Elk Hunts - Outfitters and Guides for Elk Hunts
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Elk Hunting Outfitters:
Not just any wanna-be can print up cards and claim to be a pro Elk Hunting Outfitter and take hunters on successful Elk Hunts. Many states/provinces require specialized training and licensing. Elk Hunting Outfitters acquire permission to hunt in specific areas or units. This creates accountability and responsibility for the land and the elk herd.
Elk Hunting Outfitters will be familiar with all the necessary licenses, tags, season dates, permissible weapons and hunting methods for elk hunts. They can assist with travel arrangements, transportation needs, and gear and equipment for elk hunts.
Hunting arrangements can range from self-guided drop camps to an all inclusive 1 on 1 guided elk hunts providing customized service. Elk Hunting Outfitters will oftentimes have a staff of trained guides to facilitate the actual elk hunts.
Elk Hunting Guides:
These are the pros that are in the field with you, assisting you with each aspect during the elk hunts. Many times Elk Hunting Guides are life time (or at least long time) residents of the hunting area and are very familiar with the best methods to find the herd, spot the big bulls and use calling techniques to get the big bulls into range.
Tim Doud of Bliss Creek Guide School trains all his Elk Hunting Guides to specialize in Archery Elk Hunts. He says, “Archery Elk hunting is the most challenging hunt in North America, and if we train for the hardest hunt there is, than all other hunts will be easy by comparison.”
Some Elk Hunting Outfitters also act as the hunting guide, and sometimes it’s a family business with everyone pitching in to ensure the safety, success and enjoyment of the elk hunters. These kinds of hunts can be really fun because of the camaraderie around the camp. It is typically the unified goal of the Lodge, Outfitter and Guide to make sure the hunter has such a great elk hunt that they come back next year…with friends!
Elk Hunting Lodges:
There are three main species of Elk. Most common is the majestic Rocky Mountain Elk, but there is also the Roosevelt Elk in the northwest and the Tule Elk of California. Everywhere there is Elk hunting, you will find Elk Hunting Lodges providing a vast array of services, accommodations and amenities. It is highly recommended to take advantage of the internet to see pictures, check out references and review elk hunting reports before booking your elk hunt at any Elk Hunting Lodge. Doing this will ensure there are no surprises upon arrival.
Years ago, there was a hunter (who shall remain anonymous) that booked a Colorado Elk Hunt based on brochures that were mailed to him. After driving for 2 days, the group of hunters arrived to a shack with a leaky tin roof that reeked of hunting dogs left alone inside for days. Meals were not fit for human consumption and the game was scarce. The photos on the brochure were of a nearby Elk Hunting Lodge! Needless to say, the hunters packed it up and made other arrangements. Fortunately they did not come home empty handed. The moral of that story is: Get all the details and book your elk hunt!
Options on Elk Hunts include:
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An impressive trophy Rocky Mountain Elk is the dream of many hunters. Your pro elk hunting guide usually lives in and scouts the elk herd in his given area, so they are the best source for insights on successful Elk Hunts. As grandpa said, PPPPP (Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance) These are just some basic pointers to keep in mind to ensure you have phenomenal elk hunts:
Off season scouting is imperative for successful Elk hunts. If you are unable to scout your hunting area, you may be dependent on your pro hunting guide to make sure they know the elk herd's feeding areas, bedding areas and travel routes. Make sure they have this covered! Your elk hunt depends on it!
Spot and stalk is usually the method of hunting for Rocky Mountain Elk Hunts. Spot and stalk hunters should be in reasonably good physical condition. Even if you are a fit person, hiking in higher altitudes can be quite taxing. Prepare for your Elk hunts by getting in peak physical condition, hiking outside and up an incline if possible. (Check with your physician before engaging in strenuous exercise). Another tip is to hike in the boots you plan to take on your elk hunt. This will break in the boots and get your feet prpeared as well.
