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Hunting elk is by far my favorite type of hunting. The challenge of actually seeing them makes getting one a tough task. Not only are the animals tough to get to, but they move quickly and can disappear into thin air it seems. Shots in the desert/ high plains areas can exceed 500 yards because of the landscape and lack of cover. You are constantly playing the wind game and the elevation does wonders for your cardio.
Hunting elk is very rewarding. If you are lucky enough to get one on the ground, you are looking at 100-200 lbs of some of the best wild game you will ever eat. (Recipe articles coming soon!) To increase your chances of success, here are my must-haves for any elk hunting adventure:
While there may be an opportunity to take a shot at less than 100 yds, the terrain can range from thick woods to miles and miles of open plains. Having a rifle that can send a .30 caliber projectile 500-1000 yards is my first must-have. Here are a couple of my favorite options:
This year temps ranged between 45 and 95 degrees in the same day. Hunting in warm temperatures requires a completely different approach. I’ve been hunting for years, and it’s ALWAYS been cold. This year’s hunt taught me how to layer in preparation of removing clothes instead of adding them. Be sure to check the weather where you are going and dress accordingly. Check out this gear to help you find the right attire for your hunt. Camoflauge
There are so many backpacks now that finding the right one can be a mind-boggling event. Some folks can get away with a small shoulder bag with a bottle of water and a pack of nabs. Others prefer to bring along a box or two of shells, three Little Debbie Snacks, a ham sandwich, three knives, first aid kit, light sticks (these are great for marking that kill just before dark) etc. Comfort is huge because you don’t just sit around and wait for elk to come onto a 15,000 acre ranch. There is a lot of walking involved and having a pack and a rifle and binos and a rangefinder and a call hanging from your neck can get a little cumbersome. These backpacks will help keep all your gear in one spot:
A lot of terrain in New Mexico is vast, open plains and mesas. The naked eye can only do so much in that situation so having some sort of handheld or tripod mounted optic to help spot the elk is a game-changer. Most folks carry binoculars (See Article About BinosLINK) but in some cases a spotting scope with that extra high magnification is what you really need. What most people don’t realize is sometimes the stalk starts a mile or two away from the herd!
Your footwear can have a huge impact on how your hunt goes. Finding boots that are comfortable enough to walk for days in and tough enough to withstand all the sharp, stabby, pointy things growing in the desert can make all the difference. Below are a couple lightweight options to get you moving:
~ Nick
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