It’s Elk Rutting Season – Are You Prepared for the Challenge?
In my heart I feel man was born to hunt; it’s simply part of our genetic makeup, our primeval history. When we can escape the work-a-day world and for a time become man against wild, it awakens us; we become stronger and better for the experience. When the morning brings not the sound of traffic, but the bugle call of a bull, we sense something stirring and changing inside. The sun splits the clouds, brilliantly lighting the snow covered peaks; we feel more alive than we have in years; this is day one of our elk hunt.
That said, elk hunting isn’t something you rush into unprepared, it takes planning, skill and knowledge to successfully take down an Elk. In today’s world, if the hunt doesn’t work, we can share war stories around the campfire or drive home; years ago it might have made the difference between surviving the winter, or suffering the pangs of hunger on a cold winter night.
To prepare for a successful hunt, we’ll want to think like an elk; I’m not talking existentialism and becoming “”one with elk””, rather understanding their behavior and using this to your (and not their) advantage. Sometimes it’s the simple things…
Stay hidden, walk softly, cover your scent, stay downwind, sight the rump patch, use a cow call. These are all tips, but collectively they become knowledge and over time skills you’ll use to not only find Elk, but take the shot as well.
If you live and work in the city, using the above tips is only part of the planning, getting yourself physically ready for the hunt is very important. Elk (for the most part) live in the mountains and higher elevations where the air is thinner, the nights cool very quickly and the terrain is often difficult. Are you ready for a hike that crosses miles of difficult terrain? Are you aware your hunt may take you to elevations upwards of ten thousand feet? None of that is said to damper your enthusiasm, rather to arm you with knowledge to make your hunt memorable and not disastrous.
Depending on when you’re planning your hunt; late summer or fall for the rutting season; think about the type of clothes you’ll need, since the nights can easily slip into the twenties and days can be in the high sixties or seventies. Wool and Gore-Tex are good choices, and layering a necessity as the temperature dip and climb. Be certain to carry a good set of hunting boots plus a set of waterproof boots, the weather can change quickly and being prepared is part of the hunt.
Another aspect of Elk hunting not often discussed in being mentally prepared. If you’re reading this, changes are you’re considering a hunt; if that’s true then begin now to read, study, learn, imagine walking through the forest or mountains and sighting a bull. Elk can sense danger and no matter whether you hunt is self-guided or guided, there will be challenges involved. Challenges you can meet and overcome if you are equipped, not only with the right weapon, but the right rifle, ammunition and mental attitude.