Best Times to Hunt Elk (2025)

Elk once roamed across most of North America, but due to vast human settlement, they now live primarily in the western United States. They can also be found in parts of Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina, and west of Ontario in Canada. 

They are extremely adaptable animals. They have been introduced to other countries, including Argentina and New Zealand, where they are currently thriving.

An elk is a trophy hunt for many hunters, so if this animal is on your hunting bucket list, make sure you choose the best time and place to hunt them! 

Updated August 15, 2025

Why Hunt Elk?

Many hunters enjoy the fact that elk season takes place alongside deer season in many areas. So, if you miss out on a big bull elk, you could still come home with a nice big buck without planning a separate trip. 

If you're an adventure seeker, an elk hunt almost always delivers. Elk can travel over different terrain and many miles before you can close in on the one you've tracked. So, you'll need to be in good shape to hunt elk, but it definitely won't be dull if you're up for the challenge. 

For hunters after a "trophy," elk can be one of the most accessible in the U.S. Then, once you tag an elk, you have a lot of delicious meat to pack out and get home. You'll enjoy meat that some say is like venison but with a different, slightly sweet, less gamey taste. 

Finding the Best Times to Hunt Elk

Elk behavior changes dramatically throughout the fall. Understanding these shifts can make or break your hunt. 

From the first bugles of September to the quiet, wary bulls of November, timing is everything. Here’s how to plan your hunt for the best chance at success this season.

Archery Hunters

Bowhunting elk is a challenge, but it's also a lot of fun and worth it when you bring down a trophy bull from the Western landscapes. You also get the earlier season shots at elk herds when you get out with your bow for a hunt. 

Early September

The elk archery season often kicks off with warm days and quiet woods. Bulls are just starting to gather cows and establish dominance. They may not be highly vocal yet, but this can be a great time to pattern them near water sources and feeding areas. 

Morning and evening sits near wallows can be productive, especially if the weather is hot.

Mid September

When is the elk rut? Mid-September is when the rut begins to heat up. 

Bulls are bugling more frequently and are easier to locate through calling. It’s prime time for archery hunters who love the excitement of close encounters. Focus on locating herds by sound at first light, then use cow calls and bugles to challenge dominant bulls.

Late September

The rut reaches its peak. Bulls are aggressive and often respond boldly to calling. 

This is arguably the best time of the entire season for archery hunters, and one of the best hunting times for elk.

Expect a lot of vocal activity at dawn and dusk, and be ready to move quickly once you get a response. By the end of the month, rutting activity can start to taper as bulls become worn out.

Rifle Hunters

Rifle elk season typically starts a bit later than archery season, but rifle hunters can still get in on that prime rut activity. 

Late September

In some areas, rifle seasons overlap with the tail end of the rut and archery season. Bulls may still be with cows, making them more visible and slightly less cautious. 

Use HuntWise to help you identify and focus on transition zones between feeding and bedding areas, especially at first light.

October

By October, most bulls have separated from the herds and moved to secluded, higher-elevation sanctuaries to recover from the rut. Spot-and-stalk tactics work well now, particularly on open slopes where elk feed in the mornings and evenings. 

Glassing from a distance helps hunters locate mature bulls without disturbing them.

Early November

Cold weather, snow, and shorter days push elk down from higher country into lower elevations. At this time of year, they’re focused on food and conserving energy, so hunting pressure and weather play major roles. 

Fresh snow makes tracking easier and can lead to great opportunities for persistent hunters.

What to Consider When Hunting Elk

So, what should hunters consider before heading out for an elk hunt? We cover a few critical elements to work through before tracking a bull or cow. 

The Location

Elk live in various habitats, from rainforests to desert valleys, alpine meadows, and woodland regions. They once populated most of the United States and Canada, but since European settlement, they have lived mostly in western North America's mountainous regions. 

As we mentioned, taking on an elk hunt usually requires hunters to get into "elk-hunting" shape to cover the terrain. So, as you e-scout your location using the HuntWise app and map layers, do some research into the fitness level you'll want to achieve to keep up with an elk bull or cow on the move. 

States Where You Can Hunt Elk

Elk can be found and hunted in the following states: 

• Michigan
• Alaska
• Colorado
• Washington
• Oregon
• Montana
• Wyoming
• Nevada
• Utah
• Arizona
• New Mexico
• Pennsylvania

The best states for elk hunting depend on your availability and planning the details to get there. However, no matter where you hunt, there are plenty of ways to go elk hunting on a budget. 

The Solunar Calendar

According to a theory laid out by John Alden Knight in 1926, animal movement can be affected by the position and fullness of the moon, but does it apply to elk? 

In some ways, yes. 

In general, when the moon is bigger and brighter at night, you'll see less elk movement from elk during the day. Then, when it's darker at night, elk will move around more during the bright daylight hours.

The Time of Year

Although slightly affected by elevation and latitude, peak rut season for elk tends to fall near the first day of fall and runs through the first half of October. This is the best time of year to plan your hunt if you hope to take home a trophy bull.  

The Time of Day

Like many animals, elk are most active in the morning and evening. Mid-day hunts may be effective during the rut, but if you want the most activity, shoot for early morning and dusk.  

The Temperature

Because elk are built to withstand extremely cold temperatures, later in the season is typically better hunting. During long, hot days, elk seek shelter from the heat in wooded areas or shaded hideouts. 

The heat also forces them to feed at night or dusk when it's cooler.  

Barometric Pressure

Similar to whitetails, elk can sense a change in the barometric pressure. Their activity increases when they sense an oncoming storm or cold front based on declining air pressure.  

General Weather Conditions

Elk are used to extreme and abrupt changes in weather. However, hunters may not be as prepared. One minute, it's clear skies; the next, you are in the middle of a torrential downpour. 

If you want to increase your chances of getting that trophy elk, make sure you are prepared to stick it out through all types of weather. Use HuntWise to check weather forecasts and take advantage of subscriber gear discounts to pack what you need for a successful hunt. 

The Wind

Wind should be one of the primary factors you consider when hunting elk. While their sense of sight and hearing is great, their sense of smell is even better. 

Cover scents won't do you much good when hunting these animals. Your best bet is to use WindCast to help you keep the wind in your face to prevent your scent from spooking them.

Use HuntWise to Find the Best Hunting Times for Elk

After reading this, we hope you're excited about the idea of taking on an elk hunt. While it can take some time to draw an elk tag, get in good physical shape, and gather the gear you need to go after elk, the payoff is well worth it if you're ready to up your hunting game beyond deer or turkey. 

As you prepare for an elk hunt, make sure you have the HuntWise app. With species-specific forecasting information and our WindCast feature, you have the best tool for hunters to return home successfully after a day in the field! 

Download HuntWise today and use it — free — for your first week to start planning your hunt!

Content most recently reviewed and updated for recency August 15, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have answers to your questions about the best times to hunt elk!

Q: What is the best time to hunt for elk?

A: The best time to hunt elk is during the rut in mid to late September, when bulls are vocal, active, and more responsive to calls.

Q: What hours are elk most active?

A: Elk are most active during early morning (first light) and late evening (just before dark) when temperatures are cooler.

Q: What is the best time of day to see elk?

A: The best time of day to spot elk is at dawn and dusk, especially around feeding areas, water sources, and open meadows.

Q: How far away can elk smell you?

A: An elk can smell a human from up to half a mile or more, depending on wind and weather conditions. Use HuntWise to help you always hunt with the wind in your favor.

Q: What's the best month to hunt elk?

A: September is generally the best month to hunt elk (particularly for archery hunters) because it’s peak rut season, and bulls are more active and vocal.