It may not be elk hunting season just yet, but there are things you can be doing to ensure you’re ready to hunt come fall. So, how ready are you for the hunt? Plan now for success later! Below are five tips from a gun shop in Olathe, KS to help you prepare for elk hunting during the offseason:
- Apply early for an elk hunting permit: Do you want to participate in some of the best elk hunts this hunting season? Because the best hunts are limited draw hunts and chosen based on a lottery each year, you must plan on getting your hunting application submitted early. Some states want applications in as early as late winter through early spring, but check with your state to find out for sure. Even if you don’t draw one of the best elk hunts, there are still many good options available for elk hunting.
- Look for the best hunting locations: No matter the type of elk hunt you have in mind, always do your research before heading out into the woods. Sure, that area you hunted in last year was plentiful, but a lot can change in a year. For that reason, it’s important that you do your homework from one hunting season to the next. Look at satellite views, like on Google Earth, and check out locations in person. While looking, remember that elk need food, water security and cover. They like to feed in grassy, sloped areas, high meadows and bushy forests, and haunt watering holes near these areas or other covered spots.
- Practice shooting: You want to shoot to kill, not shoot to maim, so it’s imperative that you practice shooting before heading out this next elk hunting season. Take your hunting gun, practice targets and patience to the shooting range, and practice until you’re hitting the target. Another way to practice is dry firing (pulling the trigger without ammo loaded). One of the main reasons an elk hunt fails is because the hunter is not familiar with their firearm—not using the scope correctly, not finding the right firing field position, etc.
- Choose the right ammo: Once you choose the gun you’ll be hunting with, make sure to stock up on enough ammunition to keep you out in the field for as long as it takes for you to bring down an elk. Additionally, there’s ammo made specifically for hunting for a variety of guns. Visit your local gun shop in Olathe, KS to get all the ammunition you need.
- Break in new boots: Get boots early and break them in. Otherwise, you risk foot pain, blisters, twisted ankles and even back pain. Get your boots now, and then wear them as much as possible throughout the summer months. Wear them to do yard work, go on short day hikes, walk the dog or out and about to run errands. Also, pick boots that are lightweight, waterproof and in a tactical/hunting style.
Ready for a great hunting season? Visit Harrison Street Pawn today for a selection of firearms and ammunition!