Elk Hunting Forum

This elk hunting forum does not require membership. Feel free to ask questions, post elk hunting tips, pictures and/or stories, and comments below. Respond to others' posts or start your own discussion. Any discussions are welcome about anything to do with elk hunting. See list of topic titles below.

No picture is required. Ask questions or share your knowledge. It will be a good source of information and entertainment when we’re not putting boots on the ground in elk habitat. We look forward to hearing and seeing what you’ve got to say or ask!

The site owner will monitor the posts, but please be family friendly and courteous to others.

Recent Articles

  1. Elk Nut (Paul Medel) Elk Communication Products Now Available

    Joe Carter's 2013 Bull 250
    “Elk Nut”, Paul Medel, has studied elk sounds for over 30 years. His products will help you have more “close encounters of the herd kind”. Available with free shipping on this site.

    Read More

Forum Topics and Content

The topics of this elk forum can be anything related to elk and elk hunting. The purpose of the forum is to discuss and share:

• elk hunting tips and information
• elk hunting stories
• elk hunting tactics and secrets
• elk hunting photos 
• equipment suggestions, etc.

Discussion topics are up to you!

Search the site for specific topics with this Google Custom Search:

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Got an Elk Hunting Secret or Quick Tip?

Share your elk hunting tips by clicking here. 

Got an Elk Hunting Picture, or Story?
Want to Talk Guns and Equipment?

Here you can start a discussion, comment, ask or answer a question. You can blog your own elk hunt progress. If you have a good picture of any elk hunt, please share it! Pictures of elk hunting, successful or not, are in high demand on the 'net. People who do not live in elk country want to see it from where they are. Your pictures can be their eyes! Of, course, pictures of harvested elk are very popular, but first time hunters often want to see what it "looks like" to be hunting in elk country before they go.

Guns and other equipment are hot topics. Feel free!

Got an Elk Hunting Picture, or Story?
Want to Talk Guns and Equipment?

Here you can start a discussion, comment, ask or answer a question. You can blog your own elk hunt progress. If you have a good picture of any elk hunt, please share it! Pictures of elk hunting, successful or not, are in high demand on the 'net. People who do not live in elk country want to see it from where they are. Your pictures can be their eyes! Of, course, pictures of harvested elk are very popular, but first time hunters often want to see what it "looks like" to be hunting in elk country before they go.

Guns and other equipment are hot topics. Feel free!

Elk Hunting Forum Topics

Click below to see the topics you are interested in...

Solo hunting elk for 65+ hunters 
I am a retired Park Ranger and Law Enforcement Officer 65+. I have been hunting big game deer and elk since I was 20 years old. Through the years, I have …

Elk Hunting in Montana 
Most of Montana's ranchers posting there land and outfitting it out too commercialize the public wildlife. Most ranchers lease public lands and graze …

New Mexico Elk Hunting 
Hello I’m thinking of booking a hunt with Gila Apache outfitters has anyone used them any comments would be appreciated

Elk Hunting Colorado: Questions and Answers 
I had recently purchased a full gear load out of scentlok gear for my wife and a loadout for myself for elk hunting this November. I went to a store to …

Arizona Elk Hunting: Questions and Answers 
Drew a bull tag for unit 6A. Any thoughts on areas to concentrate on? 68 years old, good health, ready to get my first Bull. Any thoughts or advice appreciated. …

Game Carts 
I'm a older hunter (64) looking to venture forth on my first AZ solo DIY elk hunt. Following exhaustive research, I've decided to try using a game cart …

Return to hunting after 50 years 
I would like to submit a story about a successful Az. elk hunt. This story is about my return to hunting after nearly 50 years. It is written with humor, …

Elk Hunting in Oregon 
I am new to elk hunting and could really use a partner who knows what they are doing. I this is my 4th year hunting elk. I am in for bow season this year …

Looking for a Hunting Partner 
Im looking to go elk hunting bucket list I’ve hunted deer all my life in Minnesota . Just turned 60 and still in pretty good shape. Just trying to find …

Idaho Elk Hunting: Questions and Answers 
Myself and my 12 year old son are first time hunters. We have experience hiking in Units 3, 4, and 4A, all of which are heavily hunted. Does anyone have …

Comments/reviews on The Magnus 5 Outfitters 
Another newbie to Elk hunting. Three of us are looking into a drop camp in Colorado, first rifle. A couple o questions.... 1) What are the chances of …

Hecssuit? 
I would like to hear from hunters who have or are using the Hecs Hunting suit. I have one, but am not sure if it really Works?

