Dissapointed in "Elk Hunting 101"

Campo · 03-09-2007, 07:26 AM

So I bought the above mentioned book from Cabelas looking to start my "traning" for elk hunting this fall.
I read pretty much the whole book last night, and was pretty dissapointe. While there is some good information in there, most of the book is just a plug for the authors website and all his apparent "sponsers". When he talks about needing a piece of equipment, he tells you exactly what to get.
I am pretty letdown with this book so far. It taught me very little that I did not already know, and the information that was learned was not the important stuff. He doesnt have any diagrams on map analysis, he just talks about buying fancy expensive software for you fancy expensive GPS device.
I am going to start reading the next book in the series, Elk Hunting 201 tonight. Hopefully it wont be as much of a letdown as the first one was.
Anyone have any recommendations for other books on Elk Hunting?
Ps. Elk Hunting 101 is written horrible as well...didnt this guy have an editor?

elkbane · 03-09-2007, 07:44 AM

Campo, thats' a bummer that this book doesn't have what you are looking for. It can be tough ordering products sight-unseen.

I have found that The Ultimate Guide to Elk hunting provides a decent general overview of elk hunting. I read it a few years ago, so I don't remember much specifics from it. It do remember it being informative and covering a broad range of topics. I was able to find it at the library. Try looking at the library first to save some money.

I also own "The complete book of elk hunting" and "Elk hunting the west, the Eastman way". "The complete book..." doesn't have the broad, general information that a begginer would be looking for (equipment, maps, etc..) but it gives you a good idea of how and where to look for elk when you are actually on the mountain. The Eastman book is pretty good, but it is geared more towards the trophy hunter. Large portions of the book are dedicated to finding trophy areas, judging various racks in the field, and the best way to take pictures of your "trophy of a lifetime". For a new elk hunter though, you may be more interested in trying to tag a legal bull, rather than holding out for a montster. Just shooting any elk is an accomplishment in itself. The book also has good sections on how to hunt during different stages of the rut, which I found to be helpful.

game4lunch · 03-09-2007, 10:33 AM

I got a lot out of "Elk Talk" by Don Laubach and Mark Henckel.
Don owns E.L.K.,Inc which puts out some awesome calls and such. Though they do mention their products, mostly it's nuts and bolts of the elk language and hunt. It was written in '87 and makes cow calling sound like something brand new, but itr kind of was back then. I would have to recommend it. I still crack the covers now and then mid-winter to stir those wapiti juices.

Another info filled site is:
http://members.tripod.com/~elkhunter2/index.html

Very good stuff! Nothing can replace getting out in the woods and just being around them. But in the absense of that opportunity, read on!

frozendisc · 03-10-2007, 01:35 PM

Yes, Don has a few books out that were written quite a few years back, but Elk Talk and Cow Talk are two of his best. It is good that you are reading up on the subject, but there really is no way to get around the best thing is being there, doing it. Good luck....

RMA · 03-12-2007, 06:31 AM

I can vouch for the books above...I have read them and they will give you some good insight. Be in SHAPE and be prepared for LONG days.

SILVERTIP-CO · 03-12-2007, 10:57 AM

I met the author and cahtted at lenght with him at the Denver Outdoor Expo. Nice local guy. Seems to know his stuff. Maybe hes just not a writer. I got his DVD and it seems ok to me. ALmost bought all three books but my readin time is limited.