Before you even get to your destination, you need to prepare for your elk hunt. Scott Hatch from Three Forks Ranch in Colorado advises first-time elk hunters to get in shape. You need to get physically fit well in advance of your hunt. Once you get there, you will need to get acclimated to the al...

How do you decide when to bugle and when to cow call? Early season, start with cow chirps and cow calling subtly. If there isn’t much response, move to a locate bugle. During the rut, it’s more of a conversation. You want to interact with the bull but not over-call and sound desperate. Cow elk ha...

A bow cannot cover as much ground as a rifle. Therefore, bowhunting requires the hunter to get in close. When you set up to bowhunt elk, put the hunter between the elk and the caller. Rifle hunting allows you to hang back and glass a mountain to find the elk and then move in a little closer to ma...

It’s a matter of preference, typically, but there are things to consider when choosing a time of day to hunt elk. Morning hunts give you more time to get the elk packed out, take pictures with your trophy and just enjoy the moment. Evening hunts feel more rushed, because you want to get back to c...

Scott Hatch has been chasing elk for years, and he ages elk by their antlers, body size and shape, and head position. The bigger and heavier the antlers, the more mature the bull elk. Mature bulls also have a swayback in the lower neck, a bigger hump and a lower head. If it looks like a big yello...

Early season elk hunting can be hot in the afternoon and early evening. Look for water because that’s where elk will be headed. It gets dark quickly, so don’t be afraid to move. Head to water, pay attention to the wind, call, move if necessary, be aware of losing light, and rely on previous exper...

Joseph Graham, of Graham’s Guide Service, talks about DIY elk hunting in NM.

Joseph Graham, of Graham’s Guide Service, tells how non-residents can apply to hunt in NM.