6 Ways to Build Shooting Skills for an Elk Hunt

Most hunters have read about the need to prepare physically for a western elk hunt, knowing that high altitude and rugged country will present a serious challenge.

However, the way you practice shooting and building your marksmanship skills is equally important. There’s no doubt that putting in the work with your rifle or bow will increase your chances for elk hunting success!

Prepare Your Shooting Skills for an Elk Hunt

Skills preparation in terms of shooting and being “field ready” is often under-estimated! It is astounding and disappointing the number of hunters who believe if they go sight-in their rifle once a year at 100 yards, they are ready to go hunting.

With archery, it can be a similar situation with some guys. For example, they go and shoot for a couple of weeks at known / even distances (i.e. 20, 30, 40 yards exactly) and think the same.

No doubt, poor skills preparation can result in wounded, never recovered game which is unacceptable. As hunters, we owe it to the game we hunt, to harvest them as quickly and cleanly as possible.

Here are some some sound tips on how to prepare for an elk hunt:

1. Shooting Ability

As a guide, I tell clients that the recommended shooting skill ability for rifle hunters is out to 300 yards and for archery out to at least 40 yards. To be specific, for rifle hunters they should be able to consistently shoot a 2” group at 300 yards and for archery, hunters should be able to shoot a 4” group at 40 yards.

In general, most will agree the size of the “kill zone” on an elk is about a 12-inch pie plate. But as responsible hunters, we still must refine our skills to help eliminate the risk of poor shot placement. Additionally, it’s important to remember that elk are rarely standing perfectly broadside - shot angles can make this kill zone smaller!

Hunters need to be honest with themselves about their skill limits, and be disciplined about only shooting within their ability!

2. Shooting Positions

Once you have your weapon sighted in properly at desired shooting distances, it’s time to move on with your practice, and simulate “in field positions”.

For rifle hunters, this means sitting, prone, kneeling, and even off-hand for shooting in close situations if necessary.

Archery hunters should also practice “in field positions”. This should include standing, kneeling and sitting.

Both achery and rifle hunters should practice with the hunting gear they plan to use, including with your pack on, with your binocular harness, quiver, etc. Frankly, I never take my quiver off when hunting elk, as most times I am on the move.

3. Focusing on Fundamentals

When working to improve your shooting skills, it is critical to focus on the fundamentals! Some core fundamental examples are breathing, relaxation, trigger control (steady, slow pressure vs “jerking the trigger”), practicing “follow through” (i.e. don’t drop your rifle or bow to see where you hit the target), consistent anchor point for archers and a consistent sight picture (including level) for rifle hunters.

4. Shoot Odd Distances

Once your bow or rifle is sighted in, shoot odd distances. Elk don’t stand at exactly 100 or 200 yards like at the range. Know where you bow or rifle shoots at those in-between distances!

5. Practice Guessing the Distance

Range finders are great and should be used whenever possible (ideally ranging objects in shooting lanes when you first set up). However, building your skills at guessing distance can be the difference between success or failure, especially with archery. What happens when an elk shows up unexpectedly and you don’t have time to use a rangefinder?

When in doubt of the distance, don’t shoot! Archery hunters also have the luxury of going into the field to simulate hunting conditions with shooting stumps and portable targets. Lastly, 3D courses are also great practice for the archery hunters, as they can replicate hunting-like terrain when shooting up and down hill, and at odd distances.

6. Mental Preparation for Elk Hunt Marksmanship

“Mental Preparation” for an elk hunt often can mean the difference between harvesting a bull or not. It is my experience, and one that ALL my peer guides over the years would agree, where many hunters can fall short.

For example, how will you react when that big bull steps into a shooting lane screaming with steam coming out of his nose at close-range? Or if a bull steps out across the park into the clear and you have mere seconds to set up for a clean shot?

One thing is certain with elk hunting – opportunities can arise quickly and just as quickly be gone! Therefore, being mentally prepared is critical to taking advantage of a shooting opportunity!

Here are a few tips that can help you with being mentally prepared for what might be one of the most exciting events of your life:

Create a “Mental Checklist” as part of your shooting practice. Some examples are:

1.        Archery - consistent anchor points, bow square / level, proper pin, focus / pick an “aim spot” on the target (3D targets are great for “picking a spot on game-like situations).

2.        Rifle - scope adjusted to the proper power, round chambered, solid rest, safety off, crosshairs square to target, double check aim point on elk, steady trigger finger pressure, fire!

3.        Simulate “real shooting opportunities” in your mind when practicing. This is a great game to play with yourself on your first shot of a practice session. Was your first shot a “kill shot”? After all, in the field you don’t get a warm-up / practice shot on an elk!

4.        Practice “shot opportunity thinking” when in the field so it becomes habit. Think about getting in position for the shot so you limit movement when the elk is in sight range (or moving when he’s looking down or away). Identify shooting lanes / obstacles and range distances when you first set up.

5.        When you see game in the field think about shot placement (or no shot) factoring in good ethics (i.e. think through shot trajectory based on how game is standing and terrain (uphill / downhill). Are other elk in the line of fire?

6.        Think about controlling breathing and excitement – watch hunting videos paying attention to how successful hunters handle shot preparation and execution. Taking a deep breath and focusing on the shot will help. Try not to focus on how big the elk is or the size of his antlers. Once you know you want to take him, key in on where, when you will shoot and the execution of the shot (including exact shot placement).

7.        Build “safety first” into all mental preparation exercises! With arrows and bullets, there are no second chances!

8.        Be prepared not only physically (by being in the best shape you can be for your hunt) but also mentally for pushing yourself through the physical challenges of an elk hunt!

Closing Comments

In closing, your attention to detail with your practice and preparation, can make all the difference in the world on your upcoming elk hunt! Too many times, hunters get shot opportunities only to have them slip away.

Therefore, get started now in support of your next hunt. Become better prepared by honing your physical and mental skills for the opportunity you have been waiting for and dreaming about.

While many hunters will take time to buy all kinds of new gear for their next hunt, not enough hunters will take the time to assess and improve their skills in areas that can really make a difference!

Click here to learn more about our elk hunts at Budge’s Wilderness Lodge. If you have questions or would like to inquire about availability, please contact us anytime.

By Bob Terwilliger

Bob is a lead guide with Budge’s Wilderness Lodge on fly fishing and elk hunting adventures. With decades of experience hunting and fly fishing in the Flat Tops Wilderness, Bob is an expert guide and a great teacher. We are blessed to have him as part of our team!