About this episode
In this episode of the Elk Hunt Podcast, host Cody Rich sits down with elk hunting expert Aaron to discuss the highs and lows of backpack hunting, animal behavior, and the importance of patience when hunting elk. With years of experience under their belts, Aaron shares his perspective on the intricacies of hunting elk in the backcountry and offers tips on how to approach new areas, how to call elk, and when to move to another spot if you're not seeing success. Whether you're a seasoned elk hunter or just starting, this episode provides actionable insights that will help you become a more effective hunter. Timestamp Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction & Sponsor Mentions 4:00 - Aaron’s Background and Return to Elk Hunting 9:15 - The Appeal of Backpack Hunting and its Challenges 14:20 - Hunting Strategies: Patience vs. Overcalling 22:30 - How to Know When to Leave an Area 30:00 - Cold Calling vs. Mild Calling for Elk 39:00 - Scouting: When it’s Necessary & When it’s Not 46:00 - Backpack Hunting Decision: Stay or Go? 54:00 - Animal Behavior and Understanding Elk Patterns 1:02:00 - How to Adjust Your Approach as the Season Progresses 1:10:00 - Final Thoughts on Effective Elk Hunting Strategies Three Key Takeaways: Patience is Crucial: When calling elk, waiting and letting the situation unfold can often be more effective than constantly blowing calls. Getting too eager to call can ruin your chances and lead to poor results. Understanding Animal Behavior: Knowing elk habits—where they feed, rest, and move during the rut—will give you a significant advantage in finding elk and predicting their movements. Don’t Overstay in a Spot: If you're not seeing elk or hearing calls, don’t hesitate to move on. Fresh sign is key—don’t waste your time in a spot that’s not producing, and don’t be afraid to backtrack if things aren’t working. When it comes to ultralight hunting gear, Stone Glacier has you covered. Whether you’re embarking on a multi-day backcountry sheep hunt or pushing miles in search of elk, their minimalist designs keep your pack weight low without compromising on durability or performance. From tents and sleeping bags to premium clothing and packs, Stone Glacier delivers gear that’s built to withstand the toughest conditions and keep you moving. Trust Stone Glacier to go further, faster, and lighter. Check them out at StoneGlacier.com . Tricer Tripods : Looking for a lightweight yet sturdy tripod to pair with your Maven Optics? Look no further than Tricer Tripods. Designed by hunters, for hunters, Tricer offers a range of innovative, highly functional tripods. Whether you're glassing from the ridgeline or need a solid shooting platform in the field, Tricer’s LP Panhead is a game changer. Don’t compromise your gear—get the ultimate support and save 10% on your next purchase with code TRO at Tricer.com .