O.K. guys, as many of you know, thanks to the generosity of ELKHERDER, i'll be going on an elk hunt next September to the mountains of Oregon.
I've never hunted anything other than ohio whitetails-----What are some MUST haves for this type of hunt?
I know: camera, film and batteries will be required or i'll probably get kicked off this website :goldtooth:
I also figure a good pair of boots ( I only use insulated rubber boots right now, and I don't thinks that will work for mountain climbing).
I'm shooting a 62# recurve using 30" C.E. heritage 350 shafts, 150gr. Magnus Stinger 4bld. broadheads, and an extra 50gr. insert: total weight 600gr. Enough elk medecine?
Thanks for your input and I'll keep everyone here posted as time gets closer.
Ben
I'd go the digital camera route. You can instantly see if you got a good picture or not, rather than finding out a week later back home. It's also easier to post them on this website and you save money by only printing out the pictures you actually want.
You'll get a lot of advice and opinions from a lot of folks on this one. I think Dave Petersen is about as an authoritative source as you'll find when it comes to bowhunting elk. He lives and breaths elk hunting ... and they are his year-round neighbors!
Ed
TGMM Family of the Bow
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=93;t=000366
Get a copy of G.Fred Asbell's "Stalking and Still Hunting". Lots of good info in there. Train with the pack you will be using and with the weight(or a bit more) you will be carrying and with the boots you will be wearing. Walk as much as you can, pushing yourself on hills to get your heart/lungs a good workout.
I have always used LL Bean Maine hunting boots and that is what G.Fred recommends but if you are going to hike in a distance you may want a good boot with plenty of support. Pat
A good rain suit will come in handy in Oregon.
From what I hear you will want to be in pretty good shape, start working out now if you need some improvement. Atleast that's what I would do. I would be so pumped I would start preparing yesterday!
I agree with Talondale on the digital camera rather than film camera. You can buy a nice little point and shoot for under $100.00. Your bow and arrow combo are perfect as long as the arrows are flying well. You will definitely want at least a cow call, I would suggest the Hootchie Mama squeeze call unless you are already accomplished with diaphram calls. Don't scrimp on the boots it can ruin a hunt faster than just about anything else. Get in the best shape you can and listen to your guide. Think layers when it comes to clothing as typical elk hunts can be cool to cold in the am and really warm up later in the day. Many times you can experience 80 degree+ weather, rain and snow all in a few days! I would defer to your guide as to any specific equipment recommendations he has for that specific area. One thing to keep in mind is to not get your expectations so high that it gets you mentally down if you are not getting into elk right away. Weather, hunting pressure and many other factors can have a big impact on the type of elk hunt you end up having. Keeping a positive mental attitude is very important! Good luck you are going to have a blast!!!
1. Good stiff boots to handle side-hilling steep canyons. Uninsulated because it is more likely to be hot. Cabelas Meindel Perfekt Hikers worked great for me.
2. Polypropylene or merino wool baselayers to wick away sweat - there will be loads of it. Firstlite ASAT stuff is great. Bass Pro Enduraskin is also great and cheaper.
3. A good mid-size backpack. I use a Badlands 2200 and really like it.
4. Something to carry water. I prefer to use a bladder like a camelback because it is a lot easier to drink quickly and quietly.
5. Your set up is very similar to mine (620 grains with Stinger 4 blades = passthrough)
6. Smartwool socks or similar
That ought to get you started!
Norb
A GPS and knowing how to use it is always reassuring when hunting unfamiliar territory.
Congrats by the way, you got yourself a heck of a deal.
The GPS just now got mentioned. Don't know what they cost but I've even feel better with my car-version than nothing. Decent battery life on it. About 4 hours. Enough to turn on let it get signal and find your co ordinances and then use a map.
Never elk hunted but aside from all the stuff you wear I think a good pair binoculars would be worth their weight in gold...and some certainly seem to cost as much! lol
Lots of good suggestions here, but the 'getting in shape' ones are probably the highest priority. Being in really good aerobic condition is paramount to having a good time, unless this is a different kind of elk hunt than I have ever been on. I have never hunted Oregon, but I was out there this summer, and the mountains are densely forested and steep, so the going will probably not be easy, although altitude is less of a problem there than in the Rockies.
