Elk bowhunting: calls, optics, arrows and packs

Calling elk: bugles, cow calls and diaphragms

Compare the listed bugles, cow calls, diaphragms and elk decoys by their design and product instructions. Practice with calls using qualified instruction, and check the wildlife agency’s rules before taking equipment into the field. These listings do not predict an elk’s response.

Stock counts and prices reflect the catalog data used when this page was built. They can change. Check each product listing for current details.

Glassing elk country

Binoculars help find elk on open slopes; a spotting scope can help judge a bull from farther away. Carry a rangefinder to check distance before the stalk, and use a harness to keep binoculars within reach.

Browse current binocular, spotting scope, rangefinder and harness listings below.

Shot distance on sloped ground

Use the bow-mode range and angle limits in your exact rangefinder manual. Verify sight settings during controlled practice with your own bow and arrows. See the rangefinder and sight checks for the distinction between model instructions and general advice.

Arrow setup for elk

Choose spine using the shaft maker’s chart for your bow, arrow length and complete point assembly. Check its measurement definitions before entering values. The broadhead guide gives a Gold Tip example and the checks to make before changing head weight.

Packing an elk out

Plan retrieval, transport and meat care before the hunt. Account for the terrain, your capacity, available help and the current agency requirements. A pack’s advertised capacity does not establish that one person can retrieve an animal safely.

Where to check current hunting rules

Open the wildlife agency’s current regulations for the exact species, unit, weapon and season before applying or buying equipment. This guide does not publish unverified season dates, draw deadlines or tag availability. Point Blank Archery does not sell hunting licenses or tags.

Agency starting points: Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Wyoming Game and Fish Department. These links identify the agencies; they do not certify a particular date or hunt.

Historical archery elk harvest reports

State reports publish hunter and harvest figures for archery elk hunts:

• Colorado: Colorado's 2024 archery elk seasons drew 45,823 hunters who took 6,300 elk, a 14% success rate^[1].
• Washington: Washington's 2024 archery elk seasons drew 11,821 hunters who took 1,109 elk, 974 in general seasons and 135 in permit seasons, a 9% success rate^[2].

Source pages: Colorado Parks and Wildlife elk statistics and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife elk harvest report. These figures describe the seasons named in the cited reports; this page does not establish whether a later report is available.