This year, we'll build on the 31 lessons provided in the 2010 and 2011 curriculae and add to your tool box of tactics and techniques when hunting elk. We'll also tap a few guest lecturers to discuss some of the things they've learned about hunting elk over the years.
The 2010 Elk Hunting University lessons explored the basics: applying for a license, introduction to marksmanship, scouting tips and planning a backcountry hunt. In the 2011 lessons, we went deeper into hunt planning, setting up camp, ballistics and shot placement, understanding elk movements and what to do after the shot. We've also archived the 2010 and 2011 lessons as E-books, which you can download for future reference.
Please note that the 2011 and 2010 lessons have not been updated to reflect 2012 regulations and season dates. Please refer to the 2012 big game regulations brochure for season dates, regulations and more. It is the responsibility of the hunter to use the current information.
Let’s get started. First, take a few minutes to review the lessons from previous years. By now you should already have developed a game plan for your 2012 Big Game limited license application. Between the time you apply and the draw, get to work on preparing for the hunt this fall.
Here are a few things you can do right now:
- Inventory your camp gear and or repair or replace worn out gear.
- Calendar time at the rifle range over the summer. Plan on practicing shots from new distances and shooting positions to simulate hunting situations.
- Research ammunition and loads if you're thinking about trying something new.
- If you're planning to bow hunt, get your bow tuned and start practicing from varying distances and shooting angles. Practice your range estimation.
- Plan your “Plan B”
Finally, if you have a question, email me at: jim.bulger@state.co.us. We'll see if we can't get you an answer from one of our EHU “professors.”
This will probably be the last year for EHU. We've covered a lot of ground in our lessons, but there's no substitute for the ground that you will cover as you research, plan, scout and hunt in the mountains that elk call home.
>>> Want to be notified each time a new EHU article is published? Sign up to receive CPW Insider, an e-news service that delivers announcements from the Division of Wildlife directly to your inbox. Be among the first to know! (Check the 'Hunting' option and any other topics of interest to you.) <<<