Guided or DIY
Antler-less Elk Hunts have been my preferred method for teaching friends and family members the joy of the hunt and pleasure of eating meat that isn't bought in a Grocery Store.
Elk cover allot of country generally it's high and far from roads. However there are several states that have numerous tags and late seasons that permit a DIY hunter to enjoy a great hunt. Spike Bull and any Bull Units are available over the counter. As well as Antler-less Elk tags.
How I do it
First in some States you can buy a hunting license and purchase a preference point for Bulls, Antler-less Elk etc. Building preference points for cows/calves usually insures you an opportunity to draw with as little as one point or a few.
Most Western States now have a website of their Hunting Units for available tags. the number of permits, time of month, and accessibility into the hunt area.
TAGS DRAWN
Everyone in my hunting party has a meeting when drawn and review the hunt area specifics. We identify hunting gear, equipment, clothing, vehicles, cost of fuel, travel expense' lodge in route and return trip, mear processing. etc.
Dept of Wildlife
Speak with the region Biologist, area Wardens, and so forth. If I've hunted the area before I call local friends and plan advance scouting trips.
SHOOTING PRACTICE
PHYSICAL CONDITIONING
Firearms are cleaned and allot of shooting range time is conducted to zero our weapons. Long distance shooting in our back country and desert are performed to develop unknown target shooting skills we will encounter during the hunt. We conduct all this while hiking up and down ridges, steep inclines, and in sandy washes to develop our legs and backs to carrying a 40 pound backpack.
ELK REQUIRE
Quality Binoculars, Spotting Scope. Rifle scope, good physical conditioning and LOTS of patience. You'll also see them far away. The decision is can you close the distance? When you do are you prepared to make that shot under poor environmental conditions, odd angles and tired as all hell. Will you be able to recover the animal. Do you know how to gutless boneout the carcass. Then pack it out.
If so go for it. It will be an experience we few love and enjoy.
Gonzo
USMC, Disabled Vet Vietnam
72 years young and ready to Go