Just wondered what was the most importent things u'all take with u for Colorado elk? Thanks Jason
Huevos!
That's pretty broad. Really want to know everything I consider important, or are you looking for the things I've forgotten and wished I had?
Uncented Chapstick. You will thank me later. The climate can be soooooo dry.
Good shoes/boots
energy foods
easy to carry liquids
flashlights
Get in shape. Enough for now. Lin
elk
Camelbak,UnderArmour,gaiters,Jolly Ranchers(watermelon flavored),wind checkers,BIC lighters,trioxane bars,elk calls,quality raingear,sleeping bag,GPS,compass,topos
Tops on my list are good boots and socks, camelback hydration bag, and the most excercise you can squeeze out of your body during the months before leaving! Get in shape!
DON'T FORGET A BOW AND ARROWS!! Tags, Good sharpener, extra knives, quarter bags, Camera, so we can see your smile with the kill. Extra set of lungs when yours get tired. GOOD BOOTS,Well broke in. The list would go on and on!!
Looks like I got work to do!!!tell me more. Thanks Jason
binoculars. You will/should do a lot of glassing to find the elk. Positive attitude that you will get into elk so you will be willing to get up in the dark, hike uphill for an hour or so in the dark, stay out all day, and come back to camp in the dark. GPS to find camp in the dark and find your elk when you go back for the quarters. LED headlamp for long term night hiking and a small very bright flashlight when you need to see out a ways. Minimalist gear to spend a cold dark night if necessary because you got "cliffed out".
i reckon it depends on the season (fall vs. winter) and location of the elk hunt you will attempt (backcountry bivouac vs. alfalfa field ambush...) lots of variables...
regardless, the following always top my list - as I have found an immediate need for them while miles away from camp:
as much water as you can pack (or carry a filtration kit,) good boots (w/ extra socks,) good-quality binocs, a compact or folding saw, a compass w/ good maps...... of course, food, clothing, shelter and basic first aid aren't a bad idea to have with you either.
Jason,
As I read the list by the others, it looks like the most popular thing on most lists in good boots/shoes! I heartly agree. Getting in shape is also a must! A good knife, flashlight, water, and bivy, compass, good binoculars are all on my list as well. One other thing I don't see is the ability to judge crittle distance at the moment of truth...try and practice your shooting so you can make good hits out to 30 yards. The west is big country in most cases and I think 30 yard shots would be a normal distance to give you a good chance.
Also a good meat pack, I've helped pack meat for others as well as myself. A good meat pack is tops for that.
Covey, You can take many of the things listed, but most important is self-reliance. It can't be bought. Mike
If it happens, a good sharp pack axe, pack saw and old back pack. Check the area when you first show up and locate someone with a mule or pack horse. For a small fee or trading out some meat they will pack out for you. I always have a pack flyrod and water filter.
Mini hatchet. Spend a night huddling under a pine tree in a cold, pouring rain that's just one degree shy of turning to snow and you'll know why.
. . . oh yeah, if you didn't invest in a top-quality pack frame for the meat-------don't forget the llamas.
When you say essentials do you really mean it? Here's what you need:
-shelter: clothing first, something to sleep in second, something to sleep under third (read the book "98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive" Cody Lundin). Probably have to have something to carry this in like a backpack.
-water: You have to have a way to get it and a way to make it drinkable.
-Food - count on 3000 calories per day and don't forget something to cook it on if that is the plan.
-Bow and arrows
-knife
-some plan to carry or get the animal out if you kill one
-above all, get your body and mind ready. Elk are not Indiana whitetails. Don't plan to hunt them the same way. You gotta move. Be prepared physically to move. The mountains aren't the hills of Martin or Orange County.
Asprin, meds and don't forget to drink lots of water to help prevent altitude sickness.
Wet Wipes
wet wipes AND baby powder
Determination.
Todd
Thanks guys, I'm new to this so all your input is a great help.I'm use to chaseing deer here in southern Indiana not elk in Colorado. Thanks again, Jason
Pack frame and cheeze cloth (Cheeze cloth are not the best game bags for clean meat, but they are the best for cooling it which is most important durning bow season.) type game bags are way essential.
A video of how to field dress (quarter, debone, cape, cut the head off, etc) an elk with a pocket knife.
A good sharpener.
Todd
Jason: You have had several comments about getting in shape. Being in good shape and being in elk hunting shape are two different things. If you are not in shape, it will ruin your hunt. Also a day or two on the front end to get acclimated to the altitude will help. Learn how to bone out an elk. Go with a buddy. Get a gps and learn to use it. Get good maps. Know what land is public and what is private. Get a good water filter and a good lightweight tent that will withstand severe weather. Read as much as you can and talk to people who have been elk hunting will help. Jim
If I had to list the things I feel are the most important it would be as follows.
A simple filter for a water bottle. The boulder ones I prefer. Carry it empty and use it for the times you run out. I cannot tell you how horrible it is to kill an elk at say 10-11 AM with only about 1/4 of your water supply left.
Game bags. To hunt without them is foolish.
Pruning shears, the small hand type. They are the ticket when setting up quick to clear things out of the way.
You shooting. Nothing will make a hunt worse than when your shooting goes south.
Good Luck.
No expert but based on my first elk hunt here is my recommendation:
First Aid Kit: I layed my hand open in the middle of no where. Having proper supplies kept us calm and saved a lost day of hunting. Also, plenty of mole skin and blister kits.
Gorp: I had no desire or time to cook. Quick meals are the key.
GPS: Even using topos and compass the GPS confirmation gave me confidence to push myself.
Layered Clothes: Lot of temp changes.
Water Bladder: great invention.
Good LED flash light:
A positive attitude: It is big country and a whole lot of it does not have elk at any given time. Dream big but have your self prepared not to get down if it becomes an extended trip of looking at old sign. Be ready at all times and enjoy.
Tylenol PM. Helps with the aches and pains and helps you sleep.
Mike
I really appreciate all of your input! I'm looking forward to getting out there in September.I consider myself in pretty good shape but I'm going to work on that before I go. I'll be sure to put all that is said here to good use.Thanks so much, Jason
good boots and rain gear
BILL
One top priority item for me is liquid smoke or something to check the wind.
Do you use a saw to quarter the elk or just bone it all out? If a saw what type do you use?
Bone it all, unless it expires on a road. Read Dave Petersons "blood and guts made easy" article, it is great.
Mike
Diamox...med for altitude sickness. Makes beer and soda taste flat but helps with some of the altitude problems us flatlanders get. See your doctor, PA, NP...
All of the above ring true. If you played football in school or basketball for that matter, think of the worst practice you made it through (with or without puking). That's how your body feels a day getting your butt kicked in high country without being moderately fit. I've been out there 7 times, and it only took me once to decide what level of fitness I wanted to be at!
Duct tape and moleskin...if those boots are a little rough on your feet these 2 items will protect your mode of locomotion!