Elk - News

ELK RETURN TO NORTH CAROLINA It took about 20 years, but elk have returned to the Cataloochee Valley in North Carolina. Once native to the Tar Heel State, eastern elk va

ELK RETURN TO NORTH CAROLINA It took about 20 years, but elk have returned to the Cataloochee Valley in North Carolina. Once native to the Tar Heel State, eastern elk vanished in the 1800s due to human encroachment on key habitat. However, now, while exact numbers are still to be determined, elk are back in the Great Smoky Mountains in Southern Appalachian, the Citizen Times reports. Wildlife biologist Joseph Yarkovich has been involved with the project since its beginnings and hopes to one day “have one large, contiguous population throughout the East Coast again,” but adds, “that’s still way, way down the road.” For now, those involved with the elk recovery project are hoping to obtain an accurate population count. “What we’ve been doing up until now is conducting a minimum count,” said Yarkovich. “The park in collaboration with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the North Carolina Wildlife Commission will coordinate for three days in a row to count as many elk as we can see and come up with a minimum estimate for the population.” However, that will be tricky due to the dense forests that span the western part of the state into Tennessee. “Basically, the way you typically survey elk populations is based on western landscapes and methodologies where you have really high sightability,” said Yarkovich. “Those methods really aren’t as effective here in the Southern Appalachians where everything is just so thick.” goHUNT Gear Shop So, they’re looking at a new way of tallying – and tracking – wildlife. “What we’re looking at now is a study using elk fecal DNA,” said Yarkovich. “It consists of walking transects all over Western North Carolina for three years, finding elk pellets, and swabbing them for DNA. Those samples can then be sent off for genetic analyses down to the individual level, which will help us capture records of a lot of the animals that we’re not seeing.” There’s about 400 transects that park officials will study that include miles of off-trail areas. However, while the DNA-based counting system is “labor intensive,” biologists believe the results will be worth it as they will be able to see “detailed information…for a reintroduced population that is still relatively fragile,” according to the Citizen Times. “Twenty years of elk back on the landscape can seem like a really long time, but when you look at the big picture, it’s still not a big population,” said Yarkovich. “Smaller elk populations can be really sensitive to disease, changes in the environment, and changes within their own group dynamics.” If successful at uncovering a piece of the “region’s ecological puzzle,” Yarkovich believes other states will try the method, too. “If this project works as well as we hope, I would expect other states like Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, and Pennsylvania to pick it up too,” said Yarkovich. “That’s a big step toward restoring a healthy, self-sustaining herd for Southern Appalachia.”

Post: 16 September 18:34

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK CLOSES AREAS TO PROTECT ELK Elk that roam the Rocky Mountain National Park will get a reprieve from visitors as park officials began closing

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK CLOSES AREAS TO PROTECT ELK Elk that roam the Rocky Mountain National Park will get a reprieve from visitors as park officials began closing areas around the park to prevent intrusion during the fall rut. Targeted areas include roadways and trails in Horseshoe Park, Upper Beaver Meadows, Moraine Park, Harbison Meadow and Holzwarth Meadow, according to the Loveland Reporter-Herald. While 2020 had extended closure times from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. due to the uptick in park visitors, this year, closures will occur from 5 p.m to 10 a.m. and run through Oct. 31. Fishing will still be permitted in the Fall River, Thompson River or Colorado River as posted, but also closed from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. Colorado Parks & Wildlife stated that the “closures are intended to prevent disturbance and harassment of elk during their fall mating period and to enhance visitor elk viewing opportunities.” Stay tuned to goHUNT for further updates.

Post: 16 September 18:45

Montana releases new elk management plan There’s a new elk management plan in place for Montana. This month, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) announced the adoption

Montana releases new elk management plan There’s a new elk management plan in place for Montana. This month, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) announced the adoption of the 2023 plan and environmental assessment. The new plan is flexible and “forward looking,” according to the agency. It will help FWP making informed decisions that incorporate conservation initiatives with regard to elk management and help guide future requirements for sustainably managing elk populations. “Development of the new elk plan was a long and expansive process, and we appreciate all the public input we received,” said Dustin Temple, FWP Director. “Elk management is controversial in Montana, but through this process we saw people with varying interests come together with new ideas. That collaboration is captured in the plan and will be critical moving forward.” Some highlights of the new plan include a less prescription, more objective/goal-focused management strategy as well as specific identification of recommended special management districts for bull elk. Categorization will also now occur at the local scale by hunting districts instead of elk management units.

Post: 7 December 09:17

5 SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT ELK ANTLERS 1. ELK ANTLER RETENTION IS TESTOSTERONE-DRIVEN Elk antlers begin to form immediately after the last set is shed. Because elk antler

5 SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT ELK ANTLERS 1. ELK ANTLER RETENTION IS TESTOSTERONE-DRIVEN Elk antlers begin to form immediately after the last set is shed. Because elk antler grows faster than any other tissue in its body, a healthy bull can grow nearly one inch of antler every single day, leaving them with a fully formed set of antlers within the next few months. In many cases, disputes with predators or other bulls will cause these antlers to break off, but they’ll actually shed on their own if left undamaged. Why? Because an elk’s ability to retain its antlers is driven by its testosterone levels. After mating season ends, the level of doe pheromones in the air decreases, causing bull testosterone to drop as well. Once a bull loses enough testosterone, its body will pick up on the change and begin to shed its antlers in response. 2. DIFFERENT ELK POPULATIONS HAVE UNIQUE ANTLERS There are many subspecies of elk, and at least six variants live in North America. Over time and multiple generations, elk adapt to their local environment through marked changes in behavior and appearance, and these changes can affect their antlers. Consequently, different populations of elk bear unique antler shapes and sizes. For example, Rocky Mountain elk have the largest antlers of all known elk subspecies! 3. FEMALE ELK FAVOR BULLS WITH MORE ANTLER POINTS Who knew that elk could count? Scientists researching the mating habits of elk have observed that females heavily favor suitors with the most antler points. This may be because doe are instinctually driven toward males with the highest levels of testosterone to ensure that their young grow up to be as strong and healthy as possible. 4. DOGS LOVE THEM It’s no secret that dogs love to chomp on things. Regrettably, many of our four-legged friends are so good at chewing that they bite through a majority of toys and chews within a few days. That’s why they love gnashing away at elk antlers for dogs. Elk antler chews are incredibly durable products that canines can’t resist, making them a fantastic tool to keep your pup entertained for countless hours while stimulating their inherent (and perfectly healthy) need to chew. 5. ANTLER MARROW ACTS AS A NATURAL TOOTHBRUSH Elk antler chews contain tasty, nutritious marrow (a soft substance found in the cavities of bones) that dogs adore. When your canine chews on this substance, it acts as a natural toothbrush that wipes away plaque, ensuring that his or her teeth stay healthy and clean. This makes antler chews a great boon for owners who want to give their canine a snack that’s delicious and good for their health.

Post: 21 May 17:25

Corey Jacobsen: Elk Hunting Influencer, Champion Elk Caller & Bowhunting Educator Corey Jacobsen is a nine-time World Champion elk caller, widely recognized as one of Am

Corey Jacobsen: Elk Hunting Influencer, Champion Elk Caller & Bowhunting Educator Corey Jacobsen is a nine-time World Champion elk caller, widely recognized as one of America's top elk hunting experts and bowhunting instructors. Through his educational platform Elk101.com, Corey has built a reputation not only as a skilled hunter but also as a trusted mentor in the field of elk hunting education. His content attracts tens of thousands of hunters seeking to improve their elk calling and backcountry strategies. Elk Hunting Style: Public Land and Archery-Focused Corey Jacobsen prefers hunting on public lands, particularly in the rugged mountainous regions of Idaho, where he resides. He exclusively uses a compound bow for elk hunting, which aligns with his deep commitment to ethical, skill-based hunting practices. His preferred method is DIY elk hunting, without guides or outfitters, relying on personal experience, precise planning, and strategic calling. Bowhunting Strategy and Elk Calling Techniques As the founder of Elk101.com and co-host of the "Elk Talk Podcast," Jacobsen is known for his unique calling strategy, combining aggressive bugling with subtle cow calls. He teaches the ARC (Always Remember Concealment) system, emphasizing wind direction, calling angles, and movement concealment. These techniques are designed to increase success rates for elk hunters, especially during the rut when bulls respond most actively to calling. Jacobsen often hunts during the peak elk rut and leverages his calling to locate and provoke dominant bulls. He stresses real-world application and situational adaptation, making his teachings highly actionable for backcountry bowhunters. Elk Gear and Equipment Preferences Corey’s bowhunting gear is finely tuned for elk hunting in Western terrain. His setup includes: Bow: Prime Archery Centergy Hybrid or Rize models (draw weight ~67 lbs) Arrows: Black Eagle Spartan (430-grain total weight) Broadheads: G5 Striker 100-grain fixed-blade heads Stabilizer: Crossover 24-inch stabilizer for balance and long-range accuracy Elk Calls: High-quality diaphragms and bugle tubes, used for both location and challenge calls This gear selection reflects his preference for long-range accuracy, shot penetration, and reliability in steep, unpredictable mountain environments. Trophy Elk and Notable Hunts Jacobsen has harvested multiple mature bull elk on public lands, with many of his trophies featured on his social media and within his Elk101 content. These DIY hunts serve as proof of concept for the tactics he teaches, including solo calling, wind discipline, and gear readiness. His hunts frequently involve multi-day backcountry treks, elevation gains, and extreme weather, all part of the authentic Western elk hunting experience. Corey Jacobsen as a Hunting Influencer and Educator Beyond being a successful bowhunter, Corey Jacobsen is a top-tier hunting influencer and educator. His platform Elk101.com includes the University of Elk Hunting, an in-depth course featuring over 60 instructional videos, detailed written modules, and practical gear lists. With thousands of students enrolled, this online program is one of the most comprehensive elk hunting education systems available. He frequently collaborates with major hunting brands such as Sitka Gear, Prime Archery, and G5 Outdoors, and is a featured speaker at hunting expos, trade shows, and on leading hunting podcasts. A Blueprint for Modern Elk Hunters Corey Jacobsen represents the modern archetype of the backcountry elk hunter—self-reliant, highly skilled, and deeply committed to continuous learning. His ability to blend traditional bowhunting ethics with advanced calling techniques makes him a respected authority in the hunting community. For those who aspire to master elk hunting, Corey’s platforms offer not only inspiration but also the practical tools to elevate their game. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting out, learning from Jacobsen can help turn your elk hunting goals into reality. Corey Jacobsen's Instagram (99k followers): @coreyjacobsen.elk101

