Elk Hunting 101

A Guide to Getting Started Elk Hunting: rules & regulations, seasons, weapon choices, elk calls, and choosing a location.

Big game hunters have long been enticed by the call of tagging an elusive elk. In North America, elk have become the zenith of hunting game, and hunters of all experience levels head out every year to try their hand at tagging that elusive bull. If you’ve decided to heed the call and try your hand at pursuing elk, there’s a bevy of tactics and strategies you need before calling up an experienced outfitter and scheduling your trip. Use this article as your definitive guide to elk hunting trips and be sure to avoid the common pitfalls many elk hunters encounter.

Understand Your Prey

Before beginning your hunt for elk, it’s important to understand the animal you’re looking for. These herbivores can be massive, ranging anywhere from 325 pounds to upwards of 1,100 pounds. Towering at around 5 feet at the shoulders, it’s easy to understand why this game is a worthy pursuit. Elk are one of the largest deer species, and populate North America and Eastern Asia, although they have been introduced to other countries across the globe.

Follow the Law

No matter your intended game, it’s vital to understand the laws and stipulations regarding your hunt. Elk hunting regulations vary by state, but it’s essential to understand the permit system of any area you plan on hunting. It’s not always a simple process to acquire a tag, especially if you’re planning your elk hunting trip as a non-resident. The following are the

Some states have what is known as general elk season; in these states, you’ll have the opportunity to buy permits over the counter. In some states, you may be required to submit an application.

Every state has areas in which hunting is only allowed through special permits. You must apply to hunt in these areas; this application gives you entry into a lottery drawing, which may or not be run through point systems.

Some states and locales use a preference point system; this means you’ll enter a random drawing to win the chance of hunting in a particular area. Every time you enter and do not get chosen, you receive a preference point. During the drawing each year, those candidates with the most preference points are chosen first. Some states also use modified preference point systems; these allocate a particular percentage of tags with a preference point system, then distribute those leftover through random drawings. These systems can benefit first-time applicants.

In Bonus Points systems, you enter a random drawing to hunt. Every time you’re unsuccessful, you’ll be awarded another bonus point. However, unlike preference points, those with more points aren’t necessarily drawn first. The random drawing is luck of the draw, so a first-time applicant may be chosen before someone with six bonus points.

If hiring an outfitter, be sure you’re using someone certified, and always take referrals into consideration.

A Strenuous Journey

Before embarking on an elk hunting trip, make sure you’re in shape. While an experienced guide will tailor the journey to their client, it’s important that you’re able to keep up. You’ll be traversing mountains, hiking trails, and crossing streams and rivers in order to find that trophy Elk and fill up your group’s tags. In order to prepare, it’s important to begin cardiovascular training months in advance. This will help prepare your lungs and heart for the journey ahead and better your chances of tagging that prize elk.

Type of Hunt: Rifle or Archery?

It’s important to consider whether you’d prefer to hunt with a rifle or other long gun, or whether you’re hoping to tag your bull with a bow and arrow.

Rifle: Choosing the right elk hunting rifle, and corresponding caliber bullet, is vital. As you begin your search for the right rifle, take manufacturer, stock, caliber, and power scope optics options into consideration. The most popular rifle calibers for elk hunting include the following: .270 Winchester, .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, .300 Winchester Magnum, .308 Winchester Magnum, and 7mm Remington Magnum.

You’ll also need to make the choice between bolt action and semi-automatic rifles. Bolt action rifles are considered the most dependable, and provide excellent accuracy; they also provide less recoil, making it easier to shot and quicker to get off subsequent shots. However, many hunters find that semi-automatic rifles have their own advantages. It’s a question of personal preference, and it’s important to head to a shooting range and practice before heading out on your elk trip.

Archery: If you’d prefer to participate in archery elk hunt, you’ll want to find the right bow and arrow for your trip. Elks are massive, and it’s important to purchase a strong bow set that can shoot completely through their body, both for humane kill purposes and for quicker, more efficient recovery. Experiment with heavy-draw bows, and choose the heaviest you can handle without sacrificing accuracy.

Understanding Elk Calls

Hunters are increasingly using elk calls, and for good reason. Elk calls are used to lure an elk within the area, and understanding how to properly draw in a bull or cow can increase the chance of tagging that prize elk. There are six types of elk call, with four created for cows and two intended to draw in bulls. Cow elk calls include the cow call, excite cow call, mews and soft chirps and alarm barks. The two bull elk calls include a bugle and a raking. Practice your calls before heading out on your trip and be ready with your call as you wait in the stand.

Choosing Your Hunting Location

There are a bevy of states that offer elk hunting opportunities, and renowned outfitters in each. Whether you’re hoping to embark on a Western elk hunt or you’re headed out to see what Montana forests have to offer, you’ll find that there are a variety of benefits to be gleaned from different areas.