Elk Hunt

What's up, elk hunters! This week I'm sitting down with Jacob Winn, and let me tell you—this guy had an absolutely banner year. We're talking about a double bull season: a great six-point with his bow AND another six-point during rifle season. Jacob takes us through his entire 2024 elk hunting journey, from chasing big bulls in Idaho's rugged backcountry to navigating the ups and downs that come with archery season. We dive deep into his strategies, the mistakes he made (and learned from), and how persistence and putting in the days is what really separates successful elk hunters from everyone else. This episode is packed with action—we're talking multiple close encounters, blown opportunities, and some absolutely clutch moments that'll get you fired up for next season. Jacob breaks down everything from scouting tactics to reading bull behavior, hunting with buddies, and knowing when to leave elk to find better elk. Whether you're a DIY archery hunter grinding it out or a rifle hunter trying to find bulls in nasty late-season country, there's something in this episode for you. Let's get into it!   OnX Hunt - If you're not using the new LiDAR feature on OnX yet, you're leaving elk on the mountain. LiDAR gives you the ability to see micro-terrain in your topo maps—those hidden benches and terrain features that make all the difference in finding elk. Upgrade to OnX Elite and take your mapping to the next level. Better maps make you a better hunter. Head to onxmaps.com and use code TRO to save 20% off your membership. Stone Glacier - Jacob and I both run Stone Glacier packs, and for good reason. The new Sky Archer 6400 is versatile enough to handle an 8-day backpack hunt or work as a lightweight day pack for bow hunting. These packs are built tough but weigh almost nothing. Check out the full line of Stone Glacier packs at stoneglacier.com—they've got something for every style of hunter. Tricer - Fast, light, and simple—that's what Tricer is all about. From amazing tripods to bino mounts and their new bipods, Tricer makes gear that just works. I've been using the heck out of their bipod and it's helped me kill a lot of critters. Head over to tricer.com and use code TRO to save 10% at checkout. Chapter Timestamps 0:00 - Intro & Meat Processing Talk 2:45 - Jacob's Epic Double Bull Season 5:30 - Getting Started: Jacob's Elk Hunting Background 8:15 - First Archery Season (2021) - 25 Days of Learning 12:00 - Adapting Tactics: From Calling to Open Country 16:30 - The Banner 2023 Season & Double Bull Success 20:45 - Learning from Failure: The Tough 2024 Archery Season 24:00 - Planning for 2024: Scouting & Drawing the Control Hunt Tag 28:15 - Opening Day Drama: The 348" Bull 32:00 - Noah Tags Out in 30 Minutes 35:30 - September Gets Tough: Reading Bull Behavior 39:00 - The Move to New Country 42:15 - Discovering the Mother Lode Basin 46:30 - Ten At-Bats in One Evening 50:00 - The Final Morning: Persistence Pays Off 54:00 - The Perfect Shot at 43 Yards 56:30 - Rifle Season: Finding Elk After the Storm 1:00:00 - Last Evening Magic: Double Bulls Again 1:03:30 - Advice for Becoming a Better Elk Hunter 1:05:15 - Wrap Up & Where to Follow Jacob Three Key Takeaways Volume of Opportunities Matters More Than Perfect Execution - Jacob's success came from getting 10+ close encounters with bulls rather than making every shot count. The more you can put yourself in position with elk, the higher your odds of success. Hunt as many days as possible and stay persistent. Don't Be Afraid to Leave Elk to Find Better Elk - Especially in archery season, pressured or difficult-to-hunt elk aren't worth grinding on forever. Jacob's best success came when he was willing to move to new basins and find unpressured bulls that were actually killable. Combat hunting changes the game. Bulls Have Different Personalities and Situations Change Daily - Not every rutting bull acts the same way. Some go crazy on opening day, others stay cautious all season. Wind, cow cycles, pressure from other bulls, and even individual personality all factor in. Stay adaptable and don't expect bulls to behave like they do in hunting videos.