Post: 16 July 15:33

UTAH ADDS MORE COW ELK PERMITS TO 2021/22 SEASON There will be more elk opportunity in Utah for the 2021/22 season. Last month, the Utah Wildlife Board approved addition

UTAH ADDS MORE COW ELK PERMITS TO 2021/22 SEASON There will be more elk opportunity in Utah for the 2021/22 season. Last month, the Utah Wildlife Board approved additional cow elk hunting permits across the state to help manage elk during the extended drought season, according to a press release. “These permits were proposed to help minimize conflicts and damage that could occur on big game winter ranges, as well as possible conflicts with agricultural properties. These additional elk permits are intended to reduce competition between elk and other big game species on winter ranges and to ensure the overall health of various elk and deer herds,” said Covy Jones, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) big game coordinator. “These issues are a result of the severe drought limiting typical habitat and feed for elk and other big game animals across Utah, so these additional permits are being implemented as a proactive measure.” According to UDWR, there will be an additional 1,052 antlerless elk permits available in “areas of concern” with 50 permits for a new antlerless elk hunt on the La Sal, Delores Triangle Unit and an additional 1,638 private lands only antlerless elk permits. By increasing the number of permits, wildlife officials hope to limit the number of conflicts and alleviate the amount of damage on agricultural properties and other areas impacted by the state’s severe drought conditions. goHUNT Gear Shop Additional changes were also approved for mountain lions. Per a 2020 law, the UDWR director is required to take “immediate action” if mountain lion populations are “preventing big game populations from reaching their herd-management objectives,” according to the agency. Thus, 33 of the 53 designated mountain lion hunting units are now open for “unlimited year-round harvest” to decrease predation on mule deer and bighorn sheep. Further, there will be a fall spot-and-stalk hunting season that began Aug. 1 and will run through Dec. 31. Interested hunters can purchase a $30 permit online or at UDWR offices. While the state has implemented predator management plans for the majority of the mountain lion units, the Utah Wildlife Board also approved several clarifications to the current mountain lion hunting rules, including recommending a harvest objective for units not under the predator management plan. For the other 20 units, permits will be available through a drawing and the season will be limited entry, ending once either when the objective is met or the season end date occurs. “Our goal is to maintain a healthy cougar population within the current distribution of the species across Utah, while also considering human safety, damages to livestock producers and declines in populations of big game species that cougars prey on,” said UDWR Game Mammals Coordinator Darren DeBloois. “As part of this, we factor in a proportion of older animals and breeding females in the population.” It also now illegal to use dogs to harvest mountain lions outfitted with a GPS tracking collar unless that particular animal is targeting livestock.

Post: 16 September 18:42

SOUTH DAKOTA RANCHERS UPSET OVER NUMBER OF ELK CONTINGENCY LICENSES South Dakota ranchers are angry over the number of elk contingency licenses recently issued across fo

SOUTH DAKOTA RANCHERS UPSET OVER NUMBER OF ELK CONTINGENCY LICENSES South Dakota ranchers are angry over the number of elk contingency licenses recently issued across four units, especially because they were involved in the creation of the new elk management plan in 2015. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (SDGFP) announced this week that there would be 20 of these licenses in units that span both public and private property, the Black Hills Pioneer reports. The elk contingency licenses are used to “reduce the elk population in areas that have been heavily affected by drought,” said Andrew Norton, SDGFP senior big game biologist. There is not set location for where these licenses are issued. Basically, it’s based upon where the elk are “relative to the department’s objective” so that the elk population can be reduced “in order to improve grazing conditions on forest service land that ranchers lease.” Yet, Aaron Thompson, president of the Spearfish Livestock Association, Eric Jennings of the S.D. Cattlemen’s Association and Casey Miller of the S.D. Stockgrowers Association vocalized their opposition to the number of contingency licenses issued during the last Game, Fish and Parks Commission meeting. All three served on the stakeholders group during the creation of the state’s elk management plan. Now, they say that 20 licenses aren’t enough to cover the lost forage. And, in fact, when compared to how much ranchers have to reduce grazing because of drought (10% in the Northern Black Hills and 5% for the forest in general), Thompson called the number “beyond insulting.” He pointed out that 20 contingency licenses “amounts to .276% reduction in grazing impact by elk” and that SDGFP should issue at least 470 contingency licenses “in order to level the grazing population with livestock.” “So, on the one hand you have the ranching industry that has their livelihood at stake in the matter, taking a forest wide 5% reduction in numbers,” said Thompson. “On the other hand, is the department suggesting that 20 additional tags scattered across the forest is adequate to mitigate over grazing?” However, according to Norton, the number of contingency licenses were determined using data from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and information from the U.S. Forest Service, which resulted in a total of five contingency licenses for each of the four elk units in the Central and Eastern Black Hills. NRCS models from Aug. 15 showed “forage production estimates were 80% to 92% of normal within the elk management units,” according to the Black Hills Pioneer. The additional 20 licenses add 4% to the 490 antlerless elk licenses already issued in the Black Hills, allowing SDGFP to hit the 6,000 to 8,000 population objective as underlined in the current elk management plan. goHUNT Gear Shop Further, Norton said that “the contingency licenses are not being issued in the Southern Hills because while the elk population was 90% higher in 2020 than it was in 2016, drought conditions are not as severe,” which makes landowners in those areas “nervous” because they “are aware of the damage elk can do.” Northern Black Hills elk herds are 40% below objective, leading Norton to say that “we’re going to want to increase elk in there, and we’ll be less likely to want to allocate contingency licenses there.” “We’re trying to be specific about where we harvest these elk,” said Norton. “I will point out that two years ago when we flew, we were at 6,500 elk with an objective of between 6,000 to 8,000. If the current elk population was above objective, more contingency licenses would have been recommended, but because we are already below objective in some units, fewer licenses were recommended. As a result of elk numbers being below objective in the Northern Black Hills the past two years, less grazing competition with cattle from elk has already occurred in these units, which will mitigate losses to forage as a result of drought conditions.” Thompson remains adamant that the number of licenses is too small. “Our intent was never to beat down elk numbers for no good reason,” said Thompson. “The blinding disparity between the livestock industry’s response to this drought and the Department’s response to this drought cannot be explained away by quibbling over details, pointing to the NRCS forage availability calculations or any other manner of squirming. The discrepancy in response between livestock’s 5% reduction and the department’s suggested herd reduction of .267% is too great for this to be explained by flawed data and miscalculation.” Because of these discrepancies between stakeholders and wildlife officials, the commission has recommended that SDGFP talk to these producers before announcing plans to the public.

