Early Season Elk Success
An introduction to successful early season archery elk hunting

By: Kristy Titus

The fading days of summer mark the beginning of a new season on the horizon. A season lasting only but a few weeks that signify a biological change, a coveted time for the elk hunter, the rut.

Hunting in a target rich environment is a critical factor in creating better odds of success in any hunting discipline, especially during early archery season. Do your homework, talk to local and state fish and wildlife officials and scout likely hunting areas.

Use the early season to your advantage, this is the time to put your hunt into play on large, dominant bulls that are often without cows. Most bulls will be found in bachelor groups or all alone. Don’t waste valuable hunting time waiting for the rut to happen, make it happen.

Elk are most active during the early morning and evenings. Those are the best times to make your hunt. Take the time to get set up in a good area with fresh sign, before your caller begins the calling sequence. Position the shooter at least 30 yards away from the caller. Remember the bull is coming in to the caller, the shooter should remain silent as to not give away their location.

Stand in a location that allows for your outline to be broken up. Trust your camo; you don’t have to hide yourself behind heavy brush as it may impede shot options. Elk will frequently come in downwind of your caller, so use that to your advantage when planning your set up. Having your caller set up at least 30 yards behind typically means the bulls will come closer to where the excitement is coming from allowing for closer shots for the shooter.

Create excitement in your hunting area by vocalizing herd communication sounds. In order to entice a lone bull to come in for a closer look, I like to make one or two estrous cow sounds after a sequence of cow calf talk, followed by a single non-aggressive elk bugle.

After the sequence, sit still, look, and most importantly LISTEN. Bulls will often come in silent and you should be on alert for the sounds of a wearily approaching bull.

Repeat your call sequence several times in each set up location for a minimum of 50 minutes. Be patient. If there is a bull in the area, he may saunter in silently to see what all the fuss is about. Most hunters grow impatient and get up too soon, bumping a silently approaching bull.

Shot placement is critical with any weapon. Know your limitations and strive for perfect shot placement. Pre-season practice in a variety of realistic situations is important. I encourage hunters to participate in 3D shoots at your local archery range.