The #1 reason you hunt elk?

[cnelk]

What is your TOP 1 reason you hunt elk?

[UtPreacher]

Above all else for the Delicious Meat for the family.

[elkmtngear]

For the ten days of torture and a few minutes of adrenaline???

Honestly I can't say, other than I love it! I am fascinated by elk and their behavior.

[Gutpile]

I dig the meat too, but i hunt elk because satisfaction for me lies in the difficulty of the pursuit.

[timberland]

It has to be the chase of an awesome critter in awesome country. Growing up in the midwest I was never able to hunt where one can walk for days or chase talking animals for miles.

[Indian Summer]

Because I can't seem to kick the habit. If I tried I'd be a like a smoker who loved cigarettes trying to quit.

I like a good challenge. One with a reachable but difficult goal.

I think that killing an elk and what takes place before, during, and after that are the ultimate test of human integrity. It takes all of the physical, and mental (and sometimes financial) commitment we have which is why it's just not for everyone. No "fast food" in the world of elk hunting!

Then, after it's all said and done we & feel like we know twice as much as we did the previous season, we still only ever know half. That endless cycle is what keeps me coming back for more. How can we double our knowledge and skill year after year and still never know all there is to know? Probably because experience is the best teacher and that takes time. A lifetime of experience perhaps. Experience is not something you can accrue at home reading or talking either. Gotta love it!

[TetonStorm]

The hunt! It encompasses everything I'm passionate about.

[Trophyhill]

First is the meat. Then I love the fact that you can interact vocally with them. It truly is exciting!

[Washington Wapiti]

Damn Brad, that's a hard one. I love providing a freezer full of premium wild meat that I know hard work, care, and no B.S. went into . . . every step of the way. I'm also completely obsessed with the pursuit and all the steps leading up to it. Any given day I would say that I flip back and forth between those 2 things as being the main reason. But for the sake of this thread, let's go with the latter.

[jswbga]

hard to really pinpoint it, honestly....

I love that it puts me in new territory (I live at 600' of elevation).

I love the scenic views. Unlike anything I get to see in TX.

I love the people who elk hunt. They are generally of a better cut of human. (exceptions to any rule).

I cant deer hunt in February.... but I can study a national forest map for hours and still feel like I'm hunting.

I get to relive every part of the hunt with every bite. My wife made elk florentine last night, and it was fantastic. Zero leftovers.

Despite the fact that I started hunting them in 2008, it all still feels "new" (probably because I'm still an ek-freshman/sophomore at best).

Going to bed at the end of the day, feeling EXHAUSTED from all the walking, hiking, climbing etc and knowing that you worked your butt off at it.

the list is much longer....really.

shane

[Swede]

I would repeat what Indian Summer wrote. I just love the hunt. A big bull, and a freezer full of meat is always a great ending, but the hunt is what it is all about. Meat?? Are you kidding me? I could buy more prime beef than I could eat for the price I pay for hunting. Don't remind my wife.

[stringunner]

I love to hunt, I love to be in the woods and elk to me are the most fun to go after.

[otcWill]

Its when I feel most alive.

[>>>---WW---->]

Just because I love it! And beating such a magnificent animal on his own playing field at his own game. I can think of no greater thrill than having a screaming bull coming in to kick my tail.

[cnelk]

Here is mine

It defines me

[Mikeha33]

I first and foremost took it on because of the challenge. For me, It's not about the kill. Ever. It's always about learning. Learning more about yourself. About what you can put yourself through, physically, mentally, and emotionally. It's about making the most of what we have put here in front of us by the good Lord. It's about lifelong, unforgettable memories (and mistakes ). I, like most of you guys on here, appreciate a good challenge, (obviously, that's why we do this, right?) and trying something new in the outdoors that I don't have any experience with, really gets me going.
Ultimately, It's because I am a hunter. Therefore, I hunt.

[bowhunter99]

Where else can you have this much fun for a month straight?
Chasing elk around in the prettiest country at the best time of the year.
It is my favorite vacation. Helps balance the other eleven months out.(almost)

[bnsafe]

the MENTAL challenge of not letting the mountain beat me. sometimes I win sometimes I lose. but theres always the next day.

[Indian Summer]

Its when I feel most alive.

Hell yeah!

