Elk Hunting
The bugling monarch of the mountains
About Elk Hunting
The elk (Cervus canadensis) is the second largest species in the deer family and one of North America's most challenging and rewarding big game animals. From approximately 10 million animals pre-settlement to about 1 million today, elk populations have recovered thanks to conservation efforts.
Elk hunting is notoriously demanding - high altitude, rugged terrain, and vast distances make it the most physically challenging hunt in North America. The September rut, when bulls bugle to attract cows and challenge rivals, creates an unforgettable hunting experience.
Four subspecies survive in North America: Rocky Mountain, Roosevelt, Tule, and Manitoba elk. Each offers unique hunting opportunities across western states.
Why Hunt Elk
The Ultimate Challenge
Physically demanding wilderness hunts test your limits
The Bugle
Hearing a bull elk scream in the mountains is life-changing
Exceptional Meat
500+ lbs of lean, delicious venison from a single animal
Wilderness Adventure
Hunt pristine mountain country few ever experience
Elk Biology
Elk are impressive animals with significant size differences between subspecies and sexes.
- Bulls: 700-1,100 lbs (exceptional bulls over 1,200 lbs)
- Cows: 450-650 lbs (25% smaller than bulls)
- Antlers: Up to 40 lbs and 5 ft wide span
- Growth Rate: Antlers grow ~1 inch per day during peak
- Height: Bulls 4.5-5 ft at shoulder
Subspecies
Four subspecies survive in North America, each adapted to different habitats.
- Rocky Mountain Elk: Second largest subspecies, largest antlers
- Roosevelt Elk: Largest by body mass, west of Cascades
- Tule Elk: Smallest subspecies, California only
- Manitoba Elk: Northern subspecies, mid-sized
Eastern elk and Merriam's elk are extinct (100+ years).
The Rut
The elk rut is one of nature's greatest spectacles. Bulls bugle, gather harems, and fight rivals in an all-consuming drive to breed.
Rut Timing
- Season: Late August through October
- Peak Activity: September 15-25 (varies by region)
- Peak Duration: ~10 days of intense activity
- Harem Size: 15-20 cows (up to 30)
- Bull Weight Loss: ~20% of body weight during rut
Season Structure
Most western states offer multiple season types, each with different challenges and opportunities.
- Archery: Mid-August through September (often during rut)
- Muzzleloader: Late September to early November
- Rifle: October-November (often divided into multiple periods)
- Late Season: December-January in some areas
Tag Systems
Over-the-Counter States
- Colorado: OTC rifle (2nd/3rd seasons); archery now draw-only for non-residents (2025)
- Idaho: OTC available but with new unit caps
- Montana: OTC eliminated for non-residents; now requires draw
OTC availability changing rapidly - verify current status
Draw-Only States
- Wyoming: Preference point system
- Nevada: No point system, equal odds annually
- New Mexico: No point system, equal odds annually
- Arizona: Very limited, bonus point system
Calling & Bugling
During the rut, calling can bring bulls into range. The key is knowing when and how much to call - every situation is different.
Calling Strategy
- Locator Bugles: Use sparingly to find bulls
- Cow Calls: Less intrusive, harder to mess up
- Lost Calf Call: Effective on timid herd bulls
- Raking Trees: Underrated - within 100 yards brings bulls fast
- 75-Yard Rule: Don't call from farther away - bulls often move away
Spot & Stalk
Glassing from vantage points to locate elk, then planning and executing a stalk. This method works year-round, not just during the rut.
Spot & Stalk Keys
- Glass first - use quality optics from high ground
- Target open areas (sage, burns) where elk can be tracked
- Always manage the wind - detour if necessary
- Resist urge to call - maintain element of surprise
- Be patient - stalks can take hours
Still Hunting
Slowly moving through elk habitat, using cover and wind to close distance on unsuspecting animals.
Still Hunting Tips
- Best on windy days - wind covers sound
- Hunt upwind or crosswind always
- Move with wind gusts for cover
- Move extremely slowly - stop every 5 minutes minimum
- Rain provides excellent cover for movement
Ambush Hunting
Position yourself along known travel routes, near wallows, or at transition zones between bedding and feeding areas.
Ambush Locations
- Wallows: Heavily used during rut
- Water Sources: Especially in dry country
- Saddles: Natural travel corridors
- Feeding Areas: Morning and evening edges
Rifle Calibers
Elk are large, tough animals requiring adequate calibers with proper bullets. Plan for minimum 1,500 ft-lbs of energy at your hunting range.
