Kudu hunting v Elk hunting - comparisons?

375Fox · May 12, 2026

I haven’t done a proper elk hunt yet. However, I’d take this into consideration. If you hunt elk, you generally have one tag in your pocket. If you finish on the first morning of the first day your hunt is over. I feel in Africa you are there to hunt for the days you booked. Kudu might be your primary target, but there are a large number of secondary animals you can take or a 2nd kudu to utilize all the days you booked.

That said, I’ve taken 11 kudu bulls in Zimbabwe, Namibia, and South Africa. I have my first elk hunt booked this November. Right now, I put a trophy elk as a higher trophy. Kudu are relatively easy to get to me. It’s difficult to compare North American and African hunts. I’ve taken dall sheep, caribou, black bear, Sitka blacktail deer, mule deer on guided hunts. I’ve always felt the success in North America was more fulfilling because you worked so hard and were generally wet, cold, and semi-uncomfortable the entire trip. Africa is fun. The camps, food, and weather is really nice, but it’s a different type of satisfaction from the hunt because the hunting and conditions are so different. Any North American hunt I’d also be prepared to go home empty handed. Africa I expect to take at least several animals on any trip. It’s difficult to compare.

JimP · May 12, 2026

The problem with thinking that your elk hunt is over on the morning of day one is possible, I've shot two elk on open morning, one took the rest of the day and into the night to get the meat to the truck. The other one I was able to drive my truck to it.

Other than that most elk hunts will run multiple days. Usualy with a day off to relax for a while before continuing the hunt. I've shot most of my elk towards the end of the hunt rather than the first of it.

But the trouble with kudu is that they are only a few day hunts with other animals in between. If you are lucky you get a taste of the meat depending on the camp, then most of your memories of the kudu itself isn't very much, unless you are hunting for a special animal.

Now go on a elk hunt where all of you concentration is on a elk. You'll have days if not a full weeks of memories. You'll have the experience of fresh elk tenderloins grilled over a open fire, if you are successful. You'll have the experience of packing out the meat over hundreds of yards up and down hills that make that grilled tenderloin all that much more special.

While you can have some of those experiences with a kudu you will never forget that special elk hunt.

I've shot two kudu, the first one was a hunt. We covered a lot of miles to get it done. The second not as much. We spotted him from the truck and a short while later he was on the ground.

In my opinion a elk hunt is a hunt. You don't have a number of them to look over. A kudu on the other hand is quite often a animal of opportunity while looking for something else and if it's a mature animal you'll shoot it. Then the trackers and packers take over.

Jaegerstu · May 12, 2026

The hunting of a desirable species in North America versus your opportunities you will have in Africa may drive the decision. If you factor in the probability of not taking anything during a planned North American hunt, or being told by your guide “ we can’t take that one” could have significant influence. I don’t believe you will have these downsides, regardless of the species you choose to pursue on safari on the continent of Africa. Some experiences are worth whatever the effort or risk, either way they are all Good Times

JimP · May 12, 2026

If you just want to shoot a animal then Africa is the place to go to be successful, but what is successful? I've been on a lot of hunts where my rifle was never shouldered at a game animal and some of those hunts were my most enjoyable ones.

I have often said that I don't need to kill a animal. On my last hunt is South Africa my PH almost begged me to shoot my final three animals that were on my list, so I shot those three cull animals. It didn't make me feel anymore successful than the rest of the hunt. I had shot my targeted animals and didn't need to shoot them. It didn't enhance my hunt but there are those who would of needed to shoot all the animals that were on their list.

You don't have to hire a outfitter for a elk hunt, even those who do go home empty handed but enjoy every minute of the hunt and are booking a there next hunt before they leave.

I have never understood the need to shoot a animal to make a hunt successful.

375 Ruger Fan · May 12, 2026

I've killed a lot of elk and a few kudu. An elk hunt is a hard hunt, kudu hunt is fairly easy spot and stalk and shoot. I've taken trophy elk by archery and rifle. Very different hunts, but both hard. Once you get an elk down, it's a lot of work packing it out. Having pack horses or mules is a big plus. The combination of steep terrain and altitude make an elk hunt hard. But it's the most rewarding hunt I've done.

dogcat1 · May 12, 2026

Hunted both many times. Red stag is a blast as well! Go hunt both or all three! Money well spent and time well spent

375Fox · May 12, 2026

JimP said:
If you just want to shoot a animal then Africa is the place to go to be successful, but what is successful? I've been on a lot of hunts where my rifle was never shouldered at a game animal and some of those hunts were my most enjoyable ones.

