Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: elk ninja on January 13, 2007, 12:25:00 AM
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Gangers,
anyone interested in joining me/ getting a trad gang elk hunt together this coming fall? My stupendous home state of Idaho has OTC elk, mule deer, bear, antelope and mtn lion (although I have never seen a lion and don't have dogs...) for out of staters, and in state folks, well, heck, I'd love to meet you too! Drop me a line, PM or email, and keep in touch over the course of the year, I'd love to share my camp with some other good folk who happen to shoot bent wood bows! :archer:
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otc out of state price would be about...500 for elk and license, + 260 for deer....rough numbers but close.
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What kind of dates are ya thinkin about ninja???
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We are in the middle of finding out if any dates will be changing - to including the possiblity of some trad only hunts.
Normally the middle to the end of September is the time to aim for.
Elk Ninja- what zone are you thinking about?
Are you thinking a camp near a road; or back in?
Tents/motorhomes er what?
Pencil Pencil Pencil/spray spray spray -- there might be some changes that Elk Ninja will want to take advantage of... :campfire:
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Hey guys...we should invade the Krebs cabin near salmon...lol. Im game. If we cant work out an elk hunt, at least a late deet hunt, or maybe antelope in aug...
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Well I will start saving now. I have never hunted elk before and I would love to visit Idaho again. I only was in Boise for a weekend. Nut just driving home to California from Boise I saw 50 mule deer, several dozen pronghorn and 100s of elk. One magnificent Mule deer buck ran along side our truck for 30 yards or so. I promised myself I would come back and hunt it if I ever got the chance.
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Love to come but it's a long way to swim!....lol One day...........
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Ah heck Aussie, you don't have to swim anymore they have big shiny airplanes now that take ya anywhere ya want to go.
Just have to save the sheckles for a little while and Poof you are there.
Mike
BTW what Unit do you hunt?
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Iwould love to hunt elk, never done it but was in ID for lion a few years back and loved it:-)
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Elk Ninja,
I've have never been Elk hunting before.
I may be interested, I’d like to know more details, where, when, what type of gear I’ll need etc. Send me a PM, I’d like to hear more.
Thanks, Bob
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I may be interested also, I've always been told that elk hunting Idaho is better than where I've hunted in Colorado.
My problem is that I won't be able to commit until August at the earleast becuase my job is project based and when theres a project I have to take advantage of it or I have no income. The good thing is I may be available any time in Sept. The bad is I may not be.
Bob, where are you in Michigan, I'm thinking car pool. Hunting cloths and equipment you use for deer will work. If you are less than 55 lbs with your bow you will have to be careful on what arrow you use. Camping gear depends on whether it is backpack, horse or car camping.
I'll follow this post and see what happens.
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I'm interested just want to get more information as is becomes available. Always wanted to hunt Idaho! Thanks, Ben
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I'd car pool over with Ben and wander around Idaho. Make a plan and pick a date, let us know.
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Fellers,
My usual plan, and penciled in plan for this fall is September 10-20th, (tail end is a bit better), up in the Sawtooth zone by Stanley. I am usually by Horton peak, which is on the White CLoud Mountain side of things. Not a heck of a lot of deer, but I do see antelope and elk every year. So....in a nutshell, that's my penciled in hunt this year too, but that COULD change. But this is my open invitation to share my camp. If you are going to go to the Trad West Expo (I can hardly wait!), drop me a line and we'll meet up there.
If not, just continue to keep me posted as another year flies by!
CAMP NOTES: Easy road access for RVs if you want 'em, but I usually stay light and able to move camp by car or foot (backpack hunting) if the hunting is bad. Last year there were two other camps by me, never saw the other hunters, there's a lot of room to roam!
Any other questions?
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Ok how about this: Those of us from Idaho who THINK we know what we are doing will meet at the trad expo, make a plan and then let yall know dates equip needs etc. We can develop a plan by March 10th I would assume.
As a general rule, the last 1/2 of September is best, You can fly into Boise easily and great elk hunting is less than 2.5hrs drive from here.
Equipment wise: I have been snowed on Sept 1st (relatively rare), and it normally is quite warm during the day. Your typical hunting clothes will work, if you layer well and avoid cotton. You will need to be in fairly good shape, the areas we hunt up there vary from rolling valleys to ugly steep, between 6000-8000 feet. Ninja can correct me if Im wrong on that, we hunt different parts of the unit. As for gear, a decent longbow in the 50-60# range, with 500+ grn arrows will work fine. A buddy of min had a complete pass thru on a nice bull @ 18 yards, using a bear montana 60# bow w/ approx 550grn Legacys.
