Elk Hunting Mistakes that are Best Avoided

Elk hunters learn through their mistakes and those of others. Read about the top elk hunting mistakes to avoid this season.

Weary and tired hunters, after a full day in the wild, make a beeline for the watering hole after they return. It gives them an opportunity to exchange notes, share their day’s experience, and gloat about their hauls. I do the same. More often than not, I hear groans. Narratives of mistakes fill up the talks of not-so-successful hunters. I look forward to hearing what went wrong. Not for any other reason but to learn further.

My strategies are a result of my mistakes. Even till date, while some plans work others misfire. Given that amateurs and pro elk hunters are all prone to making mistakes, what follows can be useful for you as well. Read on to know about the top elk hunting mistakes that have honed my skills.

Mistakes to Avoid in Texas Elk Hunting Seasons

1. Drive off the roads. You will not find the bulls waiting for you in high-traffic areas. They wait for you in the deep. Go after them. If needed, be prepared to go 15 miles or more in their pursuit.   

2. Spotted cows? Bulls may not be close by. Unlike the cows, they know that they’re hot targets and stay off the regular beats of hunters. Mature bulls, especially those in their post-rut stages will be far from the cows. 

3. Giving up early is another common mistake. Elk hunting in the wilderness of Colorado requires time and patience. There are hunters that start at dawn but also quit much before dusk in case they don’t find a catch. Just stay put as long as you can.

4. The top mistake made by elk hunters would certainly be the lack of scouting. According to seasoned hunters, it helps to scout around, understand elk behavior and figure out the roughs before the actual season sets in. It’s important to note elk signs beforehand to garner success when you actually hit the trails. 

5. Mere scouting and good hunting are not enough. Your aim and accuracy of shooting will get you the elk vitals. Most hunters don’t practice their shots. Their bad shooting ends up ruining their efforts. 

6. Physical and mental preparedness is important. However, most elk hunters go hunting for elks with poor health conditions. They need to exercise and increase their fitness quotient. Don’t expect to go after a full-grown elk if you are not fit for an uphill hike – you will lose your target very soon. 

Colorado Elk Hunting Season 2021 – Are you Ready for the Shoot?

2020 is about to end. Now’s the time to implement the lessons learned well. What’s more important is to remember your mistakes and rectify them. What other elk hunters did and how they emerged on the top again should become your favorite stories. 

To err is human. Let’s leave it at that.