Elk are the largest deer species in North America, weighing up to 700 pounds and known for their powerful vocalizations, like bugles, which hunters use to track them. Their sharp senses and seasonal migrations make them challenging to hunt. Public land hunting requires patience and stealth due to higher competition, while private land offers different strategies.

Elk hunting books provide valuable insights into these behaviors and offer real-life lessons from experienced hunters, helping you avoid mistakes and improve your tactics. By learning from the best, you can increase your chances of success in the field.

Overview of 7 Best Elk Hunting Books

1. Public Land Elk Hunting Book

2. The Ultimate Guide to Elk Hunting

3. The Practical Guide To Elk Hunting

4. Elk Hunting The West-Revisited

5. Jumpstart Elk Hunting Book

6. Petersen’s Bowhunting Modern Elk Book

7. The Modern Elk Hunter Book

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1. Public Land Elk Hunting Book

★Why You Read This Book

• Comprehensive coverage of all aspects of hunting elk on public lands
• He shares his 20 years of hard-won knowledge and insights to help readers increase their chances of success
• The book is filled with color maps and illustrations to help you visualize the information in the text
• You will also learn about some specialized gear that can be helpful in certain situations

Public Land Elk Hunting: Black and White is a book written by Matthew Dworak, a Colorado native with over 20 years of experience in hunting elk on public lands. He also provides tips on how to analyze your previous hunts and improve your chances of success in the future.

The book is intended for the average Joe who wants to go out west and hunt for elk. It covers most of the bases, including packing lists, land access, scouting, corner crossing, fitness, and elk behavior.

He is a bow hunter, and most of his tactics are geared toward bow hunting. This means that some of his advice may not be as effective for rifle hunters, especially during late-season hunts.

In addition, the book is well-written and easy to read, but it could use some improvements. The color photos in the paperback edition are grainy, and there are a few spelling and grammar errors. Additionally, the author makes multiple mentions of the use of a four-wheeler and Argo-type vehicle on public lands, but he does not clarify what type of land he is referring to. This could be dangerous for less experienced hunters who may not be aware that some types of public land do not allow the use of motorized vehicles.

However, I found the book to be very helpful in my second season of elk hunting. I implemented many of Dworak’s tactics and was able to improve my results. I am confident that the book will be even more helpful in future seasons.

2. The Ultimate Guide to Elk Hunting

★Why You Read This Book

• Robb provides detailed instructions on how to do everything from finding elk to field dressing them
• He shares his 30 years of knowledge and expertise in this comprehensive guide
• Stories from his own experiences hunting elk, add a personal touch to the book
• An essential resource for both beginner and experienced hunter

Robb is a veteran elk hunter and his book is packed with practical advice. He also includes stories from his own experiences, which make the book more engaging.

Robb covers all aspects of elk hunting, from the basics to the more advanced techniques. He also includes information on hunting elk in different regions of the country. This makes the book a valuable resource for hunters of all experience levels.

Another strength of the book is its writing style. Robb is a clear and concise writer, and he makes the complex subject of elk hunting easy to understand. He also includes plenty of humor, which makes the book more enjoyable to read.

I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to improve their chances of success on the elk hunting trail.

3. The Practical Guide To Elk Hunting

★Why You Read This Book

• Cleveland is a gifted writer, and he makes the complex subject of elk hunting easy to understand
• He provides specific tips and advice on how to find elk, how to stalk them, and how to shoot them
• He discusses how to find elk in different types of terrain, including forests, meadows, and mountains
• Shares his 40 years of knowledge and experience in the book

I enjoyed the easy flow and the personal feel the author conveys. It is clear he loves the animals, and nature, and wants people to learn from his experiences to have great hunts.”

Way too many stories get to the point! Not many tips and his explanation on thermals his mountain must be way different in Colorado than the rest of the West’

Extremely useful information and I loved the stories by Mr. Cleveland. He even responded to my email question the very same day, much appreciated

Overall, “The Practical Guide to Elk Hunting: Forty Years of Elk Hunting Lessons” is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about elk hunting. The book is packed with valuable information that can help you improve your skills and increase your chances of success.

4. Elk Hunting The West-Revisited

★Why You Read This Book

• Mike Eastman has been hunting elk for over 50 years, and he has a wealth of knowledge to share
• He doesn’t just tell you how to hunt elk, he gives you specific tips and techniques that you can use
• This book is a must-have for any elk hunter who wants to improve their chances of success.

This book provides excellent advice and insights on elk hunting. It covers hunting unit selection, scouting, DIY and outfitting, and hunting strategies for all stages of the rut. It also includes stories of his own hunts, and he shares the insights of other experienced elk hunters.