There are tons of grouse and some snowshoe hares as well, so bring a judo or two.
I would suggest getting three tags: Elk, Deer and Bear. There are areas around that have deer in the unit, and you may come across nice buck, there are literally bear everywhere, sometimes in camp, spot and stalk is a real possibility, and this way you could maximise your time. Any questions drop us a line...
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Couldn't have said it better myself greenhed! Last several years I've been snowed on at least one night, but generally it's not that cold, just barely cold enough to snow. Wool is best, and make sure you bring good Binos and a spotting scope if you have one!
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Last Arrow,
I live in Fruitport. I was thinking about the possibility of car pooling also. If you want, send me a PM. I’ll send you one later.
Bob
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it would be nice to drop this zone thing for archery that way we could hunt anywhere in the state with family and friends.Brian I am unaware of any trad only hunts in our area even though 28 would and could be nice.Trad gang hunt would be fun. Keep us posted
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I would be all over this except I have already committed to a bear hunt in Ontario till the 15th. I will be watching this thread closely in case something comes together a little later.
Rick
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Does "OTC" mean that or do we have to send in in advance? Got a state conservation web site for us to check out? Elk,deer & bear tags cost for non res? Just checked - nothing on my calendar yet for the middle of Sept.
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I have often wondered about elk hunting in your beautiful state. You hear about the devastation from predation by wolves. You obviously are hunting an area that they have not done their damage in.
I like to go back in and be mobile also. No roads or ATVs. It is hard enough to get find animals and get close enough for a shot without these distractions and competition.
I will be at the Traditional Expo in Boise. Let me know if you guys are going to get together and talk things over. Any Grizzly up where you hunt?
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Sounds good I was coming out to Idaho anyway I will keep and eye on this one.
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I am going to keep an eye on this. May not be able this year but if it goes on to other years may really be interested. Keep the info coming as it comes in.
thanks
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"Hey guys...we should invade the Krebs cabin near salmon...lol. Im game. If we cant work out an elk hunt, at least a late deet hunt,"
Greenhed: 'deet' season ends in July when the skeeters all die of thirst. :)
Last year I hunted at about 7000 feet; and then it snowed... and the elk were down at the cabin .... you have to plan for cold and hot weather! And if you start walking in cold weather- you will want some gear that keeps you from overheating.
Yep: there are wolves - and yep it effects the hunting. This December the elk were bedded in tight groups on open knobs - where they could see any wolf or hunter within a half mile or more.
But last year they were bugling!!
The seasons are being re-considered; and although there always has been a September 15-30th hunt for elk- I am not sure what the regs are going to look like. We should know within a couple weeks.
Right now as I type; the elk are staying up high where I assume they feel they have the advantage over the wolves- as it is 6 degrees out and went to -16 last night. You would think the windchill would keep them down lower where they normally are this time of year.
The deer are scattered all over and visit each night for any alfalfa left over for the pack animals- not much difference in their behavior.
Wolves do make an impact - the governor is working on that....
Like I say- we have the possiblity of some new seasons coming up; the rules on compound let-off and arrow weight have changed; and the promise was if that happened : they would shorten seasons.
There are things in the wind...
And where I hunt- yes there are grizzlies- and rumors of grizzlies. They are most often here in the fall up high - after the cold sets in for winter ( they eat a certain spruce cone or they do not reproduce.. that is mainly found up as far as trees grow).
This should be fun.... Dan remember to bring a gas can full of gas :)
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I will be in Oreana, Idaho in late August. My dad will be riding his horse in the National Championship Endurance ride. We have been thinking about elk hunting in the first two weeks of September in we could get some info on it.
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Shaun, check out http://fishandgame.idaho.gov and it will have a link to where you can purchase tags and licenses on line...as far as wolves go, yup, there are some out there (too many, but I would/ do like to have some, but that's another debate entirely), but I think an equal amount of the blame for the somewhat decreased elk herds/ change in thier patterns goes to the increase in ATVs (up more than 80% in the last four years!), an increase in the # of diesel trucks and the overuse of calling...although I did have them bugling this year you don't hear them much during the day anymore. This could really be fun, we may end up with 2 or 3 trad camps across Idaho! We are still early in the year (only eight months left to practice your shot, are YOU ready?), but as the season approaches, feel free to drop me a line even if you are passing through...I'll try to keep up with my scouting/ backpacking this year!
