HOW A GUIDE PLANS STALKS ON ELK AND DEER

Hunting season is here, meaning many of you are gearing up both mentally and physically for the challenges ahead. But do you have a plan for when you spot that trophy buck or once-in-a-lifetime elk? Do you stalk without hesitation and dive into the moment? More importantly, are you tired of spooking your game before you get within range? That's what hunter and expert guide Cliff Gray shares in his latest YouTube video.

First, who is Cliff Gray, and why should you trust him? In a previous life, Cliff was a proud graduate of Stanford University and the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business. But the urban jungle and corporate lifestyle that come with being a financial trader were confining. He left corporate America forever to start and run some of the largest and most remote wilderness outfitting businesses in the world. In that life, he was a guide, pilot, and certified wilderness first responder. He guided dozens of big game hunts and managed thousands of wilderness expeditions. Then in 2021, he did the unthinkable—he sold it all to focus on YouTube.

In that endeavor, he has built a community of hunters. He provides courses, how-to demonstrations, gear lists, and more through YouTube, his website (pursuitwithcliff.com), his Podcast (Pursuit with Cliff), and his community, The PWC Hunt Squad. Now back to the video.

The key to any stalk is preparation. Know your shooting distances, your position, and the land around you. Start by using the tools available to you. This includes rangefinding binoculars and onX Maps to plan your route to the shooting spot before you move. Look for landmarks to guide your movement. Use the tools in onX to confirm what your eyes are seeing. Remember, success often depends on whether you have pre-planned your shot before taking your first step on a stalk.

Preparedness also involves planning how you'll take your shot. Are you shooting from prone, off a tripod, or off your pack? Make sure that your gear is ready and within reach. Attach your bipod to your rifle, have your shooting bag prepared, and everything should work together for success or failure.

To improve, practice regularly. Create hypothetical scenarios like Cliff does to practice effectively. Make sure to do this during the months and weeks before a big hunt. That way, when the time comes, this won't feel unfamiliar. As Cliff says, "Just that little bit of planning gives you the right answer and gives you a good plan. If you just ad hoc it, you're not going to end up in the right spot."

To understand this process, make sure you watch the video. And for more great tips and tricks, check out the Cliff Gray YouTube channel.