Hey everyone, Cody Rich here from The Elk Hunt Podcast, your go-to spot for all things elk hunting. From DIY backcountry grinds to chats with the legends who've been stacking up big bulls for years, we've got the stories, tips, and tactics to fire you up for September. In this killer episode, I sit down with Tom – an absolute beast in the woods who's one of the most underrated elk slayers out there. We dive deep into his solo hunt this year where he arrows a solid herd bull in thick timber, sharing the play-by-play on how he closed the deal without a caller. Tom breaks down his evolution from chasing runners as a kid to mastering herd bull setups, reading elk behavior like a book, and turning midday lulls into prime opportunities. We talk real talk on solo strategies – from minimal bugling to let curiosity do the work, to raking, wind plays, and picking your battlefield. If you're grinding solo or just want to level up your game, this one's packed with nuggets that'll have you rethinking your next setup. Seriously, bookmark this ep and spin it a couple times – it's one of my favorites all year. Don't forget to drop a review if you're digging the show, it helps big time. And hey, we're running a massive giveaway: a Weatherby Alpine CT rifle, Maven scope, and Tricer bipod – 100% free entry, just hit up the website and toss in your email for a shot at it. Let's get after it!Learn More from Tom Episode Sponsors Big shoutout to our partners who keep the hunts rolling – gear up with these and use code TRO for sweet discounts: OnX Hunt: The must-have app for e-scouting, marking boundaries, and navigating like a pro in elk country. Elite membership unlocks next-level tools to crush your hunts. Check 'em out at https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt and use code TRO for 20% off. Tricer Tripods: Fast, light, and simple gear built for the backcountry. Their tripods and bipods are game-changers for glassing and steady shots – I run 'em hard and they hold up. Head to https://tricerusa.com/ and snag the discount with code TRO. Stone Glacier: Minimalist, high-quality mountain gear from packs and tents to clothing and sleeping bags – lightweight and bombproof for those deep elk pursuits. I've trusted their stuff for years. Visit https://www.stoneglacier.com/ and apply code TRO to save. Episode Chapters 00:00 - Intro & Episode Tease: Cody kicks off the show, hyping the chat with Tom and why it's a must-listen for hardcore elk hunters.03:15 - Sponsor Shoutouts: Quick hits on Tricer, Stone Glacier, and the giveaway details. 06:30 - Solo Hunting Origins: Tom shares his early days learning from his dad, chasing runners, and his first solo herd bull kill 15 years ago.12:45 - Reading Elk Behavior: Breaking down herd bulls vs. satellites, why cows often lead the run, and using bugles to gauge intent.19:20 - Minimal Calling Tactics: Tips on curiosity killing the cat, raking for comfort noise, and avoiding over-bugling to close the deal.25:40 - This Year's Solo Hunt Story: The play-by-play on Tom's Idaho bull – setup, wind plays, raking exchanges, and the 20-yard shot.33:15 - Challenges of Solo Calling: Getting shots without getting pinned, using mouth reeds to stop bulls, and directing bugles for better approaches.39:50 - Midday Magic & Persistence: Stories of working bulls all day, bedding areas, and turning "runners" into kills once cows settle.46:30 - Decoys & Adaptations: When and how decoys shine (or don't), plus lessons from open country vs. thick timber.52:10 - More Bull Encounters: Tom's seven solo calls this season, reading scenarios, and a deep backcountry midday setup that almost paid off.58:25 - Wrapping Up & Lessons Learned: Final thoughts on always improving, post-setup reviews, and intro to Tom's courses.1:04:00 - Outro & Plugs: Cody's sign-off, giveaway reminder, and where to find more resources. Key Takeaways Let Curiosity Work for You: Instead of constant bugling duels, go silent or minimal after initial contact – elk often come in closer when they're unsure of your exact location, giving you better shot opportunities without getting pinned. Read the Herd Dynamics: Not all "runners" are the bull fleeing; often it's the cows leading the charge. Listen to bugle types to tell if the bull's talking to you or just herding cows, and wait for midday bedding to force a confrontation. Persistence Pays in Midday Lulls: Don't bail after morning action quiets – stick on a herd all day, pack food/water, and capitalize on bedding areas. Bulls are more callable once cows settle, turning long chases into kills.

