Elk pack list.....

[SAM E. STEPHENS]

With all the Elk talk going on how about a detailed pack list for a 7-10 day backpack hunt in the backcountry. I will put my list up also , this year will be my 7th Elk trip off my back and always like seeing how others load-out for a hunt..

I know lists will vary for each type of hunt so if your not after Elk put your sheep , Bear , deer , what ever list up. We can always learn a new trick or a new piece of gear. For instance 2 years ago my hunting partner for elk was a tradganger and he brought a light weight kettle and that thing was awesome ( I'm buying one for this year )...

,,,Sam,,,

[SAM E. STEPHENS]

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[OkKeith]

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Other link didn't work...

OkKeith

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[SAM E. STEPHENS]

As you can see my list is pretty simple , I'm going to get a air pad for this year instead of my Zrest and I'm going to add the light weight kettle also...

My gear is also based on funds available so most is not the super high end stuff but it works and gets the job done very well..

Also this year I will be using a longbow and wood arrows ( I have been on 6 elk DIY backpack elk hunts and killed 4 bulls with a recurve and carbon arrows ) so longbow and wood this year....

,,,Sam,,,

[J from Denmark]

Sam, thats a pretty awesome stastistic with the elk you have, my hat is of to you!
I am going on my second elkhunt ever this year. got a 5 point on my own last time but this tome I am going in for both muledeer and elk and are going to be in the mountains for 20 days! 10 days alone and then 10 days with a buddy without coming out of there in between. So I am also preppi g big time right now and finding lots of new light weight gear.. its incredible how light weight the new stuff is..

would be cool to see some pics from your other elkhunts.. 😊

[SAM E. STEPHENS]

Also I'm not a trophy hunter so any legal bull or cow will have an arrow sent it's way if a good shot is offered. I go for the adventure , experience , fun , time with friends , fishing , allure , romance of the wilderness ( don't get me wrong I want to kill a Elk that's why I'm hunting ). In my opinion backpack hunts will make or break a guy , you need to be ready physical and mental for what you are about to do , if your not your hunt is over before you take your first step on the trail. I always hear how over crowded the land is with hunters and how no elk were seen on a trip. Well if that's the case pack your butt up and go to another area , I would rather hunt for 2 days in elk than hunt a week where no elk are....

,,,Sam,,,

[SAM E. STEPHENS]

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[fisherick]

Sam, good topic and great pictures on your success.
Here is a copy of my 3-4 day bivy/spike camp Colorado hunt checklist. It needs some updating but has served me well in my adventures.

Note: error occurs trying to attach this excel checklist OR jpeg picture of it.

[Alvey]

   definitely like your  approach .

[Horne Shooter]

Checking your list for gear that I have and gear that I need. Done a few DIY hunts but not in the last few years as I've been using outfitters lately.  Looking forward to the trip this year with you Sam.  I have a "few" years on you-- but I'll be ready!

[Eden]

Good thread, I'm following along .  Planning our first trip for next year.

[SAM E. STEPHENS]

Take a good look at this picture , it's the best advise I can give anyone going elk hunting..





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[OkKeith]

Uh.... Sam, are you saying we should shave our heads?

OkKeith

[J from Denmark]

Sam I hunt for excatly the same reasons..
Yes no doubt that this kind of hunt is a make or breake hunt, but thats what I am looking for and have been preparing for in years 
Are you hunting solo or with buddies?

[monterey]

Uh.... Sam, are you saying we should shave our heads?

OkKeith

[Soonerlongbow]

Uh.... Sam, are you saying we should shave our heads?

OkKeith

[Soonerlongbow]

I love the concept of ultralight gear, I dislike the cost and how often it typically needs to be replaced. I also dislike that most synthetic gear isn't warm when wet/soaked. I get the old adage about ounces/pounds/pain, but I'm also stubborn enough that I like what I like and probably won't change. I still prefer solid frame packs and a heavier sleeping systems. I'm sure that comes from years of playing Army with a smattering of Scouting also. But most likely it's because I don't do a terribly large number of long distance hikes anymore, haven't been further than 3-4miles with a ruck in almost 20yrs. Luckily my boy is getting into Trail Life USA now and we're starting to do some more adventuresome activities. And I'm getting where I've got some time to actually do a DIY elk/deer hunt.


Good luck this year!

[michaelschwister]

Looks almost identical to my pack list.  I now add aspirin and benedryl tablets, water treatment tablets, and a daily ration pack I put in gallon ziplocks before leaving home. And a mini shovel to bury #2 which is required in wilderness areas

[snag]

http://byland.co/   Check out Emory's website on packing light. As I get older I tend to think we just take too much stuff with us when we leave the comforts of the city. Minimalism is a worthwhile goal. This is one reason I gravitate to trad archery.

[fisherick]

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