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The Adventures of an Elk Hunting Trip: Preparing, Packing, and Planning!

Sometimes the logistics, planning, barriers, and challenges associated with an elk hunting trip ironically makes the process of actually hunting for elk seem easy! Despite the challenges, if you can manage to plan, prepare, pack, persevere, and pursue the process, it can be quite an incredible and rewarding opportunity!

Elk Hunting

Elk hunting comes with its challenges but can be an incredible and rewarding experience. If you are physically and mentally equipped, well-prepared, and have a bit of luck, you can go home with the most delicious meat you have ever had that can last a family up to a year. It also happens to be one of the healthiest meats you can eat. According to Webmd, elk meat has healthy fats, is high in protein, is high in several other nutrients, and is great for heart health.

While I have not yet been able to elk hunt myself (mostly due to the logistics and challenges described in this article) I have helped my husband plan, scout, and prepare for several very successful out of state elk hunting trips. It is something that is definitely on my personal bucket list!

If you are an out of state hunter, it adds a whole new layer of challenges that local hunters don’t even have to think about. Local hunters obviously have many advantages. Their licenses are cheaper, they are familiar with the area and terrain, they don’t have to travel far, and they don’t have to be away from home for long. These are just a few of the many factors they have on their side. However, out of state hunters can get in on the action too. If you are able to overcome the challenges, pull a trip together, and you are successful, the feeling of accomplishment will be a lifetime achievement you’ll never forget.

Elk Hunting Trip: Research and Planning

The first step of the elk hunting trip process is to do your research. You should pick the location and state in which you are interested in hunting in. The one I have most experience with is Southwest Colorado. You may also look into other states such as New Mexico, Arizona, Wyoming, Montana, Kentucky, and Idaho. Every state has its own hunting regulations, seasons, draws, prices, units, etc. It can be a bit overwhelming but if you choose a specific state and focus area, the process can go pretty smooth.

Once you choose the state and area that you are interested in hunting in, you should review the regulations. You need to find out what you need to do to get the hunting license. The best thing to do is go to the state’s fish and wildlife website and search “elk hunting”. You should be able to find the information you want fairly easily and go from there. Be sure to plan ahead (a year out or so) and find out limited license application deadlines, draw dates, season dates, unit information, etc.

According to Elk 101, some states, including Colorado, Utah, and Washington, offer over the counter tags that don’t require you to enter into a draw. In Colorado, if you want to purchase an elk hunting license, you have a few options. You can purchase an over the counter tag, in person, for archery season and for second and third rifle season. The other option is to enter into their lottery system and try to draw a first season rifle tag. You would do this by going to their website and following the steps to apply to be in the limited license draw. When in doubt, you can always give them a call for clarification about the process. In Colorado, an out of state elk hunting license is around $800. New Mexico also has a similar application system for out of state elk hunting. The cost of an out of state elk hunting license there is $773. Other states have similar methods and regulations described on their websites.

Photo by mtoome

**The Logistics and Travel for an Elk Hunting Trip:

In my opinion, travel logistics are the trickiest part of the process if you are elk hunting from out of state, especially if you are far away from where you want to hunt. As someone who lives in the Florida Keys, this part of the planning is tricky since we couldn’t possibly live any further from elk hunting, aside from maybe living in Hawaii.

I am not going to sugar coat it. This part can be complicated and expensive. For starters, you need to make sure you have the time. If you have a job, (which most people do) you need to arrange for time off. If you have a family and/or commitments, you need to be able to step away for a bit. Depending on your travel plans and season length, you may need to be out of town for about two to three weeks (give or take). You should also plan to get there a few days early so you can acclimate and scout.

You have a few options for travel. You can be a road warrior and drive to and from your destination. You may be driving for 2-5 days each way depending on where you are coming from and going to. The nice thing about this is that you can pack your vehicle with everything you want and need or think you might need and sometimes even have the option of sleeping in your vehicle.

Depending on laws etc, you may be able to bring your meat back in coolers in your own car. You are also not married to a specific time frame and can leave whenever you are ready. The drawback about this method is that you are exhausted when you get there from all the driving and it can be a long grueling drive, especially if you are going alone. It also adds several days to the trip.