Post: 17 September 18:08

Hour-to-Hour Elk Hunting Tactics. Elk hunting differs from a traditional whitetail hunt in many ways. Elevation, rugged terrain and extraction adversities separate the tw

Hour-to-Hour Elk Hunting Tactics. Elk hunting differs from a traditional whitetail hunt in many ways. Elevation, rugged terrain and extraction adversities separate the two, just to name a handful of complicating distinctions. Another difference is the fact elk keep a schedule that offers hunting opportunities throughout the day, whereas whitetails may shut down. Focus on meeting locations that vary by the hour to engage your leggy quarry instead of napping under an old pine tree. 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. If I had to rate one period as the Holy Grail, it would be dawn through midmorning. Elk seem to be anxious, agitated and goal-oriented. That equals noise, and noisy elk are easy to track. The "anxious" issue arises from elk being exposed at sunrise to potential hunting pressure. They are anxious to move to private digs most hunters will be pressed to reach. Herd bulls are anxious to keep the harem together while moving through a barrage of tag-along satellite bulls. What is the goal? By midmorning elk want to be high on a north face, across a major canyon and buried in thick pines or junipers. The mad dash ensures sanctuary and relief from any day's sporting searing sunshine. Although your targeted herd may be easy to track via vocalizations, starting with elk at a lower level could be a regrettable mistake. Elk are cruisers; the name implies long-legged, built for rapid and sustained escape. In brief, they can cover real estate faster than you. You may be able to keep up in some topography, but in true mountain settings, elk use elevation gain to their advantage, and that leaves you gasping in the thin air. A solid plan includes scouting for potential elk hangouts. Instead of starting with elk at ground zero, stage yourself on north slopes and densely covered highlands where you expect elk to park for daytime sanctuary. Use their calls to maneuver into position, keeping in mind thermals typically carry your scent downward. Negotiate in close for ambush or calling opportunities. Now is a good time to sound like a lost cow or an irritating satellite. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. From midmorning through midafternoon, elk could be engaged in a variety of activities. As ruminants, elk need a timeout to digest their food through regurgitation and repeated chewing. This act and the need for rest equates to nap time during this period. As elk decide where to bed with herd mentality, expect restlessness, prodding by the herd bull and satellites hellbent on grabbing some action before nap time commences. This forest disarray provides you yet another opportunity to edge close for a shot as elk eyes divert to pre-bedding commotion. Bulls busy prodding satellites out of the herd may give you the exact opening to release a shrill scream in defiance. Get ready. A bull could bulldozer past you in seconds looking for the irritant. At some point and quite suddenly, the woods will go quiet as elk settle for a few hours. You may want to join their napping habit, but do so in a strategic location. A top pick is right there on the edge of the herd. If the wind allows and you can see or sense you are within a short hike of the herd, hold your position. As cows come into estrus, an unsettled herd bull could prod a cow from her bed any time during this period for a brief chase. Have an arrow safely nocked on your bow beside you as you recharge. A strategically placed decoy could make a bull pause during the shuffle, giving you the window to shoot. Another high-ranking option is to retreat slightly to any nearby water, especially one with signs of recent wallowing. It is not uncommon for a herd bull or satellite to slip away from the ladies to rehydrate and reapply a layer of urine-soaked mud for afternoon cologne. Build a homemade hide downwind and catch a wink while waiting.

Post: 17 September 18:10

HUNTER HARVESTS POTENTIAL NEW RECORD ELK Duane Kramer is a lucky guy. Not only did he win the 2020 Keystone Elk Country Alliance Raffle, which meant he got a chance to h

HUNTER HARVESTS POTENTIAL NEW RECORD ELK Duane Kramer is a lucky guy. Not only did he win the 2020 Keystone Elk Country Alliance Raffle, which meant he got a chance to hunt a Pennsylvania monster bull, but he actually harvested a potential new state record. Kramer, who lives in Bellingham, Washington, hired Elk County Outfitters to help him locate a big bull during this memorable hunt last October. And, boy, did he make a good decision. While he was out in the field, he said he had plenty of opportunities at bulls over the 420” range. “There were enough 400-class bulls running around there that it wasn’t a question of getting a 400-inch bull, but a matter of how far over 400 we could get,” Kramer told Boone & Crockett. While he was only 18 yards away from the bull he would eventually harvest, he wasn’t close enough for an ethical shot because of the harem of cows milling around him. “I thought he was going to come right for us because we were standing right in the game trail,” said Kramer. “I kind of wish I had taken my bow.” Fortunately, he got another chance just a few days later, killing the monster bull at 70 yards with a clear shooting lane, according to a press release. It took only one shot with Kramer’s 7mm Dakota and a 180-grain Berger bullet. Now, it will be up to the judges to determine if Kramer’s bull is the new nontypical record for the state. The final measuring and scoring of Kramer’s bull will occur this July during the Boone & Crockett Club’s 31st Big Game Awards. Congratulations, Duane Kramer, on your impressive elk!

Post: 16 September 18:38

PRIME ELK MANAGEMENT ZONE BULL ELK ARCHERY RUT HUNTS NOW AVAILABLE FOR 2024!!! FULLY GUIDED WITH HORSE PACKOUT AND TROPHY PREP SERVICE!!! UNIT 36 ALTO NEW MEXICO!!! GUARA

PRIME ELK MANAGEMENT ZONE BULL ELK ARCHERY RUT HUNTS NOW AVAILABLE FOR 2024!!! FULLY GUIDED WITH HORSE PACKOUT AND TROPHY PREP SERVICE!!! UNIT 36 ALTO NEW MEXICO!!! GUARANTEED LANDOWNER TAGS!!! NO DRAW REQUIRED!!! ZERO TROPHY FEES!!! 100% SHOT OPPORTUNITY!!! NO ORANGE ARMY! NO DOUBLE BOOKING! You will be the only party on the ranch GUARANTEED! FREE TRANSPORTATION WHILE ON THE RANCH!!! Save your ⛽️! $10,000 plus tax compared to 14-20k for other local outfitters! Also I’ll give you a cougar tag for the price it costs from the state and if you see one while we’re hunting you can kill it for free! 3-5k for a cougar hunt with outfitters, with me, you can kill one for free! WE ALSO PROVIDE A SPOTTER that keeps in contact with me during the entirety of the hunt via 2 way radio that glasses the other areas of the property we aren’t able to see! You are not going to find that anywhere else. Period. PRIVATE RANCH bordering the famed LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST and very near the MESCALERO APACHE RESERVATION AND THIS IS THE DESCENDANTS OF THE ORIGINAL MESCALERO ELK HERD!!! I have two 7 day September archery rut hunts available (most places offer you 5 days, I offer 7). Archery hunts are 100% SHOT OPPORTUNITY!!! Everyone has had a shot and you will too! Practice up and make it count! If there’s anything better than a September bull elk rut hunt in this area, the good lord must have kept it for himself! Our ranch is one of the most beautiful places New Mexico has to offer and we want to share the experience with you and your family and friends. Room and board is not included but mom always cooks several meals for our guests and her cooking if off the hook. We also have contacts in the area and can get you deals on cabins, suites, air bnb, camping sights, rv parks, you name it. If you own a self contained RV you can stay on the ranch for free. Whatever suits your budget, big or small, we can accommodate you. We’ll treat you like family while your with us. Something you won’t often find with an outfitter service. I’m familiar with all areas of the property and live here on it much of the time and have hunted my entire life since the age of 6 years old. So… give me a call if you’re serious and let’s get you booked for one of the best hunts in one of the best elk units in the USA.

Post: 19 October 17:56

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) is one of the leading conservation organizations in the United States, founded in 1984. Its primary mission is to conserve elk (elk)

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) is one of the leading conservation organizations in the United States, founded in 1984. Its primary mission is to conserve elk (elk) populations, their natural habitat, and support responsible hunting. The main areas of activity are: ✔ Habitat restoration and protection (forests, grasslands, water resources) ✔ Reintroduction of elk into historical habitats ✔ Support for hunters through education programs and advocacy ✔ Combating poaching and wildlife diseases Contact Information: Official website: www.rmef.org Phone: +1 (406) 523-4500 Email: info@rmef.org Headquarters Address: Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation 5705 Grant Creek Road Missoula, MT 59808, USA

Post: 16 May 12:43

7 Reasons Why OTC Elk Tags Beat Draw Tags If you want to spend more time in the elk woods and have more chances to succeed, then over-the-counter elk tags are the way to