[Csrbowhunter]

I should know this one because I always have to remind myself why I elk hunt every year when I've hunted days with no luck and my feet and legs are burning! In short I love the chase, with the interaction with the prey. Plus when I'm on the top of a mtn in the early morning, I feel like I couldn't get any closer to my creator. I mean the first elk I killed after 14 days of chasing them and I finally got one. The joy level was threw the roof! I bet I thanked God a hundred times. I just felt like I couldn't have got that bull without his help. I'm not even very religious. But I just feel good when I'm in the mtns.

[Sneaky]

It's the purest form of hunting I know.

I'll sit in a blind, overlooking a corn feeder, shoot whitetails all day, and enjoy it. But nothing compares to elk for a true hunt, that I've experienced. The hours spent scouting, studying, and learning the animal. The miles put in chasing them. Their sheet size and beauty. The back breaking labor getting them out. The millions of acres of public land and thousands of hunters to compete with. Looking at the 6 point on the wall and knowing that you earned it in every way possible. That's hunting, and that's what drives me.

[danarnold]

to me it is the hardest most rewarding thing I've ever done

[Toby]

It is tough to pick a top 1, but since that was the question, I would say it is engaging them in a calling situation and eventually calling them in to bow range.

[Trophyhill]

Its when I feel most alive.

I hear that!

[G Posik]

With my traditional bow hunting elk is ....... Just a little more important than life and death.

Glenn

[WapitiTalk1]

I like to talk with them

[husky390]

I'm a masochist. That and the meat is tasty.

[dreamhunter]

It"s me against nature,I love the thrill and excitement of it all.As long as it doesn"t kill me,I consider every time I go out to hunt a Victory !

[JGH]

Because it's difficult.

[under H2O hunter]

Because I enjoy pissing off PETA.

[Wapiti]

When I was young I called in a small bull with a cow call and was so amazed that I actually called him in.......that was the first elk I ever called in and the first elk I ever shot !!

A small spark turned into a raging fire that foggy crisp morning and a an elk calling and hunting machine was left after the flames diminished !!

There are no great a majestic animals than an elk period !! The land they inhabit is breath taking as well !!

I hate to say but I'm ELKAFIED !!! There is no cure for this addiction it just keep consuming my every thought !!

[BarW]

I just love the outdoors. Hunting is a secondary plus to me, if I kill something great if I don't I still had a good time in the woods/mountains etc. I hunt many different species of animals and enjoy the hunt but I enjoy the outdoors more.

[NCelkhtr]

its just awesome. enough said.

[Jaquomo]

Because that's what humans are supposed to do in the fall.

[Trumkin the Dwarf]

It started as a family thing. We hunted as a family, we cut meat as a family, we thanked God at the table for meat that we collected, by His grace, as a family. Now, my family is scattered across the country, but I still hunt and consider it a good way to remember where I came from.

Besides, there isn't much in this world as thrilling as an elk bugle in the first minutes of the dawn.

[ishy]

When I was 14 we went to a canyon in a le unit in Utah to scout for an upcoming rifle hunt. It was mid September and just stepping out of the truck the canyon was alive with bugling, and antlers crashing right at sunrise. It was magical. Since that morning I just can't get enough.

[Lark Bunting]

Because it is new to me. I've fly fished since I was 7 years old and my dad would take me up the Poudre river and literally tie a rope between me and a tree so I wouldn't get washed away. (Yeah, we look at that as child abuse these days...he meant well) I have caught thousands of fish with flies I tied, leaders I've furled, rods I've build, etc and I've done this in four western states and the flats in Florida. I still like fly fishing but I am not nearly as passionate about it as I once was. When my son sparked the interest in hunting I wasn't sure where it would lead but I can say I have a new flame ignited in my soul. I think about elk hunting all day every day and dream about it most nights. It's all so new to me, and I needed a new challenge.

[Huntrgathr]

ONE reason ? One !? I can't do that. But what I can give you is "The top ten #1 reasons to Hunt Elk"

10 - Elk are evil. They need to die.

9- Elk are made out of meat !

8- I have no choice in the matter. I'm hopelessly addicted.

7- Despite what she says, my wife really does want to get rid of me for a month.

6- To be a good example to my kids by teaching them the fundamentals of self sufficiency.

5- To use all the crap I bought

4- what else can you do in September that's more fun ?

3-it's an excuse to look for Bigfoot without telling people I'm looking for Bigfoot

2- It's my DESTINY !!

