Beginning elk hunters are some of the most enthusiastic around. There’s nothing quite like the pull of a large win to get a person excited for that first hunt. It’s important to remember, though, that just because you know how to hunt deer doesn’t mean you know how to hunt elk.
The biggest mistake some make when planning their first elk hunt is underestimating the size of the beast they are after. An elk is anywhere from 400-600 lbs., as much as 5 times the size of even a large whitetail deer. They also don’t account for the area in which they are hunting. Tree- heavy Kentucky elk hunting, for example, is far different from Nevada elk hunting where the land is more baren.
Whether you are on a solo Wisconsin elk hunt, though, or a guided elk hunt in Colorado, you will likely find that bow hunting is best for the job. Archery elk hunting season might be longer in some areas, is more economical overall, and is quieter than rifle hunting. It also works well to even the playing field if you like a better challenge.
Otherwise, if guided elk hunts are more your style, bow hunting provides the perk of being better for close-range hunting. This results in an amazing experience overall.
Bow hunting elk is tricky, though. Knowing what you’re hunting, what you need for the hunt, and how to find what you’re looking for are just the beginning basics of a successful hunting venture. In the sections that follow, we will outline our best elk hunting tips that you can use to ensure success this season.
1. Types of Elk to Hunt
There are a few things you have to remember about an elk’s anatomy when you make the switch from rifle hunting to bow hunting. They are very different from other types of deer you might have hunted in the past.
Elk have a much higher body mass than white tail deer with dense muscles and thick bones. They stand much taller and are broader, as well. Don’t let their size fool you, though. You might think that a larger target is easier to kill. This would be a mistake.
There are four main places to aim when going in for the kill:
The Scapula
The scapula, also known as the shoulder blade, is a good place to aim. Although you wouldn’t think the shoulder would be a place to issue a mortal wound, elk have some major arteries that run right through that area. An arrow to the scapula means loss of blood flow and a rapid death without damage to meat or spilling entrails.
The Heart
A shot to the heart will usually bring down a large elk almost immediately. It will also not release any dangerous fluid into the meat of the animal.
The Lungs
Obviously, a shot to the lungs will knock the wind out of an elk’s sails. This could possibly kill the elk instantly, but it also sometimes merely slows them down. It is vital that you follow through with a kill shot on this one. Otherwise, you have left an animal wounded that will suffer and eventually die.
The Liver
The liver is found basically in the middle belly region of the elk. A shot here will bring down an elk, but you have to be careful. If you miss, you could puncture the stomach or any number of other digestive system organs that will leave you with quite a mess to clean while dressing your kill.
Knowing how to hunt Elk and take them down as humanely and cleanly as possible is what separates the rookies from the pros on elk hunting trips. For example, let’s say it’s Colorado elk hunting season. If you are on a diy Colorado elk hunt going it alone, don’t be afraid to take some time running target practice leading up to the event.
This is especially important if you are going it alone without any more seasoned hunters to help you. Otherwise, you might benefit from attending one of many affordable Colorado elk hunts that are led by professionals. These guys can provide you the best advice about a clean and effective shot.
Now that you know where to shoot, let’s talk about what you’re shooting. There are four main subspecies of elk that can be found throughout North America:
Tule Elk
If you’re elk hunting in California, you’re hunting Tule elk. These animals are only found in the state of California, making them a pretty scarce breed, and leaving California off of the list of best places to hunt elk because these animals are so rare.
While they make for an exciting catch, you’ll need to come prepared both with gear and for the possible disappointment of not finding one of these elusive beasts.
Manitoban Elk
In terms of elk hunting trophies, these are sort of a big deal. They nearly went extinct over the last century, but are now making a come back. This means getting a license to kill them won’t be on the list of cheap elk hunts you might be looking for.
Colorado is probably the best elk hunting state, though, because it features these as well as Roosevelt Elk and Rocky Mountain Elk. If you’re hopeful to catch a Manitoba, but also afraid of coming home empty handed, you might try your luck elk hunting Colorado public land. Here, you’re sure to run across an elk of some kind. Any of the hundreds of Colorado elk hunting outfitters can provide you with a map of the best places to spot each species.
If Colorado is a little out of your way, you can check around at your favorite Michigan elk hunting spots, as well. The Manitoban is also known to wander there.
Rocky Mountain Elk
Rocky Mountain elk are the most notable species in the United States. Utah elk hunting facilities are full of them and often provide high fence elk hunts for new hunters as well as affordable guided elk hunts that are fence-free.
Rocky Mountain elk are also the most commonly sought out species for archery elk hunting in Colorado, and are featured heavily in Wyoming and Montana guided elk hunts.
Because the Rocky Mountain elk are so well populated, they are the most likely to be featured in cow elk hunts with relatively low licensing fees.
Roosevelt Elk
Roosevelt or Olympic Elk are found mostly in the Pacific Northwest. Elk hunting Washington, for example, usually means you’re looking for a Roosevelt. They are a dark species of elk that blends in well with the forestry of the area.
You also might find these while in Oregon elk hunting.
