Where to Hunt Elk?
Similar to other game animals, elks have specific habitats and areas where the herds are larger. One of the toughest things about elk hunting is the ability to find them. There are two types of hunts that usually take place, either a self-guided hunt or a guided hunt. Both types of hunt may be done well within a specific compound where farmers raise game animals within acres of enclosure; or out in the wilderness. Guided hunts means the hunter is with another more skilled and knowledgeable person who is hired to assist in finding the area, stalk the elk and eventually assist in the kill and even the “packaging” of the catch. On the other hand, a self-guided hunt usually means going at it yourself.
One of the basic things is to know where to go to find suitable game. A hunter needs to pick a state that he wants to hunt in and research the area he wants to hunt. This encompasses the use of topographical maps or aerial photographs of the area to hunt in. With maps and photos to assist, the hunter can zoom-in on areas off the beaten path that may be elks’ refuge.
Among the signature things to look for include creeks, flattop ridges near secluded meadows and even watering holes. After having researched two or three possible hunting areas, hunters could either call local game authorities or wildlife biologists in those areas to find out where among those areas would hold the largest number of elks or the biggest bulls. Basing the hunt area on this advice would be a strategically sound starting point.
The next most important thing to consider is the planning the duration of such a hunt. If hunting in an area they have never hunted in before, they should plan a hunt at least 10 to 12 days long. Many hunters fail to capitalize on this aspect of planning and sell themselves short with a hunt that is only a week long. It usually takes days to locate elk in a new area and to figure out the herd’s patterns. With only days to spare in a week-long hunt, hunters usually find themselves not having ample time to actually complete a hunt before supplies and ammo run out.
A hunt that is 10 days to two weeks long is ideal, as it gives the hunter time to locate and understand the pattern of the elk population there, then plan for the actual hunt. Bad weather may also affect the time a hunter has to execute his plans. Therefore, prepare for all possibilities by planning for a longer hunt.
Hunters may consider setting-up of a base-camp. It may be more prudent to set-up a base camp several miles off the road system. This allows a hunter to hike into the mountains each morning and return to base camp at the end of each day. This will mean having top-notch camping gear to withstand all kinds of weather and tougher terrain.
The other way is to stay at a motel near enough to the mountain trails and hike-up into the mountains at the beginning of each day. Of course it is still very possible to hunt and kill elks this way, but more time may be wasted traveling than actually locating and stalking the elks in the mountains. Diehard elk hunters would definitely not opt for this.
The most important thing about any elk hunt is; knowing where to go, learning as much about the area and the elk population there and of course planning and gearing-up. It is not unusual for hunters to come back empty-handed, but given the right sort of build-up towards a hunt, either self-guided or otherwise, a hunter will most certainly get some satisfaction.