Wallows?

[Dan Jackson]

If there are a couple of good wallows would it be worth hunting that all day or not - how do they use wallows, and how often??

[John Maynard]

Dan: Hope you get this before you leave....

Generally there are two types of wallows. Those that are out in the open (feeding) areas that are used only when the elk forst come out into a field in the evening or just before they go back into the dark timber in the morning.
The other type are those found back in the dark timber. These wallows can get used anytime but generally I have found them most active from about noon to 4 p.m. in the heat of the day. Of course there are exceptions to any "rule." but this is generally the norm.

[Dan Jackson]

Any setup tips for hunting these wallows? Will multiple bulls use the same wallows? In your opinion would it be worth hunting a wallow all day on a 6 day hunt?

[Dan Jackson]

BTW, 16 days until I fly out ... :D

[John Maynard]

Dan:

In my estimation if a wallow is being used actively, hunt it. A couple of ways to tell if it's being used it to look for muddied up, foul smelling water or mud. It will have the smell of a barnyard. You can also try throwning a couple of small sticks into it and then check back the next day and see if the sticks are buried in the mud or missiing. There will also be mud thrown up on the sides of the wallow and in the area surrounding the wallow.
I have had my best luck in wallows back in deep timber where the elk feel secure in coming into them without much hesitation. As I said they will hit these wallows in the heat of the the day and yes, more than one elk will use a wallow. When you set your stand, play the wind. If it's not right, don't use it, you don't want to spook those elk out of that wallow. Your stand doesn't need to be read high. Elk don't look up as much as deer do. I have found 12 feet to be just about good enough. Stay still. They can come in very quietly.
Latly, some people like to do some soft cow calling when on a stand over a wallow but I don't. I like that elk to come in totally undisturbed as he usually does.
good luck.