Elk hunting gear/tactics analysis: becoming a better predator.

[Trumpkin the Dwarf]

50 weeks until my elk season starts anew. Killing an elk has me reevaluating my system a bit. I came away with several conclusions after this archery season that I thought I'd share, in the hopes that it helps someone with their own elk experience this year or next. Anyone else with useful ideas should feel free to chime in!

1. I am going to start pinching pennies for a Kifaru pack. My day pack BARELY holds an elk quarter, and I want to take more than that out in the first load. Elk are huge animals, and the more you can comfortably haul out on the first trip, the better. My pack is comfortable, even with 60 pounds, but it is not big enough to hold that much elk meat (which is remarkably bulky for its weight).

2. I need a bow quiver to hunt the way I do. My heavily modified side quiver is still too clunky and awkward. Bottom line is that arrows on the bow is the only way to go if you are a belly crawlin, elk stalking, brush weasel. My motto is that there is no such thing as an impossible stalk, if you have the time and energy to do it right. (I will probably pack a piece of PVC holding a couple extra shafts so I can have just 3 arrows on the bow)

3. Camo is nowhere near as important as movement, or lack thereof. I am shifting towards lighter, more comfortable clothing, that is in the tan to sagebrush color spectrum, with little emphasis on camo patterns. Lightweight and breathable is the way to go in September and there is no need to break the bank on this element of my gear. Side note: a face mask is still crucial. The human face shines like a blinkin beacon in the sun.

4. I need a way to mount my binoculars on my right hip. The binocular harnesses are nice until you are on hands and knees, moving through juniper or pine thickets.

5. Boots. I am firmly convinced that lightweight, uninsulated boots are far less tiring when covering miles than the traditional 8 or 9 inch tall "hunting boots", and the right pair can still provide all the support you need. 150-200 dollars is a reasonable price for elk hunting boots. As a side note, I have a love/hate relationship with GoreTex. I love it for 11 months, then it breaks down. I buy boots with a year warranty, and generally replace them every 11 months due to leaking GoreTex. Bottom line: lighter is better, within reason, I'd hunt in basketball shoes if they had better traction.

6. Not a gear issue, but quartering an elk with the hide still on the quarters, then deboning/skinning while hanging it from a tree, will keep meat cleaner, while allowing it to cool.

6a. Don't let your buddy cut the backstraps out of your elk, unless you REALLY trust his butchering skills. Not to knock my hunting partner, but he gets excited and tends to leave too much meat on the animal. I had to do a fair amount of work to salvage the best meat on the animal.

6b. The gutless method is actually very easy to do with no prior experience, and remarkably quick.

Anyone else with revelations related to their gear as it pertains to being a better bowhunter?

[Stickbow]

Gutless method is awesome! Did it for the first time this year.

[Machino]

1.  There aren't many packs that can do both, but those Kifaru packs seem like they are what you are looking for.  A buddy of mine says the Mystery Ranch ones are the way to go.  Out of Bozeman.  One design has a adjustable main unit that will extend out so meat/weight is close to your back.  I have several packs and depending on whether or not you are gonna make a second trip will dictate what pack is worn.

2. I hunt with my quiver on my pack.  Its on the back right side.  Feathers down.  If need be I can take it off, throw it on my shoulder, and still make the stalk.  Bellied crawled to within 15yds of a bear the other day.  I like the system.

3.  I got the sitka stuff.  Its lightweight, form fitting, good clothing.

4.  I have started to use a monocular.  I'm not looking for inches and stickers.  If its a bull, I can figure that out with these.  They stay in my right hip pocket.  If I need to glass I bring it out and put it away quickly.  Light.  Vortex has a nice one for about 55-65 bucks.  Great deal.

5. I use a columbia low top waterproof sneaker a lot of the early season.  I can hike anywhere someone with logger boots can.  As long as you coniditon your feet your fine.  When its real bad Danner Pronghorns are my boot.

6. Cordage is an essential part of the pack.  Good job on the elk.  Bull/cow.  Whats the story?

[Biathlonman]

Couple of thoughts.  I've not been a serious elk hunter (well not for the next month at least), but have done a couple of serious backpack hunts which I think relate.  

1. Kifaru packs are excellent.  I run an older model that I am very happy with.  With that being said the Marine corp. ILBE does 90% of what it does and I paid $30 for my first and picked one up today for $10.  Might want to give one a try.
2. Yep, can't beat a bow quiver.
3. Yep
4. Look into a Hill People Gear Kit Bag.  That's what the serious folks I know in your neck of the woods are using.
5. Agreed.  I've gone almost exclusively to running trail running shoes.  Inov8 and a few others offer them.  Good traction, GoreTex, superlight.
6. I like skinning even when going gutless, but that's just me.

[ChuckC]

You can extend nearly any top loading pack by stuffing a game bag inside and filling it up, out past the pack, and tying the top off to the shoulder straps.  The Lost River by Bison gear has a first rate sack made just for this.

Agree 100% about the boots.  Been there, done that.