If you are driving, you can also usually drive with your meat packed in coolers. If it is a long drive, you may need to replace the ice a few times. It is also good to freeze gallon jugs of water and lay the meat on top of that. It is always important to check state regulations in every state you are traveling through; some states have certain regulations regarding this. For example, some states may only allow you to pass through with the meat if it has been processed by a licensed meat processor. Others have other permit requirements and regulations about traveling with elk meat. Always travel with your hunting license and label your meat with your personal information, date it was hunted, species, and quantity.

The Elk Hunting Trip Cost

Scouting Pre Elk Hunting Trip

This is another challenge with out of state elk hunting trip. Ideally, you should try to plan a pre-season scouting with boots on the ground. This can be done during the summer perhaps. This will allow you to get the lay of the land and get a game plan together. You can get familiar with the area if you have not been there for awhile or at all. You can also figure out where you are going to camp and/or stay if you are staying at a cabin or explore other accommodations. You can hike around and spend some time seeking out elk and studying their patterns, routines, and where they seem to hang out. When you come back for hunting season, you will feel a little more comfortable having been there before and learning the lay of the land. You can also talk to locals and get some tips and advice.

If the pre-season elk hunting trip is not feasible, then you will just need to do a lot of research. You can use satellite imagery, study maps, watch videos, speak to people who have experience hunting there, etc. There are also hunting apps and resources out there. In my opinion, nothing can replace an in person pre-season trip, so if possible try to make this happen.

Elk Hunting Trip – Recommendations on Gear and Equipment

There are several things you need to bring on an elk hunting trip:

A good backpack is a must.
Light weight gear is essential, as the more weight you take, the quicker you will get worn out.
Be prepared for snow and have appropriate attire for this type of weather. A good lightweight down jacket and snow pants, a stocking cap, and gloves could get you through a night of freezing temperatures. Good boots and extra socks are great to have.
Cotton is not recommended. Marino wool clothes are great for cold nights or days.
Also, a bivy sack or rain fly and sleeping bag are needed if you’re planning on being away from base camp overnight.
A Water filter as always great to have. If possible, don’t carry a lot of water if you can find it along the way (as this is a lot of weight).
Regarding food, take only what you need and a little extra.
A lighter, head lamp, Compass, gps, and map are also great to have.
Of course, you will need knives and game bags for the obvious reasons.
A Good backpacking tent is great, in case you decide to camp overnight away from base camp. In that case, bring extra clothes, extra food, a sleeping pad, extra batteries (for headlamp, etc).
Dehydrated food is great and light weight. A lighter for a fire and a little stove is also crucial to bring.
Also, of course bring your rifle, ammunition, etc. (or bow and arrows depending on what you are hunting with).

Physical and Mental Training for an Elk Hunting Trip

Physical and mental training and preparedness are just as important (if not more important) than having the right gear.

Mentally, you should be aware that the process will not be easy. Be prepared to wait, to get frustrated, and to be flexible. While you obviously will have a plan, you never know what you can run into through your travels. You may run into an unexpected blizzard and have to pack out the elk in barely visible weather (yes that happened to my husband). You may have a delayed or cancelled flight (also happened), you may get a flat tire (also happened). You also need to be ready and prepared to adjust to unfamiliar climates, elevations, and time zones.

Basically, be ready to challenge yourself both physically and mentally. If you are going hunting by yourself, have someone you can call to talk through the challenges you encounter, vent, be your cheerleader or motivator, and someone to bounce ideas off of.

Do You Need an Elk Hunting Outfitter or no Outfitter?

Believe it or not, if you don’t have a ton of time or feel you need significant guidance through the elk hunting process, you can eliminate many of these limitations by using an outfitter which includes a guide service. Outfitters can provide you with scouting, guide service, transportation, food, accommodations, and even can help with packing out, processing, and transporting your meat. This type of service is not for everyone and many people prefer DIY hunts. The major downside of using an outfitter is that they can cost approximately $5,000-$10,000 per person.

In Closing: Is an Elk Hunting trip Worth It?

This is the big question hunters ask themselves when planning such a costly and challenging Elk hunting trip. The answer varies from person to person and this type of endeavor is not for the faint of heart.

Realistically, you will be dealing with very rough terrain and unfamiliar territory. You’ll be exhausted and uncomfortable, while challenging yourself mentally and physically. You will also spend a big chunk of your hard-earned money and will be away from home for 2-3 weeks.

Some argue that it's too complicated, expensive, difficult or they don’t have the time. Others, however, enthusiastically support the idea of out of state elk hunting and embrace the challenges, all while recounting their experience as they savor a juicy elk burger. Ultimately, it's your call!