Elk Hunting Nevada 
I will be a first time elk hunter this October 2018 and I was hoping someone familiar with hunting units 144 and 145 could give me some advice and pointers …

Cow elk hunt in area 8,  
Is whitehorse lake good for hunting elk in dec. Or would there be a better place? Im handicap and try to hunt roads with utv and walk in .

Help for Novice Elk Hunters 
hey, I got drawn for a cow elk hunt on the Wichita mountains refuge for Dec. 12-15 2017. Any advice for someone that's never hunted elk? I have hunted …

Elk Hunting Stories 2016 
Please share your 2016 elk hunting stories by clicking here . Provide pictures, too, if you have them. I will put a link to your elk hunting story below. …

How often should I
use my cow call?
 
Here are some questions from a new elk hunter. Since there are no pat answers, I'll do my best to respond below. "How often should I use my cow call? I …

How often should I use my cow call? 
I am new to the sport of bow hunting elk and my question is how often should I use my cow calls? I have been told to be careful and not over use them and …

2015 Elk Hunting Stories 
This was my 5th draw hunt for the same area me and my brother went up two days early to set up camp. Perfect weather Thursday and all day Friday. When …

Wyoming Elk Hunting Questions and Answers 
I was wondering if anyone had any info on Wyoming Elk Unit 66. I am looking at a cow/calf tag, but don't know if there are any elk even in the unit, thus …

1st Archery Bull  
On Sept 6th, the other 3 guys rolled into camp around 7am. Myself and 2 other guys rolled in a few days early. We helped the guys unload their gear and …

Success! 
Just a quick note and photo on my 2014 Montana elk hunt - what a great year. Attached is a photo of the public land bull that I was lucky enough to harvest …

Thanksgiving Cow 
Hi, my name is Taylor Warner and I'm 13 years old. I've been hunting with my dad for as long as I can remember. I couldn't wait to be 12 so I could hunt. …

Our 2013 Elk hunt. 
This is how it went for me and my hunting buddy in the Kootenays ,b.c. Got trucks and 4wheeler ,and 5th wheel trailer out to the bush set up on 12th of …

Click here to write your own.

Elk Hunting 2013:
Tell Us About It!
 
Report your elk hunting progress, or "close encounters of the herd kind" in 2013. Give us reports of how it's going so far, or how it went for your season. …

Elk Hunting Over Wallows 
My hunting buddy and I argue a lot over when is the best time to hunt over wallows. The obvious answer seems to be when it is hot, and not a lot of water …

Michigan elk (Don't forget about us!) 
Just got back from elk hunting here in Michigan. (Didn't get drawn for a tag so had to shoot with my Nikon.) Barely got into the woods at Pigeon River …

Bow hunting elk 
Hi I am from Missouri and a buddy and I are going archery elk hunting again in 2013. We went in 2011 and he has been 3 other times. We were wondering if …

Archery Bull Elk Non Responsive to Cow call 
Went Archery elk hunting for the first time. I was not the shooter but decided to help a friend with his hunt. Neither of us had any experience with …

Help.... What did I do wrong? 
This has been my worst nightmare of hunting ever... I have been a hunter for 32 years, I have ALWAYS put pride in making the "ethical shot". I practice, …

Archery Bull Hunt Success... 
I have always been a do it yourself deer hunter and have been hunting with my dad since I was little. But when I drew my long awaited big bull tag this …

Gutting an Elk in Tight Places 
There were no "horns" in the herd I stalked on opening day of rifle season, just meat. I filled my cow elk permit at first light. It was a huge cow that …

A 10 year old girl's 1st Bull Elk 
For the last two years my husband has entered himself and our two daughters into the Kentucky Elk lottery drawing. The most recent entries yielded a "golden …

Dead elk not good! 
I just arrived home last night from an eastern oregon deer hunt, one day early due to getting sick. I was hunting a new unit and had to learn new terrain. …

Elk Hunting 2012:
Blog Your Hunts!
 
