Across the West, elk reside in a diverse set of habitat types and bedding grounds in each habitat vary significantly; therefore, it is my opinion that this can be the most difficult point on the triangle to identify. In fact, you may have to go back to your map and use the data you have collected for a little assistance. When you checked your water source(s), you should have identified at least one well-used trail and established which direction elk travel as they come to or leave water sources.

A well-established wallow in that home zone can be a great place to set up and kill a bull that you have scouted during the early season. Even after the rut has kicked in and bulls are attending cows, they will continue to wallow; however, by that point, it could be many miles from where they spent the summer.

Layering systems might differ slightly from climate to climate, but the foundation remains. Nowadays, having a layering system is an absolute must for me and, truth be told, I won't do it any other way. Since I have changed my ways, I have never been more comfortable out in the field. Because of that, I find myself spending way more time in the field—no matter the conditions. This transfers into more animals spotted, which inevitably leads to more opportunities to fill that tag.

Field judging elk is an art, while measuring dead elk is an exact science. Hunters looking to break into the B&C minimums or hunters looking to figure out the difference from a 370” bull from a 390” bull all need to dissect a bulls rack long before they decided to pull the trigger. The following methods I have used for a long time when picking apart a bulls rack.

One piece of gear that I have used over the years has been a lightweight tarp and, once again, this past fall, that item was particularly useful. Whether I needed shelter from the rain, wind, sun or a place to debone an elk quarter — or even to catch and collect water — a tarp is a key piece of my gear.