I would also recommend a digital camera; they are compact, high quality, and easy to use. I gave up film several years ago after the quality of digitals became so good.
Practice shooting from odd angles; you may have to shoot around brush (or ferns in Oregon).
Have fun and enjoy the experience; elk are wonderful critters that live in awesome country. And, as you hopefully will find out, they are a whole bunch bigger than whitetails, so the pack out is a whole lot of work, unless you are lucky enough to have horses or the big bull dies close to your truck :D
Your bow set up should be just fine for elk. As mentioned, good boots and good socks are high on my list. If your wheels go out your hunt is over. And like BBH mentioned, the water bladders like a Camelback are by far the best way to keep hydrated - and that is also important to a good hunt.
One other thing I use almost constantly while elk hunting is one of the little puff bottles for checking the wind. Keep the wind in your favor or back out and swing around until it is.
The most important thing you can do to prepare for an elk hunt? GET IN SHAPE!!!!
Have a great time, and congratulations on being the lucky recipient of a very, very generous offer!
dont worry about the bow, you are in great shape there. Practice consistently at awkward angles, as in my experience, elk shots tend to be over/under brush, up/down hills, etc. More than anything, be in GREAT shape. THe eagle caps of eastern oregon are no cakewalk, to say the least. Lots of up and down, high elevation. Practice hiking/running with a decent pack, will help you be in shape for the hunt. Good Luck.
GET IN SHAPE!!! People talk about it but really commit yourself to it. I thought I was in good shape until I was running up and down the mountains on the first day. Don't skimp on good boots and socks. Good socks are an absolute must!!! Get a good comfy pack that has a hydration bladder and a filtration pump came in handy on the long walks.
Underarmour base layers worked well for me and make sure you are prepared for every season. We had temps in the 50's in the morning and by lunch we had 2" of snow on the ground. Practice shooting when your heart is pounding out of your chest and you are out of breath. GOOD LUCK and have fun. You will never forget the experience.
For in base camp - 55 gallon drums for water - no time for fiddling with that once the show starts.
Shower Bags - several - loaded. REAL Food - simple meat & potatoes - if you do this right - you will get stronger on your hunt instead of getting blown out - or progessivly tired.
On you - water filter (I know this is old school - but I like it) - an empty 1 gallon shower bag (no kidding I use it every day) - gps/compass/map (don't leave camp without em) (load fresh batteries after about the second day) - your own home made granola, jerky, dried fruit
At home before leaving - Dwight Schuh's Mule deer book AND his Elk hunting book. By using his "carry a lite camp on your back" method - you could experience places and action that you would otherwise not see - need to be young and strong - style your game care & camp like his.
I am leaning towards one solid half day (like 3:00 AM to Noon --- OR --- 1:00 PM till midnight - backing off some of those overnight hunts - I'm not young or strong - great idea Whip.
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I just got back from CO,arrived August 5th,left September 24th. I camped the entire time in the mountains,10,000 ft. plus. The only boots I wore elk hunting(except the two times it rained) was a pair of high top camo "silent sneakers"-bought them for 30.00 at the Sportsman's Guide. I can't tell you how many miles I logged in but with a pair of "Smartwool" socks they were the ticket. Yes, I took 3 other types of boots out but other than some LL Bean type Goretex over rubber boots the couple days it rained the other boots stayed in camp. Underarmour under BDU style camo was almost exclusively the only hunting clothing I wore. Temps were in the low 30s to mid 40s at 3:30am when I got up and as warm as 55-65 by mid day. I did put on a "Jersees" camo sweatshirt over the UA/shirt a few mornings,then shed it by 10:00am. I don't know how this compares to Oregon,Washington weather,especially if you are hunting the coastal sides. I like the Garmin "Foretrex 101" wrist watch style GPS and have found it a valuable tool to complement the military compass/topo map I carry. I've found the US military "EXTREME" cold weather sleeping bag to be the best BASE camp bag for mountain camping. Cheap,well made, and readily available at surplus outlets. I've not used the wood stove in the wall tent since I changed to this bag. Being is shape is by far the most important factor in public land mountain hunting,IMO. If you are in shape you can always get away from the lazy "hunters"(term used loosely) that drive around and blow/squeeze elk calls and mess up everyone else's hunting.Good luck!