I tie up a piece of 550 cord to make the binocular strap and hang it over one shoulder, into a pouch on the off-side belt for the reason you stated.
I agree.  I use binoculars all the time up there.

I hate bow quivers, but I really have not yet found a really good fitting "other quiver" for when I am wearing a pack.  

I always (always) have a piece of wind indicator floss mounted on my bow and I am religious about using it.  Use whatever you like, but use it, every minute of every day.

I have not yet found a good hydration system, but what I like best so far is one that incorporates a bladder inside my pack with a tube that mounts on my shoulder.  IF it isn't easy and kinda quiet to get to, I tend not to drink, and that is a bad thing up there.

ChuckC

[Trumpkin the Dwarf]

Forgot to mention wind checker! I just fill a little squeeze type bottle with cornstarch or flour. I try to use at least half a bottle in a days hunting. It is always in my hand unless I'm getting ready to shoot.

Machino, sent a PM, but the story is on page 2 or 3 right now.

[MnFn]

After the week I had this year, I am thinking about taking my gaiters next year. I noticed my pants legs were wet very quickly every morning by wet grass.

I really liked the newer lightweight clothes- I wore them a lot .

I agree about the bow quiver and used one for the elk trip this year. However, I missed being able to keep my fletching dry in my safari tuff.

[DEATHMASTER]

Those are some great observation. I will elk hunt someday. Hope it is sooner than latter.

[Bear Heart]

I hike my large badlands in then switch to my catquiver. Holds game bags a basic survival gear.

[VictoryHunter]

These are some great tips!

[awbowman]

I have been one time and that certainly doesn't qualify me as an expert.  However nine days in the Rockies will speed up any learning curve and I agree with everything said.  Light clothes, wind proof vest and a rainproof parka.

One other thing.  Keep the body rested and fed.  You can not hunt as hard as you may need if you are starving for entergy or tired from a bad nights sleep.

[Trumpkin the Dwarf]

I think it is only fair to mention that most of my hunting is on day trips. Although with the driving time it would be nice to spend a few days in a row in my areas.

[Roadkill]

Hydrate
It is too important to be over looked, and a lubricated body works better and a lubricated brain makes better decisions
Agee with all, bt face masks are key, forgot mine and hsd to rub mud on my face
I crawled over a small knoll and had a garden in my bino lens, never again. You may be on to something with the new attachment.
Good obsrvatons

[Trumpkin the Dwarf]

Roadkill makes a good point. I talked about things I was changing for next year, but I will continue to carry 3 liters of water in a bladder, and another 2 liters in bottles.

[B2]

Russell makes some great boots for mountain hunting, I have the High Country Hunter.  I had them put on the Gum soles instead of the more aggressive knobby soles they typically come with.  A bit pricey but they last forever and you can have them re-built.  The best part is that you can get the best of both worlds.  They have the high top protection and ankle support with the quiet soles.  I realize my profile says Florida, but I grew up in Idaho and have been hunting elk since I was about 2.  It's killing me to live here......Congrats on the awesome bull!

[Tater]

Malachi,
   When looking at packs be sure and check out the Stone Glacier. They are in your back yard.  I am using the Stone Glacier "Minimalist this year it works great for a day hunting pack and has the capability to carry 100 lb. + loads with comfort.  As much "comfort" as you can expect with 80-100 pounds on your back..

[mmgrode]

Congrats on the bull, Malachi!  Really neat!

I coughed up the money for a Kifaru frame pack over the winter and have been very happy with it.  I've never had 80+ lbs on my back and had it feel more comfortable (read sucks less!) than with the kifaru.  Wish my knees were as strong!

- I always bring a diamond stone to touch up knives as I'm butchering...can't stand a dull knife.  I use the double sided red/blue flip open model. Light and fits out of the way in my side quiver.  

- GPS with landownership layers- shows access many don't know about.

- I prefer the side quiver- attaches to the right side of the kifaru pack and is easily accessible with pack on.  

- Some folks like to carry their entire camp on their backs while hunting...not me!  I find I'm not able to move nearly as fast, fluently, or silently as needed when bogged down with all that weight.  I hike in with camp and will move camp around periodically, but don't usually hunt with it on my back.    

- Do leg workouts!  Curls may be for the girls, but squats and lunges are for the mountains.  Leg fitness and strength is the most important conditioning for the backcountry IMO

- Hunt slower, especially mid day- get in a good area and take your time. Bumbled onto quite a few in my haste.  Slowing down allows you to look country over.  Of course, if you need to cut them off at a saddle, etc. you may need to hurry.

- Bugle less in heavily hunted areas- never personally had much luck with the bugle, but a couple cow chirps when close in on a group has worked very well for me.  

- Look out for the satellite animals around the main group, especially when moving in on a harem.

- Bring enough food, not just to survive, but to perform.  Fats and proteins are especially important to keep you going (I like cheeses and salami, etc.)  Rice and pasta just doesn't do it for me. electrolyte powders are also great.

- Elk hunting midday naps- A gift from God!

Cheers, Matt