Regardless of where or what you decide to hunt, though, you’re going to need to know how to get the job done. Read ahead for more information on distance, draw weight, where to find elk, and more.
2. How to Hunt Elk
If you’re hunting with a crossbow, you’ve likely been dazzled by those boasting up to 500 ft or 600 ft shooting range. These ranges are fantastic if you’re not actually looking to make a kill or hit a target. However the further you shoot, the less control you have. This is especially true for beginners.
Very skilled hunters can shoot targets up to 80 yards easily, but most hunters like to stick to a maximum of 60. If you’re just starting, you’re probably not going to shoot from further than 35 yards away from your target.
You’ll also want to account for terrain. Arizona elk hunting, for example, will provide a much smoother land surface to aim and fire than Pennsylvania elk hunting, which might be more lush with foliage or rolling hills.
It takes at least a 50 lb. draw weight to bring down an average sized elk. This is the lowest weight one should use on an elk hunt, and that includes children. If manageable, it’s always best to use something higher. Most elk hunters use 70 lb. bows.
When firing your arrow, remember it will travel at about 400 FPS (feet per second). Aim accordingly. While you might think an arrow will take a while to hit its target, you’ll likely find that it hits in the blink of an eye. Line up your shot and let her rip.
3. How to Find Elk
The main mistake that most new elk hunters make is over-calling. Elk rarely call out to one another outside of mating season. To call them in an off period is a dead giveaway that something strange is going on.
Before you start tracking your kill, regardless of where you are hunting, the first step is to get yourself a good pair of elk hunting boots.They should be able to handle rough or slippery terrain, keep your feet dry, and provide support. You’ll likely have to hike a long way to find your target.
The second big mistake is to hunt when and where everyone else is. Elk aren’t stupid and will move away from large groups of people. They know they’re prey to us. Plan your hunting trip on an off-day (try the middle of the week when most other hunters are working) and stay away from large groups.
Map out the area you plan to hunt and keep in mind that elk normally don’t stray far from water sources. Bring a scope and use it often to check out terrain before you start moving in.
Finally, look for signs of dung or tracks. Those are good indications that your trophy is nearby.
4. Elk Hunting Trips
Many are drawn to the following states for their great hunting opportunities.
Hunting Elk in Colorado
Archery elk hunting season is open in Colorado from the end of August through September. This is one of the best states to hunt elk because they feature a variety of species, as mentioned earlier in this article.
Colorado is broken down into hunting units, where there is a census taken of targeted animals. The best Colorado elk hunting units are 4, 12, 70, 42, and 5.
New Mexico
New Mexico elk hunting licenses are open to any legal hunting weapon. To hunt with a crossbow, though, you may only hunt September 2-6, September 9-13, September 15-19, or September 20-24. Dates between are set aside for other weaponry.
Montana
Crossbow hunting for elk is open in Montana from September 7 to October 20th.
Idaho
Unless you are physically unable to hunt with a recurve bow, Idaho does not allow archery-only hunts. This means you must also carry a firearm to put down any injured animal that is not killed by a crossbow.
The best time to bag an elk in Idaho is during their controlled hunting season, typically between May 1-June 5.
Wyoming
October 15 – January 1 is usually when Wyoming’s general elk hunting season takes place, but the season start and end dates may vary somewhat according to region. Check with the local Game, Fish, and Parks station to get more information on any area you plan to visit and hunt in.
Texas
Texas elk hunts usually take place between September 29 and November 2 if you are using a crossbow. While elk hunting in Texas, you’d be wise to sign up with a guided elk hunt, though. The hunting area is wide and it’s easy to get lost.
As always, check with local Game, Fish, and Parks for regulations on public access and current fee schedules and don’t forget to be a courteous hunter.
5. Crossbow Elk Broadheads
Fixed-blade broadheads are best for hunting elk. They don’t break off in the tough muscle of the elk and you are less likely to lose them.
You’ll want to look for something that is quiet, has a chisel-tip to puncture deep, and is quick and simple to put together if you’re tracking a big catch.
You also should keep an eye out for added perks like four blade designs and deep, narrow heads designed to punch through hard bones.
6. Which Crossbow to Use for Elk Hunting
Look for a crossbow that is designed for comfort as well as effectiveness. You will be shooting your crossbow for a very small percentage of the time you are hunting, so having something easy to carry is key.
There are a number of well-known and recommended bow makers like Ravin, Ten Point, Barnett, Centerpoint, and Wicked Ridge who are all well-loved and have well-built fan bases behind them. Each of them has their own ups and downs forming groups of loyal followers behind each of them.
7. Crossbow Elk Hunting Tips
Elk hunting can be a fun and rewarding undertaking, but it requires practice and research before you begin. Knowing where to hunt, how to hunt, and the best way to drive home that kill shot are key in a successful trek in the woods.
Buy good gear, aim for the center of the body, and ask more seasoned hunters for advice when needed. If it’s your first elk hunt, visit somewhere with a high elk population like Colorado. Places where the massive game is plentiful and varied make your hunting experience more enjoyable.
Once you’re ready to move out into more difficult hunts, the world is your oyster.
Enjoy your next big adventure!