http://community.webshots.com/user/rodge1102
I would be asking the guy who was generous enough to give you this trip. As I recall he has lots of experience in the Caps. It is rough country on boots. Like others have said get good boots! Don't skimp on these. I like the Asolo hiking boots with Gore-tex liner. Never have they let me down. Are you carrying everything in on your back or are you guys taking horses or mules?
Oregon is hugely diverse, both in climate and terrain, and there are many ways to hunt the differing areas. You can park a car on a hwy and walk 300 yds into the woods and kill elk or you can pack in somewhere for a week or more. So, what you need depends on how and where you will hunt.
I have Asolo Gortex hikers but I hunted all 3 weeks this year in lightweight Columbia lowtops and they were fantastic.
I think your bow/arrow is fine but I, personally, would shoot the heaviest arrow that your bow will throw efficiently out to about 25 yds. and I would shoot narrow, 2-blade broadheads. But I would not hesitate to use your current setup.
A set of LUNGS, :goldtooth: start today, it will bring you the most from your trip, it wont be anything like Ohio.
(http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/kingwouldbe/elk2006.jpg)
Good quality sox. I prefer the Thorlo Trekking wool sox. They are built up in the toe/heal and critcal areas. They are comfortable all day long. Water system, CamelBak, and maybe a personal water filter. Maps/Compass and a GPS as well as extra batteries. I also carry a small stove, fuel and cup'o soups. The stove is a SnowPeak Giga Power that is small enough to fit in a pocket.. Energy bars, TP, 100" of parchute chord, a couple of butane lighters, matches and a spark making device. I also carry a signal mirror, and a flashlight. Knives of course, broadhead tool, small diamond steel. Small first aid kit... Etc etc..
Get a copy of back country bow hunting by Cameron R. Haines. It has a lot of good info on gear and getting in shape. He's a compound shooter but he seems to know his stuff when it comes to getting in shape and what gear works in the field.
Chapstick and yes get in shape you will be sucking for air all the time,and advil for alitutde sickness.I took us 1 1/2 to get use to it.And you are one lucky man to win this trip congrats.
Ben,
Give me a call. We went this year and I have alot of the gear you will need for the trip. You can borrow anything I have for the trip. Pack, sleeping bag, whatever. I also have a new water bladder you can have if you want. We have elk nuts 4-DVD's that I recommend you watch and your welcome to use them. We are only an hour apart so give me a call.(St. Clairsville) I'll PM my number. Find out what equipment you need and I'll get it to you. I have just about everything you might need and your welcome to it. I won't need it again for a couple years. Call me.
Mike
Mike
Being tha this is an outfitted hunt, talk with the guide/outfitter and get a list of "must haves" and "leave homes". On a horse back hunt less is better if you have the right things. I don't know if you are hunting the coastal range or the cascades. The demands are different.
Your bow setup is great for elk. Don't do a thing there.
GET IN SHAPE. . .NOW!!! Loose the extra pounds you been want to get rid of and start walking at least a mile every day. Start today. Build your work out to peak a week before the hunt. You want to be walking 3-5 miles a day with your pack at that time.
You will be sucking wind for a few days but you will have legs.
Did I mention that you need to walk. . .Now!
Mike
BTW- Danner Pronghors in 200 gram were the cats meow! Most comfortable boots I've worn in a long time. Don't go cheap on your feet if you can.
Ben- Like most have said above, get in shape. I thought I was in shape this year until I got my bull on the ground 3 miles back. Then the work began. I was able to cover miles at hunting speed without much trouble but packing that critter out was a different story. I will be better prepared next year. Most of all have fun getting ready for your hunt.
