Inside MDT - MDT Field Report - HNT26: Nevada Bull Elk Hunt

Western hunting is often romanticized because of its vastness and the promise of magnificent big game animals. The western landscape is shaped by diverse topography and an array of habitats home to some of North America's most iconic big game animals. One of those animals, the Rocky Mountain Elk, is a highly sought-after game animal because of the rarity of opportunity and skill required to successfully harvest the Western giant with its iconic stature and unmistakable antlers.

I've called Northern Nevada home for almost all my life, and I'm no stranger to the ruggedness Nevada offers. Animals that thrive here must be smart and tough, as the food and water resources are incredibly scarce. The Nevada Elk populations are on a positive trend, and many would say that the populations are "healthy," with many herds pushing 100+ elk. Bull elk in Nevada have been known to reach 350" -380" with regularity, and it makes them a dream hunt for many.

Nevada is an incredibly diverse biome.

I was lucky enough to draw a coveted late-season bull elk tag in mid-November. This is an excellent tag to draw because cold and snowy conditions often drive big bulls down from the mountains and make them easier to spot and stalk, thus driving up chances for success and opportunities to find big mature bulls. I was elated to the point I thought it was a mistake and checked the draw results at least 20 times, but to my relief, it was a dream come true.

BUILDING THE PERFECT ELK RIFLE

I set out immediately to build my ideal Elk rifle in a cartridge I have grown quite fond of. I had previously won an HS Precision PLR in .300 PRC, which I mated to a green MDT HNT26 Chassis System. I knew this rifle could have the potential to be carried for miles in the mountains and would have to be ready for any situation at a moment's notice. The rifle was supported by a Lightweight Double-Pull Ckye Pod and topped with a Leupold Mark5 scope. I had built my version of the ultimate Elk rifle that I dubbed "The Elk Cannon."

HS Precision PLR in .300 PRC mated to a MDT HNT26 Chassis System. Leupold Mark 5 and Lightweight Double-Pull CKYE Pod.

The load I worked up consisted of a 225 gr bullet going 2840 fps which would efficiently deliver a truckload of energy on target as far out as I needed to. The load and rifle were consistently capable of sub .5 moa groups at 100 yards and a boringly high hit percentage out to 1000 yards. I routinely practiced with this combination from May-November, sending hundreds of rounds at steel in every situation I could think of. I was determined not to be the limiting factor in my success on this hunt.

The folding stock on the MDT HNT26 chassis made the rifle easier to carry during the hunt. Glock, Mystery Ranch pack, and tripod.

THE HUNT

After a long and productive summer, Fall arrived, and I was chomping at the bit to make my way to Elk Camp. Hauling all of the necessities for a 10-day hunt 7 hours North East or Reno, I found myself in single-digit temperatures and a healthy amount of late-season snow. Boots on the ground, I knew this hunt would be challenging, and persistence would be key. Luckily I had the help of 4 dedicated friends and lifelong hunters that were eager to do whatever it took to find Elk in the 5,566 square miles (an area larger than Connecticut) we were able to hunt.

More: Hunting In Inclement Weather

I had devoted 10 days to this hunt and was prepared to work from sunup to sundown every day to merely locate bulls. Western hunting requires you to cover as much ground as possible in the vehicle, on foot, and by glassing. We easily burned a tank of fuel daily in our trucks, covering the vast expanse of terrain to make it to the next access and glassing spots. Driving, stopping, hiking, and glassing all day became the routine, seeing everything from wild horses, mule deer, coyotes, pronghorn antelope, and some bizarre desert dwellings. We found ourselves four days deep, going further away from camp, traveling on rugged trails and mountain passes, burning fuel, daylight, and calories.

Little did we know, the next expanse of Nevada we made our way into would hold the answers. Glassing miles of lowlands, we found a group of seven bull elk in a low-elevation drainage and a separate group of three a few miles further. It was time to close the distance and get a closer look! We quickly approached the first group of seven. We stalked within 400 yards, only to discover the group was made up of smaller and younger bulls, not the old, mature battle-hardened bull I was after. We backed out and made our way across the valley to the other three bulls, which, from afar, looked more promising. Again, we made a stealthy approach, but this time could only get within 800 yards for fear of getting busted by the skittish brutes.

All three bulls were mature, and the center bull was exactly what I was looking for. The call was made to wait and let them stand and present a broadside shot. After only 45 minutes of waiting, the left bull stood, and the others followed. I quickly mounted the rifle, flicked the safety off, held .1 Mil left, and… IMPACT! To my surprise, the bull shrugged off the impact, and a follow-up shot was needed to seal the deal. The bull, clearly feeling the effects of 225 gr projectiles, sauntered off to their escape route via a rugged canyon only 50 yards from the point of impact.

Success!

After a short wait, two of us went forward to locate the bull while 2 stayed back on spotting scopes in case we bumped the bull. To our surprise, the big old bull required no tracking. He ultimately reached the canyon's bottom, where he expired peacefully. After some high-fives, hugs, and photos, it was time to get to work! Four sets of hands made the massive undertaking relatively easy, and we were packed up and back to camp before nightfall.

It will be 7 years before I can apply to hunt bull Elk in Nevada again, and I will definitely be dreaming of that next Elk hunting adventure until then!

BUILD MATT'S RIFLE

• HS Precision PLR in .300 PRC
• MDT HNT26 Chassis System
• Lightweight Double-Pull Ckye Pod
• Leupold Mark 5 Rifle Scope

HUNTING RESOURCES FROM MDT

• Tips For A Successful Antelope Hunt
• Analysis: Long-Range Hunting
• MDT Field Report - Why The Triple Pull CKYE-POD is a Guides Best Friend
• Coyote School - Death And Rebirth
• Coyote School - Deception
• Coyote School - The Easy Path
• Tips for Cold Weather Shooting
• Hunting In Inclement Weather
• The Modern Hunting Vest
• Hunting With The MDT XRS Chassis System
• Predator Hunting with a Chassis Rifle
• Maximize Performance with Mental Imagery
• Confidence Kills