Anyone who has ever listened to an elk bugle rise from the bowels of dark timber and ascend toward the painful blue of a Rocky Mountain sky knows that there is no call on this earth more captivating than that of a bull elk. So captivating is the bugle that inexperienced elk hunters can, and do, forget that the bugle is but one piece in the puzzle of hunting elk during the rut. Successfully calling elk requires a genuine understanding of the elk...
Long after most hunters have left the woods and are sitting home watching football bowl games or worrying about paying post-Christmas bills, some lucky hunters are still chasing elk. Several Western states offer late season hunts for antlerless elk that extend into mid-February.
Most people's mental image of elk hunting includes sweeping vistas, fall colors and high-pitched bugles. But for hunters who want to extend their season, a different...
A not-so concise look at the opportunities available to those who have decided to come out West for an elk, deer or antelope hunt and don't know where to start. This won't address bighorn sheep, mountain goats, or moose as those are typically once-in-a-lifetime hunts. This is also designed for DIY hunters, not for those looking for private land or outfitted hunts, as there are various other aspects regarding transferable tags that...
Minutes after climbing into my stand I began my calling and rattling sequence. First grunting, then working the antlers, I stared down at the mock scrape I'd been religiously anointing with doe-estrus scent for the previous two weeks. I hadn't even finished my first round of clashing antlers together when I saw a nice buck run in from the heaviest cover. In a magnificent display of dominance all four feet were planted firmly in the center of my...
A great deal of elk hunting here in Wyoming, and other states, is done not only on public land, but is also on lands where the hunter can simply buy a tag over the counter and head off into the mountains. Consequently these areas typically have a tremendous amount of hunting pressure and require different tactics if the hunter is to score consistently.
Truly one of the most sporting species, from their guttural bugles to their aggressive rutting behaviors, elk are simply an awesome animal to hunt. If you've ever interacted with a dominant bull, you know what I'm talking about. When a bull screams within earshot, it makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up! But not every individual will come in on a string. Finesse and strategy are the name of the game with elk. Know when to speak, when...
You’re laughing. I know you’re laughing. “What art?” you’re saying. “If you’re hunting cow elk, you just go out and shoot one.” Well, it’s not so simple.
When we hunt we must work hard, we obey the law, we are ethical, and we are reverent. Every animal taken - young or old, buck or doe - is a "trophy". They are gifts of the land.
Elk hunting is tough for the experienced and can be daunting for the neophyte. Fortunately, knowledge can level the playing field and improve your odds when you're on your next elk hunt. Whether you're a new raghorn chaser or an experienced wapiti stalker the following twenty five tips offer advice every elk hunter should know.
Field dressing game is as much a part of the hunt as target practice and scouting. Unfortunately, correctly field dressing game can be challenging and awkward for the inexperienced. If you have never cleaned out game in the field or have had trouble in the past this feature article walks you through how to field dress, debone, and pack out your next deer or elk kill.
