Which Elk Hunt Would You Apply For?

Hunting
1

Already looking ahead to the 2025 Elk hunt and trying to decide between 3 options.

  1. Limited Entry Early. This is a prime option. It’s during the rut, calling should be very effective, good chance of seeing multiple bulls a day, limited hunting pressure.

Con: Realistically, assuming the 2024 odds stay the same, I’m looking at another 7 years of applying to have a chance at drawing the tag.

  1. Limited Entry Mid. Should draw this tag if I apply for it. Starts at the same time as the general spike hunt. Lots of people and hunting pressure, but most won’t be able to shoot a bull. Longer period to hunt, but again, elk are probably getting moved around a lot. Might catch the end of the rut.

  2. Limited Entry Late. Should also draw this tag if I apply. This happens about 2-3 weeks after the general spike/mid hunt ends. Lot less pressure, but weather could be a major factor, likely very cold and could be none, a little, or 2+ feet of snow. Sounds like elk are moving a lot at this time to winter ranges and could be tucked into ridges. Don’t know what to expect on a late hunt tbh, not sure if they will still be super skittish and hard to hunt or starting to recover from the general hunt.

Anyways, trying to see what option you would pick. All hunts are ALW, same unit, just differing weather, pressure, locations, and rut conditions, etc.

2

Limited entry late would be my preference. Elk are easy to hunt in the snow if you have any.

2 Likes
3

In the dusting + of snow, they are easier to glass also. If you have to make multiple trips to pack out, the cold keeps the meats in better condition. That being said, I no longer like hunting in the cold. Done it too many times over the years.