Elk hunting is an incredibly challenging endeavor, and success seldom comes at the first attempt. But with adequate planning and regular practice, you’ll eventually become adept at nailing one of North America’s largest yet most elusive ungulates.
Preparing for a successful elk hunt primarily entails putting together essential hunting gear. And contrary to what you may think, these aren’t your ordinary outdoor gear. They’re items specifically recommended by seasoned elk hunters.
Whether you’re planning your maiden elk hunting trip or have almost given up due to numerous unsuccessful hunts, this blog is for you. We’ve rounded up the best outdoor gear for the ultimate elk-hunting adventure.
Clothing constitutes one of the most important elk hunting gear. To pick the best elk hunting outfits, it’s important to identify a hunting ground and then understand the prevailing weather conditions around the time you’ve scheduled your trip.
The conventional wisdom is to invest in breathable garments. Breathable clothing has thermoregulating properties, making them ideal for both cold-weather and warm-weather hunting trips.
Other recommended clothing includes sleeved tops and ankle-low pants. These are necessary to fend off bugs and stingers that inhabit your selected elk hunting ground.
Elk are dichromatic, which means they can only clearly see in two colors. The ungulates primarily see the world in blue and yellow.
Therefore, avoid clothing in brighter shades of blue or yellow. You may consider other earth-toned colors like brown and gray.
Besides providing perfect camouflage while trailing elk, brown- and gray-colored clothing are also easy to wash due to their dirt-masking properties.
Elk generally thrive in wooded and sloppy landscapes. The nature of their habitats makes it important to wear proper boots.
Size and comfort should be the key considerations when choosing elk-hunting boots. Ensure the footwear fits snugly but not tightly.
Besides, experts recommend boots with at least three flex ratings. Remember to break in the boots prior to your hunt.
As for proper elk hunting socks, insist on those made from moisture-wicking and thermoregulating materials, such as Merino wool.
It doesn’t matter if you’re hunting elk on a clear or overcast day. You need a handy pair of binoculars to identify and track a herd.
When choosing the right elk hunting binoculars, consider a small ergonomic device with superior magnification of at least 10X.
Other critical considerations include objective lens diameter and waterproofness.
Choosing between a rifle and bow for elk hunting can be challenging for newbies.
Rifles are ideal for long-range hunting due to their superior accuracy. However, a missed target can send the entire pride scampering for safety.
Consider bows and arrows if you’re keen on honing your archery skills. Although ideal for short-range shooting, arrows don’t make much noise on impact. This lets you focus on the prime target without spooking nearby game.
Ultimately, research the elk hunting laws in your selected hunting grounds before settling on a rifle or bow.
A wind checker can be a lifesaver when hunting elk on a windy day. It points you to the direction of the wind, so you can mask your scent by hunting upwind.
Wind checkers detect the subtlest changes in wind direction. That’s significant, considering elk’s acute sense of smell.
To use a wind checker, pop up the flip-top and gently squeeze the device.
Scent killers are products designed to neutralize human odors. You can use them alongside wind checkers for close-range elk hunting.
Most scent killers are available as sprays or wipes.
For maximum effects, apply the spray as you enter the elk’s hunting ground. It’s also best to wear moisture-wicking clothing with no traces of scented laundry products.
Note that you’ll require more scent killers if hunting in hot weather.
Whether you’re hunting with a rifle or bow, it’s important to separate the identified target from the rest of the pride before shooting. That’s where elk calls come in.
Elk calls are special tools that mimic the sounds elks make. They primarily sound like elk grunts, bugles, or cow and calf calls.
Be sure to pick a device that mimics the sound of your target prey.
Satellite communicators can be instrumental when hunting in remote areas.
They let you send emergency SOS signals when in distress, as well as maintain seamless communication with the rest of your hunting pack.
Modern satellite communicators come with location tracking features, allowing rescuers to pinpoint your location during emergency rescue missions.
You’ll require a backpack to safely house most of your elk hunting supplies.
When picking the right elk hunting backpack, look out for compact and lightweight options.
The bag’s size should correspond with the trip’s duration. While a smaller backpack would do for a day-long hunting trip, you’ll require a larger bag for multi-day hunts.
Elk hunting may be a challenging experience, but it’s also ultimately rewarding.
Granted, you’ll contend with initial disappointments as you learn the lay of the land and master expert shooting skills. But with constant practice and meticulous planning, it won’t be long before your hunting tales change for the better.
Feel free to add the above items to your outdoor checklist before planning your next elk hunting trip.
Remember that the thrill of elk hunting doesn’t only consist in nailing prey. Each moment spent blazing new trails, braving adverse weather, and traversing the woods is an adventure in itself.