Report your elk hunting progress, or "close encounters of the herd kind" in 2012. Give us reports of how it's going or how it went for your season. Start …

Benches? 
Hello everyone, I'm going hunting with my dad this year north of Rifle, CO and he's been elk hunting 6 times and yet to shoot an elk. I'm trying to gain …

My Little Elk Hunt Adventure 
Aug. 2012 elk hunt Hunting coastal Roosevelt elk in Oregon is a lesson in Zen. Opening day, Aug 25th has me crouching a mere 79 yards from a herd hoping …

Hunting a Quiet Rut 
Hey guys I live in north Idaho and am gearing up for archery here. My question comes from the last few years of archery. The elk have gotten noticeably …

Altitude sickness 
I heard that there's somethng out there that will help with altitude sickness. Does anyone know what it is? In the past, I tried to slowly alclimate …

Smart phone hunting apps 
I am using Cabela's Recon Hunt app on my smartphone for planning hunts and tracking scouting trips. It is a neat app that has payed off for me, but I …

Unique elk talk  
I was deer hunting/camping out a long narrow drainage last fall. In the middle of the night, a herd of elk came traveling through the drainage and right …

Smelly Elk Areas? 
I've come across many areas that just stink of elk, literally. I have heard two somewhat contradictory stories about these areas. 1) It's simply a …

Elk and Deer Hunting and Mountain Bikes 
At 67 I am thinking a lot about investing in a mountain bike to get back into remote areas that may hold elk and or deer. Does anyone have suggestions …

Solo archery hunting -- tips for calling/set up?  
I hunt by myself a lot, as I'm lucky to have a job that provides me with a flexible schedule in Sept. Most of my friends can not take time off in September, …

Non- Lead Bullets for Elk? 
What do you ballistics guys think about the use of non-lead bullets for elk? According to this story , nearly half of successful elk "hunters participating …

Hornady 30 cal 180gr SP Interlock bullet? 
I just mailed my Application for a 2012 Montana Elk tag and have a question about the Bullet I plan on using in my 300 WSM. I have a super accurate load …

Wounded Veteran Elk hunts 
I am a disabled veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and have always dreamed of hunting elk. I am posting this to see if anyone would know of any elk hunts …

First Big Game Harvest 
Thanks to the DIY sections of Elk-Hunting-Tips.Net for making my first ever harvest as seamless as possible, even though I forgot to put my memory card …

First Elk with a Bow 
Took him at 35 yards with my Bowtech Assassin. Double lung shot went 50 yards. Finally after many years of hunting with a bow "I got er did"!! (Read …

Click here to write your own.

Elk Hunting in Washington 
Opening day tomorrow and I can't wait. I will keep all posted and post pictures if I get them!

First Elk 
I took the advice I received from this website and was successful in not only working with the guide but was fortunate to down this elk 5X5 (it's a 10 …

Rough Estimating Elk Antler Size SCI 
I have booked my first elk hunt out west. My package includes up to 250 inches before the bonus prices increase. Can someone tell me how to estimate the …

Cause for silent bulls/minimal bugling  
I'm hearing from a lot of bowhunters out there in both Idaho and Montana that the bulls are bugling less and less, and cow talk is even becoming increasingly …

Elk Hunting 2011: Blog Your Progress 
Report your elk hunting progress, or "close encounters of the herd kind" in 2011. Give us reports of how it's going for your season. Start one of your …

Scent Control/Wood Smoke  
I was wondering if anyone has any insight on the effect that wood smoke on your hunting clothes has on game? Does it alarm them? Do they not really show …

Spike Hunt 
I will be buying a permit for a "Spike Only" area once they become available in the summer. Is there anything different in my bugling/calling that I should …

Elk Hunting Kentucky 
2012 KY, Fall, Bull Elk Tag up for grabs! by: Robert Smith That's right, you read correctly. Hi everyone, I am proud to announce that the Kentucky …

Montana, Colorado, or Oregon? 
I've wanted to go Hunt Elk for a while now and. Final have a a few chances. The guy that I buy my bow stuff from wants me to go with him to Oregon, my …

remington 700 problems on my elk hunt this year 
I was hunting in Montana the end of October and had a few issues with my remington 700 .270 rifle and wanted to share them. On the second day of my elk …

Aggressive Bulls 
My wife, who had a cow tag a month earlier than I did, got her elk in late October. Her story is worth telling. This was in central Idaho, between Ketchum …

