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Elk are considered to be one of the largest of quarries for a hunter, making elk hunting a special type of activity. These large animals also have larger than life calls and mating rituals. They can be blatantly aggressive or relatively timid. Those who participate in hunting elk on a regular basis are likely to have quite a story or two of coming in close contact with these majestic creatures. A male elk, or bull, can reach seven to eight hundred pounds easily. Regardless of size, many hunters enjoy the challenge of hunting elk because they are extremely cunning and it takes great skill to get close to them.

Successful elk hunting relies on several elements. One of those elements is timing. Many elk hunters plan their hunt in the fall during mating season. The seasoned hunter also understands what time of the day elk are most active and when they are not. They also know how temperatures can affect a hunt. Those who are just beginning their interest in elk hunting would do well to hire a guide their first few times out. Elk can be found in a range of areas. Not only will a guide know the area well, he or she will be able to better ensure a successful hunt with valuable tips and advice.

Another element of successful elk hunting is called bugling. Bugling is something the male elk does during mating season to locate females and challenge other males. Hunters who bugle for males find it is the one delicate aspect of a hunt that can have disastrous effects when used either too much or too little. The effective use of this kind of call requires the hunter to have enough experience to know where the boundaries of using such an instrument are. Most calls on the market often come with manuals or recordings that demonstrate how to properly and effectively use the instrument.

There are also calls that mimic female elk, or cows. Many hunters also use these instruments during elk hunting to lure a bull closer. Upon getting the bull into an advantageous spot, one can move in for the final shot. However, as with the male elk call, vocalizing too much or too little can cause elk to stop calling or move out of an area altogether. When using such an instrument, many hunters find the better the quality, the better the results. Elk are well known for their ability to instantly discern danger in an area; therefore, it is necessary to sound as realistic as possible.