Don't Do These 5 Things This Elk Season

By Zach Bowhay

When it comes to elk hunting, it's easy to focus on all the things we should do and avoid discussing what we shouldn’t. This often happens because we all think we’re making the right decisions on our hunts. Personally, I like to believe I’m doing everything necessary for a successful hunt, but I often fall short once the season is in full swing. These shortcomings may not always be significant, but they can make or break a hunt.

#1 - Don’t leave the mountain before dark in the evening or your truck after daylight in the morning

This may seem elementary, but many hunters make this mistake. Being in position to glass or find elk first thing in the morning is crucial, as elk—especially those under pressure—head toward their bedding areas early. Avoid sitting in the truck waiting for enough light. Map your route ahead of time and use a headlamp if needed to hike. In the evening, after a long day of hunting, it can be tempting to pack up and head back to camp for dinner and relaxation before dark. However, this is a significant mistake. While evening hunts can be productive, their greatest value often lies in spotting or hearing bulls for the following day. Bulls frequently reveal themselves or bugle right at dark, so it’s important to stay until it’s too late to see.

#2 - Don’t skip shooting your bow for a week

Once the season starts, it can be easy to let bow practice slip down the priority list. This is a mistake. Make it a priority to shoot your bow throughout your hunt. When you’re back at camp midday, grab your bow and shoot a few arrows. It doesn’t need to be a long practice session—just enough to ensure you’re ready when the moment arises. The first arrow you shoot, when you’re not warmed up, often counts the most, as it’s similar to how your shot on a bull will come. Make sure your bow is in good condition, too. Even if you’re hunting from dawn till dusk, you can still shoot an arrow in the headlights before or after dark if necessary. Another option is to carry an arrow with a judo point for stump shooting or target practice during downtime. This practice is both fun and beneficial.

#3 - Don’t be lazy

While this can encompass the entire hunt, it’s especially important in specific situations. If you’re working in on a herd and “know” you can loop out of sight a particular way or “maybe” get away with cutting corners, always take the safer route. There are times to be aggressive, but often the safer approach is best. The same applies to managing the wind. If you need to take a longer route to ensure the wind is right, do it. You might be able to fool an elk’s eyes or ears, but their nose is infallible. Even if it requires extra effort, it will often yield better results.

#4 - Don’t have a negative attitude

This may be the hardest to manage, but a negative mindset can significantly impact your success. Letting a negative thought pattern develop can drastically affect your mood and success. Instead of thinking, “I never kill a bull,” focus on positive affirmations like, “this is my year.” Repeating this to yourself and visualizing success can be much more effective than you might think. A positive mindset will subconsciously make you work harder and create more opportunities. After all, what is the benefit of a bad attitude?

#5 - Don’t get burned out

Elk hunting is demanding, and long days of hiking in tough terrain can take a toll on your body and mind. Don’t let yourself get burned out. I’m not suggesting you take every other day off, but sometimes a break is warranted. This could mean taking an evening off or sleeping in one morning if you need extra rest. If you’ve been pushing hard, a full day off, a trip to town for supplies, a shower, or a meal cooked by someone else might be exactly what you need to recharge. As Cody always says, “a day off is better than quitting four days early.”

As always, this isn’t an exhaustive list. Maybe you don’t struggle with these specific issues, but there may be other factors affecting your hunt. It’s a good idea to identify and address any weak spots in your hunting style, effort, or attitude. Recognizing these areas for improvement and making changes can lead to a more successful hunting experience.