Planning an elk hunt can feel overwhelming. From vast public land units to shifting elk behavior, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s why Trail launched this three-part series, How to Plan an Elk Hunt.

In this first part, we’ll cover the basics of GOHUNT Maps — the tools, layers, and features that form the foundation of Trail’s e-scouting process. Whether you’re prepping for your first archery season or fine-tuning a late rifle tag, this guide will help you get started with confidence.

Why GOHUNT Maps Matters for Elk Hunting

Modern mapping tools have transformed the way hunters prepare. With GOHUNT Maps, you can:

Trail calls GOHUNT Maps the single most powerful tool for e-scouting and navigation, and one that has changed hunting more than any other innovation in the last 15 years.

Organizing Elk Hunts with the Library and Hunt Planner

Inside GOHUNT Maps you’ll find your Library, which houses every state’s mapping layers, and your Hunts, where you organize each specific trip.

This hunt portfolio becomes the single place to track everything related to your tag.

Tools Every Elk Hunter Should Use

Waypoints

Drop a waypoint, assign an icon (elk, glassing point, camp, truck), and color-code for easy visual planning.

Trail often marks:

Polygons and Lines

Measurement Tool

Rifle hunters use this often, measuring from a glassing knob to a meadow to confirm it’s within shooting range. It’s also handy for estimating hiking distances.

Using Map Views: 2D, 3D, and Hybrid

Best GOHUNT Maps Layers for Elk Hunting

Using the Terrain Analysis Tool to Find Elk Habitat

This feature combines elevation, slope, and aspect to quickly highlight likely elk habitat.

For example, Trail might set:

The map then highlights these exact areas, saving hours of guesswork and pointing you toward elk country faster.

Historical Imagery for Elk Scouting

Toggle through past aerial images to see:

Elk Hunt Planning with GOHUNT Maps: Wrapping Up Part 1

This first part of the series is all about getting comfortable with GOHUNT Maps. By learning the tools, layers, and features, you’re setting yourself up for success before you ever step foot in the field.

In Part 2, Trail will break down elk behavior and how to locate elk using these tools. In Part 3, he’ll move to the mobile app and show how to put all of this into practice during the hunt.

Until then, log in to your GOHUNT Maps account, open a new hunt, and start experimenting with waypoints, layers, and the terrain analysis tool — you’ll be amazed at how fast your plan comes together.