Rocky Mountain Big Game Rifle Hunting

As you take a slow breath in, close your eyes for a last blink holding the 6x6 in the cross hairs and squeeze the trigger, all the preparation to get to that moment is about to pay off. For over a year you plotted, planned and prepared to get “out West” for your first hunt in the Rockies. How do you get to that moment harvesting big game with a rifle in the Western United States?

First, ask yourself these questions:

Which species do I want to hunt?

Elk is the most popular option, but there is plenty of diversity to go around. [Bighorn sheep, mountain goats, mule deer and antelope] abound in the western mountain range. Tags for bighorn sheep, mountain goats and moose are much more limited. Your planning will have to consider draws if these are your species of choice.

When is the best time to hunt the Rockies?

Seasons start in the fall and extend into winter.….
The rut will make animals more active. Typically it happens for elk in September, but it can be later into the fall. If the rut is on it will surely help in locating bulls. Bulls will be bugling to assert their dominance and attract females. If the rut holds over into rifle season it can become easier to find animals, but if it has happened, unbred cows can come into a "second season" and a softer rut could be in the cards. This can be a good opportunity to find a bugling bull during most rifle seasons. Hunt the rut for mule deer later in the year and you could get the chance to chase breeding animals in the snow.

What’s the best weapon for my hunt?

There are lots of great choices for western hunting. 300s have a lot of load options and are often a popular choice. A 30-06 is a versatile round. Or a 7mm can do the trick. Whatever your choice, make sure it has a good scope and is sighted in. When you hit the ground at your location, run a couple rounds through it.

Where is the best place in the Rockies to hunt?

The mountains extend over three countries and 12 states in the U.S. Each state's department of wildlife or natural resources has great resources for data on game numbers and hunting percentages: Here, you’ll find links to valuable information for just three of the many states you can hunt big game in the Rockies.

They also have the break down for tag rules and regulations. This is important because some states have "lesser animal" rules. For example, you may be able to shoot a deer on your elk tag. In most states general deer and elk seasons overlap. It's your responsibility to know the rules and regulations and how they'll apply to your hunt.

Guided vs. DIY Hunts

Once you know what, when, where and how you want to hunt, the biggest decision you can make is whether to choose a guided hunt, or go with the do-it-yourself option. The West's abundant public lands offer tons of opportunities to harvest game. One merely needs to get a tag and head into the woods. However, this is not for the beginner. Big game hunting is hard work with lots of moving parts. It can take a lifetime to be proficient. Professional guides and outfitters can provide you with a great hunting experience while quickening your learning curve. Additionally, they can care for many of the needs you'll have while you're on your hunt.

Ryan Plumb with Sudden Impact Outfitters knows what kind of clients he's going to get through their phone conversations. "You can tell by their excitement level who they are." He says he determines the hunter’s readiness based on the questions they ask. He says, "When they get to camp and I tell them what is going to transpire it validates my thinking." And what is going to transpire? "It's big open country. My clients need to be prepared to make some longer shots. They may have sighted in their rifle at 200 yards. That might not be enough."

Gear List

You’ll need some gear the outfitters won’t supply. It would be wise to ask them what they recommend so you can prepare yourself with the essentials.

Have some good optics. We really like what Maven Optics is doing. When trying to locate big game our eyes are our best tool. Amplifying that sense is the single best advantage you'll have over a wild animal. At the very least have a pair of good binoculars you're comfortable using. Also have a way to easily carry and then access them while in the field.

Get together a great clothing layering system. Understand the weather can change very quickly and dramatically in the mountains. Dress appropriately for the time of year you'll be hunting and be prepared to take off or put on layers as needed. Long underwear or base layer is a must. Heavy but quiet pants can help bust brush while covering ground quietly. A down vest will help keep your core warm while offering adequate ventilation and breathability when you're working hard. Get a warm inner shell like a fleece or a technical coat. Bring a good outer layer coat to keep the weather out and have a comfortable pack to store your clothing system and some food and water while you’re hiking. Kryptek has an excellent line of clothing.

Bring a tool for scouting and land navigation. If you're with an outfitter they probably have you covered here, but having a handheld device cannot hurt you and may save your life. Delorme makes great portable GPS units that are light and weather-proof. There are also numerous apps for your smart phone. The GPS connection will allow them to work even without mobile phone service if you are in a remote location.

Knives. You should have them for cutting meat and building a fire. Bring something to keep them sharp too, and keep them well maintained. A dull, rusty blade is a recipe for frustration.

Have good boots appropriate for the weather and make sure you've got them adequately broken in. Selecting the right hunting boots is key as you will be covering lots of miles and vertical feet. You will be miserable if you end up with blisters on the first day. You will also be miserable if you show up for a December hunt with under insulated, un-lined boots. Or, vice versa, having boots that don't breathe during an early season hunt. A blister kit with some moleskin tucked in your pack may also come in handy, along with a spare pair of dry socks and even some spare boot laces. Kenetrek has a boot for every situation you may come across.

When the weather does go to snow you'll need to keep the pace of the hunt. The animals will shift, but with the appropriate gear you will be able to keep performing. Find out How Snowfall Impacts Big Game Hunting.

Get Fit

More likely than not, you will be covering lots of ground while you're on your hunt. Get yourself ready. At higher altitudes there is less oxygen and your body will not be used to it. The best thing you can do is put in some work ahead of time trying to get fit. Leg strength will be crucial, but give your heart and lungs some proper practice before you go to the mountains. Jogging is a tried and true method, but getting on a bike won't hurt either. You will hurt on your first day if you go from your couch to the mountains with no preparation.

Scout Online Ahead of Time

In this digital age it is also very easy to get a hold of information, maps and satellite images of an area you are going to hunt. If you are with a guide, they'll know the area better than you ever could, but pre-scouting has become an art. Looking at topo maps, one can predict travel corridors and find water. Seeing an area on Google Earth can help predict feed and bedding areas. Using online resources, you can identify closed public roads. Especially if you're on your own, you can learn a lot about the area you're going to hunt just sitting at your desk. Scoutlook for IOS and Android is a very useful app for this.

The Hunt

There are lots of great tricks for the hunt itself. In fact, too many to list in this article, but you can check out this link for more How To Locate Big Game in Rifle Season tips.

Have a plan for transporting your harvest. When you do kill an animal know how to gut and quarter it to get it out of the woods. If you do have a guide, they'll take care of this part. Also, know how to treat the head and antlers if you plan on mounting it. Then consider how you'll get your meat home. If you do have an outfitter, ask them about butchering and shipping. If they don't offer those services know where to find a butcher and make sure they can take care of you. You may also need to know where to pick up some large coolers. Hopefully, there's a town near where you're hunting.

Plumb at Sudden Impact told us, "It's all about getting a client into a huge animal for the first time. There's nothing like it and if they haven't seen it before… their reaction is the best." The entire experience of hunting big game in the Rocky Mountains is tough and rewarding. Whether you go at it alone or hire a guide, you'll always remember your first time chasing big mule deer and elk.

Planning your Rocky Mountain big game hunting trip