Quick Answer
To track elk during the rut, hunters should focus on areas with high concentrations of bull elk, such as mountain ridges, creek bottoms, and alpine meadows, and use their ears, eyes, and nose to locate and follow these animals. Effective tracking involves understanding elk behavior, terrain awareness, and knowledge of the area's habitat. A good tracker can cover 1-2 miles of terrain in an hour.
Understanding Elk Behavior
During the rut, elk are driven by mating behavior, and bulls will often engage in bugling contests, fighting, and courting females. This behavior typically occurs in the morning and evening, and hunters can use this knowledge to their advantage by setting up in areas where elk are likely to congregate. For example, a hunter in Colorado’s OTC elk areas might focus on ridges and saddles where elk are likely to bugle and interact with each other.
Terrain Awareness
Elk are highly mobile and can travel long distances, but they often prefer to stay in areas with cover and terrain features that allow them to feel secure. In the Colorado OTC elk areas, this might include creek bottoms, alpine meadows, and aspen groves. Hunters should be aware of the terrain and use it to their advantage by setting up in areas where elk are likely to travel through or congregate.
Tracking Techniques
Effective tracking involves using a combination of visual, auditory, and olfactory cues to locate and follow elk. Hunters should be able to identify the sounds of elk bugling, the sight of elk tracks and sign, and the smell of elk urine and feces. By focusing on these cues and using terrain awareness to guide their search, hunters can increase their chances of success in the field. For example, a hunter might use a tree stand or blind in a creek bottom to wait for elk to come to them, or use a spot-and-stalk approach to follow elk through the terrain.
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