Prepping for Elk Season: Accuracy Meets the Backcountry

Elk hunting is a test of patience, skill, and preparation. Whether you’re chasing bulls in the high country or working dark timber, success is built in the months before the season opens. Every step—from dialing your rifle to conditioning your body—brings you closer to being ready when the shot opportunity comes.

Know the Country

Elk country is diverse. In the early season, expect long glassing sessions across open basins and alpine meadows. As the rut peaks, you may be pushing deep into timber and navigating thick cover.Scout your hunting unit ahead of time with maps, satellite imagery, and, if possible, preseason boots-on-the-ground trips. Know where water, bedding, and feed converge—it’s where elk spend their time.

Train for the Terrain

Elk hunts can mean covering miles a day, often with heavy elevation changes. Build strength and endurance now:

• Cardio for sustained hikes and steep climbs
• Leg and Core Strength for stability under load
• Pack Training with weight to simulate pack-out conditions

Gear You Can Rely On

Every piece of gear in your pack should have a purpose. Core items include:

• Layered Clothing: Breathable base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a weatherproof outer shell
• Boots: Supportive, well-broken-in boots for varied terrain
• Optics: Quality binoculars for glassing and a spotting scope for long-range evaluation
• Backpack: Capable of hauling meat and gear comfortably

The Christensen Advantage

When it comes to rifles for elk, you need a balance of weight, accuracy, and power. Rifles like the Ridgeline FFT, Mesa FFT, and Modern Precision Rifle are engineered to perform in these exact conditions—light enough to carry all day, accurate enough for extended-range shots, and chambered in proven elk calibers like .300 Win. Mag., 7mm PRC, and .28 Nosler.

Our carbon fiber barrels and FFT stocks keep ounces down without compromising strength, making them ideal for hunters who measure every pound in their pack.

Shooting for Success

Elk present unpredictable shot opportunities. Be ready for:

• Long Ranges in open country—know your drop and wind hold
• Quick Shots in timber—practice fast target acquisition
• Variable Shooting Positions—train from kneeling, prone, and improvised rests

Practice with your hunting rifle and ammunition until your first shot is automatic and confident, no matter the scenario.

Final Prep Before the Season

• Confirm zero and verify ballistic data in hunting conditions
• Check gear for wear, damage, or missing items
• Pack extra essentials like batteries, fire-starting gear, and a backup headlamp
• Know the regulations for your unit—tag requirements, legal shooting hours, and weapon restrictions

The Season Starts Now

Elk hunting rewards preparation. From conditioning and scouting to choosing a rifle that can perform when it matters, the work you put in now will show in the field. Step into the season ready to make your shot count.

This elk season, make every step and every shot count. Explore Christensen Arms’ lineup of lightweight, precision-built rifles and head into the backcountry ready to put your tag on the bull of a lifetime.