The UNWRITTEN RULES of Archery Elk Hunting

Evan Koster has guided archery elk hunts in Colorado's Flat Tops for over a decade. This conversation covers everything that actually matters going into an archery elk season — and plenty of what hunters think matters that doesn't. Colorado is in a historic drought, and Evan breaks down what that means for where elk will be in September — it's not about elevation, it's about feed quality, and aspens are the answer. From there we get into how to search unknown country efficiently, why elevation and trailhead distance are myths that kill more hunts than help them, and Evan's counterintuitive wind rule: he doesn't think about it until he's within 500 yards. We dig into the stalk psychology mistake most hunters make, how to locate elk with a bugle using line-of-sight, how to read a bull's commitment level, and the one-sentence answer Evan would give any archer who wanted to kill more elk: take chances. We close on the honest reality of horseback elk hunting. In this episode: Colorado drought 2027 — what it means for elk distribution in September Feed quality over elevation — why aspens are the concentration zone in a dry year How to search unknown country vs. country you know The elevation myth and the trailhead distance myth — both cost hunters elk Wind: the 500-yard rule and why most hunters have the psychology completely backwards Bugling as a two-way radio — why line-of-sight matters for locating elk When to move on from a spot and when to go back in close The one thing Evan would change about any archer to make them more successful Horseback elk reality — "don't, unless you're already into horses" Booking 2027 hunts with LKS Outfitters now Guest: Evan Koster — Lead guide, LKS Outfitters / Flat Tops Wilderness Guides. ftguides.com   / flattopswildernessguides   #backpackhunting #archeryhunting #elkhunting #pursuitwithcliff -- FOLLOW CLIFF on INSTAGRAM:   / cliffgry   Professional Hunting Gear Designed by Cliff: https://store.pursuitwithcliff.com/ Hunts/Seminars: https://pursuitwithcliff.com/experien... Pursuit With Cliff Podcast and Interviews of Cliff: https://pursuitwithcliff.com/intervie... SUBSCRIBE TO CLIFF'S MEMBERSHIP GROUP (FREE and Paid Options, 1,000+ Members, 90+ Hours of Content): https://pursuitwithcliff.com/membership/ Cliff's Gearlist and Discount Codes: https://pursuitwithcliff.com/gear-list/ (The links below are affiliate links. They do not change your pricing, but they do give me a small commission. Buying through these links is a great way to support the content I produce. Thanks!) Tricer Tripods, Bipods and Glassing Heads - CLIFFG for 10% off - https://tricer.com/discount/CLIFFG Duckworth Wool (The simple wool hoody and light jackets I wear in many videos.) - CLIFF for 20% off - https://www.duckworthco.com/products/... https://www.duckworthco.com/collectio... Invader Concepts Chest Holster - CLIFFG for 10% off - https://invaderconcepts.com/?ref=CLIF... Kifaru - The packs Cliff has used for 15+ years - https://alnk.to/fws0FRH UnCharted Supply - CLIFFG 10% Off - https://alnk.to/7X5f0pq Cliff’s OnX Maps DISCOUNT: SAVE 20% — CODE: CLIFFG https://www.OnXMaps.com Biltong Depot - https://biltongdepot.com/?ref=CLIFFGRAY - Code CLIFFGRAY for 10% off WATCH MORE FROM CLIFF: Hunting Skillsets -    • Hunting Skill Sets   E-Scouting Series -    • E-Scouting   Hunting Gear -    • Mountain Hunting Gear   Glassing -    • Glassing   Catch, Clean, Cook Adventures -    • Catch, Cook, Clean Adventures   Hunt Preparation and Logistics -    • Fall Hunt Preparation   Hunting Horseback -    • Horseback Mountain Hunting   Marksmanship -    • Mountain Hunting Marksmanship   Wildlife Tracking -    • Wildlife Tracking