{"id":398,"date":"2018-07-09T10:28:27","date_gmt":"2018-07-09T10:28:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tma65.com\/blog\/?p=398"},"modified":"2026-05-21T11:37:22","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T11:37:22","slug":"elk-hunting-techniques-for-open-range-hunts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/elk-hunting-techniques-for-open-range-hunts\/","title":{"rendered":"Elk Hunting Techniques for Open Range Hunts"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\"><div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\"><p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p><span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/elk-hunting-techniques-for-open-range-hunts\/#Elk_Hunting_Techniques_for_Open_Range_Hunts\" >Elk Hunting Techniques for Open Range Hunts<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/elk-hunting-techniques-for-open-range-hunts\/#Dont_be_afraid_to_move_quickly_Elk_Hunting_Techniques_for_Open_Range_Hunts\" >Don\u2019t be afraid to move quickly Elk Hunting Techniques for Open Range Hunts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div><h2 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Elk_Hunting_Techniques_for_Open_Range_Hunts\"><\/span>Elk Hunting Techniques for Open Range Hunts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/elk-hunting-tips-for-beginners\/\" title=\"Elk Hunting Tips for Beginners\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1118\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Elk Hunting Techniques<\/a> for Open Range Hunts. The wide-open terrain found in some elk country is a great opportunity to put your <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/our-top-tips-for-glassing-terrain\/\">optics<\/a> and your stalking ability to the test. In many cases, spotting the elk is the easy part, but getting within bow range is tough, especially when a bull elk stays close to his harem. There are a lot of eyes to fool so a decoy can help shield your movements. It can also give the impression that a rogue cow is available to join the harem.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">In the morning, get to a vantage point and start scanning the terrain for herds elk. A good technique when <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/our-top-tips-for-glassing-terrain\/\" title=\"Our Top Tips for Glassing Terrain\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"1132\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">glassing the open range is to break the terrain<\/a> up in grids.\u00a0 Take your time and study each grid carefully. \u00a0Once you spot a viable target, plan the stalk using any available terrain features to your advantage. Your optics are key in planning your next move.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"695\" height=\"536\" class=\"wp-image-399\" src=\"https:\/\/tma65.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/inner91.png\" alt=\"\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/06\/inner91.png 695w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/06\/inner91-300x231.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/06\/inner91-389x300.png 389w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/06\/inner91-150x116.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 695px) 100vw, 695px\" \/><figcaption><strong>\u00a0In the wide open terrain, break your glassing area into thirds and take your time<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><strong>Decoys Are Key<\/strong><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">A decoy like the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.montanadecoy.com\/hunting-decoys\/big-game\/rmef-cow-elk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">RMEF Cow Decoy<\/a>\u00a0is the perfect tool to keep your frame hidden. Start making your way toward the herd with the decoy in front of you. When you get within earshot of the bull and his group of cows, stake the decoy into the ground or hang it from a tree limb. If <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/tractoptics.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" title=\"hunting\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"297\">hunting<\/a> with a buddy, have him or her man the decoy. While you slip ahead 20 yards (use your optics and the wind to your advantage) to hide in any cover you can find. \u00a0Once in a <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tractoptics.com\/shooting-22lr-rifle-in-a-whole-new-way\/\" title=\"Shooting a 22LR Rifle in a Whole New Way\" data-wpil-monitor-id=\"590\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">shooting<\/a> position, start calling and wait for the bull to come corral what he thinks is another lady into his harem. If elk share the area with cattle or pronghorn get creative with your decoy. A\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.montanadecoy.com\/hunting-decoys\/big-game\/big-red-cow\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Big Red Moo Cow<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.montanadecoy.com\/hunting-decoys\/big-game\/eichler-antelope-w-quickstand\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Eichler Antelope<\/a>\u00a0can also be used for cover and sometimes attract less attention than an elk decoy.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-image\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"927\" height=\"732\" class=\"wp-image-400\" src=\"https:\/\/tma65.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/inner92.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/06\/inner92.jpg 927w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/06\/inner92-300x237.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/06\/inner92-768x606.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/06\/inner92-380x300.jpg 380w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/06\/inner92-150x118.