7 Reasons Why OTC Elk Tags Beat Draw Tags If you want to spend more time in the elk woods and have more chances to succeed, then over-the-counter elk tags are the way to go At least four different bulls bugled practically nonstop all morning long as I flanked a herd swarmed by satellite bulls. One beautiful 6x6 with a lovesick bugle grew attached to my cow calling around midmorning, but when he got to 60 yards — no shot opportunity — and didn’t see a cow, his interest fizzled. He rejoined the ensemble of bugling bulls. I continued chasing bugles, and at around noon, I came eye to eye with a massive old 6x6 at 14 yards. A well-placed arrow into the front of his chest quickly took effect, and my first bull ever was down within 100 yards. That hunt wasn’t guided, or in a unit that took me years to draw. It was instead on an over-the-counter tag on U.S. Forest Service lands. We’re often told that OTC hunting looks nothing like the hunts seen on outdoor television. While the hunt I had isn’t the norm, I have nonetheless had plenty of awesome hunting, with bulls going nuts, in OTC units. Fact is, DIY hunters kill great bulls in places like that every year. Applying for limited entry tags is never a bad idea, but in the meantime, you might as well hunt somewhere. Playing the Draw Like many guys and gals who are serious about western hunting, I annually apply for elk points in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming. Plus, I’ve tested the measly sub-1-percent odds by applying for premium elk tags in Arizona and New Mexico. Despite the time I’ve spent keeping tabs on all of the draws and the money I’ve spent on points, I have yet to draw a limited elk tag. Sure, I could draw an OK unit with the points I have, but I’m waiting to cash my points in on premium units. But that doesn’t keep me out of the elk woods. On the contrary, I’ve hunted elk nine times on OTC tags. If I only did draw hunts, I probably wouldn’t have hunted elk yet. All of the time I’ve invested into hunting elk has led me to believe that OTC tags are actually better than draw tags for several reasons. Here they are. 1. You Get to Hunt Every Year If you want to become a good elk hunter, you need experience. Draw tags in good to great units aren’t an annual or bi-annual deal. OTC tags, on the other hand, put you in the mountains every fall, if your finances and schedule allow. I’d much rather hunt elk annually than twiddle my thumbs for 10-15 years waiting on a great tag — I love it too much to wait that long between hunts. Draw tags in premium units can be awesome, and Lord willing, I’ll draw some within the next five to 10 years. When I do, I’ll be glad that I already have experience. OTC tags are like training camp for the big tags you can one day draw. You’ll be able to make the most of those tags because you’ll have a ton of experience under your belt when you hunt OTC elk every year or at least every other year. 2. You Stay in Shape I keep myself in pretty good physical shape, but elk hunting has forced me to take fitness more seriously. I learned during my very first hunt that to keep up with elk and have the stamina to keep going day in and day out, I must be in mountain shape. In other words, big biceps and a Michelin-man chest don’t cut it. It takes a mix of lifting, maneuvers, and endurance-based training to truly be ready for all that the elk woods can dish up. What do OTC elk tags in particular have to do with fitness? Well, when you hunt elk annually or bi-annually, there is less time between hunts, and so there is more motivation to stay in good shape all of the time, not just once every 10 years. When you do annual elk hunts, fitness becomes a lifestyle, not a pre-hunt-prep measure. 3. You’re More Effective at Finding Elk Finding elk takes a learning curve. I was fortunate enough to have a relative show me the ropes during my first elk hunt, and that helped me to an extent. However, when I ventured away from his spots, I didn’t really know what I was looking for, and finding elk wasn’t always easy. But the more time I spent looking, the better I understood what habitat and terrain elk like and why. Now, I can find elk quite fast and put myself in the game to hunt them, because I’ve spent tons of days in the elk woods and know what to look for. Through nine elk hunts, I’ve also realized the importance of having back-up spots. There are so many variables that can turn your OTC elk hunt upside down, and you have to keep a good attitude and move on to plan B when unforeseen challenges arise. I have OTC hunts to thank for hammering home that concept. 4. You Hone Your Calling Skills I bugled in a magnificent bull during my first elk hunt that ultimately ducked my arrow, but I didn’t really know much about calling elk during my first few elk hunts. In fact, I’m still learning today. Elk in OTC units are the elite at evading hunters and becoming educated toward calling, so spend a ton of time hunting OTC elk and find your groove with calling them in. Also, much can be learned about calling elk — realistic sounds and frequencies — by listening to them. Many times I’ve been within earshot of elk and heard cows and calves chirping and mewing. I’ve also heard every bull vocalization, from grunts to whines to round-up bugles to glunking. Frequent OTC hunts give you more time in the woods and more opportunities to hear elk talk. 5. You Observe More Elk For years, elk intimidated me. Their size compared to a whitetail is astounding, and when a bull bugles at 100 yards or less, the intimidation factors only increases. But I’ve found that the more I’m around elk, the more comfortable I am and the better I’ve become at not falling apart when I get a chance to draw my bow. By observing elk annually, it becomes clear that they’re just animals, like whitetails, and that we’re still above them on the food chain, regardless of how big and noisy they are. OTC tags give you more opportunities to observe elk, and that’ll make you more comfortable during encounters. 6. You Fill More Tags Success odds in many OTC units are around 10 percent, give or take. During your very first elk hunt, I’d say your personal odds are right there if you’re a decent hunter and pay attention to the details. But, if you pick a unit and hunt it as often as you can, you’ll begin to learn so much about the elk there. As you connect the dots, I believe your personal odds will increase. Naturally, this means that you’ll have more opportunities to fill tags. Draw tags make you wait on the bench for a number of years. OTC tags let you play the game. You can’t win if you don’t play. 7. You Eat More Elk! I know of no one who wouldn’t love a freezer full of elk meat. From mature bulls to immature bulls and cows, I haven’t had a bad meal of elk. My wife and I even have a friend who demands elk stir-fry whenever we invite her over for dinner and ask her what she’d like to eat. It’s that good. If you hunt premium draw tags only, at best, you’ll be filling your freezer with elk once every 8 to 10 years. Although you can’t expect every elk hunt to be successful, I believe that a good elk hunter can realistically expect to kill an elk every two to three years on OTC hunts. Finish Line Obviously, I’ve made a case for OTC elk tags being better than draw tags for several valid reasons. But understand, I’m not knocking draw tags. If you want to someday hunt a unit with next to no pressure and with big-bull potential, by all means, play the draw. I do. But don’t overlook OTC tags while you wait. If you want to become an experienced elk hunter and have opportunities to pack your freezer with delicious elk meat, OTC hunting is your ticket to the show.

Post: 29 August 10:25

Elk Hunting on Your Own Most attempts at DIY bulls fail miserably, but these experts are here to help Nearly every big game hunter dreams of elk hunting out West, but mos

Elk Hunting on Your Own Most attempts at DIY bulls fail miserably, but these experts are here to help Nearly every big game hunter dreams of elk hunting out West, but most of the time, that dream is not a reality. Most first-time, out-of-state elk hunters go in unprepared, and then go home without an elk. That’s why we polled these three DIY elk hunting experts for their advice. Think of Yourself Bill Vanderheyden of Iron Will Broadheads, knows the elk woods well. The first thing the out-of-stater thinks about when planning for an elk hunt is being in physical shape, and that’s important. But if you live near sea level, nothing can prepare your body for the change in elevation except for time. Vanderheyden sees it every year. “The altitude can really take it away from you at first. It can reduce your ability for critical thinking and physically drain you for the first few days,” he says. “I’ve seen people come out here and have to turn around and leave because they felt so bad. If you can spend the first day or two of your trip getting acclimated, that will help.” Stay hydrated in the mountains, too, and carry plenty of water. The last thing you want miles from camp is a cramp. Plus, if you get lost, you can make it for a while without food, but without water, you’re toast. What you wear, and carry in your pack, is also important. Temperatures in the mountains can fluctuate like crazy. It can be in the 30s in the morning and in the 70s in the afternoon. Even if it’s mild out when you start, pack a heavier jacket. Lastly, buy quality boots, and break them in before you go. Sore or blistered feet are a deal-breaker. Plan Ahead Jace Bauserman, noted outdoor writer and elk hunter, certainly understands the game. “My biggest tip is to do your homework ahead of time,” Bauserman says. “Pay your subscription to the onX Hunt App and start prospecting your hunting area. Don’t pick a single basin to explore and call it good. Pick multiple spots. I like to find at least three, off-the-beaten path areas that are a mile walk or more from the trailhead. But I also like to locate three, close-to-the-road spots that I can pop into and out of quickly. The “go-deep” drum has been beaten hard. I’ve had some great elk hunting right off a main roadway. Mark your spots on your map and be sure to save your maps offline. This way if you don’t have cell service, you still have access to your maps.” Basically, focus on elk basic needs. And they only need three things to survive, but you need to understand four things to hunt them: Prime forage. I’m not talking about grass. In September, you need to be looking on north-facing slopes, not the south-facing ones where the summer grass will be burned out. Cover. Not just a place to hide, but thermal cover for keeping cool during the early season, and warm during the late season. Cedar thickets are a prime example. Water. That can be the limiting factor, especially in places like New Mexico because of the heat and relative lack of it. Pick Your Spots After looking at those three things, consider pressure. That’s a limiting factor in Colorado and in Idaho, but in two different ways. In Colorado, there is a ton of human hunting pressure. In Idaho, the pressure is from wolves. You need to find where they are not pressured. Figure out which of these four things is the limiting factor, and your success at finding elk will go up. Get at least a mile or more away from roads and you’ll escape much of that pressure. Then, get high and use the binos to find elk. Use OnX to identify quality glassing points. Don’t expend all of your energy walking. Glass to find elk, and then burn some calories getting ahead of the herd. If you can’t glass them up, look for fresh sign. Vanderheyden has a lot of elk hunting experience as well, and he says their nomadic tendencies can make them tough for traveling deer hunters to pin down. “Elk move around a lot. The typical Eastern or Midwestern whitetail hunter can find some good sign and sit there and probably see deer,” he says. “Deer typically have a small range of a mile or two, so sitting tight in a good spot can be productive. Not so with elk. They cover a lot more ground. I suggest putting some miles on to find them. I keep moving around until I either see elk or find extremely fresh sign, made within the last 24 hours. But actually seeing an elk is best.” Don’t be so intimidated by your dream of a western elk hunt that you put it off. But don’t go unprepared. Follow this advice, and your hunt will be a lot more memorable — and probably more successful, too.

