Welcome to elk hunting—one of the most challenging, rewarding, and downright thrilling experiences you can have in the great outdoors. If you’re a new hunter stepping into the world of elk hunting, there’s a lot to learn. Elk are big, smart, and tough to track down, especially in areas like Colorado’s GMU 511, where the Dank Bulls call home. For first- and second-year hunters, understanding the basics can make the difference between a successful hunt and coming home with nothing but stories. Here’s what you need to know as a rookie elk hunter to increase your odds of success.

1. Know Your Gear: Set Yourself Up for Success

One of the biggest mistakes new hunters make is not being fully prepared with their gear. Elk hunting is no walk in the park—it’s a backcountry adventure that demands the right equipment. Here’s a basic rundown of what you’ll need:

• Rifle or Bow: Make sure your weapon of choice is sighted in and you’re comfortable using it in various conditions. Elk are tough animals, and shot placement is critical. Practice at different distances and angles before the season starts.
• Clothing: The weather can change in an instant, especially in mountainous terrain. Dress in layers so you can stay warm in the early morning and cool during midday hikes. Invest in quality, scent-controlled, camouflage gear that will help you stay hidden.
• Boots: Elk hunting means walking—a lot. Comfortable, waterproof, and durable boots are essential. You’ll be covering rugged terrain, so make sure your boots are well-broken in before heading out.
• Backpack: A good pack will carry all your essentials: extra layers, food, water, ammo, and field dressing supplies. Make sure it’s comfortable for long hikes and capable of carrying extra weight, because if you’re lucky enough to bag an elk, you’ll need to haul that meat out.

2. Scout Early, Scout Often

Scouting is your best friend as a new elk hunter. Elk are creatures of habit, and learning their patterns can help you get a step ahead. In units like GMU 511, with lots of roads and heavy hunting pressure, elk often retreat to less accessible areas. Scouting helps you pinpoint where they’re moving, feeding, and bedding down.

• E-Scouting: Before you even step foot in the field, spend time studying maps and satellite images of your hunting area. Look for high-elevation meadows, water sources, and thick timber where elk might be hiding. Use apps like OnX or Google Earth to get a feel for the terrain.
• Boots-on-the-Ground Scouting: There’s no substitute for actually getting out there and looking for elk sign. Elk leave plenty of clues behind, including tracks, rubs on trees, and scat. The more you familiarize yourself with the area before the season starts, the better your chances of success.

3. Learn to Call Elk

Elk are vocal animals, and learning how to call can significantly improve your chances of drawing one in. There are two main types of calls to master:

• Bugle: This is the sound bulls make during the rut to challenge rivals and attract cows. A well-timed bugle can bring a bull right into your sights, especially in areas where hunting pressure is lower.
• Cow Call: A cow elk’s mew or chirp can be equally effective, especially during the rut. Bulls will often come in to investigate the sound of a cow call, thinking they’re about to find a new mate.

Calling takes practice. You don’t want to overdo it, especially in heavily hunted areas like GMU 511, where elk are more likely to be call-shy. Use calls sparingly, and try to sound as natural as possible. If you can, practice with an experienced caller or watch videos online to perfect your technique.

4. Understand Elk Behavior

Elk are smart, cautious animals. They move early in the morning and late in the afternoon, often bedding down during the middle of the day. Understanding their daily routines and seasonal patterns can make a huge difference in your hunt.

• Early Season: In the early part of the hunting season, elk are often still in their summer patterns. They’ll be found in higher elevations and can be more predictable in their movements.
• Rut Season: During the rut, which typically happens in September, bulls become more vocal and aggressive. This is prime time for calling and catching bulls that are distracted by their search for mates.
• Post-Rut: As the season progresses and temperatures drop, elk start moving to lower elevations to find food and avoid deep snow. This is when you’ll need to adjust your tactics and look for them in different areas.

5. Be Prepared for the Grind

Elk hunting isn’t easy, especially for first-timers. It can take days, even weeks, of hard work, hiking, and glassing to finally spot an elk. The key is to stay persistent. Elk hunting is often more about endurance than anything else.

• Cover Ground: Don’t be afraid to hike into areas that are off the beaten path. The farther you go from roads and high-traffic areas, the better your chances of finding elk that haven’t been pressured by other hunters.
• Glass the Terrain: Spend time glassing (using binoculars or a spotting scope) from high vantage points. Elk can cover a lot of ground, and catching a glimpse of movement through your binoculars can be your best clue as to where to hunt next.
• Stay Positive: It’s easy to get discouraged when you’ve been out all day and haven’t seen anything. But elk hunting is about patience and persistence. Keep pushing, stay alert, and be ready for when the opportunity finally presents itself.

6. The Art of the Stalk

Once you spot an elk, the next challenge is getting close enough for a clean shot without spooking the animal. Elk have excellent senses of smell and hearing, so you’ll need to be stealthy. Wind direction is critical—always make sure the wind is in your face, so your scent doesn’t carry to the elk.

Move slowly and quietly, using the terrain to your advantage. Stay low and keep obstacles like trees and rocks between you and the elk. Closing the distance can take time, but the effort will be worth it when you finally line up that perfect shot.

7. Know the Regulations and Ethics

Before you head into the field, make sure you’re familiar with Colorado’s elk hunting regulations. These rules are in place to ensure sustainable wildlife populations and a fair chase for all hunters. Some key things to remember:

• Tags and Licenses: Make sure you have the correct tag for the unit you’re hunting. Elk hunting tags are often limited, and over-the-counter options vary by season.
• Ethical Hunting: Always aim for a clean, humane shot. Know your effective shooting range, and don’t take risky shots that could result in wounding the animal without a clean kill. Respect the land, the wildlife, and other hunters.

8. Celebrate the Experience

Whether or not you tag an elk, the experience of elk hunting is something special. From the early morning hikes through foggy forests to the quiet moments glassing from a ridge, elk hunting offers a connection to nature that’s hard to find elsewhere. Enjoy the process, learn from every hunt, and appreciate the wild places elk hunting takes you.

For new hunters, elk hunting can feel like an uphill battle—literally and figuratively—but the rewards are worth every ounce of effort. So gear up, get out there, and experience the adventure of a lifetime with the Dank Bulls.

Happy hunting, and may your freezer be full of elk meat!