Most folks dream of chasing a screaming bull, but let's be honest—cow elk hunts are where the odds (and the freezers) are stacked in your favor. In this solo round, Jaden breaks down the Cow Elk Playbook—why cow hunts are one of the best opportunities in the West right now, and how to approach them through each phase of the elk's yearly cycle.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why cow elk tags are often the best entry point into elk hunting.

• Seasonal tactics:

  • Late September (rut): how to use bugles to find cow herds.

  • October: glassing, spotting & stalking, and focusing on security cover.

  • November: tracking herds with storms and hunting the public/private interface.

  • Winter range hunts (Dec–Jan): big herds, access challenges, and how to pull it off.

• The biggest mistakes hunters make when chasing cows (hint: it's not as easy as some say).

• Shot discipline when hunting big herds, and how to handle the pack-out.

Cow elk hunts aren't consolation prizes—they can be fun, skill-sharpening, meat-in-the-freezer adventures. Whether you're a new elk hunter looking to get "reps," or a seasoned veteran who just wants to hunt more, this episode gives you the playbook to make it happen.

Resources & Links

• Hunt planning services & booking for 2026: Hunt West Planning Website >>

• Try the AI Hunt Buddy free this fall—get answers to your hunt questions, even when Jaden's off-grid.

Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >>

Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.