Best State For Elk Hunting: Elk is one of the biggest mammals in North America and also the largest species of the deer family. They live mostly in the forests feeding on grasses, leaves, plants, and bark.
During the mating season, male elks participate in mating rituals such as posturing, antler wrestling and producing loud noises that attract females and shows dominance over other males.
Elks are very adaptable to different environments and thus some of them have been moved to other countries such as New Zealand and Argentina.
Elks are greatly hunted for game meat as their meat is higher in protein than Chicken and Beef. When you plan your hunting trip these are some of the places to consider.
Top 10 Best State For Elk Hunting in USA
1. Colorado
Colorado is regarded as the best place to hunt elks in the US. There are vast hunting grounds of over millions of acres that are open for anyone to hunt.
Colorado is one of the few states in America that gives this access to the public. Colorado also has the largest elk population in the US with the biggest elk migrations taking place there.
Grand Junction and Craig would be the best places to go hunting once you are in Colorado.
Colorado has some of the best hunting opportunities in the country. Some say that elk hunting here is top-notch and it’s no wonder some of the world’s best bow hunters and riflemen alike are drawn to this state for their success in Colorado elk hunting.
2. Idaho
The elk population in Idaho is estimated to be over one hundred thousand. The elks are located in massive forests which make the hunting experience challenging but exciting.
Their population has been dropping in the past few years because of the growing wolf populations in these forests.
The elk are in abundance in a small town called Salmon that is located along the Salmon River where there is other wildlife such as mountain lions, bears and trout fish. Caution should be taken while hunting among other wildlife.
3. Wyoming
Wyoming’s elk are found mostly on the Rocky Mountains while some traverse the lower mountain ranges and plains. Hunting here is very adventurous. The landscape in Wyoming is similar to that of Colorado with large terrains of hunting ground.
Most people prefer to use vehicles as they hunt on the plains. The best places to hunt elk in Wyoming are Cody and Saratoga. The scenery in Cody is very beautiful with good weather for hunting.
In Saratoga, river North Platte runs through the town with elks roaming on the outskirts of the town.
During the winter season, most hunters depend on the snow to drive the elk from the mountains to lower ground.
4. Oregon
Oregon is famously known for Roosevelt elk. It is one of the few states that have large herds of elks in the hundreds of thousands. Most of the top Boone and Crocket bulls are hunted on a daily basis in Oregon forests.
Most hunters go to the Siuslaw national forest to hunt the Roosevelt elk which is accessible to the public.
However, it is very expensive for non-residents. Furthermore, the best units are sold quickly and thus your chances are close to minimal.
5. Montana
With very rough terrain, hunting elk in Montana is very demanding. It has millions of hectares of land with an elk population in the hundreds of thousands making it one of the states with great hunting opportunities.
More than seventy percent of elk in Montana is located in the southwest part of the state where also the Gallatin National Forest is located. Other places to hunt include the Yellowstone National Park and Lee Metcalf Wilderness.
The state of Montana introduced a program called the block management program that gives access to some private hunting grounds. Montana has other wildlife like grizzly bears which can endanger the lives of hunters, therefore, you bear protection is advised
6. Pennsylvania
Famously known as the Elk County, Pennsylvania is considered the best hunting state east of Mississippi. It may not have as many elks as the west but it has enough that most people come to view.
The elk county itself is located deep in the Allegheny Mountains where large herds are normally seen walking around.
Hunting in Pennsylvania is highly regulated with a system in place that only gives few licenses to people who want to go hunting. Therefore, it is advisable that you plan your trip earlier.
7. Arizona
Probably the most popular destination for elk hunting, it is also the most southern state for elk hunting in the U.S. It is said that the biggest bulls on the planet are found in Arizona.
However, hunting in Arizona is not that easy because of the lottery system in place that makes people wait longer for licenses. Motor vehicles are also not allowed.
The Coconino National Forest has the best herds.
8. Utah
With a herd of over sixty-eight thousand elks, Utah is one of the best states to hunt elks in the country. It is also one of the two states, the other being Arizona, that has a lot of elk o public land.
Hunters have said that these two states have the best public hunting grounds in the country. A lot of trophy elk hunting is also practiced here.
Hunting elks has never been an easy task because of the rough terrains that elks tend to favor such as the Unita mountains that are located in Ashley national forest in Utah.
9. New Mexico
Elks in New Mexico are sparsely populated which makes hunting quite challenging. The population of elks here is in the tens of thousands and comprises of one of the biggest bulls in the country.
The bulls grow big here because of the mild weather and enough forage all year long.
10. South Dakota
South Dakota is generally good for hunting any kind of wildlife. The best place to start hunting elks would be Rapid City since they are available all year long.
Conclusion
These are the ten states a hunter should definitely consider visiting when hunting elks. However, Colorado, Wyoming, and Idaho are the favorites. There are other states worth mentioning with a considerable number of elks such as Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, Virginia etc.
Hunting elks has been regarded on the best experiences one can have yet not many people get to enjoy it. It is all about taking advantage of any opportunity you get.
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