An introduction to hunting elk

Elk are one of the largest species of deer in North America and Asia. Male elk, called bulls, are much larger than the female elk which are called cows. Bulls can weigh between 700 and 1300 pounds, while the average female elk weighs around 500 pounds.

The male elk begins to grow its antlers in the spring. Unlike many other deer, elk shed their antlers each winter. Weighing nearly 40 pounds, and being as large as 4 feet, elk possess some of the largest racks among the deer family.

Elk antlers grow from a specialized bone in the top of the skull. It has been noted that some elk grow their antlers at a rate of 1 inch per day during the mating season. This rapid antler growth has been attributed to the high levels of testosterone that are present in the bull elk during mating season. After mating season, the testosterone level drops, and thus, the antlers slow their growth rate.

During active growing season, the elks antlers are covered with a fine fur that is called velvet. As winter approaches, and the testosterone level continues to drop, the male elk will completely lose its antlers.

Elk are somewhat social animals content to stay in separate groups of male and females until breeding season. As mating season approaches, the males began to mingle with the female groups looking for potential mates. Dominant males form harems and aggressively defend them. Bulls will warn rival males by bellowing and bugling. If this is not successful, male elk will fight with locked antlers, attempting to push the competing male out of their territory.

Most elk hunting does not take place from a deer stand. Elk are very vigorous and can go for miles without resting. Taking this into account, it is important that you be in good physical condition before attempting an elk hunt. Elk are on the move all the time. So you must stalk them over a long distance before taking a shot. Before setting out on an elk hunt, make sure you have proper protective clothing, food, and water, to last for a whole day. Also, a good pair of binoculars is a must, you will be hunting the elk from long distance.