Eastmans’ September Elk Tips

Ike – A detailed, well planned out strategy for elk hunting; everything from tag acquisition all the way to securing the meat is crucial for success. However, don’t forget that every good plan has to have audibles and you have to be able to adapt and overcome changing conditions. Also, remember a bugles and cow calls are often overdone.

Brandon -Elk are BIG animals and the first time you walk up on a downed bull it can be daunting. Have a plan to get the animal out to prevent meat spoilage and prevent conflicts with predators. Great memories are made when you are physically and mentally challenged…take it all in!

Dan – The first thing I like to do is identify if a bull is alone or with cows, then I make a plan from there. If he’s with cows I like to get close and challenge him with a bugle while concealing my location using topography or another natural barrier. If a bull is alone I’ll start with a lost calf call, and then a location bugle if the calf call doesn’t work. If he’s in a nice ravine or there’s a natural barrier between us, that’s a no-brainer, just stalk in and make the shot. Being able to adapt to any method in closing the distance will, without a doubt, make you a more consistently successful elk hunter. 

Brian – The key to killing elk is being into elk.  To consistently locate elk you have to be mobile and cover country.  You also have to be in the right spots at the right times which means hiking in the dark.  It sounds simple but remembering these couple things are the keys to me killing elk year after year.  

Scott – Don’t be afraid to change your plans if the elk aren’t where you thought they would be after spending 24 hours in a basin. None of us have an unlimited amount of time to hunt, our own pride can be the reason we won’t shift areas sometimes and that can be very costly. If the elk aren’t  where you are looking there is usually a reason, pull out the maps and move on.

Luke – Be sure to scout for elk in the mornings and late afternoons when they are most active. By observing their behavior, you can get a good idea of where herds might be and make a game plan to make a move. Also, be sure to locate water sources such as springs, creeks, and wallows. During the rut, these areas can be predictable for elk activity. Good luck.

Todd – Life is short, go hunting! At the end of life nobody says, “I wish I would have worked more.”