The only problem I had with the book was that the editing for the Kindle format was somewhat absent. This could be easily fixed by addressing some of the issues and making reading on the Kindle much smoother. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and believe it will greatly improve my novice elk-hunting skills.

It’s excellent for trophy elk and outfitting hunters. However, if you’re a DIY meat hunter, you might find the 4-year philosophy helpful if you’re not interested in taking cows or spike bulls. There are also a lot of good questions to ask yourself when planning your elk hunt.

If you are serious about elk hunting, then “Elk Hunting the West-Revisited” is a must-have book. It is the most comprehensive and up-to-date guide to elk hunting available.

5. Jumpstart Elk Hunting Book

★Why You Read This Book

• This book was written for the everyday hunter who doesn’t have a lot of time to devote to elk hunting
• Brian E. Baldwin has been hunting elk for over 40 years, and he has a wealth of knowledge to share
• He covers everything from scouting and finding elk to shooting and field-dressing them
• He is a lifelong elk hunter and has written several other books on the subject

The book Jumpstart Elk Hunting has been criticized by some for its grammar, the author’s lack of hunting experience, and its use of technology. However, the author’s step-by-step instructions on how to use a topo map and Google Earth to scout for elk are praised by many. The author also emphasizes the importance of hunting for meat, rather than bragging about the size of the elk he has shot.

The book also contains information on how to pack your clothes and food in order to have an efficient camp, which can save time and allow you to spend more time hunting. While this information may not be useful to everyone, the information on where elk are likely to be found and why is valuable for any hunter.

Overall, Jumpstart Elk Hunting is a valuable resource for any hunter who wants to increase their odds of success. The book provides detailed information on a variety of topics, including scouting, hunting techniques, and packing. While it may not be perfect, it is a helpful guide for any hunter.

6. Petersen’s Bowhunting Modern Elk Book

★Why You Read This Book

• It is written by a professional guide and outfitter with over two decades of experience
• Meitin’s writing is clear and concise, and he includes plenty of helpful tips and advice
• The book includes information on the latest trends in elk hunting, such as the use of scent control and trail cameras
• Study about the biology and behavior of elk, which will help you understand where and when to find them

This book is a comprehensive guide to hunting elk with a bow and arrow. Written by Patrick Meitin, a professional guide, and outfitter with over two decades of experience, the book covers everything from scouting and planning to shooting and field dressing.

The book is divided into three parts. The first part covers the basics of elk hunting, including biology, behavior, and habitat.

The second part focuses on strategies and tactics for hunting elk with a bow, including scouting, calling, and shooting.

The third part provides state-by-state information on elk hunting opportunities.

Meitin’s writing is clear and concise, and he includes plenty of helpful tips and advice. The book is packed with information, but it never feels overwhelming. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced elk hunter, Petersen’s Bowhunting Modern Elk Book is a valuable resource.

7. The Modern Elk Hunter Book

★Why You Read This Book

• It is the most comprehensive and up-to-date guide to elk hunting available
• Todd C. Wilson is a lifelong hunter and outdoorsman who has written extensively about hunting and fishing
• The book is not just a theoretical guide to elk hunting, It is full of practical advice
• Even if you are new to elk hunting, you will be able to understand the information easily

The Modern Elk Hunter: A Contemporary Guide to Planning a Western Hunt is a book by Todd C. Wilson that provides a step-by-step guide to planning a successful elk hunt in the western United States. The book covers a wide range of topics, from choosing the right location to selecting the right gear to preparing for the hunt. He also includes a wealth of personal anecdotes and insights from his own experiences as an elk hunter.

The book is divided into three parts. The first part, “Planning Your Hunt,” covers the basics of choosing a location, scouting, and obtaining a hunting license.

The second part, “Equipment and Gear,” discusses the types of firearms, ammunition, clothing, and other gear that you will need for an elk hunt.

The third part, “The Hunt,” provides detailed advice on how to find elk, stalk them, and make a successful shot.

It is an essential resource for anyone who is planning to hunt elk in the western United States. The book is well-written, informative, and full of practical advice. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hunter, you will find something useful in this book.

How to Choose the Right Elk Hunting Book for You

Choosing the right elk hunting book depends on several factors, including your experience level, hunting method, and learning preferences. Here’s a guide to help you pick the best one:

Know Your Experience Level

• For Beginners: If you’re just starting, look for books that cover the basics, such as understanding elk behavior, basic gear setup, and general hunting techniques. Books like “Elk Hunting 101” are ideal for novice hunters who need a comprehensive introduction to elk hunting.
• For Experienced Hunters: More advanced hunters will benefit from books that dive deep into specific strategies, like mastering elk calls, public land tactics, or bowhunting. Books like “Hunting Big Bull Elk” by Chuck Adams cater to experienced hunters seeking to refine their skills.