In this action-packed episode of the Elk Hunt Podcast, host [redacted for anonymity, but based on context] sits down with seasoned elk hunter Jeff Helm to recap his remarkable 2024 season, where he harvested four mature bulls across vastly different states and terrains. Jeff dives into his addiction to hunting Roosevelt elk on the rugged Oregon coast, sharing tales of navigating ancient forests, battling poison oak, and out-hunting locals. The conversation shifts to an epic backcountry Wyoming adventure with llamas, where Jeff, Mark, and Josh adapted to heavy horse hunter pressure, glassed for patterns, and called in bulls using calf sounds and strategic setups. Packed with storytelling, Jeff reveals his adaptable tactics, from spot-and-stalk in Idaho to calf calling in thick timber, emphasizing mental toughness, pre-scouting, and building hunter intuition. Whether you're a beginner or advanced hunter, this episode offers invaluable insights into consistent success on public land.This episode is brought to you by Tricer, they make gear that is Fast. Light. Simple. Tricer is taking the industry by storm, in fact you should have seen the booth at Sheep Show it was packed to the gills everytime I walked by there. It’s not just hype though, I have said it for years Drew Miles is mad scientist and the speed at which he is reinventing and solving problems is absolutely insane. More than just tri-pods Drew and the team have some really cool products coming out this year. In fact the new bipod is now available for preorder. Head over to Tricer.com and check out all the new products available for pre-order and get you our name on the list. that new bi-pod is very slick and half the price of similar bi-pods. Also I love the new 360 that allows you to put micro pan on any of your tri-pod head. Check it out Tricer.com and use code TRO to save 10% This episode is brought to you by Tricer they make gear that is Fast Light, simple. Drew and the team have been dominating the lightweight backcountry tripod market but now they are taking on the shooting tripods with some really cool innovation. I absolutly love to see guys like drew crushing it and cant wait to see Tricer dominate the tripod market. Check them out at tricer.com and if you are in the market for a new tripod be sure to use code TRO for 10% off your order.Next, we’ve got Stone Glacier, the brand that sets the bar for high-performance gear in the backcountry. From their lightweight, durable backpacks to their breathable, water-resistant clothing, Stone Glacier is built to help you go further and stay comfortable, no matter how tough the conditions. If you’re serious about your gear and need something that won’t hold you back on those long, rugged hunts, check out Stone Glacier at www.stoneglacier.com 0:00 - Intro: Jeff's Impressive Season and Roosevelt Elk Addiction 4:30 - Oregon Coast Challenges: Poison Oak, Mystical Terrain, and Consistency 9:00 - Wyoming Planning: E-Scouting, Llamas, and Switching to Plan B 14:15 - Pre-Hunt Scouting: Driving Roads, Access Points, and Adapting to Pressure 19:45 - Glassing Strategy: Observing Elk and Hunters for Two Days 25:00 - Day 3 Success: Calf Calls Bring in a Herd and First Bull Down 30:30 - Post-Kill Adventures: Grizzly in Camp and Shifting Elk Patterns 35:45 - Josh's Bull: Long-Distance Cow Calls at 1600 Yards 40:15 - Mark's Bull: Afternoon Setups, Storm Chaos, and Challenge Bugles 45:00 - Key Lessons: Adaptability, Choosing Battlefields, and Mental Toughness 50:30 - Idaho and Texas Hunts: Spot-and-Stalk Tactics in Silent Country 55:00 - Advice to Beginners: Learn from Killers, Watch Elk, and Build Intuition Three Key Takeaways Here are three insightful takeaways for the average listener, drawn from Jeff's experiences and advice—focusing on practical, mindset-shifting lessons for consistent elk success: Adaptability Trumps Rigid Tactics: Elk hunting isn't one-size-fits-all; adjust your approach based on terrain, pressure, rut phase, and elk behavior. For example, calf calls worked in Wyoming's backcountry, but spot-and-stalk was key in silent Idaho hunts—avoid overcomplicating with too many tools and stay flexible to turn tough situations into kills. Pre-Scouting and Observation Are Underrated Superpowers: Arrive early to drive roads, assess access, and glass elk patterns without rushing in. Jeff's Wyoming success came from watching horse hunters and elk for days to find unpressured pockets, proving that understanding where elk go (and why) often beats blind calling or chasing. Build Gut Intuition Through Experience and Mentors: Learn from consistent killers like Dan Evans by observing elk habits and avoiding common pitfalls, such as rushing bedded bulls (wait 45-60 minutes to let them settle). Mental toughness keeps you in the game—elk hunting is hard until it's not, and one right setup can change everything.    