Popular Calibers
- .30-06 Springfield: Top choice - "elk killer, always has been"
- .300 Winchester Magnum: Excellent for extended ranges
- .270 Winchester: Classic, effective with modern bullets
- 7mm Remington Magnum: Manageable recoil, high ballistic efficiency
- .338 Winchester Magnum: Heavy-hitting power for big bulls
Bullet weights: 165-180 grain for .30 calibers typically recommended
Optics & Gear
Quality optics are essential for locating elk across vast mountain terrain and making ethical shots.
Essential Optics
- Binoculars: 10x42 or 8x42 premium glass
- Spotting Scope: 15-45x or similar for ID and planning stalks
- Rangefinder: Critical for accurate shot placement
- Rifle Scope: 3-9x or 4-12x common; quality glass matters
Backcountry Gear
Wilderness elk hunts require serious backcountry gear. Be prepared for everything from hot days to early winter storms.
- Pack: 60-80L frame pack (external or internal)
- Shelter: Quality tent rated for mountain weather
- Sleep System: 0°F or lower rated bag, quality pad
- Satellite Communicator: Garmin inReach or similar (essential)
- Water Filtration: Pump or gravity filter system
- Bear Spray: 90% success rate in deterring attacks
Pack-Out Gear
You'll need to pack out 500+ lbs of meat, often over rugged terrain. Plan for multiple trips.
- Game Bags: Heavy-weight breathable bags for quarters
- Knife Kit: Sharp knives, sharpener, bone saw
- Paracord/Rope: For hanging meat, hoisting
- Frame Pack: External frame handles heavy awkward loads
- Headlamp: Many pack-outs start before dawn or end after dark
Physical Demands
Elk hunting is the most physically demanding hunt in North America. Prepare seriously or you'll struggle.
What to Expect
- Elevation: 6,800-11,000+ feet - sea-level hunters suffer
- Daily Mileage: 5-10 miles typical; 20% of hunts exceed 16 miles
- Vertical Gain: ~5,000 ft per day average
- Pack Weight Going In: 30-55 lbs typical
- Pack Weight Pack-Out: 100+ lbs per trip
Training
Start preparing 3-6 months before your hunt. You can't out-gear poor fitness.
Training Program
- Rucking: 2-3 times per week with weighted pack
- Light Days: 40 lbs at brisk 15-minute mile pace
- Heavy Days: 70 lbs at slower pace
- Build Distance: Start 2-3 miles, work up to 6-8 miles
- Simulate Altitude: Add 20-40 lbs if training below 6,000 ft
Field Dressing
Getting meat cooled quickly is critical. Most hunters quarter elk in the field using the gutless method.
Gutless Method
- Remove quarters and prime cuts WITHOUT opening body cavity
- Cleaner and faster for backpack pack-outs
- Each quarter goes into breathable game bag
- Remove backstraps, tenderloins, neck meat, rib meat
- Hang in shade with good airflow to cool
Meat Care
Proper cooling and handling ensures quality meat from your hard-earned elk.
- Cooling Priority: Get meat off ground and in shade ASAP
- Game Bags: Allow airflow while protecting from insects
- De-Bone: Accelerates cooling (bones retain heat)
- Below 40°F: Prop cavity open if whole; hang quarters
- Above 40°F: Use ice/snow if available; expedite pack-out
- Aging: Can age 7-10 days at 40°F before cutting
Hunting Tips
Glass More, Walk Less
Use optics from vantage points - let your eyes do the work
Play the Wind
Elk have excellent noses - always approach from downwind
Hunt the Transitions
Elk move between bedding and feeding - target these zones
Be Flexible
Best hunters switch between calling, stalking, and ambushing
Shot Placement
Heart/Lung Shot
Behind front shoulder, one-third up from brisket - most reliable
Wait for Broadside
Quartering away also excellent - avoid quartering toward
Know Your Limits
Practice at realistic hunting distances - pass shots you can't make
Range First
Use rangefinder - elk look closer than they are in open country
Safety Reminders
Bear Country Safety
- Carry bear spray on hip - 90% success rate deterring attacks
- No food, toothpaste, or scented items in tent
- Hang food 10 ft up, 4 ft from trunk (grizzly country)
- Be extra alert after harvest - bears associate gunshots with gut piles
- Drag gut pile far from meat and return during daylight only
Wilderness Safety
- Carry satellite communicator - cell phones won't work
- Physical fitness is mandatory - mountains kill unprepared hunters
- Weather changes rapidly - be prepared for extremes
- Tell someone your exact hunt location and expected return
- Carry water and means to purify more
Ready to Hunt Elk?
Find hunting locations near you that offer elk hunting opportunities.