Gordon Ranch - Rifle Elk Hunting

Overview

The Gordon Ranch rifle elk hunts will be conducted primarily in early to mid October. Unlike the other ranches we hunt, this ranch is at it's best in the early season. In fact, we have not hunted the ranch in rifle season the past couple of years due to a late October opening date. That has changed. Beginning in 2009, we were able to begin rifle hunting on October 1. We brought in one rifle hunter who killed a 350-class bull on the first morning. Even counting the first two years when we hunted late, the overall success rate on 300+ bulls has been 75% and the success rate on 350-class bulls has been 50%. The early-season dates are going to make the hunting even better.

Tactics

The early-season dates will allow calling to be a vital part of locating and hunting the bulls. As always in rifle elk hunts, spot and stalk hunting will be an important component of the hunt.

Most days will start with glassing from one of the numerous high points on the ranch. Seeing or hearing a bull is the first step. Once spotted, closing the distance to get the shot will be the next step. Glassing and more glassing can be expected. It's where the patience issue becomes so important.

The hunting areas will be accessed by vehicle and all hunting will be done on foot. All hunters will be guided 1 on 1.

Out of 2 rifle hunters in 2005:
* 1 (50%) harvested a respectable 5x5
* 1 (50%) harvested a 350-class bull

Out of 1 rifle hunter in 2006:
* 1 (100%) harvested a 310-class bull

Out of 1 rifle hunter in 2009:
* 1 (100%) harvested a 350-class bull

Out of 1 rifle hunter in 2010:
* 1 (100%) passed a shot opportunity at a 330-class bull
* 0 (0%) harvested a bull