Hey everyone, Cody Rich here from The Rich Outdoors, and man, do I have a banger of an episode for you today! I sat down with my buddy Dillon Dietz, the mastermind behind "Elk Don't Exist," and we dove deep into his epic Montana archery bull story after 12 years of grinding. We're talking solo pack-outs in hailstorms, finally tagging out early, and how ditching the over-calling game changed everything. Dillon shares the highs and lows – from freezing in thunderstorms to that heart-pounding 30-yard shot on a funky five-by-clubby freak. We geek out on early-season tactics, why getting into the "nucleus" of elk chaos is key, and lessons from my own tough private land hunt where blind calling saved the day. If you're chasing your first bull or just love those raw, real hunting yarns that fire you up for September, this one's packed with tips, laughs, and motivation to keep pushing. Let's dive in! Sponsored by Stone Glacier Today's episode is brought to you by Stone Glacier. I've been hauling with their packs for years, and this season I'm running the new Avro 6400 – big enough for a 10-day backcountry grind but streamlined for day hunts too. Love the minimalist, lightweight design; I pack enough gear without the bag adding extra weight. From day packs to expedition beasts, they've got you covered. Head over to stoneglacier.com and gear up. Sponsored by Treer Tripods This episode is also brought to you by Treer Tripods. You need something solid for those fancy Maven optics – grab a Treer tripod and one of their panheads. My buddy Drew started this company, and his innovations are killer, with tons of new products dropping soon. My setup: Treer AD with the LP panhead – super lightweight, smooth, and handles big optics no problem. Add the bino clamp adapter for the full kit. Check 'em out at treer.com and use code TRO to save 10% off, plus snag a sweet setup. Great option if you're in the market for a lightweight elk hunting tripod! Show Notes 0:00 - Intro and Sponsors Kicking off with shoutouts to Stone Glacier and Treer Tripods, plus a quick hype on the episode's elk hunting vibes. 3:20 - Dillon's Early Tag-Out Blues Dillon shares the mixed feelings of tagging out after just six days, compared to last year's 35-day grind, and how he's itching to get back out. 9:45 - Hunting Mindset Shifts Discussing patience, ditching over-calling, and how focusing on glassing and finding elk first led to Dillon's success this season. 17:30 - The Hunt Breakdown: Day-by-Day Chaos Dillon recounts spotting elk, multiple close calls with a five-by-five, getting soaked in storms, and epic calf encounters that pulled bulls in. 26:15 - Early-Season Bull Dynamics Exploring why big bulls tolerate satellites early on, elk psychology, and how a giant 320-class bull judged reactions without spotting Dillon. 33:50 - The Kill Shot and Solo Pack-Out Dillon details the perfect blind setup, holding at full draw for a minute, nailing the bull at 30 yards, and shuttling meat in 80-degree heat amid a hailstorm. 41:20 - Cody's Private Land Lessons Cody shares his tough hunt on a ranch, emphasizing getting into the "nucleus" of elk activity, blind calling tactics, and why solo setups work. 48:40 - Blind Calling Strategies and Buglefests Breaking down setups for blind calling, firing up reluctant bulls, and how decoys and patience turn quiet mornings into action. 55:10 - Reflections and Future Hunts Wrapping up with takeaways on persistence, enjoying the process, and plans for rifle tags, backcountry trips, and more elk grinding. 1:02:00 - Outro and Plugs Dillon promotes his brand and podcast; final thoughts on believing in the hunt and tuning in next time. Key Takeaways Patience Over Pressure: Ditch over-calling and focus on glassing first – waiting for the right setup and going back to basics like soft cow-calf sequences can turn quiet elk into responsive ones, especially early season. Hunt the Nucleus: Get into the chaos of a herd or active group where satellites are easier to call in; chasing lone bulls is way harder than staying in the "party" where elk behavior creates opportunities. Learn from the Grind: It might take years (like Dillon's 12), but sticking to spots with consistent sign, adapting tactics mid-hunt, and enjoying the process without overthinking builds the skills for success – persistence pays off.  

