Hunting Elk Creek
by Heidi Smith
Realistic range practice and the ability to adapt to adverse circumstances in unpredictable fields are what hunters must focus on in order to prepare for the elk hunt of a lifetime.
Among North American game, the elk holds a place of almost mythic prominence. So, when a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity arises to go on an elk hunt, you had better be up to the task, and that means doing more than going out to the range and putting a few rounds through your rifle to check the zero. The success or failure of a memorable (and expensive) hunt can depend on your state of readiness and your familiarity with your equipment.
When I recently got a chance to experience my first elk hunt, I wanted to get lots of practice, so I needed to decide on my choice of rifle and caliber early on. Funny thing, when you start telling people you're going elk hunting, everyone has their opinion of what you must use. Most told me I needed to use a big caliber. Some of them looked at me like I was silly when I told them I was going to use my favorite .308 -- a rifle I've been shooting well and consistently for two years.