2 necessities for any hunt involving mountains, aspirin and TP. For TP take the non-scented baby wipes. They are dual purpose, you can use for TP and when you start to smell similar to a goat, you can use them to wipe off.
Good boots. You'll hear a lot of different opinions, but get what you need for support. I used to swear by stiff leather boots, now I hate them. I use some that are more like tennis shoes that look like boots.
A good pack that is comfortable and worn in.
You guys are great. Lots of good advice here!
i haven't called Elkherder yet because of my work schedule; planning on calling him Thursday pm.I'll definitly be asking him for a list of "must haves" when I call and be taking his advice on everything---I've been to Oregon when I was in high-school to visit friends. Beautiful country----but it won't be a cakewalk hunt i know. I'm in pretty decent shape right now---just had a physical yesterday----but i know my wind and legs can use some work. I'll be working on those----but first I gotta get through our archery season. i haven't gotten a deer yet with Trad gear----that is going to change this year. I'm moving up----coyote was first Trad kill, aiming for deer now, and hopefully an elk next year! :archer:
Boots, socks, and wicking under-layers are a definite must that I'll have to work on for now.
Ben
I have spent a good deal of time in the Eagle Caps. Awesome country you will be in.
1.) Get in really good shape. No matter how good of shape you are in, go get in better shape. Do a lot of running up hills, steep hills to get your legs used to what you are going to find up there. Run 5 days a week if you can swing it and try to get up to at least 5 miles or more a day. One mile at altitude is going to feel like ten where you are at now e.g. Last year I did some mountaineering in CO at 13K to 14K feet with a group of friends. One of the guys was from Texas and he does ultra marathons (100+ mile runs). We did six miles in snow shoes at 13K feet to get to the base of where we were going and he was feeling the strain by the time we got there. He did fine but at high altitudes even athletes feel the pain. You won't be nearly that high in the Eagle Caps but you will be high enough that being in really good shape is a must.
2.) Get a great pair of boots and put at least 50 miles on them between now and next season so they are fully broken in. Everyone is different but I use Danner Ft. Lewis or White's Dryfoot outdoorsman. Get something you can put a lot of miles on with weight on your back. Some people can do that in low top hiking boots. Other folks like myself need more ankle support. Your mileage will vary. Just make sure they are very high quality boots. You can make do and patch up most other gear but if your boots give out on you or give you blisters your feet will take you out of a hunt faster than anything else. You can even hunt if you get food poisoning or the flu but if you can't walk you can't hunt up there.
3.) It sounds like this is an outfitted trip but you will need a day pack for your hunts out of camp. Get a good one and like your boots put at least 50 miles on it before you go. Fill it full of everything you will need for a days hunt and enough stuff to spend a night if you get stuck some where and then put those 50 miles on it so you have it all adjusted for being under load.
Your outfitter should be able to tell you most everything else but here are some things I have found to be quite valuable up there over the years.
A boonie cover. It gets really sunny up there and at altitude you feel the sun bad and it will burn your face and ears to a crisp. Even with sunblock the sun beating on your head can give you diarrhea or sun sickness so wear a hat and not a baseball cap those are about worthless. The more shade your hat gives you the better and make sure you can shoot with it on. So practice while wearing it.
A gazillion SPF sunblock, seriously the higher the better. I use 80 SPF and I'd use higher if I could find it.
There is this stuff in a tin that you can use for chapstick/windburn blocker/sun block/ that is made for mountaineering called "Dermatone" it comes in a round blue tin with a Swedish flag on it. Kind of tastes like carmex but throw a small tin of that in your day pack and leave your chapstick at home.
A camel back and a backpacking water purification pump. Seriously you can go for days on water alone if you get lost in the mountains but it is also nice to have water all day long and you can refill when you stop near any water source if you get a good pump so you can get a long ways from camp without worrying about running low.
and always remember:
Drink water all the time as long as you are awake. If you aren't urinating once an hour with clear non-colored urine then you aren't drinking enough. The altitude and the dry atmosphere will suck water out of your body faster than you can replace it especially if you are exerting yourself and you won't realize it because the evaporation happens so fast up there you feel cool. So you must force yourself to drink at least a quart to two quarts of water per hour if at all possible. If you remember nothing else on this trip, remember this one thing, pound water at every opportunity.
