U.S. Elk 25 H.A.R.T Challenge

The U.S. Elk 25 H.A.R.T Challenge is a journey through America’s wildest terrain in pursuit of one of its most majestic animals. From the sweeping grasslands of Oklahoma to the alpine slopes of Montana, this challenge is about more than checking states off a list, it’s about honoring the elk, understanding its range, and capturing unforgettable moments across twenty-five U.S. states.

Each H.A.R.T shot on a bull elk is a milestone in your personal conservation journey. Whether you’re bugling in the Rockies or photographing velvet antlers in the Ozarks, this challenge rewards planning, patience, and passion.

What You’ll Need to Complete This Challenge

To complete the U.S. Elk 25 H.A.R.T Challenge, you must verify a H.A.R.T shot on each of the ten species listed below.

Qualification Criteria

Animal Type:

Bull elk only
Must have at least one antler (velvet and spike qualify; slick heads do not)

Location:

Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kentucky, Minnesota, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wyoming

H.A.R.T Shot Verification:

Must be completed using the H.A.R.T Shot App
Each shot can only be applied to one challenge
The challenge is selected after verification

Weapons Divisions

You may pursue this challenge using any of the official H.A.R.T weapons divisions:

Firearms Division:
Any firearm or replica that activates the H.A.R.T Shot app

H.A.R.Tchery Division:
Any bow system or faux bow compatible with the app

H.A.R.T Stick Division:
Camera-based shots designed to capture the moment without harm, in the spirit of the Native American Coup Stick tradition

Where to H.A.R.T

Land Access & Ethical Guidelines

You may H.A.R.T on:

Public land
Private land (with permission)
Preserves or hunting ranches

You must:

Follow all state-specific hunting laws
Carry proper licenses and tags where applicable
Never trespass or pressure wildlife unnecessarily
Use the H.A.R.T system from a respectful 30-50 yard distance
Follow all ethical wildlife photography standards when using the H.A.R.T Stick

Tips for Completing the Challenge

1

Think Seasonally

Elk behavior and visibility vary widely by season. Plan accordingly.

2

Use the Rut to Your Advantage

During the fall rut, bulls are vocal and often visible.

3

Scout Access Points

Elk habitat can be remote. Know how you’ll get in and out.

Recognition and Record-Keeping

Each verified H.A.R.T shot earns you a commemorative Patch and a place in the H.A.R.T the Hunt Record Book. Also, you will be invited to purchase and collect all the Skullies for a one-of-a-kind trophy collection.

The first person to complete this challenge will help design and name the official U.S. Elk 25 trophy. All future completers may purchase a replica engraved with their name and date of completion. You may purchase a commemorative Skullie display board to show off the Skullies you collected during the challenge.

Why Take On the Elk 25?

This challenge is for the persistent; those who appreciate the effort it takes to earn every encounter.

By completing the Elk 25, you’ll:

Witness the variation of elk habitat across America
Learn species behavior from lowland bugles to mountain shadows
Showcase your versatility across weapon divisions and terrain
Join a growing record of H.A.R.Ters leaving a legacy in conservation and ethics

Start the Challenge

Download the H.A.R.T Shot App
Purchase your ammo (bullets, arrows, or Strikes)
Plan your first elk hunt by region
Make your H.A.R.T shots
Upload, verify, and apply it to the Elk 25 Challenge

Download the App here:

Final Notes

The challenge is selected after verification
No single H.A.R.T shot can count toward multiple challenges
With family, challenges may be passed down but not stacked

H.A.R.T® HUNTS CHALLENGE

U.S. Elk 25