Many an inspired page has been written about the mighty bull elk, steam blowing out of the mouth, shaking the Rockies and sending the shivers down the hunter’s spine with his bugle. The North American wapiti, or elk, can be found also in Canada, and introduced herds (with hunting opportunities) exist also in countries like New Zealand. But the core of the elk population is found in the United States, where the hunting dollar based North American conservation model ensured its comeback from near extinction to healthy herds. Nowadays the elk has regained most of its former habitat range, and elk hunting seasons are open as far East as Pennsylvania. However, the odds to draw a tag there are extremely low. That’s why most people go West to hunt elk. States like Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico have programs that allow outfitters to provide hunters with OTC tags. However, for the best of the best options, a lot of luck (and preference points) in random draw is still required. Elk are hunted either by calling during the rut (or “bugle”), by spot-and-stalk, or by combination of both methods. Late season hunts are typically rifle; however, if you want to experience those bonemarrow-freezing moments of the peak of the rut, you must be prepared to take your bull with a bow.