The Elk Hunting Playbook with Cody Rich

Welcome to September — the month elk hunters live for. In this episode, I sit down with Cody Rich, longtime mentor and host of The Elk Hunt Podcast, to talk through the 201-level elk hunting playbook. We dive into the real differences between a "101 hunter" who's just out walking the woods and a "201 hunter" who consistently finds and kills elk year after year. Cody breaks down what separates the average Joe from the top 10% of elk hunters — and how you can bridge that gap this season. Inside this episode, you'll hear us cover: 🚫 How not to be "Average Joe" on opening weekend 🐂 Why finding people-free country often matters more than finding "perfect elk habitat" 📍 How Cody adapts tactics in pressured units vs. limited-entry hunts 🎯 Tools in the elk hunter's toolbox — when to rely on one skill vs. build new ones 🔥 Contingencies for wildfire, pressure, and weather changes mid-season 🗺️ Backpack hunting, wallows, glassing, and why "diesel sometimes kills more elk than boot leather" 🧠 The mindset shift from chasing opportunity to intentionally picking the skill you want to sharpen Cody also shares stories from his own hunts — from missing bulls on opening day to glassing elk seven miles away with binos — and gives one clear assignment for anyone wanting to level up their elk hunting game this September. We hope you enjoy the show! Subscribe to the Elk Hunt Course at Elkhunt201.com >> Listen to the Elk Hunt Podcast here >>  _____ Learn about Hunt West planning services >>  Follow Hunt West on Instagram >> Subscribe to the Hunt West Weekly Email Here >> Thanks to Bo DePena, a musician, friend, and avid hunter in Colorado, for the intro and outro for the show.