The Practical Guide to Elk Hunting by John A Cleveland ~ My Highest Recommendation

Published on May 9, 2020
Duration: 13:53

This video provides a comprehensive review of John A. Cleveland's book, 'The Practical Guide to Elk Hunting.' The reviewer highlights Cleveland's extensive experience, having taken 35 elk in 40 years, primarily within 50 yards. The book emphasizes practical advice on finding hunting locations, understanding elk behavior, selecting essential gear (especially quality binoculars and appropriate clothing), and mastering ethical hunting tactics. It strongly advocates for close-range shots and humane harvesting, contrasting this with the often commercially driven advice promoting long-distance shooting.

Quick Summary

John A. Cleveland's 'The Practical Guide to Elk Hunting' emphasizes ethical hunting and practical experience, with the author having harvested 35 elk in 40 years, mostly within 50 yards. The book advises understanding elk behavior, selecting essential gear like quality binoculars and adaptable clothing, and prioritizing close-range, humane shots over long-distance attempts.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Introduction and Book Presentation
  2. 00:13Special Introduction to John A. Cleveland's Book
  3. 00:28Book Title: The Practical Guide to Elk Hunting
  4. 00:31Author's Experience: 40 Years of Elk Hunting Lessons
  5. 00:59Cleveland's Success: 35 Elk in 40 Years
  6. 01:13Hunting Location: Colorado Rockies
  7. 01:32Comparison to Other Hunting Literature
  8. 02:04Cleveland's Approach: Not Propaganda, From the Heart
  9. 02:16Homegrown Knowledge: Learned by Grit and Mistakes
  10. 02:48Book Publication Details: 2019, Amazon, Lodgepole Books
  11. 03:13Reading Experience: Fun and Not Difficult
  12. 03:18Chapter 1: Finding a Place to Hunt
  13. 03:33Knowing Your Quarry: Understanding Elk Behavior
  14. 03:55Using Updrafts and Downdrafts
  15. 04:03Chapter: Elk Hunting Gear and Getting Equipped
  16. 04:10Critique of Over-Equipped Hunters
  17. 05:04Gear to Avoid: Cheap Binoculars
  18. 05:22Chapter: Necessary Clothing
  19. 05:36Importance of Layering and Appropriate Clothing
  20. 06:05Critique of Commercially Driven Gear Recommendations
  21. 06:47Chapter: Elk Hunting Tactics and Techniques
  22. 06:57Nature of Elk: Wild, Wary, Swift, Keen Senses
  23. 07:30Preparing to Hunt on Elk's Turf
  24. 07:43Favorite Chapter: Hunting Ethics
  25. 07:54Hunting vs. Shooting: The Goal of the Hunt
  26. 08:15Properly Oriented Goals: Close Range, Clean Shot
  27. 08:36Respecting Elk: Magnificent Animals, Humane Taking
  28. 08:43Wasted Elk: The Problem of Slob Hunters
  29. 09:02Skill vs. Practice: The Ethical Hunter's Approach
  30. 09:21Skilled Hunter's Goal: Get Close, See, Smell, Count Points
  31. 09:45Precision Shot: Lungs and Heart
  32. 09:57Good Shot = Ethical Shot
  33. 10:05Emphasis on Personal Experience
  34. 10:15Recap: 35 Elk in 40 Years, Mostly Within 50 Yards
  35. 10:33Hunting in Timber: Limited Visibility
  36. 10:50Hunting on the Prairie: Undulating Terrain
  37. 11:14Long Shots: Rare and Often Problematic
  38. 11:37Misconceptions from East Coast Hunters: .338 Win Mag
  39. 11:55Cleveland's Ethical Hunting Advice
  40. 12:07Thanks to John Cleveland
  41. 12:11Personal Correspondence with the Author
  42. 12:39Reviewer's Personal Elk Hunting Years
  43. 13:02Thank You for Watching and Subscribing
  44. 13:06Mention of Benny

Frequently Asked Questions

What is John A. Cleveland's experience in elk hunting?

John A. Cleveland has 40 years of experience hunting elk, during which he has successfully harvested 35 elk. The reviewer emphasizes that most of these successful hunts occurred within 50 yards, highlighting Cleveland's practical and close-quarters approach.

What are the key takeaways from 'The Practical Guide to Elk Hunting'?

The book stresses understanding elk behavior, selecting essential gear like quality binoculars and appropriate clothing, and practicing ethical hunting. It advocates for close-range shots and humane harvesting, contrasting with commercially driven advice for long-distance shooting.

Why is ethical hunting important according to the review?

Ethical hunting is presented as the primary goal, focusing on the pursuit and humane taking of game, not just the act of shooting. It emphasizes getting close to the quarry for a clean shot, respecting the animal, and avoiding waste caused by unskilled or unethical hunters.

What advice is given regarding elk hunting gear?

The review cautions against over-equipping with unnecessary items. It highlights the critical importance of high-quality binoculars and appropriate clothing that can adapt to extreme temperature changes common in elk hunting environments.

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