Today, we’re switching gears.

We’ve been talking a lot about deer lately.

So let’s talk…Elk.

Elk are big, loud, and ridiculously smart, making them one of the most challenging and rewarding animals to hunt.

But beyond their massive size and famous bugles, there’s a lot more to these giants than meets the eye.

The Ghosts of the Woods

If you’ve ever hunted elk, you know they can disappear in seconds.

One moment, you’re staring at a full herd across a meadow.

The next?

Gone.

Part of what makes them so sneaky is their incredible sense of smell.

They can pick up human scent from over half a mile away.

Their hearing?

Even better.

If you snap a twig in the wrong spot, they’ll know.

That’s why understanding the wind is key to a successful hunt.

If your scent is blowing toward them, you’re already busted.

Smart hunters always play the wind and move quietly and carefully.

Otherwise, you’ll be left wondering how a 700-pound animal just vanished into thin air.

Elk Antlers Grow at an Insane Rate

You’ve seen giant elk racks before, but have you ever thought about how fast they grow?

A bull elk’s antlers can grow an inch per day, which is crazy when you think about it.

By the time fall rolls around, those massive antlers can weigh up to 40 pounds.

That’s part of why shed hunting is so popular.

Every year, bulls drop those giant antlers, leaving behind some serious trophies for those willing to put in the miles to find them.

Bark, Grunt, and Whistle

Everyone knows about the legendary elk bugle, but did you know that they bark too?

It’s not exactly the friendly kind of bark either.

It’s more of a sharp, loud sound that basically means, “We see you, and we’re outta here.”

If you hear an elk bark while hunting, it’s probably already too late.

They’ve spotted you, and they’re warning the whole herd.

Best move?

Stay still, stay quiet, and hope they don’t fully bust you.

Elk Are Loud. Except When You’re Hunting Them

Outside of hunting season, elk snap branches, grunt, and make all kinds of noise while moving through the woods.

But once hunters start showing up?

Silence.

This is one of the biggest challenges of elk hunting.

If you’re used to listening for deer movement, don’t expect the same with elk.

They’ll ghost through thick timber like ninjas.

Even a whole herd can move quietly if they feel pressured.

That’s why pre-season scouting is so important.

If you can, find their trails, bedding areas, and feeding zones before the season starts.

Elk Have…A Sweet Tooth??

Elk are opportunistic eaters and will chow down on everything from grasses to shrubs to tree bark.

But did you know they also love apples, berries, and even corn?

In some areas, elk will raid orchards, and hunters who know this can use it to their advantage.

If you’re hunting in an area where elk have access to crops or fruit trees, pay attention to those spots.

Be Ready for a Workout

Elk hunting isn’t for the lazy.

If you’re serious about chasing these animals, get ready for miles of hiking, steep climbs, and brutal pack-outs.

A lot of first-time elk hunters underestimate the physical demand of the hunt.

Unlike deer hunting, where you might sit in a tree stand for hours, elk hunting is active.

You have to cover ground, glass for hours, and be ready to move fast when an opportunity presents itself.

And if you do tag a bull?

That’s when the real work begins.

A mature bull can weigh 700+ pounds, which means packing out the meat is no joke.

Be prepared with game bags, a strong pack, and a few good friends to help.

We know that every hunt has a story.

Whether it’s your first elk, your biggest bull, or even just a shed you found that you want to display, Turn’ER Wild Taxidermy is here to make sure that memory lasts a lifetime.

We offer:
Full shoulder mounts: Bring your bull back to life in stunning detail.
European skull mounts: A classic, clean way to showcase your trophy.
Custom antler displays: Got a matching set of sheds? Let’s turn them into something special.

If you’re lucky enough to bag an elk this season, or just want to preserve an incredible find, we’d be honored to help.

Ready to mount your trophy? Reach out to us today!

And as always, my friends…Stay Wild!