I have often said that I don't need to kill a animal. On my last hunt is South Africa my PH almost begged me to shoot my final three animals that were on my list, so I shot those three cull animals. It didn't make me feel anymore successful than the rest of the hunt. I had shot my targeted animals and didn't need to shoot them. It didn't enhance my hunt but there are those who would of needed to shoot all the animals that were on their list.

You don't have to hire a outfitter for a elk hunt, even those who do go home empty handed but enjoy every minute of the hunt and are booking a there next hunt before they leave.

I have never understood the need to shoot a animal to make a hunt successful.

If you think this way, you might consider hunting something different than a game farm in South Africa. I find North America more challenging, but your comparison is off. Shooting 3 culls on a farm in South Africa is more comparable to shooting 3 whitetail does in Texas than hunting a wilderness area for elk. It would add nothing to my hunt either. There are concession hunts in Africa that would provide a more rewarding experience than you described.

Have you been unsuccessful on paid guided hunts? I’ve had great experiences but it is still a serious disappointment not to be successful after you just invested a significant amount of time and money. A local hunt is something very different. You’ll get another opportunity the next year and the tag came easy. Even an unguided hunt for a non-resident comes at a cost for non-resident tags and licenses, travel, vacation time, accommodations, etc then repeating that multiple years to learn to hunt there. Success isn’t the only factor but it’s definitely a major consideration when traveling for a hunt.

uplander01 · May 12, 2026

I’ve taken a handful of each, I love hunting both. My simple answer is 20 years ago elk, now, kudu. Trophy bull elk hunting in North America has reached an absurd level of cost. Albeit there is nothing better than to have a freezer full of elk meat.

JimP · May 12, 2026

375Fox said:
Have you been unsuccessful on paid guided hunts? I’ve had great experiences but it is still a serious disappointment not to be successful after you just invested a significant amount of time and money.

Yes I have, my dream hunt for a grizzly in British Columbia. we only saw a single one in ten days of hunting. But the experience was outstanding. We saw elk, moose, black bears, coyotes, and a number of other animals.

If the cost wouldn't of been what it was I'd consider going again. There was some disappointment in not getting one but then that's hunting

meigsbucks · May 12, 2026

Back when I was in my 20’s and 30’s, I went on nine guided elk hunts and took two raghorns and three fair bulls. All on public land. There was definitely a sense of accomplishment.
I have only hunted and taken one kudu and I was 56 at the time. It wasn’t as challenging as hauling my butt up 10,000ft day after day and hope to be able to see and stalk a bull.
Kudu: You generally see a few bulls a day and if you spot a shooter, the stalk can be challenging although not as vertical. I was on three stalks (1 maybe 1/2 mile, 1 about three miles and the one I shot: about a mile) before I took mine.

thoma018 · May 12, 2026

While I have not traveled to Africa to hunt (yet), so I can't comment on Kudu I can absolutely say that hunting Elk during the rut in a Wilderness area (no wheels/no motors) with traditional archery cannot be beat. It is the hardest hunting I have ever done yet the most exciting and gratifying.

fourfive8 · May 12, 2026

I’ve killed 5 kudu and a lot of elk. I have lived in elk country all my life. Both are fairly large big game and may seem similar. A mature bull elk is quite a bit larger than a mature bull kudu. Hunting both in their habitats may also seem similar. But they are not similar animals and there are very few similarities in hunting them.

Bill_D · May 12, 2026

Public land Elk, I believe more than people realize, is so much more of a challenge/reward not because of the elks wild and majesticness but because they have sooooo….. much human pressure on them during hunting season.

Ultimately, you are hunting an animal being pressed into the verge of being nocturnal. Most zones on public land will be dotted with orange hats on every hill and valley you glass, each of those orange hats has ONX and three other hunting apps downloaded on their smartphone, a carbon fiber rifle that is very capable of shooting at, killing, or likely wounding and elk out to 1000 yards, range finding binos, also using the smartphone to tell all of there buddies sitting at home where are the elk are.

