Elk Hunting: 9 Tips for Elk Hunting Success

Elk hunting can be an exhilarating and rewarding experience, whether you’re a seasoned hunter or learning how to hunt.

But before you head out to your favorite elk hunting locations, it’s important to know some essential tips and techniques that can increase your chances of success.

From scouting locations to choosing your gear, this article covers everything you need to know for a successful elk hunting trip.

How to Hunt Elk: Elk Hunting Success

Elk hunting, while exciting, is also a challenging sport. To be successful, it’s important to have the right elk hunting gear and techniques in place when you’re learning how to hunt elk..

Before taking on this hunt, make sure to research and understand the movements of elk; from their bedding areas to migration patterns.

Additionally, you’ll want to bring along the proper clothing for your environment and weather conditions – camouflage clothing that helps to blend into your surroundings can make all the difference!

Lastly, ensure that you have mastered shooting techniques as accuracy is key when hunting. With these tips in mind, you can be sure that your elk hunting experience will be exhilarating and safe!

1. Scout Your Hunting Grounds Beforehand

An important part of learning how to hunt elk is scouting your hunting grounds. Don’t wait until the day of the hunt to get familiar with the area.

One of the first steps in learning how to hunt elk is visiting your hunting grounds beforehand and identify areas where elk are likely to be found.

Develop an understanding of the terrain that you will encounter. Remember, you have to carry the elk out, so be prepared by knowing the terrain.

Scouting your hunting grounds before the actual hunt is one of the most important things you can do to increase your chances of success. It allows you to familiarize yourself with the area and identify potential spots where elk may be found.

Take note of food sources, such as vegetation or water sources, as well as any signs of elk activity such as tracks or droppings.

You should also be aware of any obstacles that might make hunting more difficult, such as steep cliffs or dense brush.

Being prepared and having a good understanding of the terrain will give you an advantage as you discover how to hunt elk.

2. Elk Hunting Gear

Elk hunting requires sturdy boots, a comfortable backpack, layered clothing appropriate for the weather conditions, bow or rifle, appropriate ammunition or arrows, camouflage gear, and other accessories depending on your personal preferences as well as laws governing what is permitted in your area.

As a newbie, learning how to hunt elk can be a challenging task, and it’s important to have the right gear to maximize your chances of success.

As we discussed, proper footwear is essential for traversing rugged terrain, while a sturdy backpack will allow you to carry all the necessary equipment.

Layered clothing that is appropriate for the weather conditions will ensure that you stay warm and dry while out in the elements.

Choosing between bow or rifle hunting is a personal preference but make sure you have appropriate ammunition or arrows.

Additionally, camouflage gear can help you blend into your surroundings and increase your chances of getting close to an elk undetected.

Be sure to research local laws regarding equipment restrictions and adjust your gear accordingly. With the appropriate gear in hand, you’ll be one step closer to learning how to hunt elk and having a successful hunt.

Elk Hunting Gear List

1. Hunting rifle or bow: A high-powered hunting rifle like a .308 Winchester or a bow is essential for a successful elk hunt.
2. Ammunition or arrows: Elk hunting bow. Depending on whether you’re using a rifle or bow, you’ll need the appropriate ammunition or arrows.
3. Elk Hunting boots: Comfortable and durable boots are essential for navigating rough terrain and keeping your feet dry.
4. Hunting backpack: A backpack is necessary to carry all of your gear, food, water, and any other supplies needed for the hunt.
5. Optics: A good pair of binoculars or a spotting scope will help you locate elk from a distance and determine their size and antlers.
6. Hunting clothes: Camouflage clothing designed for hunting will keep you concealed from elk and other wildlife.
7. Game calls: Elk calls are used to attract elk and bring them closer to your hunting location.
8. Hunting knife:A sharp hunting knife is necessary for field dressing and skinning the elk.
9. Game bags: Lightweight, breathable game bags are essential for keeping the meat clean and cool during transport.
10. Paracord: It will be helpful when packing up your elk to hoof it home.
11. GPS or map and compass: Navigation tools are essential for navigating the wilderness and finding the best hunting spots.
12. Elk hunting backpack: An elk hunting backpack is a great way to carry you gear in an organized way. A hunting backpack will help you secure your gear and keep the things you need at your fingertips when you need them.

