Definitely spot & stalk!! It is way more fun and exciting. The only time I have ever hunted in a stand for Elk (not a stand, but a blind made out of limbs and stuff) it was in land near an Elk refuge. It was opening day for Spike only elk and The idea is to sit along side this huge migratory trail and wait for the elk to come by on their way out of the refuge. The refuge is at about 7,00 feet and the animals follow this trail (looks like a road) that leads them out of their Summer range and heads toward the winter range. And, they start trickling out of there in Late October, early november...usually. Well, that dang place was like a war zone. And yes, I got my elk but I dang near had to go toe to toe with an idiot who though it was his, which is a whole other story I won't go into. From then on, I swore I'd never partake in that type of ambush again. Reminded me of war. And it's like duck hunting more than elk hunting. Now, I'd rather hunt elk on weekdays..after the opener and away from the great migration trail predators/warriors. There is nothing more rewarding than hiking into where others are to lazy, or unfit to go and finding sub-pods of elk. It can be hard work but at the end it's worth it. To me, hunting is about the experience. And, for me, the experience is heightened by the challenge and solitude of getting away from crowds, also safer. Plus, I can only sit for so long. I like to move. That is why they call it HUNTING...to hunt: to seek and find/stalk/look for/scout/trail/track/hear/see/etc....It's really not the sitting that bothers me. It just seems that where i live that the Blind and stand hunters all congregate in the same areas year after year. Its kind of lame. They all know that some elk will come down that huge migratory path that's as wide as I-5.

Depends on the terrain,weather,weapon,ect ect.If im out with my bow I prefer to pattern them and set up on a travel route or a waterhole,calling and waiting.During rifle season I try to wait for snow when the big herds come down to the open country then I like to get up high and spot and stalk.

Thanks alot guys... this is my first season and i am really excited.. its looks unbelivable... any calls that you suggest i get? i allways see people sort of walkign around and then use a call and listen to where they are and stuff.. is this only in the rut or is it through out the whole season? thanks again!

I like walking and stalking. If you had to buy only one call, I'd go with one of the push button cow calls (primos, carlton's, etc). If for no other reason, a quick bleat may help you to stop a bull/cow and present a resting shot.