Location

• MountainsImage by Flickr.com, courtesy of Pam
  
  Finding the right hunt unit will get you started. Research unit statistics and draw odds whenever possible to bolster your success rates.
  
  

Scouting

• Scout the territory before the season.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Nicholas
  
  Spend time before the season starts learning your area and discovering the habits of elk that inhabit the territory. This increases your odds of success.
  
  

Weapon

• Know your weapon.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of The U.S. Army
  
  Weapon requirements vary by state. Review them before going into the field. Also, be comfortable with your weapon because hunting conditions are not the same as on the range.
  
  

Boots

• High-quality footwear is necessary.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Beverly
  
  Elk hunting requires footwork, which means you will be spending time on your feet hiking up and down hills and may experience temperature extremes ranging from snow and ice to hot and sticky. High-quality footwear will help your feet survive the conditions.
  
  

Field Care

• Once the shooting is over, the hard work begins. After harvesting an animal, you must know how to handle the field care. Properly field-dressing an elk helps preserve the meat.