Great site 
Thanks for the great site. This is my 2nd year Elk hunting, (still no elk). So all this site has to offer is useful information for me. I'm sure I've made …

Thanks for the site 
I found your site a few weeks back and really appreciate the information you share. This is my first year bow hunting and can use all the help I can get. …

calling bulls 
This is my 5th yr elk hunting archery I have a had little excitement but no success. does a guy need to be staying on the cow calls heavy or bugles when …

Any excuse to get out in the mountains 
It is that time of year to get out in Elk country and see where they are. Sure, they may not be in the same place come hunting season but it's a good …

Get fast for Elk success 
Growing up with stories by Jack O'Conner and other writers, I had the idea that Elk hunting required a long range rifle to tag that cross-the-valley …

Successful Hunt for 76 Year Old Lady 
I've hunted all my life, but, despite living in this area for the past 50+ years, I have not hunted elk "this side of the mountains". But, due to the …

elk hunt 
Is it possible to harvest an elk for $3500.00 ?

I'm desperate for an elk hunt!  
I'd prefer the fair-chase places like colorado, Montana, Utah or Arizona, but money just seems to be the big killer. I did the DIY approach in '07 and …

Please! Don't Keep Shooting when you don't see an elk go down right away! 
This of course applies to all big game hunting but especially to "cow elk". Anyone that has hunted these animals knows or should know how incredible …

Breaking in boots ... and stories 
On the subject of boots I have some definite opinions. Pick whatever type you like for your hunting conditions ... BUT, be sure to break them in well! …

My First Elk Hunt  
I'm 38 years young and have hunted just about everything except for Elk. My father-in-law and two sons decided to invite me to Colorado for a bow hunt …

Using expandable broadheads for elk. 
Has anyone used the G5 TEKAN expandable broadhead for elk, and with what results? I've used them with great results on deer but would like to hear from …

Click here to write your own.


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Go to Forums


Forum Topic Discussions:


How often should I use my cow call?, I am new to the sport of bow hunting elk and my question is how often should I use my cow calls?

295 yard kill with a Kimber Montana 325 WSM, by Don from Dallas: My ELk did not even twitch once. He was dead when he hit the ground.

325 WSM is worth considering, Palmer Lake,CO: I believe that the .325 WSM is the ultimate elk caliber...

30-30 for Elk? : I have a 30 30 with 170 grain round nose bullet. Will this work to shoot an elk ?

(More comments about Best Elk Rifle below)

Submissions

Unique Elk Talk by Idaho Steve (Hailey, Id ), In the middle of the night, a herd of elk came traveling through the drainage and right past my tent...

Smelly Elk Areas? by Jimmy (New Mexico), I've come across many areas that just stink of elk, literally. I have heard two somewhat contradictory stories...

DIY Gear List Must Have's! by Craig (Florida) "Here are some of the items I use on my DIY hunts in the CO backcountry..."

Elk and Deer Hunting and Mountain Bikes, by Skip Shepherd (Tucson, AZ)~ At 67 I am thinking a lot about investing in a mountain bike to get back into remote areas...


Solo archery hunting -- tips for calling/set up?, by Idaho Steve (Hailey, ID )~ I hunt by myself a lot...I'd love to hear your thoughts on strategic set-ups when solo hunting and calling.

Non- Lead Bullets for Elk?, by Dave, Elk Hunting Tips.Net (Garrison, MT)~ What do you ballistics guys think about the use of non-lead bullets for elk? According to this story...

Rage Broadheads by Chris, ...my buddy gave me a rage practice tip and when I shot it you could not pick out the broadhead from the field points. I was sold...

Recent Submissions:

Finally filled the freezer..., Colorado Rockies~ "I was bummed when I got to the property and no elk, nor any hoof prints in the snow. ...I pulled each of the elk into shade then started gutting..."


Wounded Veteran Elk hunts, by Joshua FL), I am a disabled veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and have always dreamed of hunting elk. I am posting this to see if anyone would know of any elk hunts free to disabled vets....

First Elk with a Bow, by Ryan H. (Colorado), ...Finally after many years of hunting with a bow "I got er did"!

First Elk!, by Tater (Sheridan, Arkansas) I took the advice I received from this website and was successful…I wanted to Thank You and Your Forum and the folks that share on here for the knowledge and information that helped me find an elk I was quite happy with.


