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Zach Bowhay is one of the most consistently successful elk hunters in the West. In this episode, he joins the Mountain Dude Podcast to break down what it really takes to fill tags year after year—without relying on hype, gimmicks, or lucky draws. From generational hunting knowledge to mental toughness, Zach shares the mindset and strategies that have kept him punching tags across multiple states for decades.
Whether you’re chasing your first bull or looking to sharpen your edge in over-the-counter units, this conversation is full of wisdom earned through time in the field.
In this episode:
Zach’s top elk hunting story: solo success with a muzzleloader bull
How to pass on hunting as a lifestyle to your kids
Why mental toughness—not just physical shape—kills elk
How he stays in the mountains 30+ days each fall
Why you don’t need to go 10 miles deep to find elk
His tips for early season meat care, basecamp vs backpack hunting, and closing the distance on bulls
Lessons from 20+ years hunting Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, and Alaska
The single biggest mistake most new elk hunters make
Read Zach’s articles:
Search Zach Bowhay on HuntStand, Eastmans, Western Hunter, and North American Elk Magazine
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