View attachment 78240

Thats a great bull and sounds like a great hunt. I am so over all this it has to be a 350+ bull to be a great hunt.

 

[Hawkeye]

There is nothing wrong with taking a 300 inch bull with a bow. I have done it twice and had a great hunt both times.

Hawkeye

 

[Shedhead03]

Guys this is my first elk hunt for a bull. I am not looking to only kill a monster. I am in the hunt for quality of the hunt and good time with family and friends. A good bull is only a bonus. I already love just being in the outdoors with a chance to get something off it presents itself. Went down this weekend and it is beautiful country. We saw a herd of about 20 bulls.

 

[Stubaby]

Where you see bulls now is not where they will be after sept 5th. Once they get love sick they move a ton. Is sit water the first few days. Anything over 300” I would definitely at least knock an arrow for.

 

[Shedhead03]

Where you see bulls now is not where they will be after sept 5th. Once they get love sick they move a ton. Is sit water the first few days. Anything over 300” I would definitely at least knock an arrow for.

Ya. I won't be there till labor day. I know they will move a lot. Just went to see the unit and learn some areas. Pretty stoked it should be fun

 

[Ihuntemall]

Forget about numbers, go have fun and shoot one! All elk are great, but some have big horns.

 

[SS!]

400 or nothing!!!

 

[Ihuntemall]

400 or nothing!!!

LMAO, good luck on that!

 

[BLooDTRaCKeR]

There’s plenty of 420 bulls up there. Make sure you pull the trigger at 4:20 to claim your prize.

 

[GLEDEASY]

I've been a part of 7 bulls being harvested off that mountain. Some early season, some late, and then archery. They have ranged from 280 to 360 and everywhere between. Averaging just over 320.

You'll know what's right for you when opportunity presents itself.

Edit: and I'll say this.... the smallest bull wasn't any less special/memorable than the biggest.

 

[SS!]

You can’t kill a 4 hundo if you shoot a raghorn 300”

 

[Ihuntemall]

Having goals is good

 

[Ihuntemall]

You might want to look at B&C. No 400 bull in Utah since 2017.

 

[BLooDTRaCKeR]

You might want to look at B&C. No 400 bull in Utah since 2017.

But not all enter their 4 Hundo’s in the books. If I were ever lucky enough to kill something that big, it would never see the record books, nor a tape measure. Not my style. I admire the experience over the size any day….and I’ll add, “that’s what she said” because I know y’all are thinking it.?

 

[Ihuntemall]

But not all enter their 4 Hundo’s in the books. If I were ever lucky enough to kill something that big, it would never see the record books, nor a tape measure. Not my style. I admire the experience over the size any day….and I’ll add, “that’s what she said” because I know y’all are thinking it.?

True

 

[pounder]

Nothing fancy but some pretty flowers still there

 

[Shedhead03]

Thanks guys. Those are some great pictures. I hope something like that stops in front of me under 60.

 

[Shedhead03]

Check out my short story in the utah thread. I ended up tagging out. Thanks for all your comments.