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Thanks Mike, I will follow the site and look for the 2007 regs when they post. Will get back to you when it gets closer.
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I'll throw my name in as a possible as well. It would be fun to get to meet and hunt with you all.
Steve
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Feel free to congregate around the Idaho Traditional Bowhunters booth at the Expo for your planning needs. We will be located right next to the shooting lanes.
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I am really interested in this... the planning (my wife calls it scheming) wheels in my brain are already in motion. If anybody is interested in my area and wants to carpool, let me know.
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Ninja,
I used to live in Boise. Still have a home there. I've hunted around Stanley and know the White Clouds.
Heck, just sitting around looking at the scenery would be worth the trip.
The head waters of the Salmon River is one of my favorite places on Earth.
Wapitidung
I may take you up on your offer.
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Brad
I have told Mike I am going for sure..but the time spent driving will take away from my hunting time I thought of flying..if anyone is interested in doing that an going in on a rental car let me know...
I live about 40 miles north of St louis in Winfield Mo..it would take 25 to 30 hours to drive..what do you think...
Scott Langston
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Scott,
I traded e-mail with Mike yesterday and am going to plan on going on this trip. I will be flying in and would be glad to split rental car fees.
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Scott,
I drove this past year and flew the 2 years prior. "Only" took me 34 hours from NJ and should be quite a bit less than 25-30 for you. Flying is fine unless you plan on killing an elk and getting it home, which will cost you a small fortune. The drive wasn't as bad as I thought it would be if you can hook up with someone to share the boredom with! We brought 2 elk back with us this year and it saved us the cost of 3 round trip tickets by not having to ship the meat. It's a great trip and everyone should find time in their schedule to try it, especially since you've got some local talent willing to help you out with an area to hunt.
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Guys,
I had two gents from Austria come out last year and we hunted the Stanley basin the last week of September. Our party saw elk, deer, wolf, and bear. The weather was too good, no snow, and the elk hunting was slow with very little bugling. There were forest fires in the area which condensed the game and mixed things up a bit. Be prepared for any type of weather and be flexible enough to move around should the hunting be slow. And bring fishing gear...the trout fishing is awesome. This is one of my 'favorite places'.
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If anyone wants to hunt Northern Idaho let me know I will be taking off the last two weeks of Sept, Unless there is a big change in the regs. I hunt units 4,5 and 6. There are Elk, Deer and Bear the wolfs are here but not as bad as central and southern Idaho. I have had good luck with elk the last few year. You will have to be in good to great shape.
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eric pm...
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njstykbow
everyday driving will cut a day off hunting i can only take off 5 or 6 working days so that leaves me 10 days to hunt...if I get an elk I will give the meat to someone that needs it..I love elk meat but my freezer is full..flew 432 lbs of moose meat back from Newfoundland for 52 cents a pound..as cargo..
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stickbow,
I struggled with the same time dilema myself. I was actually making myself sick dreading the drive, but it wasn't that bad once I got started. There are a LOT of gated roads there which are perfect for a mountain bike. The hours of walking the bike saved me allowed me to access the country more effectively in the time I had to hunt. Just food for thought.
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Elk ninja, I would be interested in hunting with you guys. I have been hunting elk in Washington state and I am looking for a new place to go. Let me know any details. Greg
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I just thought of something..if some of use fly where can we stay while on the hunt?? don't want to be a camp chrasher...I have always had my tent stove cot cooking stuff..there is more to this flying than just flyin..hard to take your stuff with you...an flying with my bow scares the hell out of me..loose my clothes i'll buy new ones loose my bow an I might cry...
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I would love the opportunity but just not sure I can do it this year. If you do this next year as well I'll bet I could do it. Would love to meet some of you tradgangers
ChuckC
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Update!
Fellas, the response to my invite has been very exciting! There are lots of youand I don't want to leave you wondering where we are at,... a few of us are going to ge ttogether at trad west expo and compare plans, etc. We will have more info then for sure. But for now, quick answers to some questions...dates usually run most of September with the peak of the rut in the Sawtooth Zone (where I usually am) 15th - 20th. Gear lists will be forthcoming. Carpooling is encouraged for you midwesterners and east coasters! It's a long drive, but murder on the wallet getting your meat and racks back home...Until later,
Semper Fi,
Mike
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You ought to list a cell number that guys can call you at during the Expo so you can meet up...? Just a thought.