What’s good, elk hunters? Cody Rich here, flying solo on this midseason refresher for The Elk Hunt Podcast! With September in full swing, I’m dropping some serious wisdom to keep you dialed in for elk season. I’m headed out for a mountain goat hunt before diving into back-to-back elk hunts, so the stoke is real! In this episode, I break down my five never forgets—key reminders to stay sharp when the mountain’s kicking your teeth in. We’ll also dive into the 80/20 rule to maximize your hunting efforts, plus what to do when your plans go sideways and the elk aren’t cooperating. From finding new elk to blind calling silent bulls, this episode is packed with tips to keep you in the game. Whether you’re grinding through a tough hunt or just hitting elk camp, let’s get after it and make this season epic! Show Sponsors onX Hunt: Take your elk hunt to the next level with onX Hunt’s killer mapping tools. Share waypoints and hunt plans with your crew, scout with Terrain X, and navigate offline like a pro. Use code TRO for 20% off an Elite subscription at onxmaps.com. Try it free for 7 days! Stone Glacier: Pack out your elk with Stone Glacier’s lightweight, minimalist packs. The new Archer 6400 is perfect for day hunts or 10-day backcountry missions. Built for hunters who move light and fast. Check out the full lineup at stoneglacier.com.   Time Stamp Chapters 00:00 - 03:00: Introduction and Sponsor Shoutouts Cody introduces the solo midseason refresher, shares his upcoming mountain goat and elk hunts, and highlights onX Hunt’s sharing features and Stone Glacier’s Archer 6400 pack. 03:00 - 15:00: The Five Never Forgets Cody shares his five key reminders: September is short, it can happen in a second, execute your shot, never take the wind for granted, and somewhere on the mountain, elk are going bananas. 15:00 - 22:00: Applying the 80/20 Rule to Elk Hunting Cody explains the 80/20 rule, emphasizing focusing on the 20% of time (dawn/dusk), areas (where 80% of elk are), and tactics that yield the biggest results. 22:00 - 30:00: When the Mountain Punches You in the Mouth Cody discusses what to do when plans fail—stay flexible, find new elk, cover ground, and avoid getting married to a bad camp or unhuntable elk. 30:00 - 38:00: Tactical Advice for Silent Elk Cody shares strategies for hunting non-bugling elk, like blind calling with light cow calls in timber, setting up for 30-60 minutes to draw in silent satellite bulls. 38:00 - 42:00: Closing Motivation and Hunt Plans Cody wraps up with excitement for his goat and elk hunts, encourages trusting your gut, and promotes the free hunt planner at elkhunt201.com. Three Key Takeaways Stay Resilient with the Five Never Forgets: Cody’s five reminders—especially that September is short and it can happen in a second—help hunters stay motivated and focused, even when the hunt feels brutal, ensuring you don’t quit early. Maximize the 80/20 Rule: Focusing on the 20% of time (dawn/dusk), areas (where most elk are), and effective tactics (like targeted calling) can yield 80% of your success, making every hunt more efficient. Adapt When Plans Fail: When elk aren’t cooperating or pressure ruins your spot, stay flexible, cover ground to find new elk, and use tactics like blind calling to hunt silent bulls, ensuring you stay in the game.