Post: 29 August 18:08

How to Call in a Bull Elk Like a Calling Champion Do You Use These Techniques? You might expect a top elk caller to focus his hunting advice on proper call selection, vol

How to Call in a Bull Elk Like a Calling Champion Do You Use These Techniques? You might expect a top elk caller to focus his hunting advice on proper call selection, volume, tone, timing or teamwork. But one Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation World Elk Calling Championship winner says perhaps the most critical step to calling in elk is how you set up to intercept an approaching bull. Corey Jacobsen of Boise, Idaho, is one of the most decorated world champion elk callers in the country, as well as a consistently successful bowhunter. Jacobsen offers the following key advice on calling elk into bow range: “The setup might be the most critical step," Jacobsen said. "It always plays a major role in determining the outcome of a hunt. I can’t count how many hunts have been blown by a bad setup — too much brush to shoot through, not enough cover to hide in, no shooting lanes, inconsistent wind currents, caught in the open, the list goes on and on. “I always repeat one word to myself when I’m setting up on a bugling bull: ARC. “The meaning of ARC is twofold. First, a bull will often approach your setup by circling downwind. I like to visualize a straight line from the caller to the bull, then draw an imaginary arc on the downwind side. This is the path a bull will likely follow as [it] comes in. Always try to set up along that arc. “The second thing ARC means to me is ‘Always Remember Concealment.’ Elk survive by three main senses: sight, sound and smell. Conceal yourself from these senses every time you set up. Set up in front of brush or trees and allow your camouflage to break up your outline (and give you a clearer shot than if you’re positioned behind cover). Clear the area where you set up. This will eliminate the chance of snapping a twig as you shift your weight or draw your bow. Obey the wind. No argument. No excuses. If the elk smells you, the hunt is over. No amount of cover spray, odor-eliminating gear or luck will make your scent disappear from a bull’s nose if the wind is going straight toward him. Keep the wind in your favor. “Hunting with a partner is an incredibly effective way to call a bull past your setup and increase the chances of getting a high-percentage shot. If you’re the shooter, use a rangefinder to determine distances to trees, stumps or rocks around your setup, thus eliminating any guessing when the elk shows up. “Finally, be sure to draw your bow only when the bull’s vision is obstructed, when his head is turned or behind a tree. Few things are more frustrating than having a perfect setup and everything coming together, only to have it all fall apart at the moment of truth." In the RMEF World Elk Calling Championships, amateur callers have 30 seconds to mimic cow and bull sounds. Professional competitors like Jacobsen are required to make specific calls including standard bugles and cow calls as well as breeding calls. Judges score each competitor anonymously. Winners in the six divisions of competition receive prizes and cash ranging from $500 to $2,500. The event helps raise awareness of RMEF elk, habitat and conservation initiatives.

Post: 13 June 11:47

Elk Hunting Seasons in Washington State: Hunting Dates, Timing, Regulations, and Practical Tips for hunters Rules and Hunting Periods for Elk in Washington, Key Aspects

Elk Hunting Seasons in Washington State: Hunting Dates, Timing, Regulations, and Practical Tips for hunters Rules and Hunting Periods for Elk in Washington, Key Aspects Elk hunting in the state of Washington is regulated by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). The main hunting season typically runs from September to November, although exact dates vary annually depending on the zone and type of permit. Hunting areas are divided into quota and non-quota zones. In quota zones, the number of licenses is limited to help maintain stable elk populations — especially important in areas with high human activity or restricted access to wilderness. Regional characteristics play a major role in setting hunting dates. For example, in the North Cascades mountain regions, the season may start earlier due to colder climates and earlier animal migrations to lower elevations. Conversely, in southern and western regions with milder winters, the hunting period can extend into December. Compared to neighboring states like Oregon and Idaho, there are notable differences. In Oregon, elk hunting starts slightly later than in Washington, while in Idaho some forms of baiting are permitted, which are strictly prohibited in Washington. These differences stem from both ecological factors and wildlife management policies. In recent years, significant changes have occurred in the licensing system. WDFW introduced an online application and area selection system, making the process more transparent and accessible for hunters worldwide. Elk Hunting Seasons in Washington State The hunting year in Washington is divided into several key phases: early fall season, general season, and in some areas, late rifle season. The early season usually opens in September and is oriented toward archery and muzzleloader use. These types of hunting require greater skill and close-range encounters, making them ideal for experienced hunters. The general season begins in October and lasts until mid-November. It is the most popular among hunters due to stable weather conditions and high elk activity ahead of the rut. This time offers the highest chance of a successful hunt. A late season, if available, occurs in November–December and is open only in certain zones and for specific weapon types. It is particularly appealing because it allows the use of rifles, simplifying tracking and shooting. The best times to hunt are early morning and evening, when elk are most active. The rutting period, which occurs in October and early November, is also a prime opportunity to attract animals using calls that mimic bull bugles. Throughout the year, local hunting events and festivals take place, such as the “Elk Hunter Rendezvous” in Stevens County, where hunters can receive expert advice, test new gear, and attend educational seminars. Restrictions and Prohibitions in Washington State While Hunting Elk To protect elk populations, strict restrictions are in place. In many areas, only bulls (male elk) may be hunted, especially in quota zones. Some areas allow cow (female) harvests but only under special permits. Young animals showing signs of immaturity — such as underdeveloped antlers or small body size — must not be taken. Shooting elk in water, on roads, or on private property without landowner permission is strictly forbidden. Certain species, such as bighorn sheep or black bears, are protected, and their hunting outside of authorized conditions is illegal. There are also temporary bans — for instance, hunting is completely prohibited during elk breeding seasons to minimize human impact on the population. How to Obtain an Elk Hunting License in Washington, Documents and Support To legally hunt elk in Washington, you must obtain the appropriate license. For U.S. residents, the base license costs around $160, while non-residents pay approximately $500. Additionally, you must purchase a specific tag for the hunting area of choice. The licensing process can be completed via the official WDFW website. Applicants can also submit requests for quota permits through the same platform. Results of the draw are published in summer, and winners have a limited window to confirm and pay. Many hunters collaborate with local clubs and organizations that provide route planning assistance, guide services, and group tour organization. Popular groups include the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Washington State Hunters Association. Penalties for Violating Hunting Rules in Washington Violating hunting rules in Washington carries serious consequences. Fines for unauthorized kills can range from $500 to several thousand dollars, and repeat offenders may face weapon confiscation and multi-year license revocation. Hunting without a valid license can lead to criminal charges. Penalties also apply for violating hunting season dates, improper tagging of game, and hunting on protected lands. WDFW officers conduct regular patrols, especially in popular hunting areas. Therefore, it's crucial to follow all rules and carry necessary documentation at all times. Time, Gear, and Tactics for Elk Hunting Successful elk hunting depends on timing, terrain, and equipment. During early season, breathable clothing and leaf-pattern camouflage are essential. In late-season hunts, warm gear designed for snow and cold becomes necessary. Choose your location based on migration routes and feeding areas. Mountainous terrain demands good physical condition, while flat areas allow for mobile hunting techniques. Tactics vary by season: early on, calling devices and bugle calls work well; during the rut, mimicking cow calls is effective. Late-season hunting often involves ambush tactics. Preparation and knowledge of regional specifics greatly increase your chances of success.

Post: 28 August 07:42

Stolen elk antlers and skull returned to owner Taylor Gyllenberg got an early Christmas present when the elk antlers and skull from her trophy bull were returned to her

Stolen elk antlers and skull returned to owner Taylor Gyllenberg got an early Christmas present when the elk antlers and skull from her trophy bull were returned to her by the Baker City Police Department last week. The elk, which Gyllenberg killed on Oct. 27 in the Sumpter Unit in Oregon, was supposed to become a European mountl, according to the Baker City Herald. However, the memento from her first bull elk never made it to her wall. Instead, after Gyllenberg and her boyfriend prepped the skull and antlers over several hours, she discovered that someone stole the trophy right from the yard of her boyfriend’s home in Baker City on Nov. 18. “I don’t see how someone could take something that they didn’t work on themselves,” said Gyllenberg. “I just think it’s sickening to know that someone could ever take something they didn’t even work to get.” Gyllenberg’s friends gathered together to offer a $750 reward for return of the skull and antlers; however, Gyllenberg didn’t hold out much hope that they would be recovered. Until Baker City Police Chief Ty Buby gave her a call on Dec. 13 to inform her that they had what they determined were her elk skull and antlers during a warrant search of 435 Spring Garden Avenue. Gyllenberg headed to the police station to ID the antlers, which she was incredibly familiar with “after devoting so much time to preparing the trophy.” “I was so stoked — really happy,” said Gyllenberg. “It was crazy to see them sitting on the table in front of me.” The Baker City Police Department was tipped off by someone who “wanted to do the right thing,” according to the Baker City Herald. This led them to the antlers as well as the person responsible for the theft: Joshua James Smith. The theft is now being handled by the Baker County district attorney’s office. Gyllenberg plans to give the reward money to the person who tipped them off. She also learned another thing about the antlers. “I won’t be leaving them outside ever again.”

Post: 3 January 12:39

Siberian Roe Deer and Elk Hunting in Kurgan Oblast 🦌Roe Deer: from August 20 to September 20; from October 1 to October 31 🫎Elk: from September 10 to October 10 Roe d

Siberian Roe Deer and Elk Hunting in Kurgan Oblast 🦌Roe Deer: from August 20 to September 20; from October 1 to October 31 🫎Elk: from September 10 to October 10 Roe deer-elk combinations are possible from the end of September: we start in the last days of September with elk, we add roe deer from October 1. ✅ High-quality trophies ✅ High level of service ✅ Convenient accommodation ✅ Delicious food We are starting to accept applications for autumn 2025, call ⤵️ 💬 write to Telegram (https://t.me/safari_stalker) #SiberianRoeHunting #ElkHunting

Post: 17 February 09:55

Colorado Parks and Wildlife seeks elk poacher It’s definitely offseason for elk hunting, but someone didn’t get the message. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is looking

Colorado Parks and Wildlife seeks elk poacher It’s definitely offseason for elk hunting, but someone didn’t get the message. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is looking for any leads in a recent poaching incident that occurred in Park County, Colorado around June 26. A large bull elk carcass was left to waste with the majority of the meat still there, according to Channel 9 News. CPW believes the elk was illegally shot between June 24 and 26 in the area between Como and Hartsel, west of Colorado Springs. The carcass was dumped along Pike National Forest Road 146. A high-power rifle was used and only the backstraps and one antler was removed. The rest of the carcass was left to rot. CPW is hopeful that campers or residents in the Tarryall area or the Indian Mountain Buffalo subdivisions may have seen something related to the crime. “This was a senseless and disgraceful act which demonstrates a complete disregard for Colorado’s wildlife,” said Ian Petkash, CPW District Wildlife Manager. “The parties responsible need to be held accountable.”