And now I have personally witnessed drones flying over our glassing spots regularly at peak glassing hours and know a lot of guys are now scanning whole canyons with Thermal binoculars (this is happening way more than people realize).

Most states on top of all this run 3-4 back to back elk seasons.

Just bringing in the new realities of public land elk hunting from my perspective as I have hunted Colorado elk with a drop camp for the last 7 years, I’ve killed 4 bulls.

I’ve spot and stocked one beautiful KUDU bull in Namibia on my first safari in 2024.

I am seriously thinking about giving up the Colorado elk hunting (ends up costing me 6k annually) for a nice plains game hunt every few years.

JPbowhunter · May 12, 2026

K-man said:
Well I have 2x kudu, 2x elk and 2x red stag. That doesn’t make me an expert by any means, but for me I can drive 8-10 hours and be in a reasonably good elk country. My experience is not the norm, I have not hunted elk during the bugle, but after. I have hunted red stag once in the roar and once after. My first kudu was in the rut, the second cape kudu was after. Elk you may find one or two decent shooters during the bugle in a two or three square mile area. Red stag and kudu might have ten shooters in that same space. (Free range). Both my elk were taken on the first day, 6x6 300-310 inch which was quite good for the area. My kudu were both taken the first day we hunted them, southern 57”+ and cape 50”. My red stags were also taken the first morning of the hunt. One New Zealand and one Argentina. Advantage to the elk by driving to the hunt and taking meat home. Disadvantage elk now by cost. Kudu is a long trip but you can get several animals on one trip, cost is less. Red stag is a long trip and you can probably add another animal or two. Cost is in between. As I age the Rocky Mountains get a little taller and steeper. If I’m in Africa a kudu is always on the list. New Zealand or Argentina red stag is always high on the list. Personal choice for a favorite.

Density and age class all depends on where you are. Where I live it is considered red deer country. In 3 square miles you may only have 2-3 deer total.

A red stag high fenced is a different animal to red stag free range. A free range red stag in a low pressure area is a different animal to a free range red stag in a high pressure area. The same applies to most species in my experience.

I haven’t hunted elk yet, but I know quite a few guys that have. I’m yet to meet one that’s hunter both reds in Australia and elk in the states that consider elk a harder hunt.
If you want a real challenge, back country hunt for sambar in the Victorian high country of Australia.

Mtn_Infantry · May 13, 2026

migrabill said:
Main difference, to me at least. is you call Elk. They Bugle back - location now compromised. You stalk in (or the Elk comes in to the call), find the elk that bugled - dead elk. Kudu are not so vocal. They are harder to see. They are ghosts. Elk is 5 times the price. I'll take Kudu all day.

It really depends on where & when you’re hunting. Not all elk hunting is during the rut when they’re bugling. In many states bulls are only bugling during archery season, or maybe an early muzzleloader season. Additionally, if you’ve ever hunted public land (especially in wolf or grizzly country), the bulls have learned not to bugle during the rut because it attracts hunters and 4 legged predators. I love watching the guys bugling non-stop or using their hoochie mama calls getting days of silence and so disgusted.

@Muntjacer23 I’ve hunt elk a fair number of times as a non resident (every other year or two since about 2011). I’ve hunted guided, drop camp and DIY for elk. My hunts have almost exclusively been on public land and I’ve only ever hunted private land on 1 hunt. It’s ironically my smallest bull (barely a 6x6). I’ve taken 3 Kudu Bulls and hunted/seen kudu on most every safari of the 12 or 13 I’ve been on. In my opinion, unless you’re paying for a very high end private elk hunt where you’re using vehicles or side by sides your similarities to elk hunting are almost non-existent. To even get close you’ll need to hunt kudu spot and stalk in mountainous terrain which I’ve done once. We also had to cut said bull in half and carry/drag him down the mountain (really a hill by Rocky Mountain standards) to the waiting truck. Aside from that limited experience of spot/stalk hunting and a cross canyon shot I draw had no similarities between the two.