Gear is fun to talk about and there are a few things you have to have but most of it is debatable. I have found that the less I focus on gear, the better elk hunter I have become. That's because gear won't make you an elk hunter.
Must haves in the gear department:
- Shelter, including clothing.
- Water, use iodine tablets with the neutralizing tabs.
- Food
- license and tag
- bow and arrows
Must haves in the elk hunting department:
First off, forget everything you know about hunting whitetails. It will not help you much in elk hunting unless you are hunting ag land with relatively unpressured elk that haven't been bumped from a routine. You gotta move. That means you gotta be in shape or have a horse. Train for your game. Focus on pack work and hiking in the biggest hills you can find. Lose weight. Fortunately, you will ahve a mentor and guide. That is irreplaceable. Listen to them.
Above all, have fun and enjoy the anticipation.
The best quality socks you can find. Smartwool or Thorlos or...?
Strong legs and high capacity lungs.
Lots of water. I also drop a "Nuun" (noon) tablet in every once in a while. It efferevesses and provides a lot of electrolites without a lot of sugar (like gatorade does).
patience. patience. patinec.
I don't know if I agree with an above comment on the stiff boots for a couple reasons. I use, and have for the past several years, a pair of LLBean slip on Miane hunters. They work terrific. Side hills, up hills, downhills, flats... But then again, I have never sprained an ankle and have no ankle problems. Also, stiffer boots lead to more noise. The choice, of course, is up to you, but make sure the boots (and your feet) are broken in.
And lastly, one of my secrets to an enjoyable elk hunt is tylonol PM. A coule every night makes your aches and pains go away, helps you sleep and wake refreshed.
Mike
I stayed up all night last night- listening to the elk bugle on the river below my cabin. When I go elk hunting; it can start out from the cabin; and can end up looking down on it like its an ant.
What happens then is I start out with just the basics and go where I want to go - and that could be into a dangerous situation.
What I take with me everytime I go out is critical to my survival. I have the basics down pretty good.
First off everyone that mentioned water is right on. Dehydration is a big threat. You might take water and run out- or not drink it so you don't run out-- and then your blood can thicken.. and your in trouble. So - although a water carrier is good; you should carry a water filter system. You can get a filter straw that fits in your pocket for ten bucks. You don't even have to take it out of the package until you need it. More involved systems take up more room; what you have in your pockets is most likely to save you.
One of or two of those foil emergency blankets. They are not meant to be unfolded until they are used - but are small and you can make a leanto out of one and sit on the other in a pinch.
A sierra cup. Heating up tea or instant coffee; or soup- hot food or drink has a settling effect on a persons mind- do not underestimate the importance of that.
A cigarette lighter ( they will not work when cold)I carry one and also a magnesium (sp) type lighter.
WARNING: you can sit next to a fire and warm up if your wearing wool- but if your wearing poly - you can melt it long before you get warm. Fire is a friend in heating water up for tea or food; and moral support; but if your dressed right; and you stay dry- you can make it through a bad night. The leanto can reflect heat to you; and evergreen branches or something for insulation under you can be your best bet in a bad situation.
And really its the unexpected bad situation that you need to think about. You can live in your camp or your truck- but twist an ankle in the middle of nowhere; and what you have on you determines how or if you will survive!!
I take a gps. I mark where I start; and points I will EASILY recognise when your 'lost' or 'confused' - or your injured and can't think from the pain. While your better off staying put with an injury and making a fire - it might be safer to walk out.
If you do find yourself not being found in a lost or injured situation- start a tree on fire. That is right; start a big old spruce tree or pine on fire- that will bring attention ! You can apologise when your alive later on.
a fold up parka. that fits into your pocket. If it rains - you can stay dry.
A section of parachute cord. Enough to make the leanto with and to tie up elk or deer quarters with.
