Indiana Elk Hunting Tips:
An impressive trophy Rocky Mountain Elk is the dream of
many hunters. Your Indiana elk hunting guide usually
lives in and scouts the elk herd in his given area, so they
are the best source for elk hunting insights for a
successful hunt. As grandpa said, PPPPP (Prior
Planning Prevents Poor Performance) If you plan to
hunt at a high-fence ranch, don't think the hunt is a 'done
deal'. Planning and preparation are still important
factors. These are just some basic pointers to keep in
mind:
-
 Spot
and stalk is usually the method of hunting for the Rocky
Mountain Elk. 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 hunt by
getting in peak physical condition, hiking outside and
up an incline if possible. (Check with your
physician before engaging in strenuous exercise).
- 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 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.
- Just as you should be in good physical condition,
your 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 hunt.
- Never hunt alone, especially in unfamiliar
territory. Take a GPS if you have one, but for
backup, take a compass and topo map.
- 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 when
Elk hunting.
- A successful Elk hunt starts 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.
- 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.
- Caring for your trophy elk - Your pro 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.
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