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Here's a link for some F&G info.
http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/licenses/
I'd like to hunt Elk but just can't make it happen this year. Good luck to everyone going.
Dennis
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Seriously I would love to - but have a group hunt planned for colo this year. Maybe next>?
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Elk Ninja,
If it's not too late I'd like to ask for a seat at your campfire this year. I've got some family issues that make a trip to Idaho well suited for me as well.
PM sent to both yourself and Brian Krebs.
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Mike, where in so-cal are you from? I lived down there for a while....
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Any ya'll DEFFINATELY coming? Lots of interest that seemed to fizzle. My plans have changed a lot too... please PM me if you are 100% coming, bought your tickets and tags.
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Mike,
Would love to join you next season! As you ahve already responded to my Elk Hunting post, I'm heading to CO in Sept. But, the way you described your hunt is the way I'd like to do it! Do you have success in filling your tag each year?
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Not every year, but I think I ma getting better and better every year... more satisfying hunts at least. Too much goes into elk hunting to be successfull every year (with a limited amount of mountain time at least).
Mike
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Mike, I sent you a pm. Looking for more details on the dates and if tags are still OTC.
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PM sent
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My dates are 13th-21st. My plans have changed some, I will be hunting the same unit, but the particular area I mentioned is my #1 backup. I am planning a backcountry hunt now. Backpack/bivouac style. Tags are still OTC. If anyone is interested in coming to Idaho, but can't make my dates, or doesn't want to backpack, there are a couple guys here I can get you in touch with or just point you to some good areas. Would love to meet up with some of you and share a campfire (although it might have to be a virtual kind of campfire as it has been a dry winter and it's the norm to have fire restrictions).
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So, if you are coming please let me know your dates. I will get some gear lists together soon for ya'll. Going to be fun.
Mike
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I hadn't heard anything more so I thought it had died,so I made other plans ,but if it's available next year I'd come in a heartbeat. Thanks, Ben
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elk ninja i sent you a pm and i am 99.0% sure i'm coming out west to hunt elk this fall. at the moment Idaho is on top of the list. the dates and what not will be the deciding factor as i have some commitments that i have at the end of September (28-30). will most likely drive from Virginia and might have 1 or 2 Trad Gangers in tow. if anyone is a def and lives not to far off the beaten path from Richmond Va. to Idaho, would be more than glad to pick you up on the way....
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Elk ninja,
I sent you a pm
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Oooooh Paleface, don't tempt me. I'd love to but it just doesn't work for me this year with a new little-one expected 8/31.
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Elk ninja and Paleface,
You can count me in. I'll be driving from the East Bay area in California.
Tim
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Chuck you are right on the way. heck that little will be a month old by then and you will need a brake from all the diapers, snot rags and such... twist, twist can you feel your arm bending yet?
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It wouldn't take much if I had the time off available, was in shape, and had the money. :) I slacked off on my workout when we found out the due date was the same as my planned trip out west. Maybe next year.
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Gear List 2007
HYGENE
TP (or shop towels)
Baby wipes (scent free)
Contact Lens Fluid
Contact Lens Case
Extra Pair Contact Lens
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Soap (scent free)
Wash Cloth
Allergy Med
Sunscreen
Bug Dope
EVENTUALS KIT
Duct Tape
Mole skin
Ibuprofen (Aleve)
Antihistamine Tablets
Super Glue (Gel)
Neosporin
Gauze Pads
Chap Stick (also rubs onto BH to prevent rust)
Tweezers (In small Swiss Army)
Signal / lightweight unbreakable mirror is nice to have Extra shot in string
Extra nock X 2
Extra nock point
Extra fletch with tape applied X 2
6’ serving
Few rubber bands (lashing and string silencer)
Few zip-ties
Lighter # 1
**1st Aid and Repair kit together in a stuff sack = “Eventuals Kit”
FOOD
Vitamins X 1 per day
Emer-gen-C drink mix X 1-2 per day
Water purifying pills
Breakfast
• Prepackaged granola with powdered milk X 1 per day
• Instant coffee
Lunch
• Trail mix
• Peanut butter Jelly sandwiches in Tupperware X 1-2 per day
• Jolly Ranchers
Dinner
• Freeze Dried vs. MREs????
