Elk meander in the meadow. Cows feed in and out of view. Satellite bulls dart in and out of cover. Cows meander in and out of view. A few minutes later, the herd bull walks up the hill, stops 30 yards away, and bugles in your face. It’s the epitome of elk hunting.
Of course, western elk hunting is challenging. Success rates are very low, and even the likes of Colorado elk hunting pose steep odds to overcome. Hunters chasing wapiti in the best places to hunt elk are still more likely to go home empty-handed than with meat to show for it.
Even so, every year, hunters gather their gear, wear their SITKA camo, strap on their LaCrosse boots, and grab their Mathews bow. It’s game on in the mountains of the untamed West.
Here’s the ultimate guide to planning an elk hunting adventure.
Choosing an Elk Hunting Destination
Choosing a state to go elk hunting is no simple task. According to most sources, Arizona, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming are the best states for elk hunting. As for trophy bulls, and Boone & Crockett rankings, Utah, Arizona, Wyoming, Montana, and Colorado round out the top five.
Despite the above, there are numerous other factors to consider. According to Jerrod Meyer, a land specialist in Colorado, Nebraska, and New Mexico, this is a process. There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a state for elk hunting.
Availability of tags is a significant factor. “Is it an over-the-counter state or unit?” Meyer said. “These are disappearing. Do you have ample points banked to draw your desired tag? Do you have an option of purchasing a landowner voucher in a particular state? Do you want to go with an outfitter that will be able to get you a tag?”
Proximity to your location should be considered as well. “Is it too far to drive?” Meyer noted. “It's tough to elk hunt and bring home the meat, antlers, and haul all your gear without driving. This is almost (obviously) a necessity, so for some people, and being closer may help.”
Quality of elk is a big factor for some, too. “Are you going for a trophy bull? Any bull? Any elk, including a cow?” Meyer stressed. “Some states may offer better quality in certain areas, obviously depending on tag availability.”
Getting an Elk Tag: OTC, Lottery, and Other Tags
Most elk hunters operate on one of two tag types. The first type is the over-the-counter (OTC) tag. The second is a lottery tag. Other types include landowner tags and governor’s tags, but these are much less common and cost a lot of money. These aren’t “beginner” elk tags.
Even so, some might not yet understand the differences between OTC and drawn tags. An OTC tag is one that you can purchase online or at a participating hunting license store.
A drawn (lottery) tag is one that you must apply for. Generally, drawn tags require preference points. Hunters can get one preference point per year per state. Of course, each unit within a state requires a general number of preference points to have good odds of drawing a tag.
It’s important to know that some states don’t have any over-the-counter elk licenses. In fact, these are becoming increasingly uncommon. Craig Sanchez, an associate broker and land specialist located in northwestern New Mexico, uses his state as an example.
“All public licenses are issued through a draw process,” Sanchez said. “New Mexico has a landowner elk authorization program called EPLUS. Landowners who qualify can sign up and may receive elk authorizations that can be sold, bartered, or given. The authorization allows a person to purchase an elk license pursuant to the terms of the elk authorization.”
In some states, there are lottery systems without accompanying point systems. Again, take the Land of Enchantment as an example.
“In New Mexico, there is no point system, and every person has a chance to draw a license every year,” Sanchez said. “About 84% are reserved for residents, 10% are reserved for those that book with an outfitter, and 6% are reserved for non-residents who apply without an outfitter. All draw license numbers are limited in New Mexico. They are issued through random drawing.”
The question remains, though. How can someone know if OTC or draw is right for them? “Everyone should apply for the draw,” Sanchez said. As more states transition away from OTC tags, it’s important to build up points.
Fully Guided, Semi-Guided, or Completely DIY?
There are different types of hunts available to elk hunters. Generally, which one a hunter chooses revolves around several factors, including:
- Budget
- Age
- Physical abilities
- Health risks
- Knowledge of the area
- Experience level
- Hunting skills
- Goals and expectations
- And more
After a hunter considers the factors above, it’s time to decide between the five primary options. Choose the option that best fits your needs.
Fully Guided (With Lodge): A fully guided elk hunt with a lodge is where a hunter has a completely dedicated guide. The guide is present and aids in every aspect of the hunt. Furthermore, they also stay in a nice lodge each night. Expect hot meals each day.
Fully Guided (Without Lodge): A fully guided elk hunt without a lodge is where a hunter has a completely dedicated guide. The guide is present and aids in every aspect of the hunt. However, they do not stay in a lodge. Generally, they pay for their own lodging. Or, the hunting party “roughs” it in the back country. Expect back-country style dining.