Questions

Any success in Unit 14?, by: Dave (MI), "I'm planning on doing a DIY in Unit 14 for 2012..."


Share Elk Hunting Secrets


Bugle in Herd bulls, by Swiltbank (Az) The key to calling in a herd bull is to get into his bedding grounds and threaten his herd. Start off sounding like…


Best Big Game Rifle?

Best Rifle Caliber?, by Buglemup (Superior, MT), "I've been reading what people have been writing about rifle calibers and here is what 16 years of guiding elk has taught me."

7mm Remington Magnum, by Dean (Helena, MT. USA) I use my Liberty Ruger M77, 7mm Rem. Mag. for antelope, deer, elk... Comment: "What do you guys think about the idea of hunting elk with a 270? I also know a guy who kills elk with a 243."


338 Marlin Express, "Light, fast shooting, hard hitting, manageable recoil, and for a lever gun - very accurate."


Guns I like for Elk, by Mountain Walker (Kootenays east B.C. Canada),"I think the gun you shoot Elk with should be one you shoot a lot with... "


.35 Remington, by Bill Smith "...my .35 Rem appears to have dropped a medium deer flawlessly, but I now have serious doubts as to its capability to take an elk."


Arizona Elk Hunting

Where to hunt in Az unit 3B?, by Cliffjumper (Tucson, Az) ~ I got a late bull muzzle loader hunt in Arizona unit 3b. Does anyone know how to hunt bulls in the late season?...

First time elk hunter hunting Arizona unit 6A , by Rob Marchio (Omaha, Ne)~ I'm a first time elk hunter hunting Arizona's unit 6A. I'm planning on staying in the Pine Grove campground...


Elk Hunting Colorado

Help needed for 1st DIY Hunt w/Son, by Patrick (Parker, CO), "I was looking for some advice on my 1st DIY hunt for 2014 in CO with my 13 yr old son. I have countless hrs going over stats, topo maps & Google Earth"

Elk Hunting Colorado in 2013, By William (Midland, TX) "I am planning an elk hunt next year in Colorado and I wanted to know if hunting Gunnison National Forest..."

Unit 60 Elk 4th Rifle Season Nov 13-17 Either Sex 2013, By Chester "...Any general advice about the unit would be appreciated!"


Idaho Elk Hunting


Elk Hunting Idaho Unit 8 8A 11, This is my first year seriously trying to track down some elk. Is there anyone that has hunted in any of these units and can give me some friendly advice? Mitchell, Moscow Idaho

Elk Hunting Pocatello by Cameron (Pocatello) Where is the best place to elk hunt around Pocatello, Idaho? I'm a student at ISU and I'm looking for somewhere around here to hunt next season.

How is the elk hunting in unit 30A in Idaho?, by Terry (Richland Center, WI) Has anyone archery elk hunted in unit 30A in Idaho? What can you tell me about the area?


Elk Hunting In Montana

Hunting in Western Montana, by Mike A. (Alabama)

I did not draw a tag for Missouri breaks where I have hunted in the past. Having to start over and try western Montana.


New Mexico Elk Hunting

New Mexico Unit 49, by Silas (Los Alamos, NM)

If anyone has tips on areas to start scouting, I'd really appreciate it.

First Elk Hunt First Elk Hunt, by Big "R" (NM)

I finally got drawn for a late elk hunt in Unit 28, north of Road 506 and south of the boundary line of the Lincoln National Forest...


Elk Hunting Nevada

Cow elk in Nevada's unit 222:

"Any good places known in unit 222?"

Northeast Nevada Early Elk hunt, by John (Carson City,NV)

"Any suggestions on what areas I may see some signs of elk?"


Questions from Novice Hunters

Retired USMC MSgt Needs Advice, by Ken Wing USMCRET (Bealeton, Va)


Big Game Recipes

Popcorn VenisonPopcorn Venison with Maple Syrup?

Elk or Venison Steaks Grilled to Perfection Here's how to turn them into steakhouse steaks!

Spice-Crusted Grilled Venison Roast Recipe This Spice-Crusted, Grilled Venison Roast recipe works great for any red meat roasts, including elk, deer or beef roast...

Corned Elk Recipe You can easily make corned venison and elk, moose or corned beef from these instructions...