For many hunters, elk hunting is the most challenging hunt they've ever faced.
The smart hunter always brushes up on any tips and tricks he can find to increase his game on opening day.
Elk are highly sensitive animals; their eyesight, sense of smell, and innate timidness makes them a hard quarry to pursue.
Many hunters have been fooled on multiple occasions when they think they've hit the animal, when in fact the bullet didn't even graze it's massive body.
Knowing your target is the best thing a hunter can do to help him on his hunt.
For any hunter preparing for the upcoming season, doing research and booking the necessary reservations well in advance is a top priority.
Elk hunting has always been a popular sport, and popular locations and outfitters book months in advance; being on top of the game works to a hunter's best advantage.
Part of the challenge of elk hunting is the unpredictable environmental conditions.
Elk hunting is often pursued in the fall, when the weather and temperatures can change with the drop of a hat.
Hunters often track miles on unpredictable terrain far from any roads or medical assistance searching for their trophy.
Having a guide that is knowledgeable in first aid will ensure the safest of hunts and protection if anything should happen.
Another element of elk hunting that the hunter will become well versed on is the practice of bugling.
Many hunters enjoy bugling in their free time for the sake of practice, but it's not at all necessary.
Most guides have years of experience bugling in elk.
Bugling is meant to be a mate's call and when done correctly will lure a target into the area.
There are a variety of different calls that are indicative of elk behavior in a herd; when done the right way, the call can be an indispensable resource, when done incorrectly, it can be disaster.
The last thing a hunter must consider when preparing for his elk hunting trip is choosing a big game cartridge.
Elk are huge animals with massive internal organs.
Big game ammunition is made specifically to take down these large animals, especially from long distances.
While each hunter has their preference, there is no one brand that is best.
A hunter should choose a cartridge that will shoot time and time again with no problem, and be easy to handle.