Fire Kit
Cotton Balls
Ferro Rod
(balls and rod jammed together in waterproof match case, nice kit)
Matches
Lighter # 2
Cotton Balls
GEAR
Bow
Quiver
Arrows (6 BH +1 blunt)
Glove or Tab
Arm Guard
Knives
• Main
• Caper/ Camp
• Multi tool
• Small Swiss Army*
• Knife and Broadhead sharpener
Hat (with brim, baseball or fedora)
Hat (warm, stocking or?)
Jacket
Shirt X 3 layers (long johns, camo shirt, wool or micro fleece outer wear)
Pants X 2 layers (long johns, microfleece or wool outer wear)
Hiking clothes
• Shorts
• T-shirt
• Separate socks
• Separate undies
Boots BROKEN IN!!!
Camp shoes
• Sandals or runners
Socks (NO COTTON) 1 per day
Stalking Socks (heavy and dark) X 1
Undies X 3 per week
Belt and or Suspenders
Tent or Bivy Sack & Tarp
Sleeping pad
Sleeping Bag
Headlamp
Camera (plus 2 extra battery that also works for flashlight)
Tripod (optional, small is OK)
Stove
Fuel for stove
Pot
Cup (both eating and cooking)
Spoon / “Spork”
Cork or Face camo
Rope (550 is good)
Windicator
License, Tags and DL
Map(s)
Compass X 2 (main and pin on button)
GPS
2 extra AAA batteries (headlamp and GPS)
Alarm watch
Matches
Hand warmers X 2 (optional if not cold)
Trail Flagging (or use TP)
Bandana
Pen and Pencil
Journal (or use map)
Brush Clippers or Trail Saw
Game Bags (lightweight for backcountry, cheesecloth is good)
Gloves (hunting & warm, if both, good, if not, bring two pair)
Camel Back in pack or 2-3 water bottles
Flashlight (with blood tracker filter if possible)
Game Calls (I use diaphragm)
Binoculars (I like 10x42 for backcountry, 8x36 for brushy areas)
Spotting Scope (if you want it)
Space Blanket
Whistle
NOTES
In pocket is compass, rope (15’ 550 cord), maps, windicator, lighter (also works as a windicator), whistle, brush clippers, Jolly ranchers and (in a waterproof match case) cotton balls and “Scout Sparker” for emergency fires. Button compass is clipped onto shirt or jacket and checked periodically to maintain bearing. If I have to ditch my pack and/ or I get lost or injured (never has happened, but someday it might) pockets will get me through a night or two, maybe three.
Truck Kit
Off road Jack
Check Air Pressure (Check spare!)
Check Fluids
Tow Strap
Shovel
Hatchet/ Axe
Saw
Heavy rope
Extra Gas
Water
Food
CB
Phone
Tarp
Tent
Target
Extra TP
Big 1st Aid
Coolers
Chairs
Spot Light
Lantern
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First off, sorry about lost and or late/ no reply PMs, I have been super swamped with life in general. Here is MY gear list... yours might be different. Looks like a lot, just remember, less is more, if a peice does double duty, than it's OK, if it only has one use, you better think twice about bringing it. I am a bit extravagant on knives, everything else is thinned out pretty good.
As far as MY plan, here it is:
"Sawtooth Zone" elk. September 13th-21st (I try real hard to time the rut and elk activity levels during the day, that is my prediction for this year based on weather, moon, and my history). I am backpacking into a remote area for a few days. Burned pretty god three years ago but still has a lot of thick cover and lots of water. Good combo for numbers and size, as well as spotting ability. It looks like we have somewhere between 2-5 people coming, my guess is 3. I need to know what you want. Since I am bivouacing at least part of the time, here is what I am thinking: getting ya'll set up in a good area, maybe hunting one day with you, then backcountry, then back to the frontcountry. UNLESS one (or more) of you who make it here want to go deep as well. You don't have to to find good elk, but it can be fun.
As this thing gets closer, I am becoming more and more and more excited, this is going to be fun. We will take lots of pictures to share with our friends who are less lucky than us.
More to come,
Mike,
OUT
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"bug dope & pot", are we hunting or partying... :jumper:
all kidding aside you got a long list here. we ain't supposed to pack all this gear in on our backs are we? :confused: i thinking i might need to rent a herd of llamas...