As others have stated the work that goes into a public land elk hunt is vastly different and the sense of accomplishment (regardless of success) is a different feeling. The sore back and burning legs after a good pack out is another high in itself. Elk and Turkeys are presently my favorite things to chase here in the states. Elk wise, I’ve shifted my focus from just trying to hunt every year to focusing on drawing tough tags with proven trophy potential. If I get the itch to elk hunt via a OTC or 2nd/3rd choice tag, I’m hunting big mature bulls on pressured public land. I’d rather take a cow than take a small sub 300” bull (unless he’s a non typical) now. A giant 350+” 5x5 with sweeping whale tales is my dream.

If you’re asking me to pick between a $15k or more guided private land elk hunt and Africa, it’s Africa every day of the week and twice on Sunday despite it not being as physical of a hunt or as “rewarding” because I refuse to pay the ridiculous private land costs. Luckily I can elk hunt DIY when I get the itch cheaper than Africa, and don’t need to choose between Elk or Kudu, BUT if I just burned 15-20 preference points on a public land draw tag I’m picking Elk Hunting over Africa.

Gomer · May 13, 2026

Mtn_Infantry said:
It really depends on where & when you’re hunting. Not all elk hunting is during the rut when they’re bugling. In many states bulls are only bugling during archery season, or maybe an early muzzleloader season. Additionally, if you’ve ever hunted public land (especially in wolf or grizzly country), the bulls have learned not to bugle during the rut because it attracts hunters and 4 legged predators. I love watching the guys bugling non-stop or using their hoochie mama calls getting days of silence and so disgusted.

@Muntjacer23 I’ve hunt elk a fair number of times as a non resident (every other year or two since about 2011). I’ve hunted guided, drop camp and DIY for elk. My hunts have almost exclusively been on public land and I’ve only ever hunted private land on 1 hunt. It’s ironically my smallest bull (barely a 6x6). I’ve taken 3 Kudu Bulls and hunted/seen kudu on most every safari of the 12 or 13 I’ve been on. In my opinion, unless you’re paying for a very high end private elk hunt where you’re using vehicles or side by sides your similarities to elk hunting are almost non-existent. To even get close you’ll need to hunt kudu spot and stalk in mountainous terrain which I’ve done once. We also had to cut said bull in half and carry/drag him down the mountain (really a hill by Rocky Mountain standards) to the waiting truck. Aside from that limited experience of spot/stalk hunting and a cross canyon shot I draw had no similarities between the two.

As others have stated the work that goes into a public land elk hunt is vastly different and the sense of accomplishment (regardless of success) is a different feeling. The sore back and burning legs after a good pack out is another high in itself. Elk and Turkeys are presently my favorite things to chase here in the states. Elk wise, I’ve shifted my focus from just trying to hunt every year to focusing on drawing tough tags with proven trophy potential. If I get the itch to elk hunt via a OTC or 2nd/3rd choice tag, I’m hunting big mature bulls on pressured public land. I’d rather take a cow than take a small sub 300” bull (unless he’s a non typical) now. A giant 350+” 5x5 with sweeping whale tales is my dream.

If you’re asking me to pick between a $15k or more guided private land elk hunt and Africa, it’s Africa every day of the week and twice on Sunday despite it not being as physical of a hunt or as “rewarding” because I refuse to pay the ridiculous private land costs. Luckily I can elk hunt DIY when I get the itch cheaper than Africa, and don’t need to choose between Elk or Kudu, BUT if I just burned 15-20 preference points on a public land draw tag I’m picking Elk Hunting over Africa.

You got it right on the Hoochie Mama! I swear you can hear a chorus of those damn things in some of the areas around here!

grand veneur · May 13, 2026

Muntjacer23 said:
Whilst I have never hunted either species I certainly hope to do so one day.
From what research I’ve done, I believe it’s considerably cheaper to hunt a trophy kudu than it is to do a guided trophy elk hunt in the US as a non-resident. (I’m from the UK)

But my first question is for those on this forum who have hunted both of these species. how does the actual hunt compare?

My second question is that if money was no issue would you rather have a life hunting elk or kudu?

From my understanding there are a few very basic comparisons to be drawn between hunting the two species:

- both are hunted in a spot and stalk style.

