EatWild 101 - Elk Hunting Lessons with Jordan Kowalchuk

It’s elk season, and I’m heading to Elk Heaven! Join me as I get excited for the season in a conversation with one of BC’s most knowledgeable and skilled hunters, Jordan Kowalchuk of @BCBackcountry. This is our second podcast together, where we dive into the world of elk hunting, sharing personal experiences, lessons learned, and successful strategies. During our discussion, we explore the evolution of hunting techniques, the significance of persistence, and the thrill of pursuing mature bulls. We also cover how environmental factors affect elk behavior, the crucial timing during the hunting season, and the balance between adventure and success in hunting.

Focusing on camaraderie and shared experiences, this episode captures the essence of being an elk hunter. Jordan shares his insights on tracking, shot placement, and the importance of patience and strategy. He talks about the challenges of tracking wounded elk, lessons learned from missed shots, and the necessity of understanding elk behavior. Additionally, we discuss bullet performance and the value of documenting hunting experiences for future reference.

You can keep up with Jordan @BCBackcountry on Instagram.

Here's a link to the EatWild Elk Hunting Online Course and the iHunter Field Guide to help you get ready for the season.

00:00 Elk Hunting Adventures: A Journey Begins

05:06 Lessons from the Kootenays: Early Elk Hunting Experiences

09:59 Transitioning to Mature Bulls: Evolving Hunting Strategies

14:50 The Impact of Environment on Elk Populations

19:53 Timing the Hunt: Pre-Rut, Peak Rut, and Post-Rut Insights

37:34 Understanding the Elk Rut Cycle

41:50 Dream Adventure Hunts in British Columbia

44:49 The Thrill of Elk Hunting