3. Learn Calling Techniques

Elk hunting often involves calling out to elks using cow calls or bugles. Practice these techniques beforehand so that you can make high quality sounds that mimic real life sounds.

Calling is an essential technique in elk hunting that can either make or break your hunting trip. Elk hunters make use of various calling techniques to imitate the sound of a lost cow or bull, which would attract other elks looking for a mate or companion.

This requires you to have a proper understanding of elk vocalization, as well as mastering the correct way to produce cow calls or bugles.

Before heading out on your hunting trip, spend time practicing these techniques so you can make high-quality sounds to lure elks towards you.

There are many online resources and tutorials available that can help you improve your calling skills, so be sure to take advantage of them before your hunting trip.

4. How to Track an Elk

If you want to make the most out of your elk hunting season, it’s important to understand how to track and hunt them.

From understanding elk habits to scouting for tracks and mastering the art of stalking, there are many strategies and tips you can use to increase your success rate.

With the right skills and knowledge, you’ll be ready for some outdoor sport in no time!

Look for Elk Activity

Pay close attention and look for signs of elk activity in the area you are hunting. This could include tracks, droppings, rubbed trees, and even food sources.

Elk will often return to familiar areas when they start feeling the cold winter winds settling in; be sure to identify any potential locations where they may be returning.

When following a fresh track or other sign of an animal’s recent presence, adhere to hunting safety protocols as well as proper field etiquette.

Start Tracking Elk Early

While learning how to hunt for elk, tracking them when they’re most active is a must have skill. Elk are active during dawn and dusk, so it’s important to start animal tracking at least 1-2 hours before sunrise.

Locate tracks, bedding areas, and trails near rises, trees lines and ridges. This will give you an idea of the elk’s movements in the general area and allow you to narrow down a potential hunting spot.

Keep an eye out for rubs on trees which can be an indicator of their presence.

Also, don’t forget to move slowly and quietly while you learn how to hunt elk; elk have excellent hearing and are easily spooked by loud noises or quick movements.

Weather Conditions

Pay close attention to the weather when tracking elk. When the temperature is rising, they’re more likely to seek out food and water sources in areas with cool temperatures.

Windy conditions can help hide your scent from the elk and make it easier for you to track them as well. Anticipate where the elk will feed, bed down and drink in order to position yourself for a successful hunt.

Locate Game Trails

As you are out tracking elk, take the time to look around for other signs of their presence, such as game trails and droppings.

Elk hunting experts suggest that they will often follow the same game trails from one feeding area to another. Look for prominent browse lines and footprints along these trails.

Elk droppings are typically three inches long with rounded ends. Erect ears on the end of the droppings signify adult males while those with flattened ears on the ends indicate females or young bulls.

Elk droppings will be shiny when they are fresh. Dry, cracked droppings are an indication the scat is not fresh.

Use Cover Scent & Other Camouflage Practices

When elk hunting, it is important to wear a cover scent. Cover scents are made from animal droppings or musks that mask the hunter’s natural human odor and provide a layer of protection as you track and hunt elk.

Additionally, wear camouflage clothing and use a camo blind for extra protection when out on the hunt.

Anything to reduce your visibility in the woods can help you have success during an elk hunt.

5. Be Patient and Persistent

Learning how to hunt elk requires long hours of being mobile while tracking elk animals along various terrains like hillsides or creek bottoms where they feed at different times of day based on seasonal patterns.

You may have to spend long hours being mobile while tracking elk animals along various terrains like hillsides or creek bottoms where they feed at different times of day based on seasonal patterns.