- both can be found in dense, hilly/ mountainous areas.

- both are large bodied animals with large horns/antlers

Interested in hearing everybody’s thoughts!

The two hunts are by far no comparable and certainly not in terms of price. It is best, however, to set prices aside, because, regardless of the game, they can vary greatly.

Kudus are typically shot during booked PG hunts or during a DG game hunt. In terms of terrain and difficulty, PG hunts in generally, and also Kudu hunts, are relatively easy to conduct, which is far from the case when it comes to Elk hunting. While there are certainly terrains where harvesting an Elk is easier, on average, one requires a better physical condition for hunting an Elk in the mountains than that needed for hunting a Kudu in the African Bush. As far as shooting is concerned, without going into the specifics of rifles and cartridges needed, one must keep in mind that a heavy Elk bull during the rut is far tougher than a Kudu and moreover often has to be shot in rugged terrain at greater distances, sometime in mountainous areas at high altitudes. And finally; after a Kudu hunt, you can take a hot shower in the evening, stand at the bar, and sleep in a proper bed at night. During an Elk hunt, in most cases you spend your evenings and nights in a sleeping bag, inside a tent or a hunting cabin. All things considered, these two hunts are by no means comparable.

grand veneur · May 13, 2026

Some members mentioned the Red deer hunting. This hunt can also not be compared to that of a Kudu. In some cases, due to the country, the terrain and the hunting style, it can be to that of an Elk, but without the rough conditions regarding accommodation. However, a large number of red deer are taken from a high stand / Hochsitz, sometime in closed areas, which is even easier than shooting a Kudu in the African bush.

The Red deer trophy fees are another topic, also not comparable with the trophy fees for Kudu or Elk.

grand veneur · May 13, 2026

Speaking quite generally, one cannot compare hunting on different continent, let alone in the different countries of this continents, even if the game species have some resemblance to one another. As for the manner in which a particular game species is hunted, tracking, approach and shooting, the methods are quite similar, only influenced by variations in terrain and climatic conditions, and in some cases due to certain specific characteristics of particular game species. A topic that is interesting to discuss.

Altitude sickness · May 13, 2026

Even if you contain the discussion to one species there are many variables and different type and different levels of difficulty.

My first elk hunt was a New Mexico guided private land archery hunt in the late 80s. I shot a small 5x5 on the first evening. ( a lot of luck) A broad-head thru the Aorta and he made it 10 yards. I thought is was easier than I had heard. Then my hunting friend continued to hunt hard the rest of the week without success.

Then I hunted unguided government land and trespass fee hunts for the next couple decades. Shooting another 12 or 13 elk with my bow. 3 with a Muzzle loader.

and 1 rifle guided kill on a premium Colorado draw unit using my preference points .

None were easy and many unsuccessful hunts were very memorable.

Now unfortunately you can hunt Uganda or Tanzania buffalo for the price of a good private land elk hunt.

I also have hunted kudu on SA ranches and they are much easier of course to kill just any bull. But if looking for a specific animal or a trophy. They can be challenging too. And for a fraction of the cost.

In Zimbabwe Chewore South, I had a solid chance at an all white Kudu. Not albino, but 100% white with light grey stripes. I was shooting bait animals for my wife’s leopard hunt. And carrying my wife’s .308 loaded with 100 grain safari raptors 3300Fps. I still hadn’t killed anything and didn’t know what the 100 grain raptors could do. So when I had the kudu at 130 yards facing me. I decided not to shoot. Not knowing the devastating results the bullet provided. After shooting 8 Impala at all angles I realized the bullet would definitely have killed the kudu.

So that’s a long way to say; that Kudu can in fact be a challenge. In different ways. Once we decided to look for that all white bull whenever we were in the same general area. We never saw him for the remainder of the 15 day hunt. So one specific Kudu in a wild area can also be very challenging in different ways.

Kudu hunting v Elk hunting - comparisons?

375Fox

JimP

Jaegerstu

JimP

375 Ruger Fan

dogcat1

375Fox

uplander01

JimP

meigsbucks

thoma018

fourfive8

Bill_D

JPbowhunter

Mtn_Infantry

Gomer

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Altitude sickness

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