“elk hunt”

Contributor Shawn Skipper shares the gear he used on his recent Colorado elk hunt.

The success of the author’s first elk hunt depended on skill, his guide, a second chance and one lucky break—literally.

American Hunter Assistant Editor Jon Draper is back from his first elk hunt in southwestern Wyoming. Booked through NRA Outdoors, the hunt was sponsored by Weatherby and Swarovski. Each hunter walked away successful, and took home memories of expert guides, great food, new friends and big bulls!

With the bulls bugling and the aspens at their golden height, where else would you rather be than the "Elk Hunting Capital of the World" with an elk tag in your pocket? Digital Managing Editor Justin McDaniel found himself in that enviable position in late September as he headed to the mountains northeast of Craig, Colo., for his first elk hunt.

Watches made for sporting/fitness purposes are one of the hottest items in the outdoor industry. Whether you're simply tracking how many steps in a day or intend to make full use of the miniature GPS on your wrist, they can be darn handy devices to have along. Garmin makes some of the finest GPS watches in the business, and Digital Managing Editor Shawn Skipper recently had the opportunity to test out their new fenix 5X during a Colorado elk hunt. Here are five things you need to know.

You acquired that magnum rifle for a reason, but the kick it delivered overwhelmed your desire to take it on that elk hunt. Now it just sits in the safe. Throw any one of these six counterpunches to reduce recoil, and put that prized possession back into action.

Use a premium, controlled-expansion bullet for large game like elk.

ALPS OutdoorZ has unveiled its new Trophy X frame pack, the latest addition to the company's Extreme Packs line.