Post: 12 July 14:23

HOLY ELK! Look what we found at the Kilkenny Castle in Ireland. They are REAL antlers from a prehistoric Irish elk! AND (according to our guide) they are mounted on the

HOLY ELK! Look what we found at the Kilkenny Castle in Ireland. They are REAL antlers from a prehistoric Irish elk! AND (according to our guide) they are mounted on the wall at their actual height! They are the largest deer that ever lived, and went extinct between 8,000 and 6,000 years ago. They earned the name Irish elk because so many bodies were preserved in Irish peat bogs. These massive ungulates weighed between weighed 990-1,520 pounds and stood as tall as an Alaskan moose at 6 feet 11 inches at the shoulders! The size of their antlers was utterly staggering. In fact, that is very likely the cause of their extinction. Many agree that their huge antler size may have contributed to a mineral deficiency which ultimately killed the animal off. So at least it wasn’t humans!

Post: 5 May 19:08

Teen hunter shoots record Virginia bull elk Congratulations to Austin Prieskorn! The 15-year-old hunter is now the proud record holder of the only Boone & Crockett (B&C)

Teen hunter shoots record Virginia bull elk Congratulations to Austin Prieskorn! The 15-year-old hunter is now the proud record holder of the only Boone & Crockett (B&C) bull elk for Virginia with a score of 413-7/8” after his dad, Bo, won a Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) raffle. As GOHUNT previously reported, Virginia announced its first historic elk season last year following a successful reintroduction effort spearheaded by RMEF. Out of the five tags available, four went to Virginia residents lucky to draw and the fifth was raffled off by RMEF. Almost 32,000 applicants vied for their chance at a once-in-a-lifetime tag, generating $513,000 for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources general fund, according to B&C. The RMEF tag raised $93,000 and the monies will be used for elk habitat management. Bo was excited to hear that he won. “I haven’t hunted myself in seven years. It’s been all about my boys.” The Prieskorns live in New Mexico and Bo was an outfitter for 30 years before switching his focus to wildlife photography and taking his sons, Austin and Mason, hunting around the West. To prepare for the October hunt, they spent time scouting the Virginia elk herds, locating a monster that was about 450”, but they didn’t see him again when it was time to hunt. However, Austin didn’t have his sights set on a monster despite his dad’s preference. “I just wanted to shoot any bull,” said Austin. Well, he did – and he made history with his successful harvest. But will his record remain? Chris Croy, RMEF’s regional director of Virginia and the Carolinas with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, doesn’t think so. “That 413 bull was the best advertising the state of Virginia ever had.” In fact, when the application period for the 2023 season opened on Feb. 1, the state made $100,000 on the first day, according to B&C. And there’s still plenty of time to apply – the deadline is March 30. You can apply here. As for what hunters can expect for the 2023 season? Possibly, an even bigger bull. “[The elk] live in a day spa,” said Croy. “And I can tell you, the next Boone and Crockett World’s Record elk will come from the East.”

Post: 20 February 10:44

10 Elk Hunting Tips from the RMEF Do You Use These Tips? All tips were condensed from past features in RMEF's bi-monthly member magazine, Bugle. A subscription comes with

10 Elk Hunting Tips from the RMEF Do You Use These Tips? All tips were condensed from past features in RMEF's bi-monthly member magazine, Bugle. A subscription comes with an annual RMEF membership for $35. To join, call 800-CALL ELK or visit www.rmef.org. 1. Scout from Space If you've looked into the night sky, you've noticed the many satellites now orbiting our planet. They're great tools for today's hunter. Google Earth uses satellite images and aerial photography to give bird's-eye views of elk country. Locate meadows, burns, roads, water, heavy-timber escape areas and more. You can even find places where the forest canopy thins to suggest hidden grazing spots for elk. Newer GPS units accept uploaded coordinates from Google Earth, allowing you to walk directly to and more efficiently ground-truth potential honeyholes. 2. Count Points Quickly In good habitat, a bull normally has a 5-point rack as a 2-1/2-year-old and a small 6-point rack the following year. Instantly distinguishing five- and six-pointers is not difficult. The fourth point, sometimes called the dagger point, is normally the longest point and most distinctive feature of an elk rack. If the main beam goes straight back from the dagger, you're almost certainly looking at a five-by-five. If there's another point rising upward behind the dagger, perhaps forming a horizontal "Y," then you're looking at a six-by-six. 3. Practice for Stress Flinging arrows in the backyard is a far cry from placing a perfect shot on a live elk. In addition to changing shot angles and distances, hunters also must cope with distractions and excitement. Hone your focusing skills by practicing out of your comfort zone. Go to a public range, enter a 3D tournament, practice in the rain, shoot with strangers, hunt small game, anything to break normal concentration and practice rhythms. If you're with buddies, try talking trash: "Hey, watch and learn while I center-punch this target..." Creating pressure and mental stress, expressly for the purpose of ignoring it, can help you overcome bull fever in the field. 4. Get Dropped Off Halfway between a fully guided hunt and a do-it-yourself endeavor, a drop camp is a good option for those who can hunt and cook for themselves, but need help setting up a comfortable camp in the backcountry. Many elk outfitters offer pack-in/pack-out drop-camp services. Drop camps can come complete with wall tents, cots, table, chairs, stove, cut firewood, camp tools and water. Some outfits even provide food and two-way radios. Cost is typically much less than a fully guided elk hunt. Talk to several outfitters about a drop camp and see if it's right for you. The BaseKamp Draw-Odds (and More) App for Western Big Game Hunting BaseKamp App 5. Try a Treestand Bowhunting elk the whitetail way can be super effective if you've scouted well enough to detect patterns in elk movements. Hang or set your stand near a waterhole, wallow, food source or travel corridor. A hot waterhole will be marked with fresh droppings, tracks and rubs -- lots of rubs. Prime forage areas include parks, meadows and hayfields. Travel corridors can be trickier to find. As you search for well-used game trails, also look for terrain features such as cliffs or saddles that will funnel elk into your ambush zone. 6. Claw for Ivories Some hunters have found that a normal claw hammer works well for removing ivories from elk. Easier than pulling a nail, they say. Open the mouth, position the claw around the base of an ivory and angle the tool so that you're prying squarely against the roof of the mouth. Gently lift the ivory out of its socket. Repeat on the other side. The prized jewelry-teeth should pop out much easier (and safer) than by the normal method of cutting and working them out with a knife. 7. Figure a Tip Everyone knows the appropriate tip for a waiter or waitress is 15-20 percent, but there is no standard for a hunting guide. Most elk outfitters step lightly around this topic because suggesting specific amounts can seem presumptuous. But many veteran hunters agree on a few points. If your guide has met realistic expectations, worked hard, kept promises-someone who's been a fine hunting partner, made your trip enjoyable and did everything possible to put you in a position to fill your tag-a good tip begins at 5-10 percent of the cost of the hunt. For camp cooks and other hands, a good tip begins at $10 to $15 per day. If you happen to kill an elk, consider the guide's added chores of retrieving, cleaning, hauling, caping, etc., and tip more if you're comfortable doing so. Igloo Realtree Playmate Gripper Igloo Realtree Playmate Gripper 8. Save the Hide A hide is far down the list of elk-kill souvenirs to take home, falling somewhere behind meat, antlers, ivories and even bones for the dog. Yet with proper care, a hide can be turned into a functional memento of a successful hunt. Companies today can turn elk hide into gun cases, vests, jackets, gloves -- just about anything made of leather. In the field, treat hide with the same urgency as meat, to prevent spoilage. Don't worry about scraping away all the fat and flesh, but do worry about cutting too many holes. Freeze or salt the hide until you can get it to a taxidermist, tannery or leather specialist. 9. Know Your Range Most elk hunters practice with their rifle at a 100-yard range, which is fine for the close-in shots you may encounter in the field. In a recent survey, about 40 percent of hunters reported the furthest elk they'd ever shot at was within 200 yards, an easy stretch for flat-shooting modern rifles. But more hunters, about 60 percent, reported taking shots at elk that were 200 to 400-plus yards away. Shooting exponentially farther than you've practiced can be risky. Distance magnifies mistakes and miscalculations. If you can't practice at 200 to 400 yards, invest in a rangefinder, bipod, ballistics charts and top-quality ammo. Know your effective limits and don't shoot beyond them. 10. Use Dry Rub Marinades are commonly used in preparing elk meat but more and more professional chefs, like Bugle magazine's chef-columnist John McGannon, prefer dry rubs. He says flavored liquids dilute natural flavors while dry rubs caramelize the protein and maximize the culinary potential of wild game, especially if you're planning to grill, sauté, roast, broil or braise. Apply dry rub 30-60 minutes before cooking. Here's Chef McGannon's recommended dry-rub recipe for elk meat: 4.25 oz course ground black pepper 3 oz. smoked paprika 6 oz. course granulated garlic 6 oz. course granulated onion 1/4 oz. fine ground white pepper 2 tbsp dried thyme leaves 1.25 oz cane sugar 2.75 oz. ground ancho chili 5.5 oz course sea salt 1/4 oz. dried English mustard Don't Miss: How to Call in a Bull Elk Like a Calling Champion

Post: 13 May 22:19

Hunting stories 3 years in the making: A bowhunt for bull elk. By WYATT O'DAY My love of bowhunting started around the age of four when my father gave me my first bow.