1- I like pain

[cohunter14]

I just have a passion for elk hunting that I cannot really explain. It all started when I was very young and my dad would take me on scouting trips with him. I wasn't old enough to hunt with them, which drove me nuts, but instead I would spend the time in the backyard in my own 'make believe' hunt. The year I could finally attend elk camp was one that I dreamed of forever and since that day, the passion has only grown. There is something about being out in the middle of nowhere chasing after elk that brings a piece of mind to me. It is spiritually healing in a way that just going out and camping could never be. I love coming back to camp at night, completely worn out and ready to do it again the next day. Maybe I'm more fit for a straight jacket?

[pointysticks]

it is a crazy goal. bowhunting successfully and taking an elk is so high on my personal priority bucket list..it isnt even funny.

year after year..i get discouraged and tear up some elk tag..i hate filling out that after hunt online survey where they ask if you got one..if you tick "NO" the survey is over..no more questions..if you tick "yes" i imagine more questions about number of points, sex..etc.

i want more questions damit! something in me makes me go year after year.. obsession or something. not so sure it is healthy.

[Jaquomo]

+10 huntrgathr!!

[weaver]

want more questions damit!

This made me smile:)

[mtnmutt]

I am fascinated by elk and their behavior.

x2.

On opening morning of my first ever hunt of anything, I called over a 4x4 bull to a perfect broadside 16yds. I had never hunted before. I shook for what seemed minutes before I drew, aimed too high on vitals, release, elk ducked the arrow and arrow barely went over shoulder. I have been "haunted" by that easy first day ever since. Never have repeated it. That few minute encounter on my first morning being a hunter got me hooked.

Each year, I have different encounters with them. They fascinate me to no end. The spike (illegal) this past season at 20 yards was extremely entertaining with a couple nervous grunts and a cute little bugle. Each season is different and keeps it interesting. 2014 will hold its own surprises and new memories.

[riverbeav]

I hunt elk because I enjoy the action of calling an animal in. This is why I also hunt ducks and turkeys. Fooling an animal as smart and strong as an elk is truly a rewarding experience. I also would like to only eat meat that I have killed myself.

[stykbow67]

I just love the challenge of the hunt and the country they inhabit. Theres nothing like waking up that first morning in the mountains anticipating what the day will bring! Refreshing to say the least!!!

Steve

[G Posik]

I love a challenge! I like to push myself. Elk hunting with Traditional bows it meets both of these. If it was easy then everyone would do it. The challenge of calling them in and out smarting them is an awesome feeling. This is the same reason I fish with artificial baits. Turkey hunt is the same thrill for me. Call an animal in to me while I sit waiting with a trad bow. Oh yeah I love being in the mountains with some really good friends. Creating some really good memories!

Glenn

[elk-n-walleye]

It may sound a little crazy but my #1 reason is simply the anticipation of seeing elk. that is what keeps me putting one foot in front of the other when hiking up the mtn. thinking of all my encounters that is when I'm most excited; when the anticipation is fulfilled by seeing. come to think of it I get a little down after my elk is on the ground. Not because of the pack out but because it means that anticipation/seeing is over til next season. I do get a fix now and then when I travel through any areas populated with elk. My eyes are scanning every hillside in anticipation of seeing an elk. My wife laughs at me but when I point out an elk to her she excitedly points it out to the kids and that's when I get the last laugh.

[husky390]

ONE reason ? One !? I can't do that. But what I can give you is "The top ten #1 reasons to Hunt Elk"

10 - Elk are evil. They need to die.

9- Elk are made out of meat !

8- I have no choice in the matter. I'm hopelessly addicted.

7- Despite what she says, my wife really does want to get rid of me for a month.

6- To be a good example to my kids by teaching them the fundamentals of self sufficiency.

5- To use all the crap I bought

4- what else can you do in September that's more fun ?

3-it's an excuse to look for Bigfoot without telling people I'm looking for Bigfoot

2- It's my DESTINY !!

1- I like pain

I like the way you think. That was funny, but true.

[Huntrgathr]

I am fascinated by elk and their behavior.

x2.

On opening morning of my first ever hunt of anything, I called over a 4x4 bull to a perfect broadside 16yds. I had never hunted before. I shook for what seemed minutes before I drew, aimed too high on vitals, release, elk ducked the arrow and arrow barely went over shoulder. I have been "haunted" by that easy first day ever since. Never have repeated it. That few minute encounter on my first morning being a hunter got me hooked.