A knife - a simple fold up will work- I carry that and a big enough knife on my belt to cut and chop with- for firewood or whatever. The best knife would have a bone saw on the back.
I take a file too; as that is what I use to resharpen my broadheads and knife(s).
I have a catquiver that has additional stuff; like cans of spam ( eeww) and unopened packets of matches and tea etc that come in MREs. And in my quiver pack I have a saw for cutting pelvic bones and rib bones on elk.
***Its the basics that you have in your pockets though that are most likely to save you in an emergency - the space blankets; the fire starter; the poncho;the water filter; the sierra cup ( if that will not fit in pocket- then fold up some aluminum foil- it can be made into a cup); some instant coffee or tea in packets. Stuff that can stay in a pocket for years.***
For camp - I want a cot; a foam pad; and a canvas sleeping bag cover. I woke up one time in a tent that sprung a leak in a bad storm; to find a puddle of water on my canvas sleeping bag cover- yet I was safe and warm inside... it takes up the rating of your sleeping bag; but it has enough air circulation that even in minus 35 weather that perspiration will not accumulate in your sleeping bag and make you cold.
Boots? I vote for broken in ones; water proof ones. My next boot purchase will be rubber bottom leather tops; and will be tall enough have ankle support.
Getting in shape is a good idea; when you see a herd of elk over a ridge; you will push yourself harder than you ever thought you could. NO drill sergeant in the world- could make you do what you will make yourself do: when you are working in on that trophy bull.
I know this last one is going to sound odd; but those that know me; know it comes with the territory... in any case that you might be in snow- wear over or instead of underwear- swimming trunks. They will not let water in; and if you cut a hole in the front- you can still do what you need to. If your ever in the snow; and sit down and get your butt wet- it will be wet for a long time; and in an emergency- like an overnight camp- it can demoralize you to the danger level. Most trunks have netting inside to keep things cool; and keep chafing not an issue.
Laugh at all this; but if your out there with a twisted ankle; or stuck after dark-- you will think back on this and wish you had the basics- guaranteed.
Its great in the mountains; but when the sun goes down your not likely to see a single light; even if you saw for twenty miles in each direction before the sun went down- its called 'when the elephant gets you'. Be prepared for it !!
And have fun :thumbsup: :campfire: :archer:
Great stuff here! I'm thankful for everyone's advice and taking it to heart. I plan on calling Elkerder tomorrow and get a list from him of what I difinitely need to bring. Some of this gear I'll hopefully be able to borrow, and some of these basics that are being mentioned, I should have already, but don't because I keep putting it off, so this is a great excuse to start picking them up here and there.
Another question that I've been tossing around in my head: Best way out----just fly out and hope the airline doesn't lose or damage my bow, or drive out, counting about 3 days out and 3 back for drive time? What do you think?
thanks
Ben
that is one for those that have done both :)
goody goody bo beat woody
:bigsmyl:
On the method of travel - I am working to answer that same question (Georgia to Colorado to Georgia). No clear answer yet - factors being considered, which might not apply to your situation, including the time factor you mentioned:
-4+ days travel time (out and back) if driving versus 2 days (out and back - includes getting to and from airport at both ends) if flying.
-Plane ticket cost (including oversized/additional baggage) versus 3200 miles of gas @24 mpg plus 2 days motel rooms(at least) if driving.
- Wear/tear costs on vehicle if driving
- Cutting gas costs via carpooling
-Limited gear on plane (even with additional baggage) versus bring everything when driving
- Transportation at destination if flying - especially if there is a need to change basecamp
- Getting 150+ pounds of meat home if flying
I am sure there are more factors to consider.
I've heard some actually UPS their bow. Just make sure you ship early enough. The airlines are probably ok...it's just that you hear some stories that makes you wonder. We went to Hawaii and my wifes bag went to JAPAN! Good thing she only needed a swimsuit!
One year I hunted the Caps and killed a nice muley buck. I flew out of Minam Lodge on a dirt runway. The pilot asked me if I was bringing my bags (bow and duffle) or the deer...we brought the deer! The guys at the lodge sent the other stuff UPS.
