Alan Ranch – Archery Elk Hunting

Overview

The Alan Ranch archery hunts are conducted in September. These hunts coincide with the rut and offer extraordinary chances at trophy bulls. Over the past four years, archery hunters have enjoyed over 85% shot opportunities at 300+ bulls. They have had over 52% SUCCESS on 300+ bulls during the same time frame!

Tactics

Calling and hunting over water are the two primary tactics for archery hunting at the Alan Ranch. Calling can be very productive. There is virtually no pubic ground around the ranch, only the reservation and other private land. As a result, many of the mature bulls are not as "educated" as their public-land counterparts. They are more susceptible to calls than most bulls.

Hunting over water is an important tactic as well. If the weather is hot and dry, water becomes increasingly important. But like any archery elk hunt, flexibility in tactics is often necessary. Taking advantage of what the elk give us is a huge key to success. We have had a few hunters in the past that thought the option to hunt over water meant they did not have to get in shape for the hunt. Then it rains every afternoon and water hunting gets taken out of the equation. The rest of the story is obvious.

Alan Ranch Archery Statistics

Out of 1 archery hunter in 2006:
* 1 (100%) had a shot opp at a 300 or better bull

Out of 6 archery hunters in 2007:
* 6 (100%) had shot opps at 300 or better bulls
* 4 (67%) harvested a 300 or better bull

Out of 7 archery hunters in 2008:
* 7 (100%) had shot opps at 5-point or better bulls
* 5 (71%) had shot opps at 300 or better bulls
* 4 (67%) harvested a 5-point or better bull
* 3 (43%) harvested a 300 or better bull

Out of 7 hunters in 2009:
* 6 (86%) had shot opps at 300 or better bulls
* 4 (69%) harvested 300 or better bulls

Out of 7 hunters in 2010:
* 6 (86%) had shot opps at 300 or better bulls
* 0 (0%) harvested 300 or better bulls

For an in-depth look at the results of the 2009 Alan Ranch archery hunts, go to the September postings on the "What’s New!" page.

Alan Ranch Archery References

Joseph Edin, WI 715-781-1421 "Go prepared. Listen to your guide, they are very knowledgeable and will get you a chance at a great animal."

Joel Edin, WI 715-248-3309 "Hunting is hunting. The first two days of the hunt I saw no elk. The evening of the third day, it was like a light switch went on and we had bulls bugling all around us. I was hoping for a trip of a lifetime and it turned out 100 times better than expected."

Rusty Heitzman, TX 940-686-5410 "Top-of-the-line outfit Don’t bother checking with other outfitters, just call Elite. Quality game, great camp and super people."

Shannon Payne, TX 281-369-3225 "I can’t imagine a finer place to archery hunt for elk. The bulls are vocal and receptive to calls and I had a tremendous amount of opportunities. The country is beautiful and relatively easy to maneuver but being fit will help. A ‘Can’t Miss’ and I would recommend it to anyone."

Jonathon Hubbard, TX 281-474-7551 "Great guides, incredible ranch and unbelievable elk."

John Wilmesher, MO 636-530-7107 "Elite’s guides are expert hunters themselves. They have the knowledge and ability to put you in the right place at the right time. Add in beautiful country, quality animals, and you have a truly exceptional hunting experience. I’ve hunted the Alan Ranch twice now and will be returning again."

James Zamora, TX 281-997-9353 "I have been on a few out-of-state hunts and by far, this one was the best. The work you have to put in before the hunt is well worth it. If you want to hunt free-ranging elk, Elite Outfitters is the place to do it. I cannot thank Brad LaBounty enough for the great time and the hunt of a lifetime."

Mark Michalsky, MD 410-885-3191 "You need to be mentally and physically prepared. Stay sharp! Thanks Johnny, for running a 1st rate operation!"

Gene Hunt, IA 515-341-0016 It was a great hunt. I had opportunities that I just couldn’t close. It happens. I would recommend Elite’s hunts to anyone who wishes to have an opportunity at a 300+ elk."