Women Hunting Elk: First Archery Harvest and Hard Lessons

Learn what it really takes to harvest an elk on public land—from scouting to pack‑out—and how women are redefining success in hunting. Host Erin Crider sits down with archery guide and instructor Anna Sabotka to break down her first public‑land archery elk harvest in Colorado—and everything that came with it.From scouting and studying elk behavior to calling strategies, shot execution, and a brutal multi‑mile pack‑out, Anna shares the real highs and challenges behind the moment. The conversation also explores elk camp experiences, mentoring new hunters, and why defining your own version of success matters more than the outcome.In this episode, you’ll learn:How scouting leads to successful elk huntsRealistic expectations for public land elk hunting success ratesCalling strategies, wind awareness, and shot decision‑makingWhat a full elk pack‑out actually looks likeHow to process meat in the backcountry using the gutless methodWhy mentorship and training camps help new hunters succeedHow to define success beyond just harvesting an animal The Ascend Podcast by Ducks Unlimited is Sponsored by:Dry Pocket.Visit drypocket.com and use promo code "ASCEND" for 25% off.Bird Dig Whiskey.Visit birddogwhiskey.com. Enjoy Responsibly! Oklahoma Joes.Visit oklahomajoes.com and use promo code "DUCKS10" for 10% off.