Semi-Guided: A semi-guided hunt can look very different from one to the next. That said, it means the hunter is partially guided. Maybe the guide points the hunter to areas elk tend to inhabit. Or maybe they split time between a group of hunters. Regardless, the hunter should expect to be alone part or all the time.
Pack-In and Pack-Out Assistance: Some offer pack-in and pack-out services, but nothing else. For example, they might offer services that include getting hunters in and out of the field via horseback (including gear and meat), but don’t aid in the hunt.
Completely DIY: Finally, a completely DIY hunt is where the hunter does everything. They get themselves in the field, complete the hunt, and back out of the field on their own. Oftentimes, those who go on DIY hunts go with hunting partners.
Horses, if you have them, are the best way to get elk out of the backcountry. According to Meyer, renting horses, or hiring someone to come to you once you have an elk down, is a great option. His advice is dropping a pin via GPS, onX, or other mapping software to a hired pack service as soon as you kill. That way they can start heading your way to help.
“Otherwise, a high-end pack is essential,” Meyer said. “It is extremely important that the pack is fit to you, is comfortable, and hauls weight comfortably. You cannot get an animal out of the wilderness on your back without a quality pack.”
Preparing for an Elk Hunt
Preparing for an elk hunt is a big undertaking, especially for those who aren’t in top form. Without question, it’s important to get in shape. You can’t expect to last or even survive in elk country without good health and physical form.
“Getting in shape is probably more important than nearly anything else,” Meyer said. “If you're coming from low elevation, being in shape is critical, and can be the difference between success and failure, enjoyment and disdain, wanting to return and giving up, or even life and death. Just a slight change in altitude for someone living in low altitudes can affect your brain, lungs, circulation, etc.
“Just getting into your hunting area can be a battle if you're not in shape and/or used to the terrain, altitude, climate, etc.,” Meyer continued. “Continually hiking day after day in elk country can be extremely taxing, and that's not even factoring in if you do harvest an elk. Core training, leg training, and upper body training are all important, especially when it comes to breaking down and packing out an elk. Plan on 50-100 pounds on your back per trip, with up to and exceeding 300 pounds of meat total. Put that weight on your back, add in terrain, altitude, weather, fatigue, and lack of sleep ... and you better be in top shape.”
Gearing Up for an Elk Hunt
Those who plan to go elk hunting should consider a list of gear to take. While every hunter won’t need everything on this list, they will need most items (and maybe more). Choosing the right gear can make or break a hunt.
According to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), bowhunters should consider taking the following items.
DIY Hunt (Single Day): Regulations book, hunting license, tags, bow, arrows, broadheads, bow accessories, release, Allen wrench set, GPS, phone, map, compass, wind checker, rangefinder, binos, spotting scope, hatchet, calls, decoys, base layer, lightweight gear, moderate gear, heavy gear, rain gear, hat, gloves, boots, socks, underwear, gaiters, head lamps, extra batteries, para cord, knives, saw, cooler, game bags, non-perishable food, water bottle, water purifier treatment, orange flagging, toilet paper, field wipes, hand sanitizer, daypack, first aid kit, survival kit, bear spray, and more.
DIY Hunt (Multi-Day): In addition to single-day items, also consider: additional food, MREs, additional water treatment, cookware, eating utensils, cooking stove (with fuel), performance supplements, tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, toothbrush, toothpaste, and more.
Fully Guided Hunt: This list is much the same as the DIY single and multi-day hunts. However, less items are usually required, as outfitters supply some of these.
Of course, gun hunters have slightly different gear lists. RMEF recommends key items for day trippers, multi-day trippers, and those going on a fully guided hunt.
Beginner Elk Hunting Tips and Tactics
While new and even moderate elk hunters have a lot to learn yet, it’s important to start somewhere. Furthermore, it’s good to learn certain things before moving on to others.
“Listen to the elk and learn before calling to them,” Meyer said. “Too many people just wander around the woods bugling all over the place. In Colorado especially, the incredible number of hunters has a huge effect on the responsiveness of bulls. They just tend to shut up once the hunters start bugling on opening day. Watch videos, listen to calling recordings, and just sit down and listen to the cows and bulls talking to each other.”
Additionally, it’s very important for new elk hunters to go with a partner, or in a group. This is important regarding both tactical success and safety in the field.
“Have a caller and a hunter,” Meyer concluded. “If you can accomplish this, it will increase your odds a great deal. A caller is going to be where the elk is focused. If you can set your caller up so the elk comes by the shooter, they typically won't be focused on anything but the caller, and if they hang up, the shooter still may be in position to get a shot.”
Prepare Mentally
Finally, a big part of preparing for an elk hunt is readying yourself mentally. It can be grueling. There will be challenges. Being sound in body is important, but being sound in mind is equally vital. Do that, and maybe you’ll fill an elk tag this season.