Join host Cody Rich and co-host Jaden for a high-energy kickoff to the 2025 elk season, recorded just before the archery opener. Fresh off Alaska hunts, we dive into the frenzy of antelope, cow moose, and elk plans, sharing stories of opening-day rut fests and painful misses. We unpack the 101 vs. 201 elk hunter mindset, exploring how to break free from “Average Joe” habits by mastering skills like finding elk, predicting movement, and adapting to pressure, fires, or weather. With a teaser for our upcoming 301-level elk hunt, this episode is loaded with practical tips, from night calling in tough units to building a versatile skill set. Get ready to level up your elk game and make this season one to remember! Timestamp Chapters 00:00 - Intro and Season Hype: Cody and Jayden kick things off, stoked for the 2025 elk season, fresh from Alaska hunts and juggling antelope and moose tags. 02:30 - Sponsors: Stone Glacier and Tricer Tripods: Shoutouts to Stone Glacier’s lightweight Archer 6400 pack and Tricer’s innovative LP panhead tripod setup. 04:45 - Opening Weekend Chaos: Discussing the gong show of opening days, why Jayden’s skipping antelope opener, and avoiding the “Average Joe” quitter mindset. 08:15 - Cow Moose Hunt Plans: Cody shares his cow moose tag strategy, targeting areas with bull moose hunters for intel and navigating calf restrictions. 12:00 - 101 vs. 201 Elk Hunters: Breaking down the difference between stumbling 101 hunters and consistent 201 killers, focusing on thinking outside the box. 18:30 - Avoiding Average Joe Moves: How “Average Joe” hunters fail by following crowds, and why seeking unpressured pockets is key to consistent success. 24:00 - Calling in Tough Units: Strategies for silent, call-shy elk, like night calling and soft cow-calf sequences, to outsmart pressured herds. 29:45 - Wallows: Worth It or Not?: Debating the effectiveness of sitting wallows, why mornings might beat evenings, and pairing them with glassing for better odds. 36:00 - Diesel vs. Boot Leather: Why driving to find elk can trump hiking, balancing romanticism with practical scouting in high-pressure units. 42:15 - Limited Entry vs. OTC Mindset: Treating premium tags like high-pressure hunts to avoid complacency and maximize success, even with fewer hunters. 48:30 - Contingencies for Fires and Chaos: Cody’s approach to wildfires, road closures, and unexpected setbacks, emphasizing multiple hunt plans and flexibility. 55:00 - Gear: Confidence Over Hype: How dialed gear boosts confidence, but 301 hunters prioritize skills over chasing the latest trends. 1:00:45 - Mastering Elk Hunting Skills: Cody reflects on learning to predict elk behavior, read herds, and stay calm under pressure to level up from 101 to 201. 1:08:00 - Picking a Skill to Master: Cody’s assignment for hunters—pick one skill (e.g., stalking, calling) and build hunts around mastering it for a memorable season. 1:13:15 - Wrap-Up and Hunt Teaser: Cody and Jayden hype their upcoming 301-level elk hunt, promising a recap of their timber-stalking adventure. Brought to You by Stone GlacierPack light, hunt hard with Stone Glacier, the minimalist’s choice for elk country. Cody’s running the new Archer 6400 pack, perfect for 10-day backcountry hunts or streamlined day trips. Lightweight, durable, and no extra bulk—Stone Glacier’s got you covered from day packs to expedition haulers. Check them out at www.stoneglacier.com and use code TRO to save on your next pack. Get ready to haul that elk out! Powered by Tricer TripodsGlass smarter with Tricer Tripods, built for elk hunters who need lightweight, rock-solid setups. Cody swears by the Tricer AD with the LP panhead—smooth, compact, and ready for big optics. From binos to spotting scopes, Tricer’s innovative designs keep you steady in the field. Visit www.tricertripods.com and use code TRO for 10% off your full setup. Spot that bull before he spots you! Three Key Takeaways Ditch the Average Joe Mindset: To move from a 101 to a 201 hunter, avoid crowd-following habits like quitting after a busy opening weekend. Seek unpressured pockets by thinking differently—focus on areas others overlook, like low-quality habitat or remote corners, to find elk consistently. Master One Skill at a Time: Pick a specific skill (e.g., calling, stalking, or reading elk behavior) and build your hunt around mastering it. Focused practice, like night calling for silent elk or predicting movement, accelerates improvement over scattered efforts. Stay Flexible with Contingency Plans: Elk hunting is unpredictable—fires, weather, or pressure can derail plans. Always have multiple hunt plans across different ranges or low-country backups to adapt quickly and keep your season alive.

