August might still seem like the height of summer, but some Wyoming elk hunters are already filling their freezers.
Ryan Kolesnikov and Drew Adels of Cheyenne told Cowboy State Daily they had a great time hunting together earlier this month. Between them, they shot four cow elk, filling Type 8 tags.
Kolesnikov shot three, keeping the meat from two, and donating the third to a person in need.
Adels said the meat from his cow elk is a welcome addition to the family freezer.
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department introduced Type 8 elk tags in 2024 to cull elk herds in places where their numbers have swollen well beyond the department’s objectives.
Type 8 tags may be bought over the counter and allow hunters to shoot unlimited numbers of cow elk in specific areas, mostly on private land.
Most Wyoming archery elk hunts start in September, and rifle seasons typically open in October.
With Type 8 tags, hunters can hunt with rifles as early as Aug. 1 — when it's often pushing 90 degrees and hotter in many ares of the state.
Gain a Rancher's Trust
If getting to hunt on unlimited cow elk tags in August sounds like a good deal, it is, Kolesnikov said. However, success hinges on access to private land, he said.
“I’m not saying you can’t find them (Type 8 hunting opportunities) on public land, because I know people who have. But you have to be incredibly lucky,” Kolesnikov said.
He established a solid relationship with a rancher who is happy to grant him and select friends access so they can thin out the cow elk on the property.
“It’s all about developing a good relationship with the landowner and following their rules,” Kolesnikov said. “It’s nice to get out there, shake the dust off.”
Adels said he “agrees 110%” that hunters who are considering buying Type 8 tags should first make sure that they have access to private land.
Spot and Stalk
When hunting early-season elk, Kolesnikov said he likes to use “spot and stalk” tactics.
That means scanning the landscape with binoculars for groups of elk and then formulating a plan for stalking close enough for a clear shot.
Patience pays off, he said, noting that nearly all his Type 8 tags have been filled with shots taken from 200 yards or less.
In the August heat, it’s also important to get the elk quartered and “on ice in a cooler” as soon as possible.
He prefers to hunt later in the day.
“Getting something down later in the evening when it’s cooler helps keep the meat fresh,” he said.
'3, 2, 1 Shot’
Kolesnikov had already filled two Type 8 tags before Adels joined him on another hunt.
Adels said they talked to Game and Fish personnel to get a better idea of where the elk might be on the vast ranch property.
“We decided to check out the spot where they (Game and Fish) had been counting elk,” he said.
Sure enough, they came over a hill and saw a bunch about 70 yards away.
“We weren’t able to get situated” before the elk bolted, and they lost that shot opportunity.
“We chased them around for another couple of houses, but to no avail,” Adels said.
Later, he “glassed up (spotted in his binoculars) another group of elk about 1,500 yards away,” he said.
The wind was in their favor so they closed the gap, Adels said.
This time, they didn’t miss their opportunity and set up for their shots from about 180 yards.
“We did a '3, 2, 1 (countdown)’ shot, and both elk dropped immediately,” he said.
Set Up for Bull Hunts
Kolesnikov said it’s a good feeling to have elk meat in his freezer while having also helped someone in need.
That will take the pressure off his upcoming regular-season bull elk hunt, allowing him to hold out for a true trophy.
Adels said the Type 8 tag hunt did the same for him.
“My whole objective was to get some meat in the freezer on this hunt. I drew a really great bull tag this year. I’ve never drawn a limited bull tag,” he said.
And so, when archery elk season opens in September, he can focus on getting the bull of his dreams.
Mark Heinz can be reached at mark@cowboystatedaily.com.