Tailor to Your Hunting Method

• Bowhunters: If you primarily use a bow, choose a book focused on bowhunting techniques. Bowhunting for elk requires specific strategies in terms of shot placement, stalking, and gear selection, which are often covered in niche books.
• Rifle Hunters: Look for books that emphasize long-range shooting, scouting, and public land hunting tips, which are key for rifle hunters.
• Public Land Hunters: Public lands can be challenging due to the pressure from other hunters. Opt for books that focus on overcoming these challenges with stealth tactics, advanced scouting, and patience.

Prefer In-Depth or Concise Learning?

• In-Depth Learning: If you enjoy detailed explanations and storytelling, books written by expert hunters that include their personal experiences may be a great fit.
• Concise and Actionable: If you prefer quick tips and actionable advice without a lot of background information, go for pocket guides or shorter books that get straight to the point, such as Dan Staton’s “Elk Hunting 101.”

Format Considerations

• Printed Books vs. eBooks: Some hunters prefer a traditional hardcopy for easier reference in the field, while others opt for eBooks for on-the-go reading.
• Audiobooks: If you spend a lot of time driving to your hunting spots, audiobooks can be a great way to absorb information while on the move. Check if your selected book is available in audio format for more convenience.

Beyond the Books: Practical Application of Knowledge

Reading elk hunting books provides a wealth of knowledge, but the real value comes from applying that information in the field. Here are ways to translate book lessons into real-world elk hunting success:

1. Scouting and Terrain Navigation

Most elk hunting books emphasize the importance of scouting before the season begins. Use satellite maps, GPS tools, and scouting trips to identify feeding areas, water sources, and bedding zones as advised by the experts. Applying these techniques helps you narrow down the best hunting spots based on terrain and elk movement patterns.

2. Practicing Elk Calls

Mastering elk calls, especially during the rut, can make a huge difference in your hunt. Many books, like “Elk Talk,” focus on how to use bugles, cow calls, and other vocalizations to attract elk. Practice these calls regularly before the season and use them strategically in the field. Don’t just mimic the sounds pay attention to how elk respond and adjust your approach accordingly.

3. Gear and Equipment Adjustments

Elk hunting books often stress the importance of selecting the right gear. From bows and rifles to backpacks and clothing, applying gear recommendations from books can improve your comfort and efficiency. Testing your gear in real-world conditions is critical ensure your equipment is properly maintained and suited for the rugged environments described in the books.

4. Adapting to Elk Behavior

Understanding elk behavior is one of the key lessons found in most elk hunting books. As you hunt, pay attention to changes in elk patterns due to weather, pressure from other hunters, or the time of the rut. Adaptability is crucial, so use the behavioral cues outlined in books to predict elk movement and improve your chances of success.

5. Reflecting and Refining Techniques

After each hunt, reflect on what you learned and how you can improve. Take notes on what worked well and what didn’t, and cross-reference your experiences with the advice from elk hunting books. Constantly refining your techniques based on both book knowledge and personal experience is the key to becoming a successful elk hunter.

Frequently Ask Questions:-

1. Who is the best elk hunter ever?

There are many great elk hunters, but one of the most consistently successful is Danny Moore. A self-taught hunter and bugler who hunts on his own, the Montana resident has killed more than 40 bulls in a row and today hunts only Pope & Young Club record book elk.

2. What is the best caliber to hunt elk?

These are the classic elk cartridge that has been used for many years. 0.30-06 Springfield, .270 Winchester, 7mm Remington Magnum, .338 Winchester Magnum. Ultimately, the best caliber for elk hunting is the one that you are comfortable shooting and that you can shoot accurately. It is also important to consider the type of terrain you will be hunting in, as well as the size of the elk you are likely to encounter.

3. What is the best success rate for elk hunting?

The success rate for elk hunting depends from state to state, the type of hunt (Bow or Rifle), and the hunter’s own skills. However, in general, the success rate for elk hunting is between 10% and 20%.

4. Where is the best elk hunting?

If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding elk hunting experience, these states would be a great choice:-
Colorado:- is home to some of the largest elk populations in the country
Wyoming:- is another great state for elk hunting
Montana:- is known for its big-game hunting
Arizona:- has some of the best elk hunting

5. Who killed the biggest elk?

The biggest elk ever killed was shot by a hunter named Corey Austad in 2019. The elk had a gross score of 478 5/8ths, which is the highest score ever recorded for an elk. The elk was killed in Utah, near the Fishlake National Forest.