5 Public-Land Elk Hunting Tips

by
posted on July 14, 2014

Justin Richins is one of NRA Outdoors’ quality hunting outfitters. He’s with R&K Hunting Co. I’ve hunted with Justin. He is a savvy Western hunter I respect, so I asked him for a few tips on killing public-land elk.

1. Don’t get call-crazy. Get high, glass and listen. On public land, elk will often be ping-ponging back and forth as they get bumped. When one answers, stalk in. Don’t keep calling—especially if the bull is calling on his own.

2. Hunt with a partner. If a bull responds, have a hunting partner stay back and call. Often when you move in, the public-land bulls know the deal. They’ll shut up when you break that 500-yard barrier. Get as close as you can and take a stand—especially if the bull is raking trees and calling. Let the bull move past you.

3. Satellite bulls will often be within a mile of a dominant bull and his harem. Those bulls are call-shy, but are following the herd looking for stray cows. Move in and cut off one.

4. If a bull keeps moving off with cows, stay behind him and cow-call or make immature bugles. The herd bull might eventually turn around and come in silently to see just what’s following him.

5. If the wind isn’t consistent, don’t move in close to a bull. Make note of the bull’s location and return when conditions are more in your favor.

Latest

LEDE Marlin Dark
LEDE Marlin Dark

Hardware Review: Marlin Model 1895 Dark

If you think lever-action rifles should only have walnut stocks and a blued-metal finish, then the new Marlin Dark series with its polymer buttstock and aluminum AR-esque handguard probably won’t be your thing. That’s a shame, because this recent offering in Marlin’s line of modernized, capable lever-action rifles has a lot going for it in terms of performance, functionality and fun.

ATN Shipping TICO LTV Thermal Clip-On

This thermal clip-on device is a huge night-time gear multiplier for hunters and observers, transforming any daytime scope into a thermal sight.

MidwayUSA Named Official Sponsor of the 2025 NRA Annual Meetings

Glock, Inc. is the Presenting Sponsor of the Freedom Experience on Saturday, April 26th

First Look: Montana Rifle Company Marshall Hunting Rifle

Montana Rifle Company (MRC) has announced its Marshall Hunting Rifle—a rifle the company bills as being 10,000 rounds in the making.

Spring Gobbler Gear Roundup

Mike Roux lays out his winter's turkey gear discoveries, just in time for spring gobbler season.

National 4-H Shooting Sports Signs on as Official +ONE Partner

The National 4-H Shooting Sports program has joined the +ONE Movement, a national mentorship initiative led by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) that encourages peer-to-peer mentorship in the hunting and shooting sports.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.