So you just booked your first elk hunt. Now what? You may or may not be hunting with an outfitter, but weather or not that’s the case, questions will start to roll around in your head. The main one being — What do I need to do to be prepared for backcountry elk hunting?
That question sparks more questions such as these:
- How good of shape do I need to be in?
- What backcountry equipment do I need?
- How far should I be prepared to shoot?
- What is an average day going to look like?
- Where should I camp?
- And on and on…
Backcountry elk hunting can be very physical.
Physical condition is always key when chasing elk in the Rocky Mountain West. Sure, there are some easy physical hunts (and we have them) but they are far and few between. Most archery elk hunts will demand a high level of fitness for success and enjoyment of your hunt. No one likes to wake up super sore on day two! We recommend you start a fitness program at least six months before your hunt, or at a minimum, 90 days. You need to train with a pack on and you need to have good cardio. It’s very likely you will be hunting at elevations of 7,000’+ if not 9,000’+, and at those elevations there just isn’t as much oxygen, and you will feel it if you’re not ready.
“There is no hunter ever, in the history of hunting, who has stood at 9,000’ft, chasing bulls, wishing he was in worse shape.” – STEVE SPECK
The right gear is critical for backcountry elk hunting
Now, let’s talk equipment. You will need good boots, I recommend Hoffman Boots or Lathrop and Sons. They are the best September elk hunting boot on the market in my opinion. Your feet are your most important tool to take care of on an elk hunt, don’t go cheap. For your hunting clothing, get a good layering system and plan for warm mid day temps and a wide variety of temps and conditions. For your backpack, I like EXO Mountain Gear. I’m a Hoyt and Black Gold man on bows and for sure take along a set of good game bags. It’s always nice to have a good knife along as well.
Backcountry elk hunting isn’t easy, but it will be fun… if you’re prepared.
You won’t’ get much sleep on an elk hunt
Be mentally prepared that you will be getting up usually at least an hour before light and going to bed at least 2 hours after light. It’s a, go to bed at 11pm and get up at 4am deal. Sleep deprivation is always a part of chasing bulls with stick and string. Slip in a nap, mid day, if you can….it will help huge by the end of the hunt. Don’t forget the importance of a good headlamp (and extra batteries) as many times you will have it on, both morning and evening on your way in and out. You will be likely hiking several miles a day. Don’t forget moleskin for blisters. Blisters can shut down a hunt. You will likely hunt hard in the morning and take a break mid day, or sit on a wallow. Here’s a list for backcountry elk hunting.
Hunters that want to keep going midday are often just blowing out elk….don’t press your guide if he suggests you lay low during the heat of the day. The evening hunt will be short, everything will happen quickly…move with a purpose and error on the side of aggression. Most of the best evening hunting happens quickly. Usually in the last 45 minutes to an hour.
Lastly, be ready to shoot as far as you can…sounds like common sense, but often clients limit themselves by what they practice. If guys practice out to 40, then that is all they are good at. If you practice at 80 all the time, you will be good at that too. Practice long range…it makes a 30 yard shot feel like a chip shot.
I’m so excited for you to be getting out on the coolest hunt in the world. You will enjoy your adventure, far more, if you are prepared physically, mentally and have the right equipment with you.
We’d love to help you book a backcountry elk hunt!
THE OI DRAW
Apply to win a trip with one of our fully vetted outfitters.
Each drawing is capped making your odds better, and fully transparent. Apply as many times as you want, in essence creating your own odds.
Step 1
Browse the active draws above and apply for any trip(s) that interest you, and purchase as many chances as you want to increase your odds.
There are a limited number of tickets available for each drawing.
Step 2
Share with your friends!
This seems counter-intuitive, but we only draw a winner once all of the tickets for that drawing have been purchased.
Step 3
When all tickets have been purchased for a drawing, we'll announce the winner live on our YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe so you get notifications.
You should also follow our Instagram page @theoidraw so you can stay in the loop.
OI DRAW WINNERS
I am so grateful for the opportunity
"Thank you to Outdoors International, all the PHs and their awesome staff. I made some new friends and will be back to Africa to see them again 100%."
-Brye Mangum | 2023 Winner
Thank you Outdoors International
"Very excited for the trip! I’ll be bringing my dad along with me. If you haven’t put in for the OI draws you should these guys are legit!"
-Tyler Kirk | 2018 Winner
It was the trip of a lifetime!
"I won an OI Draw and it turned out to be one of my most memorable and rewarding hunts. I always dreamed about Africa, but never thought it'd be a reality for me."
-Dason Lasater | 2018 Winner
Discover why thousands of people have trusted Outdoors International to help plan their hunt.
Outdoors International has a team of hand-selected hunting experts to help you book your next hunt. Our job it is to help you in researching, booking and planning a great hunting trip with one of our amazing outfitter partners around the world.
My hunt was absolutely top notch.
The outfitter is a fantastic man and incredibly hard working and knowledgeable, there is no doubt he will do everything within his power to make peoples hunts successful and enjoyable. I plan to do it again with him next year for sure.
Wade Zuver
Our hunt was excellent.
We saw bucks every day along with all other sorts of wildlife. Mountain goats, bears, and foxes were common sights. Fishing and crabbing was special bonus. The food was excellent, the crew was amazing. Outdoors International did a great job of finding exactly what we were looking for.
Jesse Neveau
What an amazing experience!
The hunting lodge was out of this world!, Rooms, food and the scenery were all A+. Our guide was exceptional and had us on Shiras moose all five days. We saw over 30 total with at least 10 bulls. They had a plan for everything including taxidermy and game processing.
Kayla Redmon
