For those lucky enough to draw an elk tag, anticipation consumes the hunter until opening day. In the mean time, a hunter should spend as much time as he can brushing up on all things elk. An intimate understanding of the creature will only serve to create a memorable experience while out in the field. From hunting equipment, to guide services, to studying elk behavior, the hunter needs to be prepared when hunting season finally arrives.

There are many avenues for the hunter to learn more about the creature he’s going to be seeking. There are hundreds of websites dedicated to elk and elk hunting available on the internet. Magazines and TV shows are also a great resource; many of the hosts on the TV shows have a lot of experience with elk and often enlist the help of experts to teach the viewer even more. Watching a TV show will provide the hunter with more information in an hour’s time, than he could ever learn on his own. The TV show will also allow the hunter to see visuals of not only the creature, but the type of landscape the hunt will be taking place in.

The second thing a hunter needs to be concerned about is finding a quality guide service to take him on his elk hunt. There are hundreds available, and narrowing down the selection won’t take as long if the hunter knows what he wants. A guide will prove an invaluable resource on the hunting trip; these people spend their lives studying and tracking the animal you’re after. Upon finding a guide service, it’s important to ask them what they supply. Many provide food and lodging, and if they don’t, they’ll be able to give recommendations. One of the first things a service will stress is the importance of warm clothing. Elk season takes place during the cool temperatures of fall; it isn’t uncommon for the temperature to fall to 20 or 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to find clothing that will keep you both warm and dry, and camouflaged is always a plus. Wool items are always a good bet for warmth, as is Gore-Tex for moisture protection. It’s also a good idea to layer clothing, that way a hunter can put on or take off clothing as he needs it throughout the day. Other things to consider are scent-free toiletries, snacks, and good binoculars.

Another thing you will learn on your elk hunting excursion is the art of bugling elk. It’s a smart idea to be somewhat familiar with this process, and many avid hunters practice the bugling technique for a hobby in the off-season. While it need not be mastered, it is important to use it the right way; a bad call will drive the elk away, not lure them in. Elk calls can be very specific, but overall the call is meant to mimic a mate, either bull or cow. While a hunter cannot possibly learn everything before his big hunt, the more he knows the more interesting and memorable the hunt will be.