Cow Elk hunt in Wyoming

I wanted to share a typical cow elk hunt in Wyoming. When we lived on cattle ranches, we had access to fresh beef, and we prefer beef over wild game. (yes, I just said that!)  But then my husband changed careers, and we left the ranch, and like many Americans, we can no longer afford the rising cost of beef. So we went back to hunting to fill our freezers. 

Don't get me wrong - I truly enjoy hunting and eating wild game, but I also love a thick beef steak! So anyways, I thought I'd share a few hunting stories for those of you who enjoy hunting, or maybe just curious what my experience as a female hunter looks like. Keep in mind that I have a huge advantage by having access to a private ranch where I can go hunt. I know it can be dreadfully difficult to find that sort of access, and I sympathize! I would say there are ranchers who are willing to allow you to harvest a cow elk, provided you are responsible and ethical. But many have been burnt by careless hunters, and you can't blame them for flatly refusing access. 

Cow elk hunt in Wyoming

This particular cow elk was with a herd of elk that were hanging out in the river bottom, grazing between the willows. I had come out before the sun rose, and I was walking the property for several hours, checking all the draws and creeks where they normally hang out. Then one of the ranch hands texted me the location of the herd, which he had seen from a higher vantage point overlooking the river. So I headed that way. Sure enough, I soon  heard the cows mewing (really, it is a very interesting noise!), and I just hunkered down under a clump of willows and propped my rifle on my knees. 

The willows grow so thick in that area, that you can sometimes only see a few feet. The rancher had mowed some lanes through the willows to make it easier to move cattle. So I was sitting beside an open lane where I could see a hundred feet or so. I heard so much crashing all around me, I knew one would cross that lane eventually. They were behind me and I wondered if one would walk out and see me before I could get a shot off. You spook one elk and you lose the herd! But soon I saw a small bull cross the open lane about 75 ft away--but I only had a cow tag.

I probably sat there 30 minutes or so, when a fat cow stepped out of the willows right in front of me and slowly walked across the grass. She was maybe 25 feet from where I sat. I pulled the rifle up and shot, and she took another two steps without even flinching! I was shocked -- how on earth had I missed? But then she took a couple staggering lunges and fell over, dead. I breathed a sigh of relief!

What rifle I use to hunt elk

I use a .270 bolt-action rifle to do most of my hunting. I have rarely missed with it, (I think one time) and it is lightweight and easy to pack for miles when hunting. I love the look of traditional wood stocks, and someday want to get a beautiful one to replace this ugly black one! But for now, this rifle has done very well for me. I have been told that I could get a rifle that has less of a kick, but the kick honestly doesn't bother me at all! I figure the best rifle is the one you can hit with, right? So I am sticking with this one for now. I have used my dad's 30-30 pump and dislike it. I also use a AR for antelope hunting, but can't hit a thing with it! Although it is fun to shoot! LOL

It was August, and a very hot morning, so I started field dressing my elk as quickly as possible. I called a friend to bring our ATV to help haul her out, and he helped me skin and quarter her. We loaded the quarters, backstraps and hide onto the ATV then I drove it to my friend's cooler.

Process your own meat

Later, I came and got the meat and cut it up and ground it at home. I prefer to process my own wild game, then I know exactly how it's being cared for, and can package it how I like. I usually cut up elk loin into several lengths and freeze them like that, then I can slice into steaks to fry or grill, or stuff and grill like this recipe. 

What does venison mean?

By the way, did you know the term VENISON includes elk, deer, antelope, and moose? Most people think of deer when you say venison, but the term includes all ungulates. Actually, in years past it referred to all wild game including small game like rabbits and squirrels. But in more recent years it has been more specifically ungulates. I feel like it will eventually be reduced to deer only, as modern hunters are less likely to hunt other game, and usually specify if they are cooking elk or deer. 

I realize this seems almost too easy! Most elk hunting is so much harder! Trust me, I have had years where I didn't fill my tags, because the elk herds were moved out of our area, or because the rancher had conflicts of timing so we couldn't hunt much, or sometimes I just didn't see a cow! You know, when you have a bull tag you will see cows, and when you have cow tags you will see bulls!! Murphys Law, haha! Anyways, I generally do get my elk, but that one year it was the final day of the season and I was getting nervous. That's another story for another day.  I hope you enjoyed this simple look at cow elk hunting in Wyoming.