# ELK HUNTING WATER SOURCES - THE WATER SOURCE STRATEGY THAT FINDS BULLS OTHER HUNTERS MISS | 🎙️ EP. 183

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/backbone-unlimited-podcast-7365967/elk-hunting-water-sources-the-water-source-strategy-that-finds-bulls-other-hunters-miss-ep-183
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/backbone-unlimited-podcast-7365967/elk-hunting-water-sources-the-water-source-strategy-that-finds-bulls-other-hunters-miss-ep-183.md
Podcast: [Backbone Unlimited Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/backbone-unlimited-podcast-7365967)
Published: 2026-05-19T23:35:36+00:00
Episode link: https://backboneunlimited.podbean.com/e/elk-hunting-water-sources-the-water-source-strategy-that-finds-bulls-other-hunters-miss-%f0%9f%8e%99%ef%b8%8f-ep-183/
Audio file: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/c7b5zkhp49cfg5xa/Elk_Hunting_Water_Sources_-_The_Water_Source_Strategy_That_Finds_Bulls_Other_Hunters_Miss7w7hy.mp3
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Duration seconds: 1063

## Resource

In this episode of Backbone Unlimited, Matt Hartsky breaks down how to elk hunt water sources the right way and why most hunters completely misunderstand how bulls actually use water during elk hunting season. This episode covers the difference between destination water, transition water, and hidden security water, how pressure changes elk movement around ponds, creeks, wallows, seeps, and springs, and why the best elk hunting setups are often away from the water itself. Matt explains how wind, thermals, bedding cover, approach routes, and hunting pressure all affect daylight water use, while also teaching how to scout hidden water sources using topo maps, satellite imagery, terrain features, vegetation clues, and elk sign. If you want to become more consistent at finding public land bulls during archery elk season, this episode delivers a complete elk hunting water strategy built around real elk behavior, not guesswork.

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