Hey folks, Cody Rich here from The Elk Hunt Podcast. Man, what a killer episode we just dropped with my buddy Eric Chesser from Hush. We dive deep into the mental grind of elk hunting, sharing stories from low-success units, boundary games, and that never-give-up attitude that turns tough hunts into triumphs. Eric's an absolute elk slayer who's all about challenging himself on OTC tags and hard-to-draw spots, and we break down tactics like ambushing herds, tree saddles, and willing success into existence. If you're gearing up for elk season, this one's packed with real talk to get you fired up and focused. Timestamp Chapters 00:00 - Intro and Sponsors: Shoutouts to OnX Hunt and Maven Optics, plus a quick plug for elite memberships and killer gear. 02:45 - Welcoming Eric Chesser: Catching up on why we've never podcasted before and diving into Eric's elk hunting journey. 05:30 - The Mental Battle of Elk Hunting: Discussing persistence, positive mindset, and why time in the field beats talent every time. 12:15 - Prepping for Tough Units: How Eric scouts low-success areas, focuses on high vantage points, and commits to a spot once he finds elk. 18:40 - Visioning Success and Overcoming Lows: Talking about willing kills into existence, handling hunt valleys, and the power of a competitive mindset against the mountain. 25:20 - Solo vs. Group Hunting: Why Eric prefers going solo for decision-making and building intuition, plus reflecting on 25+ years of elk knowledge. 31:50 - Finding and Honing In on Elk: What makes Eric lock onto an area, combining sign, low pressure, and personal vision. 37:10 - Tree Saddles and Early Season Tactics: Eric's challenge-driven approach to water holes, wallows, and why saddles are a game-changer for mobile setups. 43:25 - Boundary Games and Private Edges: Patience, persistence, and aggressive moves when elk finally cross onto public. 49:00 - Ambushing Herds and Reading Elk: Quick decisions, cutting off moving groups, and analyzing body language to get in tight. 55:30 - Huntability and Big Bull Habits: Choosing terrain for stocks, predicting pressured elk, and what makes a spot "huntable." 1:01:45 - Dream Bulls and Genetics: Defining big bulls (320+ as solid, 340+ as giants), unit-specific expectations, and personal favorites like whale tails and triple brows. 1:07:20 - Upcoming Hunts and Films: Eric's 2023 plans, redemption tags, and must-watch Hush elk films for inspiration. 1:12:00 - Wrap-Up and Outro: Best of luck for the season, plus a tease for a mid-season check-in. Brought to You by OnX HuntDon’t just hunt—hunt smarter with OnX Hunt. More than a mapping app, OnX is your ultimate hunt planning system. With Elite Membership, you get access to nationwide land ownership maps, Huntin’ Fool’s e-Magazine, Terrain X, and research tools to plan better hunts and find more elk. Cody and Eric rely on OnX to scout high vantage points and navigate tough units. Head to www.onxmaps.com and use code TRO to save 20% on your Elite Membership. Elevate your elk game today! Powered by Maven OpticsWhen it’s time to glass that dream bull, trust Maven Optics, a Wyoming-based, direct-to-consumer brand delivering unmatched clarity and durability. Eric swears by the B6 binoculars and RS.3.2 rifle scope for spotting giants in the high country. No middleman, no markups—just premium optics at the best value. Check out the B Series at www.mavenbuilt.com and use code TRO for exclusive savings. Spot what others miss with Maven. Three Key Takeaways Persistence Trumps Skill: Elk hunting isn't about being the best caller or mapper—it's about outlasting the lows. Eric and I both hammer home that success comes from grinding longer than most, blocking out doubts, and turning every day (even the elk-less ones) into valuable intel for future wins. Commit to Your Vision: Go into hunts with a clear mental picture of success—whether it's killing in a specific canyon or on a tough unit. This "willing it into existence" mindset helps push through mental battles and turns challenges into obsessions that pay off. Read the Room and Act Fast: When closing in on elk, analyze herd dynamics like cow body language, bull position, and movement patterns. Be aggressive in decisions—cut off herds for ambushes—but know when to slow down. It's all about building that gut intuition through real field time.