Elk Hunting Tips For Beginners – Preparing for an Elk Hunt

Do you love Elk hunting? Are you a beginner and need some helpful tips on how to go about it? In this article, we will discuss the things you need to carry for elk hunting. Tips beginners need to consider making this exercise succeed. Most beginners think this kind of hunting is just easy since the animals are massive, and you cannot easily miss a shoot. It’s good to know that nothing comes on a silver platter; you have to learn and master the tips well for achieving good results. Let’s start by discussing the things needed.

Elk Hunting Tips For Beginners

Here are some important tips that will help you hunt successfully.

You need nice and decent boots

Hunting Boots

Since you will be needed to walk for long distances in the jungle in search of the animals, comfortable and decent shoes will protect your feet from stones, thorns, and other harsh things on the ground.

Do some fitness exercise?

You need to be fit and strong to be able to fight circumstances that will come your way. Before the hunting season, you should do workouts on mountains and rocky places to be equipped with skills.

Go with an experienced person

This first experience to the hunt can be overwhelming and exciting if you are not cautious of challenges that may arise.  Going out with an experienced partner is very important as he will guide you. Follow the advice and be willing to learn.

Scouting

You should mark the hunting area. Use maps and compass direction to locate the terrain. Use your binoculars to survey well the area. This will help you learn the abodes of the elks and their habits as well; hence, you will plan accordingly.

Avoid roads

Through roads camping is comfortable and convenient, you’ll never see an elk walking near the truck, and they are always interior in the jungle. So if you want to hand, don’t waste time on roads.

Have a nice choice of a rifle or bow and bullets

This is the tool that will enable you to get the elk, so making the right choice will make your hunt easier. The arrow should weigh about 450-500 grains for easy handling, be stiff for easy penetration.  A bolt action rifle is good to use since its durable, accurate, and robustness.

A superior elevation

For late hunting season, you need a superior elevation to be able to see the elk, although, after the rutting season, the elk will come on the lower ground due to snow on a high elevation. Also, be patient, this tip is essential for the beginner. The elk can be a very big creature, cumbersome and slow. You need to study it carefully and learn its footsteps. It might even take you several days to be at the same place before getting your hand on that elk.

Be keen on scent and sight

Elks have good hearing, nose, and good eyesight to keep them safe, to be able to detect any creature. Don’t use strong sprays; in fact, avoid them, apply some mad to have a natural smell. Avoid unnecessary movements in the bush as the elk will hear the sound and attack you. Stay quiet and be focused. Food like barley and alfalfa are best for elks, so get them to attract the elk. The wind will help them smell this food and try to trace it. Be clever your presence not to be noticed since if that happens, then they will never come to eat that food.

Perfect the shooting on long distance

You need to aim well at the elk, be focused, and have a sober mind. Don’t shake. Work on the best ranges to enable a kill shot. Be very keen to follow your experienced partner’s advice at this time because if you miss the shot, the elk can attack you or can run, and you’ll not be able to catch up with it.

Make use of an elk call

This tip will help you minimize the struggle to bring the elk on the spot. Make use of the right call and at the right time. A bugle call is good in rut season since it will attract male elk that wants to challenge the other. This will give you a good view of the elk.

Things you need to carry for elk hunting

You can’t just wake up and go for elk hunting. Prepare yourself and carry this essential thing on the checklist below.

  • A first aid kit containing medication you need
  • Water bottle
  • Rope to tie the game
  • Water and a purifier
  • Sleeping bag with a pillowcase to cover you from cold
  • Tent
  • Flashlight and some extra batteries
  • Sunscreen
  • Thermos
  • Toiletries and washing items [ toilet paper, hand sanitizer, soap and trash bag]
  • Map and compass direction of the area
  • Binoculars and camera

Hunting gears needed are:

  • Map and compass for direction of the area
  • License/tags/ hunter education certificate
  • A bow or rifle with extra bullets
  • Binoculars and camera to view the animal
  • Altimeter
  • Knife and a sharpener
  • Folding saw
  • Leaving camp

Needed clothing

  • Rain jacket and pack cover
  • Extra socks and gloves
  • A thermal underwear
  • Camouflage
  • Brimmed and a warm stocking hat

Food and tools

  • Cooking pot with lid
  • Thermos
  • Dehydrated supper meals
  • Trail snacks, summer sausage
  • Macaron, cheese, and powdered milk
  • Instant hot coffee, cocoa, and cereals
  • Spices, salt and pepper packets
  • Fresh fruits, bacon, eggs, pork, and other essential foods

Conclusion

Hunting will be successful if you read and follow the rules and regulations of this article since you will get good and clear ideas. Make sure you have a license and familiarize yourself with the area. Carry the essential things needed and be keen on understanding the tips discussed above.  It’s not that hard to become a professional hunter as long as you follow instructions, get well prepared, and have faith. All the best as you prepare for hunting and get eager to have a feast on your first hunted elk.

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