Be prepared for a lot of hiking, climbing, and waiting in comfortable positions for an opportunity to get your shot at an elk.

Remember that elks are highly intelligent and cautious animals, so it takes time and expertise to outsmart them. Stay focused, stay alert, and don’t give up until you achieve your goal.

6. Where to Shoot an Elk

A very important thing to become aware of when learning how to hunt elk is knowing where to shoot it for a successful, ethical hunt.

The best spot to aim your shot is in the vitals which, include the heart and lungs. These organs can be found inside the chest cavity behind the front legs. This is very much the same as white tail deer hunting.

To maximize your chances, position yourself for a broadside or quartering away angle, rather than aiming from the front or back.

When hit with a well placed bullet or arrow in the vitals, it will typically take down an elk within seconds and result in a humane and efficient kill.

As such, take your time when sighting and make sure you have a clear and accurate shot that hits its intended spot before taking action – this is key to having an enjoyable elk hunting experience.

7. Field Dressing Elk Without Removing the Guts

For hunters looking to harvest an elk, field dressing elk and packing out the animal is essential for a successful hunt.

To that end, it is important to use the proper method when learning how to field dressing an elk.

The gutless method is one particularly popular option.

Begin by removing prized cuts of backstraps and tenderloins.

After that, you can remove the the front shoulders and hindquarters; this allows the carcass to be left behind largely intact while scavengers clean it up.

Optionally, remove the head to keep as a prize. You’ll want to cape the head as soon as you can.

When it comes time to pack out the elk, a sturdy frame pack is recommended to evenly distribute the weight of the meat and keep it off your back, as well as game bags to protect against dirt and debris.

Field dressing and packing out an elk can be physically demanding work, but if done correctly with care and consideration, you’ll reap a tasty reward when you get back to camp and fill your freezer for months to come.

If you’re feeling brawny and want to bring the elk home whole, you can field dress it much like field dressing a deer.

Furthermore, if you’d like to mount the head, you will need to cape the elk. This process is also the same as caping a deer. So check out that article here: How To Process A Deer

8. Guided Elk Hunt

If you’re looking for the ultimate in elk hunting experiences, a guided elk hunt may be just what you need.

With specialized knowledge of the local terrain, elk behavior, and the best spots to stalk your prey, professional guides can provide valuable advice that will ensure your hunt is successful and unforgettable.

Gear recommendations and shooting technique tips are also included so that the hunter returns home with a fruitful haul.

For the avid hunter, nothing beats the experience of a guided elk hunt. From Grand Mesa National Forest in Colorado that we previous discussed, to the breathtaking wilderness in Idaho.

Hunters of all skill levels can find a guide that can lead them safely and effectively through some of the most amazing natural locations on Earth.

With an experienced guide to take you through forests and meadows, you can enjoy one-of-a-kind sightings and thrills while they handle navigating and safety so you don’t have to.

From novices looking for an exciting adventure to pros searching for their next trophy, a guided elk hunt offers something unforgettable for everyone.

Recommended: Elk Hunting: 7 States of Prime Hunting Locations

9. Know Local Regulations

As important as learning how to hunt elk is to review all state laws regarding elk hunting regulations in order to stay up to date with season start dates, required hunting licenses or tags for hunting, and any limits imposed by various jurisdictions.

This will assure compliance with regulations while representing responsible use management practices that contribute towards conservation efforts for future generations of hunters to enjoy this sporting opportunity too!

Do a quick google search of elk hunting regulations near you.

Elk Hunting: How to Hunt Elk Final Thoughts

Elk hunting can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to test your physical and mental capabilities in search of success.

The key to successfully learning how to hunt elk is preparation; from the necessary gear and tactical knowledge, to knowing how to track an elk’s movements.

With the right approach, any hunter can learn how to hunt elk and truly benefit from the satisfaction of bagging big game out in the wild.

So be sure to bring the proper equipment and get ready for an adventure that will stay with you for a lifetime because elk hunting is not just a passion, but a way of life.

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