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 927px) 100vw, 927px\" \/><\/h3><h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/h3><h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/h3><h3 style=\"text-align: justify\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dont_be_afraid_to_move_quickly_Elk_Hunting_Techniques_for_Open_Range_Hunts\"><\/span><strong>Don\u2019t be afraid to move quickly Elk Hunting Techniques for Open Range Hunts<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">When bulls are focused on cows, you may find better success moving aggressively with a decoy in short bursts versus walking on eggshells. Use a \u201clost mew\u201d call to get the bull\u2019s attention. If he needs further convincing, a bull grunt can give the perception that there is competition in the area. Elk may move several miles each morning during the rut. They prefer moving in an uphill direction with the cool descending thermals in their face. It\u2019s best to approach a herd from the side or rear. Never try to get in front of them, as they will likely smell you and be gone with the wind. For obvious safety reasons, use this tactic during archery only seasons.<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-image\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"814\" height=\"464\" class=\"wp-image-401\" src=\"https:\/\/tma65.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/inner93.png\" alt=\"\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/06\/inner93.png 814w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/06\/inner93-300x171.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/06\/inner93-768x438.png 768w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/06\/inner93-526x300.png 526w, https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2019\/06\/inner93-150x86.png 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 814px) 100vw, 814px\" \/><figcaption><strong>\u201cLost mew\u201d call or a \u201cbull grunt\u201d are two effective calling methods<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\"><strong>Glassing On the Move<\/strong><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">When trying to cover a lot of country there are times when glassing free hand is a must.\u00a0 But as we know, glassing free-hand has its challenges in keeping the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tractoptics.com\/products\/binoculars?category=9\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TORIC Bino<\/a>\u00a0steady.\u00a0 Here\u2019s a few tips to help when on the move:<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">-Invest in a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tractoptics.com\/products\/accessories?category=54\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bino Harness<\/a>. They keep the <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/what-you-need-for-an-air-rifle-competition\/\">binocular<\/a> close to your body and ready for quick use.\u00a0<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">-Use your bow limb as a brace to keep the binos steady.\u00a0 Try it\u2026It works better than you might think in keeping the image steady.\u00a0<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">-If the decoy is set and you have time, resting your elbows on your knees is an effective way to minimize the greatest amount of movement.\u00a0 Having a decoy that easily stakes into the ground is key in having both hands free to glass.\u00a0<\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p style=\"text-align: justify\"><\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-align: justify\">The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.montanadecoy.com\/hunting-decoys\/big-game\/rmef-cow-elk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">RMEF Elk<\/a>\u00a0sets up fast in any terrain and is an excellent shield when covering open ground. The head-on pose gives the bull a realistic view as you close the distance in a hurry. Check out this video from the folks at Outback Outdoors explaining the benefits of the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.montanadecoy.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Montana Decoy<\/a>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.montanadecoy.com\/hunting-decoys\/big-game\/rmef-cow-elk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">RMEF Elk decoy<\/a>.<\/p><p><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Elk Hunting Techniques for Open Range Hunts | TRACT design and engineer performance-grade optics without the added retail costs.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":12207,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2257,2258,2259],"tags":[2613,2797,2812,2813,2844,2845,2846,2847,2848,2849,2852],"class_list":["post-398","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-how-to-fix-adjust","category-hunting","category-hunting-rifle-scope","tag-elk-hunting","tag-hunting","tag-hunting-calibers","tag-hunting-calibers-for-deer","tag-hunting-rifle-caliber","tag-hunting-rifle-caliber-chart","tag-hunting-rifle-caliber-for-deer","tag-hunting-rifle-calibers","tag-hunting-rifle-calibers-by-size","tag-hunting-rifle-rounds","tag-hunting-rifle-sizes"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/398","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=398"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/398\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11486,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/398\/revisions\/11486"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12207"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=398"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=398"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.tract-optics.co.za\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=398"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}