I’ve been blessed to hunt elk, for decades, in the great state of Montana. This is the one hunt I look forward to every year. I have many hunts I love to do each year, but they are all a close 2nd to archery elk hunting. There is nothing like a screaming bull challenging you in the dark timber with only a few yards between you and him. Below are some tips to help with your archery elk hunts.
Get in shape.
These hunts often take place in the back country, in some steep terrain in high elevations. You must go to where the elk are, so that might mean putting miles on the boots each day. Elk can cover a lot of ground, and they are a bit unpredictable this time of year, as bulls are chasing cows, and each other.
Walking and hiking are great workouts for this. Incorporate a couple days a week to carry a backpack filled with weight to help you get used to carrying that in the mountains. The better in shape you are, the more enjoyable, and probably successful, your hunt will be. When you get that bull down, you will thank me for this advice when packing that bull out!
Practice with your bow.
This might seem like a no brainer, but many hunters buy all the expensive gear, find places to hunt, but don’t take the time to practice. Practice will not only give you muscle memory at the moment of truth, but give you greater confidence when that shot presents itself. Most shots will not be 20 yard, broadside shots, so practice different distances, elevations, and angles to help you in the mountains. You may have to take a 32-yard shot, from your knees, quartering away. So again, practice as much as you can.
Use gear you’re confident in.
I hear all the time about the best bow on the market, or the strongest arrows, or best flying broadheads, and while it may or may not be true, use what works for YOU. I’m a firm believer that if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. If you’re new to bowhunting, go into a bow shop, try some different combinations, and then use what works best for you. Get your bow tuned, either by yourself, or a tech, and your broadheads and field points should hit the same spot.
Find the elk.
Don’t just head into the mountains blind, hoping to run into elk. Yes, this may happen, but to be successful year after year, you need to find where the elk are, and where there breeding grounds are. Hike areas in the summer that you may want to hunt, looking for sign…..scat, rubs, wallows, etc. If you find this, elk should be there come September. It’s much better to put miles on your boots in September hunting elk, rather than trying to find them.
Learn to call.
Many guys go out and buy the latest and greatest bugle and cow call, and don’t know how, or when to call, when hunting elk. There are many great articles and videos on this and I would recommend reading and watching some of them. You have to know “how” to talk to the elk and understand what they are trying to say. Early season calling is different that peak rut calling. You have to know when to bugle, when to cow call, and most importantly, when to shut up! Overcalling ruins more hunts than calling.
Have fun!
Archery elk hunting is easily one of the most fun hunts you can ever do, but it is also the most frustrating. You will have slow days, days when the winds ruins a stalk, days when they won’t respond, but try and take in the surroundings and blessing you have. Be thankful you are healthy enough to chase the bugling bulls in their back yard and enjoy the journey.