Using a Bugle Call or cow call is oftentimes used to attract the largest bull Elk. Study the most effective Elk calling techniques used in the area you plan to hunt. Your pro elk hunting guide should be able to instruct you in this. If your hunt hunt is fully guided, your guide may have this detail covered. When a bull elk bugles, he is advertising for a sweetheart, not a fight. Sometimes he may bugle if he has been rejected by a potential mate. And other times, bulls answer each other, attempting to show dominance. It may seem that a large bull elk would sound off with a echoing bugle, but that not ALWAYS the case. Sometimes larger, older bulls don't sound the way they look. During elk hunts, quality optics are vital.
Just as you should be in good physical condition, your elk hunting equipment should be also. Put careful thought into what gear you will need. Start at your head with proper binoculars and go down to your feet, considering lightweight and protective footgear. And remember to be in good practice with your weapon. Shoot often and from various distances, whether you plan to use a gun or a bow, so it is like second nature to you. Traveling with your rifle can effect your scope and accuracy of your weapon, so sight in and practice before leaving for your elk hunt.
Never hunt alone, especially in unfamiliar territory. Take a GPS if you have one, but for backup, take a compass and topo map. Yet another reason to hire a pro elk hunting outfitter or guide!
Drink a lot of water. Not cokes or coffee, but water. This will not only keep you hydrated, but also cut down on altitude sickness and headaches during Elk hunts.
Successful Elk hunts start with daily habits you may not have thought about. First, address the phenomenal ability of a Rocky Mountain Elk to 'wind' a human. NO SMOKING, and some people even avoid coffee prior to a elk hunt. What are you washing your hunting clothes in? Is your deodorant scented? Do your hunting boots, well, smell like hunting boots? What did you eat for breakfast at camp (Hopefully nobody decided to cook bacon for breakfast!) Perfumed washing powder, scented shampoos and soaps can be a killer for your elk hunt.
In addition to covering your scent, there are hundreds of products designed to attract the elk to your area. Find out what works best for the time of year you are planning your hunt. Store you hunting clothes in a large plastic bag to protect them from camp cooking odors. Some hunters actually put a small amount of dirt in the bag, and a few apples, to disguise the scent. Also, if your guide our outfitter believes it to be effective, consider using elk attractant. These can be effective during the rut.
Leave the camp early, and stay in the stand late. Beat the competition to the hunting area, and don't be in a hurry to get back to camp. The hunters arriving later than you may serve as a driving force, moving the elk to your area. Elk travel through the day, so don't assume they are done moving early. If they are feeling pressured, the will be traveling to safety to bed. If you are already there, you'll have prime opportunity for a trophy bull elk!
Following the elk rut and before deep snows move into the high country, look for big bulls up in higher elevations. A rule of thumb is "the higher the elevation, the bigger the bull". The reason for this is that mature bulls are very solitary animals following the rut and will seek out secluded areas where they can recover, feed, and be left alone. Younger bull elk are often found lower down the mountain and may even be found on the fringe of a herd of cows. Be ready to move to higher ground to track the big bull elk. Unless you are just looking for elk hunts for meat - then a tender cow would be the best bet.
If it is extremely cold while you are hunting, that may increase herd movement. The elk require more food when it is cold, and they will need to move around to find it. It may not be as fun for you, but the reward of a trophy bull elk will be more than worth the brief discomfort of a cold elk hunt.
Caring for your trophy elk: Your pro elk hunting guide will be knowledgeable in this area, but talk to your local taxidermist about how much cape (hide) you will need if you plan on mounting your trophy elk. You will actually need a lot more cape than you think you'll need to get a full shoulder mount. If you are planning on tanning the hide, the cuts will be totally different. Know what you want to do with the elk before you bust out your knife. Always keep the animal as cool as possible while transporting. Elk is a healthy and delicious meat to eat. Check into recipes and marinating techniques from chefs experienced in how to properly prepare elk.
We hope this information is helpful for your elk hunts - and in all your hunting adventures! Techniques and terrain may change, but the ingredients for successful big game hunts are usually very similar.