Driving sucks, especially if you are alone. Flying sucks because it is more expensive, depending on what you drive, and you have to ship your stuff there (don't trust the airlines). Plus, if you don't have a vehicle or guide waiting for you, you have to rent a car. I have a friend who lives in Idaho so I don't have to rent a car when I get there.
I have done both and have flown the last 4 times. I don't have the vacation time to spare so the lesser of 2 evils wins out for me. If I had my 'druthers, I'd spend a week driving out there at my own pace.
Be in the best shape you can be. Use a pack board or good pack and put 45-60 lbs in it and and get to walking with some up hill in the route. No hills, then go to a place to where there are steps and work out an hour a day. You will be amazed how this will enhance your ability to handle the hunt. Shoot- shoot- shoot shoot in your hunting gear, everything. Well broken in boots are a must. There are many other things to consider clothing etc. but without these basics in place you can have a camp full of stuff you can't use because you can't handle it physically.
I would like to drive just to see the country----I got plenty of vacation time as as long as i don't bid off my current job of 12 hr. days 3-4 days a week----this schedule really allows me to s-t-r-e-t-c-h my vacation days. BUT, I think I could probably fly cheaper --- still gotta talk to Elkherder, I'll get his input too.
Gotta build my lungs up--I've got some pretty rough hills to practice climbing this spring and summer----alot of reclaimed strip mines around here----not the rockies to be sure, but better than nothing.
Ben
Flying / Driving: I have done both - Fine for Mule Deer hunting because we traditionally used back pack camps - boned out our deer up in snow meadows - traveling was easy. I would never fly for elk - too much camp - too much work ----- though working with a friend or outfitter to drop camp you could work for you allowing you to fly. Cost benefit: Never could find any large enough to swing me one way or the other - NC to Uta, NM, CO, ID & back. I do like 3 hunters for driving though - cost is better, drive time (each) is very workable, and you do not need to stop.
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I just came back from a rifle hunt with my son-who drew a tag. So with 4 days back from the mountains:
Good glass-the best you can afford.
I used a tyvek painters suit as my emergency rain and sleeping gear-gera xxl so it goes over everything-including your pack
hydration
running-when I'm on business I run the back stairs at hotels-you need both cardio and leg lifting exercise
Well I will say it again as many times above so so you get it:
Water is a must, back pack with blatter (big) I have ran out of water and it is not pleasant.
Boots comfortable with lots of ancle support you will be hiking through things you never dreamed of.
get in shape, I dont care who you are, when you go hiking where planes fly, you will wish you did.
Enjoy your hunt it will be remembered for generations to come!!!!
blueline
I see you are from Ohio. That equals an elevation of about 100'??? My relatives from MI say the way get their lungs ready for the mountains is put a plastic bag over their heads and run bleachers. LOL GPS and the compass if you like to get off the roads/trails. Go slow prepare for cold and hot its not that much different. Enjoy. :thumbsup:
Man if you can take the time, go sightseeing. There is so much beautiful country in that area that you could spend a month doing it and still only scratch the surface. I always wanted to do the Lewis and Clark Trail through Montana and Idaho. Don't miss Hell's Canyon.
Get a bunch of good mountain hiking in before the hunt. It takes me 3-4 days going from 300' elevation in Indiana to 8000+ before I peak and I am in good shape. Stage yourself at 5000' and then 8000' for a couple days and take it easy the first day and then hike a bunch the second. You'll get your mountain legs in a week or less and then be primed for the hunt. The Eagle Caps look like great country to play around in.
Do you know about Google Earth?
Google Earth is GREAT!! Talked to Elkherder tonight after work, and he "walked" me around our hunting area using Google Earth---I'm ready to move to oregon!! :knothead:
i'm sure there will be plenty of pics to post when I get back. :campfire:
Ben
"Just a Hunter" wrote a great thread about elk hunting...
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=059344;p=1
"Wednesday Caste"------that is an awesome thread>...i'm gonna have to re-read that a couple times
Thanks
Ben