Hunting stories 3 years in the making: A bowhunt for bull elk. By WYATT O'DAY My love of bowhunting started around the age of four when my father gave me my first bow. Every night, I would go outside and shoot with him. As a kid I dreamed of the hunt and when I would finally kill my first bull elk with a bow. By the age of six, my father started taking me elk hunting with him. I watched him hunt as he called in and killed multiple bulls in front of me. Then, finally it was here — the year that I had been waiting for so long had come: the year that I was old enough to hunt! At 12 years old, I had several encounters with bulls, but was never presented a clear shot. The second year, I had a total of six nocked arrow encounters with bulls, but still no shot. Finally, the third year rolled around and at 14 years old, I was more than ready for my first bull. Day one of opening weekend On the first morning, my dad and I went to a spot that he has hunted a lot over the years and had success killing several good bulls. My father let off the first bugle of the year and immediately a deep loud growl of a bugling bull fired back. The chase was on as we quickly stumbled down the steep mountainside to get in position and intercept the bull. My father quickly pointed to a tree and told me to set up there while he backed off about fifty yards to begin calling. I quickly nocked an arrow and got into position just as I hear the bull charging down the mountain towards me. By this time the bull is less than forty yards from me, but I cannot see him because of the thick brush. My knees quickly turned to jelly as the brush started to shake not 15 yards from me. Again, the bull let out another deep bugle. While I knew the bull was well within range, I could not see him because of a big limb and tall brush blocking my view. He stood there for a solid two minutes, sensing something was wrong before quickly hightailing it out of there. We started walking a long ridge back to the truck when we jumped a couple of small bulls and a few cows. I nocked an arrow and stood up on a small fallen log to try and get above the tall brush. My father began to coax the small bull in with soft calls and as the bull slowly started to come in, I drew back. He stopped, but, again, my nerves got the best of me and I began to shake. I tried my best to control it, but just could not do it. I settled my pin just behind the bull’s shoulder and squeezed. My heart dropped...I had missed. The bull took off up the hill and disappeared into the thick timber. The day was not over... I managed to take my first ever velvet buck later this evening with my bow. Day two The second day was a little slower than the first. My dad and I walked the same route we did the day before because we knew there were elk in the area. About halfway through the basin, we spotted two small bulls: one spike and a little raghorn. We stopped and tried to call them in, but it was no use. Day three The third day was a great day to hunt elk because it was a record cold day and we had a good hard frost. I almost did not want to leave the warmth of the truck, but I knew I could not kill a bull sipping coffee so we gathered up our gear and started down the mountain, bugling to see if we could get a bull to answer back. It was strangely quiet for such a good morning weather-wise. We reached the spot where I had encountered the good bull on the first morning. We stopped and bugled, but nothing answered. Continuing on, I heard movement not knowing if it was a squirrel running around collecting pine cones or the movement of an elk. I ignored it and told myself it was a squirrel, but not ten steps later I heard it again. This time I knew it was an elk. I stopped my father and told him what I had heard and pointed directly to where I had heard it. At the end of my fingertip were antlers moving in the brush. We both got down on our knees, nocked arrows and stood up slowly. Before our eyes, the bull appeared. He took three steps and began to rub a small alder bush. I heard my father whisper, "Draw." We both drew and I settled my pin, taking a deep breath and then released my arrow. To my surprise I saw a hole open up on the side of the bull. I looked down and realized that I no longer had an arrow nocked. I looked over at my dad’s bow to see that he still had his arrow nocked. Then I heard my father say, “You smoked him!” Those were the words I had waited eight years to hear. It was a perfect 40 yard pass through. We started to look for the blood trail. My father said, “Here, you go left. I’ll go right.” I took a step to the left, looked down and there he was. I turned around looked at my dad. I smiled and hugged him. I finally had done it. I had killed my first bull and with a bow! He did not go 40 yards! I was astonished at the sheer mass of the bull and I counted his tines over and over again. He was a perfect 7x7. I thanked my dad for all the close calls he had given me and for letting me shoot this bull. We started to take pictures and he congratulated me. When all that was finished, the real work had only just began! It took us six trips each to get him out, but it was well worth it, and I know that I would do it all over again if I could!

Post: 10 June 15:23

CPW RESCUE TIRE-BOUND ELK After a couple years of living life with a tire stuck around its neck, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) were able to finally tranquilize the b

CPW RESCUE TIRE-BOUND ELK After a couple years of living life with a tire stuck around its neck, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) were able to finally tranquilize the bull elk and free it of the object. Last weekend, during CPW’s fourth attempt at capturing the animal, officers were able to cut the animal’s five-point antlers and remove the heavy, old tire, the Denver Post reports. “It was tight removing it,” said Scott Murdoch. “It was not easy for sure, we had to move it just right to get it off because we weren’t able to cut the steel in the bead of the tire. Fortunately, the bull’s neck still had a little room to move. We would have preferred to cut the tire and leave the antlers for his rutting activity, but the situation was dynamic and we had to just get the tire off in any way possible.” Murdoch and fellow CPW officer Dawson Swanson responded to the report of the elk by a resident last Saturday. The animal was on private property off of County Road 126 about a mile south of Pine Junction, Colorado. It was mingling with about 40 other elk at the time. Once tranquilized, Murdoch and Swanson got to work, removing the tire and examining the elk, which appeared to be roughly 4 1/2 years old and about 600 pounds. Overall, it appeared healthy despite carrying the extra weight around its neck, according to the Denver Post. Fortunately, the actual removal didn’t take that long at all, said Swanson. And the elk, once it woke, likely felt massive relief after carrying the roughly 35 pounds of tire and debris around its neck for so long.

Post: 27 October 19:30

Seeking Sun Amountain lion kills an elk calf in a wooded area of Taos, New Mexico. It happens in a small clearing that leads to one million undeveloped acres of Carson N

Seeking Sun Amountain lion kills an elk calf in a wooded area of Taos, New Mexico. It happens in a small clearing that leads to one million undeveloped acres of Carson National Forest. That clearing is Garrett Vene Klasen’s front yard and he has a front-row seat for the wildest feast he’s ever witnessed. There’s only one problem. He doesn’t have the right camera. “The right camera would have made a huge difference,” says Garrett Vene Klasen, hunter and New Mexico Wild northern conservation director. “All I had was the camera on my doorbell, which is sad.” The shots from that doorbell camera are low-grade grainy and the audio sounds stuffed with earwax. You can tell what’s going on as long as you’re in range of the home’s Wi-Fi, but the experience is lackluster due to poor resolution and limited capabilities. Bushnell eliminates all that let down with its remote trail camera, CelluCore 20 Solar. “The biggest advantage is it’s real-time information relayed over cellular networks rather than range-limiting Wi-Fi,” says Jacob Thomason, Bushnell senior product manager. Thomason lives in Mississippi, but he has trail cameras on hunting spots in four different states. He can check any of them at any time through the Bushnell app on his phone and he knows the batteries won’t die because the cams are solar-powered. “I have some in Missouri that I haven’t checked in person for 18 months,” he says. “They run year round. They’re in a spot that has good sunlight so I just let them roll.” Bushnell’s CelluCore 20 Solar trail camera comes with an adjustable solar panel. The included rechargeable battery provides enough juice for 70 high-resolution images per day in full sun on its own. The solar panel also extends battery life for the other 12 lithium AAs inside the unit providing more file capture capacity. “In the Southeast, we have deer over bait so 70 images per day is about right,” Thomason says. “In Missouri and South Dakota, deer are not on bait. It’s a water tank and I might get 20 images a day. On a trail, 70 is plenty unless it’s a heavily used trail.” In addition to photos, rely on the unmanned solar cam for HD video with sound plus consistently clear shots at night with a range of 80 feet. As for cellular coverage, the device connects to AT&T and Verizon giving you real-time access on your phone while also allowing you to review images and change camera settings remotely. “Remote trail cams use more batteries than conventional trail cams,” Thomason says. “Solar is great because it maintains battery a lot longer and you don’t have to go to the camera to get data.” As for the October cougar-elk saga in Taos, Vene Klasen wished for a reliable, remote trail cam when he was away and watched the scene from his front room window whenever he was home. That 150-pound elk calf turned into meals for not only the cougar but also bear, bobcat, and birds. The carcass shrunk to a pile of bones in three days. Three days that would have been captured with brilliance by the right camera. “Trail cameras have evolved so much and you just never know when an opportunity is going to present itself,” Vene Klasen says. “Like when there’s this really big bull or buck that shows up or a mountain lion taking down a kill in your fr

Post: 1 December 09:36

A day 3 years in the making. My Wyoming Elk guide, Taytin, and his lovely wife, Lilly, came to visit us this week, and yesterday was epic. This was their first trip east

A day 3 years in the making. My Wyoming Elk guide, Taytin, and his lovely wife, Lilly, came to visit us this week, and yesterday was epic. This was their first trip east of the Mississippi River. We started the day turkey hunting an Osceola Longbeard, checked out the Largest Live Oak tree in FL, got an 8ft gator (the 1st one they ever laid eyes on), and finished the day in the FL grass flats of the big bend. We caught 6 keeper trout and a flounder for a fish fry with some gator tail appetizers. It was -5 degrees at their house yesterday...they don't want to leave.

