Last Minute Elk Hunting Tips for Unprepared Hunters

I’m Matt Hartsky, and I founded Backbone Unlimited to help you Train Harder, Hunt Smarter and Never Settle.

With 33 years of Western big game hunting and 29 years as a professional strength, conditioning, and nutrition coach, I share the tactics, training, and mindset that lead to success—on the mountain and in life. This brand is about more than elk and mule deer. It’s about living with backbone in a world full of excuses—crushing limits and refusing to quit.

After losing my oldest son to suicide, I made it my mission to help anyone struggling with mental health and to build a community of hunters who push each other forward.

When you join Team Backbone, you get direct coaching from me, a private group of like-minded hunters, an exclusive monthly shirt, 20% off gear, giveaways, and member-only content to help you sharpen your edge.

Join us at BackboneUnlimited.com and let’s Train Harder, Hunt Smarter and Never Settle.

CHAPTERS:
0:00 – Last Minute Elk Hunting Prep
1:15 – Control What You Can, Forget the Rest
2:15 – Train Your Body for the Mountain
3:03 – Mental Prep That Actually Matters
3:47 – Build a Simple, Focused Hunt Plan
4:29 – Gear Triage: What Actually Matters
9:55 – Simplify: Where, When, and How to Hunt
14:38 – You’re Still in the Game
18:01 – TEAM BACKBONE Membership

Feeling Behind for Elk Season? Watch This Last-Minute Elk Hunting Guide
If you're not ready for elk hunting season and the opener is right around the corner—this video
is for you. Whether life got in the way or the prep just didn’t happen, you’re not out of time yet. In
this episode of Backbone Unlimited, Matt Hartsky delivers a real-world, no-fluff crash course on
last-minute elk hunting tips for unprepared hunters.
With 33 years of public land elk hunting experience, Matt walks you through the bare essentials
that matter most when time is short—from physical prep and mental toughness to simplified
gear and e-scouting strategies. You'll learn how to triage your checklist, lock in your plan, and
make the most of whatever prep time you’ve got left.
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up smart, ready, and relentless—even if you're
behind.
➤ Here's what you'll learn in this episode:
How to focus on the 3 things you can still control (your body, your mind, your plan)
Critical gear tips for last-minute hunters (boots, layering, weapon, and kill kit)
Simple, effective elk hunting tactics that work when time is short
How to build a plan fast: Where to go, when to move, and how to hunt it
What mindset separates successful elk hunters from those who fold under pressure
How to use your eyes, ears, and instincts even without scouting beforehand
If you’re staring at opening day feeling unprepared, overwhelmed, or uncertain—this episode
will give you the tools and confidence to step into the hunt and still make it happen.

#ElkHunting #ElkHuntingTips