Elk

Elk were once native to nearly every state in the nation. The most populous of our elk species is the Rocky Mountain Elk. Fortunately for hunters, you can hunt elk every year, if you so desire. Whether you draw a tag in one of the states conducting limited entry drawings, or purchase one of the over-the-counter tags in the western states, you can be hunting elk every year.

Archery hunting is the easiest opportunity to draw. And given that most archery seasons occur in the peak of rut, the experience of archery hunting elk is hard to beat.

Hunting tactics for elk are as varied as the terrain and conditions in which you find them. Bugling and calling is an effective rut season tactic. Spot and stalk will be the most common approach to late-season rifle hunts. Hunting waterholes and blinds are effective in the heat of the pre-rut. And, still hunting the dark timber of the Rockies is very effective when the biggest bulls find sanctuary from hunting pressure in the deadfall jungles of these forests.

Elks are the second largest members of the deer family behind moose, the largest. Males will weigh between 600 to over 1000 pounds, while females weigh between 450 to 650 pounds. They will stand up to 5 feet at the shoulder.

In 1984, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation was formed and has since grown to over 100,000 members, all in the name of elk and the habitat they need. RMEF is considered the greatest advocate for elk and their habitat, with the millions of volunteer dollars and volunteer hours being employed for the benefit of all elk and elk hunters.