Wilderness Elk Hunting

The elk population thrives and varies over regions of northwestern America.

Elk hunting ranks high as one of the most invigorating forms of big game hunting available in the United States and North America. The sport of elk hunting requires years of practice to perfect, and many states within the U.S. provide guides, tours and hunting expeditions with seasoned professionals that may be the most convenient training for beginners. Wilderness elk hunting trips are sometimes performed on horseback, and range in length up to week-long stretches. Possible methods for elk hunting include rifle hunting or bow hunting, for which there are separate seasons.

Range

Elk territory is expansive. The animals range along the northwestern boundaries of North America, on and around the Rocky Mountains and Continental Divide. Elk-populated land begins as far south as Arizona, thickens through Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Montana, and continues north into British Columbia and Alberta, Canada. Some of the most popular and prosperous elk hunting areas in the United States include Colorado, Idaho and Montana.

Necessities

For elk hunting trips in which you'll be spending several days in the wilderness, it is important to bring essentials for survival as well as sustained hunting. First on the checklist should be gear, ensuring you have enough clothing for the trip including gloves, broken-in boots, long underwear, heavy socks, camp shoes, rain gear and a sleeping bag rated 0 degrees. Be sure to bring a canteen, binoculars, a flashlight, and camping necessities like a knife, fire starters and a personal first aid kit. Depending on the type of hunting, you will of course need your bow or rifle and all of the accessories. Bring a daypack and a duffel bag weighing 55 lbs. or less. Don't forget to bring a camera and plenty of film and batteries.

Habitat

Bull elk can weigh around 900 lbs. and have been documented traveling more than 50 miles a day. They live on grass and shrubs and eat between 10 and 15 lbs. of vegetation a day. They are known to graze in open fields and near running bodies of water. Elk frequently hole up from weather or danger in a shroud of spruce trees, which act as a camouflaging blanket from a distance.

Physical Requirements

Wilderness hunting requires a great deal of physical exertion. Days are spent trekking, hiking, running and generally consist of constant movement. Since these trips can last up to a week, it's easy to get warn out quickly. Also, if you're not accustomed to the northwestern elevation, it's important to remember that the altitude in areas such as Colorado is much higher and more exhausting. Get in shape before your trip by doing endurance workouts such as long-distance running and walking and hiking. Additionally, try to exercise while wearing hunting equipment so that you're used to the weight.

Requirements

Legal elk hunting requires a license and is permitted only on private land. Big game hunting licenses require the participant to be at least 16 years old. Hunters must wear at least 500 square inches of fluorescent orange material. Camouflage orange is not permitted.

References

• Adventure Experiences Inc.: Hunting License Information
• Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation: Elk Habitats
• Action Adventures: Elk and Deer Hunting
• Colorado Elk Hunting