Tips | Elk Hunting | Elk Hunting & Big Game Articles and How-To-Guides

Elk Decoys: They Work!

I have learned the
hard way bowhunting that when a bull responds to my bugle, he is generally coming in to
find an excuse to leave right away. Most often he finds that excuse — no
“video” to match the “audio.” But when you include the visualization of an
authentic-looking decoy, it’s confirmation that the
bull wasn’t hearing things.

Field-Judging Trophy Animals

Most hunters seek trophy-class animals. Yet many aren’t really sure how to judge whether an animal is a trophy or not, especially when hunting a certain species for the first time, or in the excitement of a fleeting encounter. Here are some tricks that can make field judging of trophies quick and easy.

Gear For Bowhunting Elk

Backcountry bowhunting in rugged, wilderness country for elk is something few hunters ever experience. Let’s take a look at some of the support gear necessary to make your trip a success.

Hunting Low-Country, Black Timber Elk

Though elk are commonly thought of as animals of the high mountains, in actuality, they prefer lower elevations. The “PJ” (pinyon and juniper) country of the mountain foothills is prime habitat. Throw in some oak brush and a few springs and/or ponds, and you’ve got a recipe for excellent elk country. Also, when the rut is at, or past, its peak, I head to the dark, damp, mature timber to find bugling bulls. Here are some tips to hunt both of these elk honeyholes.

Spot-And-Stalk Elk

By far, one of the most practiced, and successful, of all elk hunting tactics revolves around a spot-and-stalk approach. In other words, locating elk at a long distance, then stalking to within effective bow range. Here’s how to get it done.

Late-Rut Bulls

Many bow seasons end before the rut has run its full course. However, some states offer opportunities for bowhunters to pursue bulls into early October. Here lies a very over-looked and under-utilized resource.

Guided Or Unguided?

Should you go elk hunting guided or unguided? The answer to this question revolves around two things — priorities and abilities. Ask yourself, “Is the satisfaction gained from hunting on my own most important,” or, “Is having someone else conduct most of the business of the trip for me more important?”

Hunting Off Your Back

Traditional approaches to elk hunting revolve around daily hunts conducted from a “base” camp. Hunting with your “camp on your back” is a much better all-around approach. Here are some of the reasons why.

Hunting Timberline Elk

One of my favorite — and most productive — approaches to bowkilling early-season elk revolves around spot-and-stalk tactics employed in an alpine environment. Gun hunters should take note as well.