Each year, I have different encounters with them. They fascinate me to no end. The spike (illegal) this past season at 20 yards was extremely entertaining with a couple nervous grunts and a cute little bugle. Each season is different and keeps it interesting. 2014 will hold its own surprises and new memories.

This is the #1 reason I choose to hunt archery - close encounters. Being close enough to animals to hear them breathe, to look into their eyes and wonder what they're thinking - to be an observer of and a witness to the awe inspiring things that happen every day in the woods. Most of all, to be intimate with The Wild.

I had a very similar experience to yours ( MtnMutt) when I first started hunting September with a bow. I had been working a small secluded herd that was giving me a full ride scholarship to elk college. After screwing up 10 different ways the first week, I finally did something right. I located a bull before light, moved in and set up. As shooting light came to the dense north slope, I did my best imitation of a cow being hooked by an immature bull. I was still a total rookie in every aspect but I must have done something right because a bull started screaming and grunting and panting about 500 yds away from me and he never stopped making sound as he closed the distance. I didn't have to interpret his sounds or give the right response or anything. All I could hear was unbridled elk fury - hooves pounding, trees being felled, boulders cracking - I mean this bull was FIRED UP and coming at me like a freight train !! All I could do was to try to keep from falling apart as it sounded like that bull was going to tear my head off when he arrived. I sat hunkered behind cover as he finally came into view. He was steaming and panting- whipping his head around looking for the inferior bull he would soon murder. I could see he was a big six point but I was afraid to size him up. My composure hung by a thread and I knew if I looked at his rack it was over. He stopped, six yards away from me, looking for the elk he was sure would be there. Everything was absolutely perfect. I felt like I was in one of those Primos "Big Bulls" videos - except I was on the wrong side of the bush. The bull looked around for a few seconds and then , realizing there was no unwilling cow being assaulted by a rival bull, turned back and walked out of my sight and into my memory forever. I have not been the same man since.

[zpd307]

indian nailed it, again..... meat is another ultimate goal, but the wife wouldn't let me go again if I continue on my current trend. 2 years dry....

[mtnmutt]

Huntgathr, Great encounter you had.

I am glad I did not have your experience for my first encounter. I would have freaked out. It was bad enough for me to shake for minutes and feel like my pounding heart wanted to jump out of my chest. My 4x4 leisurely strolled over to me from 80 yards away to check me out. I temporarily lost sight of him when he dropped into the creek to cross and get through the willows. When he appeared out of the willows, my heart started pounding. My "high" lasted all day.

Some elk hunters give up because they never experience close encounters with elk. Once you have a close encounter, you will never give up. They put a spell on you once you are within 100 yards.

[Fridaythe13th]

Walking in the mountains. getting or seeing an elk is just a bonus

[8upbowhunter]

I gun hunted mule deer in 1983 & 1986 and both hunts were over the first morning but my true passion was bow hunting. I decided then that the next time I returned to Colorado hunting that it would be on a bow hunt for elk. Little did I know it would be 26 years later due to having children and the expenses and responsibilities that goes with them. Fast forward to September 2013 I finally was in a position to make my dream come true. I spent the last 14 days of September with a close friend chasing elk all over the mountains in the rain, sleet and wind. We had 5 close encounters with bulls in that time but when it was all said and done neither of us got a shot. Talk about feeling alive when you have a bull screaming at at you inside of 50 yards and you can't see him!! This was the most exciting hunt I have ever been on and plan to return in September with my son as my partner this time.

[JGH]

Absolutely ... close encounters are a major reason.

If I had to decide between a "sure thing" with access to a private ranch and a wilderness hunt, I'd honestly choose the latter.

[8upbowhunter]

Absolutely ... close encounters are a major reason.

If I had to decide between a "sure thing" with access to a private ranch and a wilderness hunt, I'd honestly choose the latter.

Same here, I am a public land hunter at heart and really enjoy hunting this way. I started bowhunting whitetail back home on public land 8 years ago and enjoy the challenge.

[MtnHunter]

For the same reason most house cats will chase string. It's in me.

[N5J]

Because I haven't gotten a bull yet! Now...I've come close and turned down shots because they were too far or bad angles. I love being in elk country, truly a majestic animal! I know my day will come when the time is right.

N5J

James

[DMiller6868]

Because I love hearing elk bugle. Same thing with turkeys, if they didn't gobble I don't think I'd hunt them.

I also appreciate the scenery and exploring new territory I've never been!!