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I AM a llama... or a yak.
Mike
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i hear ya! sounds like this is shaping up to be one heck of a hunt... what back pack do you use? i know you are not still using "Alice" are you?
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Nope, I am using my old, broken in Lowe Alpine internal frame. Don't even know how many miles are on this thing, I am sure there are a lot of cars with less. Going to be fun I tell ya, fun.
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Mike,
How many miles and how much rough estimate elevation gain will we be packing in that much gear? Just need to know if I need to start doing two a day conditioning workouts!! Thanks, I look forward to the adventure. Regarding where and what, if I am on a mountain and can get near some elk I will be perfectly happy. That said, if you want company to go futher in the back country I would up for that too. I'm fine with whatever works best for the group.
Tim
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2 a day? I'm lucky to get 2 a week!
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Ausable, The hike is only 1.5 miles, roadside to lakeside, but that includes 2,000 or so of elevation gain (1,200 up, 800 down). Thats steep by just about anyone's measurement. Therefor, it is a rarely used or visited area. Ther is a long way in with only 1000 feet of elevation gained, but the hike is 10 miles, much of it through a recent burn... also not used much. When I scout my areas, I first look at maps or have a general area (such as a game unit or a national forest.) Then I look at my guide books and compare what is in them. There is usually an area with one or (preferably) no guide book descriptions. Thats the starting point for me. Lots of map work then, examining the whole area for small springs, seasonal creeks, north facing timber and meadows. Not to get you excited fellas, but I was talking to a forest ranger for the area, picking her brain. She has seen LOTS of elk in the area. But will they be there in September? Dang I hope so!
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I just bought my license and tag. Now I can't wait!
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(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h58/mmbackpacker/traverse.jpg)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h58/mmbackpacker/thwashington20peak.jpg)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h58/mmbackpacker/thjj20on20washington20peak.jpg)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h58/mmbackpacker/Return20from20Champion20Lakes.jpg)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h58/mmbackpacker/Hank20grazing20at20Champion20Lakes.jpg)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h58/mmbackpacker/championlakesfromwashingtonpeak.jpg)
I was trying to find some maps of the fire boundry from a couple years ago, found these pictures instead. If you can imagine that mule with a big ol' 6-point-a-side rack on top, thats what we are hoping for. This basin is real close to Horton peak. I might backpack into this area for a day or two. On the map, it is the Champion lakes basin on the lower left corner.
MAN I CAN"T WAIT! Scouting in a couple weeks.
Mike
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hey! that's not a mule; its a donkey :) I have its twin :) and a couple more.
I have one person coming out to do my scouting for me........er....er... to hunt where I do :)
One thing that is going on is the fire season; check to see where the fires are ( can't remember the link) and be prepared to do the boot scootin boogie- because these fires that are burning can move really fast.
There is a burn ban on; you can use a stove; but no camp fires; bring a woodstove if you have one; because it could get really cold and fires will be allowed; but that MIGHT NOT happen- so be prepared to use a camp stove only.
Right now as I type; my area is smokey; but there are no fires close to me; I am not sure about the stanley area!!
IF you have a tag and the fires stop the hunt ( its happened before) you can get a refund; but ussually only before the season starts. In my area ( Salmon zone) the elk season starts in part on August first- but most areas its August 30th.
IF the area you plan to hunt is closed due to fire- be prepared to either change zone tags; or to come another year.. and so be ready to talk tag refund.
Keep a watch on where the fires are; and be prepared to change your plans.
If that involves me; I know of a lot of good areas here.
I am going to look up the link to the fires; and post it here. Fires can be bad; but it can move elk to where you hunt; and can distract them to where they come to a call easier - so don't get upset; just be aware that this is a fire season; and you may have to adjust.
Don't forget that you buy a hunting license and a tag; and the hunting license will allow you to shoot forest grouse (4 a day). I suggest rubber blunts; as there always seems to be a rock involved. Fresh meat from grouse is a welcome treat while your hunting :) Don't think your up against wiley birds- these grouse are called 'fool hens' for a reason :)
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here is the link.....
http://www.nifc.gov/fire_info/nfn.htm
I think its the law to have a shovel and a bucket with you when in the forest. I have never seen it enforced; but its a good idea. Last year the fires got put out the second week of September by snow; that was gone in a few days.