Research

• 1). Find a hunting area. Elk hunting opportunities are abundant in several Western states and provinces. Most of the public hunting land consists of national forests, wilderness areas or Bureau of Land Management lands. According to “Field and Stream,” some of the top public land elk hunting areas are the Bridger-Teton and Shoshone national forests in Wyoming, White River National Forest in Colorado and Cibola National Forest in New Mexico.
  
  
• 2). Research the hunting area to determine your hunting goals if you want a trophy bull or a cow elk. You can obtain information on the hunting area from local wildlife biologists, conservation officers, previous hunters or surrounding landowners. A computer mapping system can be used to determine property boundaries, migration routes, wintering areas and summer concentrations.
  
  
• 3). Apply for a tag. Some tags in trophy units can take more than 10 years to draw, while Colorado is the only state to offer over-the-counter bull elk tags. If you are willing to wait for a trophy unit, take advantage of the preference point system that increases the odds of drawing the tag as you accumulate points. Archery tags are generally easier to draw than rifle tags. Elk and other big-game application deadlines take place from January to May.
  
  

Preparation

• 1). Train your mind and body for the demands of the back country. Dan Staton, professional hunter and CrossFit coach, says that strength training gives you confidence in your physical capability and the ability to focus on shooting. Elk are found in rugged, thick and steep country, and preparing for the terrain will increase your odds for success.
  
  
• 2). Field test your equipment. While on a DIY elk hunt, you are typically in the wilderness or back country, and your equipment needs to perform in the moment of truth. Testing your equipment before the hunt gives you confidence and the knowledge to use the equipment in any situation.
  
  
• 3). Pack and organize the gear. Consider the time of year, average weather patterns and duration of the hunt. Claypool suggests borrowing equipment from friends for your first DIY elk hunt and then eventually investing in top-end gear. Pack any camping gear such as a wall tent, sleeping bag and cooking supplies.
  
  
• 4). Scout the hunting area to locate the elk. If you don’t know where the elk are, you won’t have a successful hunt. Look for remote areas with black timber that provide security cover for the elk. Record any information you acquire while scouting on a GPS, map or notebook.
  
  

The Hunt

• 1). Match the hunting methods to the time of season. Claypool suggests using spot-and-stalk or sitting next to a watering hole early in the season. During the rut, you can switch to calls and bugles to attract bulls.
  
  
• 2). Adjust to the hunting pressure. DIY elk hunting makes you susceptible to dealing with other hunters and pressured elk. The elk will pattern off of pressure, according to Mark Seacat, professional hunter, and knowing how the elk will react to the pressure is your key to success. As the elk receive the pressure, move into position ahead of the elk as they move to the remote, secluded areas.
  
  
• 3). Pay attention to the mountain thermals. Elk have a keen sense of smell, and when the mountain thermals change during the day, the elk may catch your scent and leave the area. Claypool suggests hunting west- or north-facing slopes in the mornings and east-facing slopes in the evening.