Elk hunting essentials

[Covey]

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

[just_a_hunter]

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

[Jimscol]

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

[Chad Lewis]

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.

[Dave Schneider]

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.

[elk ninja]

Tylenol PM.  Helps with the aches and pains and helps you sleep.
Mike

[Covey]

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

[elkkrazy8]

good boots and rain gear
            BILL

[overbo]

One top priority item for me is liquid smoke or something to check the wind.

[Inhimwelive]

Do you use a saw to quarter the elk or just bone it all out? If a saw what type do you use?

[elk ninja]

Bone it all, unless it expires on a road.  Read Dave Petersons "blood and guts made easy" article, it is great.
Mike

[wapiti792]

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!

[snag]

Duct tape and moleskin...if those boots are a little rough on your feet these 2 items will protect your mode of locomotion!