Post: 10 April 17:51

The gray wolf prefers to eat fleet ungulates—elk, deer—but when Europeans arrived in America with livestock its menu expanded. A wolf that cannot find its favored meal ma

The gray wolf prefers to eat fleet ungulates—elk, deer—but when Europeans arrived in America with livestock its menu expanded. A wolf that cannot find its favored meal may turn to cattle and sheep. Livestock producers and big-game hunters have considered wolves an existential threat since Colonial days. In 1634, a tract called “New England’s Prospect,” by William Wood, described the animals as “the greatest inconveniency,” noting that there was “little hope of their utter destruction, the Countrey being so spacious, and they so numerous.”

Post: 4 August 17:32

Hunting Seasons in Kentucky, USA: Hunting Periods, Licenses, Rules and Penalties for Violating Hunting Regulations and Timing of Elk Hunting in Kentucky Elk hunting in

Hunting Seasons in Kentucky, USA: Hunting Periods, Licenses, Rules and Penalties for Violating Hunting Regulations and Timing of Elk Hunting in Kentucky Elk hunting in the state of Kentucky is strictly regulated by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. The elk hunting season typically opens in the fall months, usually starting in October, and ends in November. Exact dates may vary slightly from year to year depending on population levels, habitat conditions, and management goals. The main season is often divided into short, limited-entry sessions using a lottery system (draw) to manage pressure on the herd. Factors influencing hunting schedules include regional climate, terrain features, and animal behavior patterns. In Kentucky, hilly landscapes and dense forests dominate, making elk hunting both challenging and rewarding during specific activity periods. Compared to neighboring states like Tennessee and Virginia, Kentucky’s elk season tends to be narrower in duration, reflecting stricter population control measures. Over the past two decades, the hunting season has gradually expanded following a successful elk reintroduction program launched in the early 2000s. Today, the elk population exceeds 10,000 animals, allowing for increased permit quotas while maintaining sustainable wildlife management. Seasonality of Elk Hunting in Kentucky, USA In Kentucky, elk hunting is split into several phases: early season, regular season, and occasionally late season. The early session usually takes place in early October, when temperatures are still warm but bulls become more active due to the onset of the rut. The regular season runs from late October through early November, when elk movement peaks. A late-season hunt may occur in mid- to late-November if permitted. Differences between these periods lie in elk behavior: in early October, elk are often found feeding in open areas, while in November, bulls engage in competitive displays and vocalizations, which hunters can mimic with calls. For other game species, such as white-tailed deer, hunting seasons differ and generally begin slightly later. The best time for elk hunting is during dawn and dusk, when elk are most active. Weather also plays a role—light rain or cooler temperatures tend to increase elk movement. Each year, local hunting events such as the “Elk Hunting Expo” and regional festivals provide opportunities to learn about current regulations, gear, and guided hunts. Restrictions and Prohibitions in Elk Hunting To ensure long-term sustainability, strict rules apply to elk hunting in Kentucky. Hunters are not allowed to harvest cows (females) or calves under one year of age. These restrictions help maintain a healthy breeding population and stable herd structure. Certain areas are completely off-limits to hunting, particularly within national parks and protected lands such as Daniel Boone National Forest. Temporary bans are also imposed during the elk mating season in September and early October to minimize human disturbance. Hunting without a license or outside the designated season is strictly prohibited and heavily penalized. Additionally, it's illegal to shoot other protected species such as black bears unless under a specific bear-hunting permit. How to Obtain an Elk Hunting Permit in Kentucky Obtaining permission to hunt elk in Kentucky requires participation in the annual elk permit drawing held in the spring. Applications are submitted online via the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website. Due to limited availability, permits are awarded randomly through a lottery system. Successful applicants must complete mandatory check-ins before and after the hunt and report any harvested elk within 24 hours through the Harvest Reporting system. Collaboration with local hunting clubs and outfitters can significantly enhance your experience. Many offer guided hunts, access to private land, and assistance with logistics and documentation. Notable organizations include the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Kentucky Outfitters Association. Penalties for Violating Hunting Regulations Violating hunting seasons, license terms, or illegally harvesting restricted animals can result in serious consequences. Fines for unlawful hunting start at $500 and can rise to thousands of dollars depending on the severity of the offense. Repeat violations may lead to criminal charges and multi-year revocation of hunting privileges. Kentucky also enforces a "license freeze" policy: if a hunter is found guilty of misconduct, their eligibility for future draws may be suspended for one to five years. These measures aim to promote fairness, conservation ethics, and legal compliance among hunters. Tips for Choosing the Right Time, Gear, and Tactics for Elk Hunting Timing and location are critical to successful elk hunting. Early mornings and evenings are ideal, especially during the rut when bulls respond aggressively to calls. Using realistic bull bugles or cow calls can significantly increase your chances of attracting elk. For equipment, high-quality rifles or bows are recommended depending on the type of hunt. Camouflage clothing should be quiet and weather-appropriate. A GPS unit and topographic maps are invaluable for navigating remote areas. Tactical approaches include positioning yourself downwind and using natural cover. If hunting solo, study elk travel routes and feeding zones in advance. Many experienced hunters recommend starting the season in mountainous regions where elk congregate in groups, shifting to valley floors by late November when they move to lower elevations.

Post: 25 August 08:47

At 78 years of age, cancer has pretty much taken away my ability to climb mountains in search of elk. Don’t feel sorry for me, I have killed plenty of elk, mostly cows fo

At 78 years of age, cancer has pretty much taken away my ability to climb mountains in search of elk. Don’t feel sorry for me, I have killed plenty of elk, mostly cows for the good eating. The good Lord has allowed me more than a charmed life. I have a wonderful family with great kids, grandkids and great grandkids and I have fly fished (my main sport) all over the world, sometimes in places I never dreamed I would go. My youngest son, Stefan, and I decided to do something we had never done before. We planned to go on a guided elk hunt. I work for the International Sportsmen’s Expositions telling fly-fishing tales and doing fly tying demonstrations. In my spare time I began to canvas the floor, down in Denver, looking for a suitable elk-hunting outfit. QRS Outfitters out of Meeker, Colo., was particularly attractive, and they thought an early season muzzleloader hunt would fit the bill for what we were looking for, so we booked our hunt. Neither of us has owned a muzzleloader, nor had we ever fired one. Not to be deterred, we purchased our guns. On the appointed day, we arrived in Meeker and were directed to the lodge. The next morning we set out to hunt out of separate blinds for bull elk. While traveling to his blind, Stefan and his guide spotted a large 6-point bull, and with a little cow calling Stefan shot his bull barely an hour into his hunt. They had not even reached their blind! Like a lot of fathers, I get more excited about the success of my children than my own success. I couldn’t believe the size of Stefan’s bull, a great mossy-horned animal.

Post: 13 October 23:12

Idaho reports "slightly above average" survival rates in mule deer and elk In Idaho, mule deer fawn and elk calf survival rates were up, following the latest data collec

Idaho reports "slightly above average" survival rates in mule deer and elk In Idaho, mule deer fawn and elk calf survival rates were up, following the latest data collected from animals outfitted with tracking collars. To date, 84% of fawns and 92% of calves have survived through the end of winter, putting their statewide winter survival rate “slightly above average,” according to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG). “From a statewide perspective, winter survival is tracking very close to what we saw in past two years,” said Toby Boudreau, IDFG deer and elk program coordinator. “If we continue on that trajectory, that's good news because we ended up with above-average winter survival in both 2019-20 and 2020-21. And every mild winter we can stack together is another step in the right direction for our mule deer herds.” Currently, there are 222 mule deer fawns and 201 elk calves outfitted with tracking collars. Even though the winter weather may be behind them, biologist caution that the young animals are not quite in the clear as cooler spring weather can also be fatal, which means IDFG will continue to monitor them through late spring. In fact, March and April are usually the worst months for fawn survival as their “fat reserves are largely depleted and their digestive systems need time to convert to digesting fresh, green forage,” according to the agency. “We are doing pretty well through the end of February, but at this point, it's too early for us to assume anything about the final survival numbers,” said Boudreau. “At this stage, how soon winter truly ends, and how soon we start to see that spring ‘green-up’ on south-facing slopes is really the critical factor. If we continue to have warm, sunny weather through March and April, we should see survival numbers come in similar the past two years and above the long-term average.”

Post: 22 March 10:23

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