How to Hunt Elk All Day (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)

If you want to dramatically increase your chances of punching an elk tag, one of the biggest mindset shifts you can make is committing to hunt all day. It sounds simple, but most hunters miss opportunities simply because they’re not in the woods when it happens. Now, I am as big a fan of mountain naps as the next guy, but when there is work to be done and deadlines approaching, you gotta put in the work. Here's how and why to stay in the game from dark to dark.

Why Hunting All Day Works

Most elk hunters fall into the morning-evening trap. They hunt at first light, head back to camp during the "dead" hours, and go back out in the evening. But elk don't disappear mid-day. In fact, bulls often move, rake, and bugle quietly from their bedding areas — especially when they're unpressured.

Here's the truth: The more time you're in the woods, the more likely you are to encounter elk. Period.

Whether it's a lone bull sneaking in to investigate a subtle cow call or a mid-day bedded herd bull getting curious, these windows of opportunity happen more often than you'd think.

What an All-Day Elk Hunt Looks Like

1. Early Morning (Dark to 8am):

• Be in position before first light.

• Start with soft cow calls or locate bugles.

• Expect movement or vocalization within 20–30 minutes of daylight.

• If nothing responds, start covering ground and glassing.

2. Late Morning to Midday (8am to 2pm):

• Slow your pace and move into prime bedding zones.

• Set up in open timber or benches where bulls bed.

• Run slow-play calling sequences: soft cow calls, occasional light bugles.

• Wait. Listen for subtle movement like twig snaps or raking.

• If a bull responds or shows interest, do not rush. Work the bull over hours if needed.

3. Afternoon & Evening (2pm to Dark):

• Bulls often become more vocal as cows get up.

• If you located one mid-day, stay in position.

• Increase intensity of your calling as the evening wears on.

• Expect bulls to begin moving again, especially satellite bulls.

Pro Tips for All-Day Success

1. Pack Smart

• Bring plenty of food, snacks, and water.

• Layer up for changing conditions.

• Use a lightweight pad for glassing or napping mid-day.

2. Know the Wind

• Winds can be unpredictable mid-day.

• Hunt the edges, avoid bottoms with swirling thermals.

3. Slow Down

• Midday is about patience. Bulls may respond an hour or more into a sequence.

• Don’t over-call. Let curiosity build.

4. Scout & Move at Night

• After dark, bugle from ridges or roads to locate bulls for the next morning.

• You don’t have to sleep on the mountain, but don't waste those crucial locating hours.

Final Thoughts

Want to double your odds of success this fall? Hunt more minutes. The best elk hunters aren’t always the best callers or the fittest guys on the mountain — they’re just the ones who put in more time. Hunt smart, hunt slow, and most importantly: hunt all day.

Want to build your own elk hunting system?
Check out the full elk course at ElkHunt201.com and get the free e-scouting mini-course to help plan your next hunt.