Elk Hunting

Suddenly, I saw antlers showing at the edge of the timber. Josiah flopped down prone and readied for a shot as I ranged the bull at 205 yards. No shot offered, so I blew a soft cow mew. The antlers swiveled our way, and a moment later the bull answered with a bugle. Then he walked out of the timber…

A once-in-a-lifetime bull elk gives a split-second opportunity for a risky shot. He’s running broadside through medium-thick old growth Quaking Aspen timber at roughly 60 yards. Do you take the shot?

It was great to take such a unique bull in conditions that do not provide many opportunities for success, using a technique that is so high risk. So many times, hunters are restricted by weather and are helpless. In this situation, I was able to draw on experience and a little luck and make something out of nothing.

This hunt area doesn’t allow any motorized vehicles so you either walk, bike, or horseback it into your area. The area is very much a DIY and muscle power area.

hunting on public land isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a grind. Regardless of the weapon you choose to tote, you can expect pressure from other hunters, daunting terrain and days where the lenses of your binos detect no hide. In short, elk hunting public dirt can suck.

There is nothing quite like the sound of an aggressive bull bugling while hunting during the peak of the rut. And hunting public land elk will certainly keep us all humble in our pursuit. If this is your first-year elk hunting, welcome to the frenzy. If this is your 60th year and everything in between, [...]

Whether you’re day-tripping or bivy hunting, here’s a list of the essentials to pack.

Over the counter DIY elk hunt in Colorado with the SIG CROSS bolt action rifle in .277 SIG FURY.

In the middle of a hunt, it’s easy to forget to ask whether the effort is worth the reward…but forgetting comes at a price.