Hey folks, Cody Rich here from The Elk Hunt Podcast, joined by Dillon Ness for a high-octane episode just days before the 2025 elk season. With work, family, and hunting chaos in full swing, we dive into Dylan’s strategies for killing big bulls in open prairie and mountain country. From spotting and stalking to mastering the “90/10 rule” for high-probability shots, Dillon Ness shares hard-earned lessons on picking the right terrain, playing the wind, and staying patient with a 25-day season. We explore how to avoid low-percentage plays, adapt to elk behavior, and capitalize on calf calls for monster bulls. Packed with raw stories and practical tactics, this episode will fire you up to hunt smarter and stack the odds in your favor!

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Timestamp Chapters

• 00:00 - Intro and Season Chaos: Cody welcomes Dillon, joking about the pre-season frenzy with work and a new shop build, as elk season looms a week away.

• 02:30 - Sponsors: Tricer and Stone Glacier: Shoutouts to Tricer’s versatile bipod and Stone Glacier’s Black Label program with giveaway perks.

• 04:45 - Balancing Work and Hunting: Dillon shares how he juggles family, work, and hunting, prioritizing elk season over summer fly fishing.

• 07:30 - 25 Days vs. 5 Days Strategy: Dillon explains how a 25-day season allows patience and high-probability stalks, unlike the rushed 5-day grind.

• 12:00 - High-Probability vs. Low-Probability Stalks: Dillon breaks down a 350 vs. 370 bull scenario, choosing terrain and wind for better odds.

• 18:15 - Spot-and-Stalk in Open Country: Dillon’s go-to for prairie and mountain elk, targeting sage hillsides and north-facing timber for killable bulls.

• 24:30 - The 90/10 Rule: Dillon’s tactic of stalking 90% of the distance and letting elk close the last 10%, avoiding rushed, low-percentage shots.

• 30:00 - Calf Calls for Big Bulls: Stories of using calf calls to draw in monster bulls, including a 365 bull lured by a panicked calf at a fence line.

• 37:45 - Morning Elk Behavior: Dillon’s early-morning hustle, hiking 5-6 miles in the dark to trail bulls before they bed, using bugles to locate them.

• 44:00 - Evening vs. Morning Stalks: Why Dillon prefers evening kills when elk are on their feet, leveraging low light and wind for better odds.

• 50:15 - Playing the Wind and Circuits: Dillon’s strategy for predicting elk exits based on wind and their daily circuit, avoiding bedding ambushes.

• 57:00 - Wrap-Up and Season Wishes: Cody and Dillon hype the upcoming season, wishing luck for big bulls in general units and beyond.

Three Key Takeaways

1. Prioritize High-Probability Stalks: Dillon’s success comes from choosing terrain and wind conditions that stack the odds, like sage hillsides with prevailing winds, over forcing low-percentage plays in flat, open country.

2. Master the 90/10 Rule: Stalk 90% of the distance to a bull, then let it close the final 10% naturally, avoiding rushed shots or calls that spook big bulls in high-pressure areas.

3. Use Calf Calls Strategically: A panicked calf call can draw in big bulls, especially in chaotic rut scenarios, but avoid over-calling to keep mature bulls unaware until the shot.