Montana requires everyone to wear a minimum of 400 square inches of fluorescent orange in a place easily seen. A light vest works well.

Our weather can change very quickly. Try and prepare for most situations, and temperatures from 40 degrees F to minus 20 degrees F.

Know where your gun shoots at ranges from 30 yards to 300 yards. We ask everyone to be able to shoot a 6" group centered on the target at 250 yards with a rest.

The surest killing shot on an elk is the lung area directly behind the foreleg. This area presents a target about the size of a pie plate, and is best hit when the animal is standing broadside or stands slightly quartering away. Remember, if you are shooting a large caliber rifle with maximum penetration bullets, you must pick up the shoulder blades in order to get any expansion.

Montana law does not require fluorescent orange for bowhunting, so full camouflage can be worn at all times. Quietness is one of the most important factors in bowhunting for elk, so please dress accordingly.

Our weather can change very quickly. Try and prepare for most situations, and temperatures from 65 degrees F to 10 degrees F.

Shoot under all conditions and angles. We have many shots missed because of leaning around trees and brush to shoot. Also practice from 20 degree to 60 degree angles both uphill and downhill. Be sure to shoot with all hunting clothes on. Make sure no articles are in the way, or the bow is being held different because of heavy clothes and thick sleeves.

We ask everyone to keep at least a 6" group centered on the target at 30 yards. The kill area on a bull is the size of a paper plate, so be very sharp when you arrive. The lung area, directly behind the foreleg, is the only sure killing shot on an animal with this kind of strength and stamina. An elk has to be standing directly broadside or slightly quartered away to offer you a good shot into the lungs.