ELK ESSENTIALS
From fitness to scouting to calling, everything you need to know to outsmart a wary bugler
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The rigours of a successful bull elk hunt require fitness#1 Get in shape
Elk hunting involves a lot of walking while carrying a bow or firearm, as well as a backpack. Often this entails traversing hilly terrain, as well as stepping over logs, pushing into thick underbrush and trudging through mud. And once an elk is down, it takes plenty of physical effort to field dress and pack out the bounty.
With all that in mind, go for a long walk every day well before hunting season gets underway, gradually increasing the distance on each outing. Ideally, you want to walk up and down hills while carrying a full back pack. Lifting a few weights every other day will also help build the endurance and strength you’ll need for the rigours of the hunt.
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#2 Practise shooting
Since elk are incredibly tough, shot placement is crucial to bring one down. And putting a bullet or arrow exactly where it needs to go won’t always be easy. You may have to shoot through heavy cover, for example, or up or down a hill. You may even be caught off-balance when a shot opportunity arises, or find yourself in heavy rain or snow. So, the more you practice shooting, the more confident you’ll become when it’s time to make that lethal shot.
Spending time on the range also helps you become more familiar with your equipment. Elk fever has a way of mesmerizing a person, and it can kick in faster than an approaching bull. If you’ve had plenty of practice, though, you’ll be able to automatically come to full draw or click off the safety on your rifle when a big bugler appears.