What to take on a Colorado Elk trip?

[Zach Mikita]

Does anyone have a list they follow before they head out opening day of the  gear they pack?

[ishiwannabe]

Hey Zach, I just asked a lot of these same questions on a thread called "If I wanted to hunt elk...", do a search and check out the great info. I got a ton of helpful advice...

One of my dreams one day too bud.

[John Scifres]

I have a list in Excel Format.  It's bare bones but works for me.  I can email it to you if you like.

[SCATTERSHOT]

Think ahead and plan for a way to get the animal out of the woods if you get one. They are big animals, and the air is pretty thin here....

One thing folks don't think of is plenty of water.

Good luck!

[Steertalker]

Zach,

You probably already know this but just in case you don't, make sure that you have a hunter safety certificate.  On more than one occassion I have run into non-resident hunters up in Colorado getting ready to by their OTC licenses that are refused a license because they don't have a HSC.  

Also....one thing I never see on anybodies lists is a sidearm.  In Colorado it is legal to carry a pistol during bow season.  Nice insurance against bears but mostly 2 legged critters.  

Brett

[saltwatertom]

Take clothing for ANY climate, from hot to below zero, in layers, including raingear. A day pack you can carry a hind quarter in and survival gear in it.

And remember what Fred said, " pick a spot"

         

[Herdbull]

These are all good suggestions. In addition, in my new book “One with the Wilderness” (Passions of a Solo Bowhunter) I talk about the mental side of hunting alone for extended periods. I have a list of equipment in there for elk and moose hunting as well. It may be enjoyable for you and you may pick up a few pointers for what worked for me over the years. Good luck and have fun. Mike
 

[jcar315]

I am looking from afar as someone who would like to hunt elk too. I am interested in the book. I have googled it but can't find it. Anyone know where to find this book? Thanks John

[Tim Nuss]

For Mikes book "One with the Wilderness"try one of the great Trad Gang sponsors "Brothers of the Bow". It didn't look like they had it up and ready for sale from the site. But if you send them an e-mail they will help you out with a order. Looks like a great book. I will be ordering one as soon as I can figure out how.

  Tim

[Herdbull]

We have been taking orders at brothesofthebow.com
Once you enter the site click on my book icon at the bottom right of the site index page. Or click on books and scroll down to "One with the Wilderness" and click on that it will take you to ordering information. It's 334 pages, full color photos throughout, hard cover. Thanks for your interest. Mike

[Herdbull]

If you google "One with the Wildernes" you will get a hit on  suport link in the right side column. If you google "One with the Wildrness Mike Mitten" you will get a lot of hits as well. There is also a lenghty discussion of the book in the "One with the Wilderness" thread here on PowWow if you do a search. Thanks, Mike

[fisherick]

Good timing on this tread, I just updated my fly in camp gear / food list checklist for a 9-day hunt today. I also have my gear list and bivy list available. Just sent me a PM.

[DanDaMan]

The absolute #1 thing that you need to have is yourself into shape.  Every year some friends or kin from back home (Louisiana) to go hunting with me to only sit half there time in camp getting their breath.  If you have never experienced 9000+ ft elevation than there are no words to describe it.  Be in shape!  Practice humping the woods with a 50+lb pack to start.  Have your legs in the best shape ever and you will have so much more enjoyment out of your hunt.  Most of you Eastern boys only get a few trips out here to hunt so make yourself prepared for it and enjoy your success.  
Dan

[Wolfkiss]

jcar315,
        Go with BOTB for Mikes book, I ordered mine on 3rd march and it arrived here in the UK on the 11th.  

Quickest I have recieved any order from across the pond, AND a great read.