The Year-Round Hunter in September: Elk and Big Game Hunts

I always dreamed of an elk hunt and having the opportunity to chase them during the opening week of September in New Mexico. I think of it like winning the lottery!

If you've been keeping up with our blog series, "The Year-Round Hunter," you'll know that we've been talking about things hunters can do each month throughout the year to stay active and engaged in the pursuit. This month, we're talking about what to do in September, which is when things start getting really exciting for deer and big game hunters.

Keep reading to learn about how to prepare for an elk hunt (as I get ready for mine), plus other game animals you can chase in September!

"Hunting" Down an Elk Tag is Part of the Adventure

If you've ever applied for an elk tag in New Mexico, you know that I'm not kidding when I say that getting one is like winning the lottery.

Each year, hunters put in for specific units and hunts without points, and it's a true lottery for anyone who hasn't explored NM. I started applying during the COVID-19 pandemic, when I had confidence that I could work out the logistics, but I was never successful in the units I applied for.

However, that all changed this year. 

Elk Hunting Begins Well Before the Season Starts

This story begins in January of 2025. I was in Scottsdale on business when my buddy called me from the SCI National Convention (Safari Club) in Nashville, saying we should put in for a tag this year with a guide he met at the show who is local to New Mexico. I've never hunted with a guide, but I figured it would be a great chance to learn and increase my odds a bit (from about 2% to 13% as a non-resident) for the unit we applied to.

It was late in the evening, and we were all in good spirits, so we decided to roll the dice. Then, April comes around, and my buddy and I both drew successful tags for first-season archery in Unit 36.

We were fired up, and I knew I had to learn as much as possible to maximize preparation for this season. This is my first elk hunt, so I'm going to learn a lot!

Prepare for Western Hunting (Before September)

Most Western hunting seasons begin in September, and it's a different beast from hunting whitetail in the Southeast. It's physically demanding and a completely different environment than the humid pines and bottomlands I'm used to.

As hunters, we need to prepare our bodies for the challenges of the hunt in these conditions and take into consideration conditioning our mind, body, and spirit. The MTNTOUGH program is a perfect place to start your journey in hunt preparation. Their programming makes it easier to maintain a routine and balance mobility with strength, all while receiving sound guidance on diet.

Preparing for a western hunt is a true lifestyle change, not something you can pick up four weeks before a hunt. Many folks will emphasize conditioning and getting in top shape, and I can feel how my body has changed since doing the program since March.

Invest time every day to improve your body in some way and take it slow so you don't burn out or get injured. We can all spend money on gear and things, but if we don't spend the time to prepare ourselves, then all that gear is going to feel heavy. 

Spending extra time in the gym and extending your training sessions beyond the point of discomfort will help prepare your mental toughness. You can use burnout sets at the end of a gym session as tricks to push your body.

Scouting is Crucial for September Success

I learned quickly that scouting is a crucial factor to maximize the odds of success.

I've never hunted in Unit 36, so I wanted to get an idea of the terrain and elevation. I also wanted to take thermals and water sources into consideration, and using the different map layers in HuntWise is extremely helpful.

• I am using the Pro Satellite + Contours base map layer to get an idea of the vegetation and how steep the area is.
• Then I am using the ESRI Topo and the USGS Topo layers to help find water and areas where it will collect if we encounter rain in September.

We didn't have the ability to conduct any in-person scouting, so e-scouting with HuntWise will be helpful in getting us ready. Plus, having the experience of a guide should help reduce the learning curve. 

The Elk Rut Kicks Off

September is when bulls start to come down from higher elevations to kick off the rut. However, the timing in each state is a little different. Try to meet people familiar with the unit you are hunting and talk about their prior experiences to get an idea of how the season starts and its phases.

This time of year can also provide a range of weather conditions that will impact your strategy for the hunt. In New Mexico this year, temperatures are expected to range from the mid-50s to the mid-70s, with a good chance of precipitation in the afternoon. We'll plan our clothing and gear accordingly.

Don't Forget a Gear Check for Elk and Western Hunting

Elk hunting often requires different gear than a whitetail hunt near home.

While preparing for the hunt, I'm taking into account the terrain, weather, and recommendations from friends and colleagues to put together a packing list. I'm preparing for success and trying to be thoughtful about the items that are necessary versus the items that will help push the margin for increased success.

The approach I am taking is a ground-up thought process, starting with keeping my feet happy with quality socks and boots, and then focusing on durable items that I can get a lot of use out of. The first items I made decisions on are: boots, pack, arrows, and a clothing layering system for changing conditions.

Then, there are certain things that I consider nonnegotiable, like first aid and hydration, that are also part of my gear set. 

Specifics for Success

For success when elk hunting, you'll also want optics (good binoculars and a spotting scope), a tripod, a rangefinder, trekking poles, and calls.

These items are essential accessories that will support your hunt, and there are many options in all budget ranges for you to consider. 

Plan to Get Your Game Meat Home

A big motivator for chasing big game like elk or mule deer is filling the freezer for the year. Where would you rather get your meat: in the store or in the woods?

As you look forward to a freezer full of big game meat, make sure you have a game plan for transporting meat legally — especially if you are traveling for an elk hunt or for Western hunting opportunities. Plan and budget for bringing a cooler to the hunt and arranging for the meat to be shipped back home.

Some airlines will allow you to carry on frozen meat as long as it is solid and fits in a carry-on bag. The Yeti M30 is a popular option, but there are plenty of soft coolers from other brands that will also fit as a carry-on.

Checking a cooler is also an option, but make sure to flash-freeze your meat and tape it up tightly so it doesn't leak. 

And of course, follow all regulations for transporting meat across state lines.

Use HuntWise for Big Success with Big Game Hunts

I hope what I've shared today is helpful as you're considering a western hunt. Whether you're going elk hunting or chasing after bear, mule deer, or antelope in September, there are tons of decisions to make — but it can be the adventure of a lifetime.

Perhaps you're combining tags on your hunt for multiple species that overlap in seasons. If so, put plenty of time into planning and scouting to make it all worth your while (and a lot of fun).  

September big game hunts start by downloading the HuntWise app! It's not too late to start scouting with our map layers, hunt areas, markers, and more to get ready for fall hunts. 
We'll give you your first week in the app free!

Catch up on the full Year-Round Hunter Field Guide Series!

Stay engaged with the hunt all year long.