After years away from elk hunting, the author’s reentry into the pastime culminates in an awesome week in northern Utah where 11 elk hunters and 10 mule deer hunters fill their tags.

Elk hunting is commonly perceived as a backcountry scenario where the hunter and elk are engaged in a one-on-one affair, and the only sounds to be heard are wild noises of the forest. If you believe ...

I’ve hunted elk on public ground across the West for 25 years. I’ve made incredible memories, learned a lot, and punched more tags than I deserve. But I’ve also seen a lot change over that quarter ...

This story, “Elk Hunting with the Crowds” was originally published in the October 1984 issue of Outdoor Life. Elk hunting is commonly perceived as a backcountry scenario where the hunter and elk are ...