ELK Hunting Trad Gear list.

[Steve O]

As usual, the boys are spot on...GPS makes me VERY "confident", water in a hydration bladder so you can sip as you go. GOOD binocs.  Kind of key is at least a pack frame at camp to haul out the beast.  I am very fond of Balance Energy bars; when I am worn out, I can actually feel them work.  Oh, flagging tape to mark you kill for all those trips back in while you are packing him out.

[OH at work]

Steve has a good list but don't forget to take the flagging tape out with you instead of just leaving it.  There is biodegradable tape you can buy if you would like to go that route.  BTW, you could also use your GPS to take you back to the kill site.

Joe

[denny]

I've gotten good use out of a light pair of gators for when it snows, in dry country I prefer a couple of small bottles to a bladder, running out early or getting to the next spring thirsty and still carrying a pound of water you were conserving because you can't see the bladder in your pack are both things I've done more than once. Having light gloves/hat easily accessible is important if your trying to cover ground, sun/shade and wind exposure change minute to minute and having to take a pack off to access things gets tiring quickly. I personally setup three camps base/spike and bivy and use them all. Septembers coming fast

[John Scifres]

Here's my list from last year.  This was for a 7 day hunt in Central Idaho.  It snowed off and on the whole hunt.  Here's  My 2006 Idaho Elk Hunt Journal  

Description   QTY
Pack   1
Bungees   1
tarp   1
sleeping bag   1
pad   1
stove/fuel/foil   1   
utensils   1
cup   1
water tablets   1
towel   1
headlamp   1
matches/lighter   1
binoculars   1
water bag   1
knife/sharpener   1
map   1
compass   1
GPS   1
cord   1
duct tape   1
game bags   2
camera/extra battery   1
Leatherman   1
flashlight   1
bow string   1
trash bag   1
headnets   1
calls   1
First aid kit   1
toilet paper   1
baby wipes   1
baking soda   1
polyprop underwear (2 sets)   2
pants   1
shirts   1
woolens   1
sock (3)   3
sock liners (3)   3
rain poncho   1
boots   1
stocking cap   1
gloves (2)   2
hat   1
Lipton sides (d)   7
Tuna in Oil (7 oz) (d)   7
tortillas (L)   14
peanut butter (L)   7
granola/power bars (L, B)   21
GORP (1/2 cup packages) (B,L, snacks)   7
Dried fruit (snacks)   7
gum   1
Glasses   1
Mylar Blanket   2
Tag/License   1
Bow   1
Arrows   8

[Outwest]

Don't forget the Ibuproferen . If you are anything like me you will have some very sore muscles for a couple days. Also is needed in case of sprained ankle or any other painful emergency.

John

[fingers]

Bring good game bags not those cheap cheese cloth type. Nothing worse than going through all that work but to have dirty maggot infested meat.

[9 Mile Archer]

If you don't have horses you r gonna want a frame pack that you can use the frame apart from the pack, and a day pack fro hunting day hikes.  Early season It is nice to scale down your day pack but never carry less then enough to spend 3 days alone.  Bring some high energy dry food like gorp or powerbars.  I always have a emergency blanket, basic first aid kit, pack hatchet, 3 kinds of fire starter a lighter, safety matches or I like the metal scraper flint thingies, and the best fire starter in an emergency is a road flare, I carry min 2, 3 when it's cold. I also use a headlamp but have a mini mag for back up. Parachute cord, flagging tape. As for gps they are great but you need to practice with it so it is second nature and you use it, but it won't replace a compass and map, always have a compass and map and know how to use them.  Bring extra wool socks and cap in your day pack and some good leather gloves.  Lastly these days while hiking in bear (grizzly for sure) country pepper spray is always on my hip along with everyone I hike with (they may still eat you but at least they will remember the meal that way).   Your week gear list will be what any long camping would have.  Leave the carbon activated clothes at home.  Have some camp cotton clothes for warm days, but remember basic wool layers, are very versatile. Rain gear, lots of undies and enough socks that you can switch out and hand wash hang dry others, keep one clean pair in your sleeping bag for backup and camp time.

[J-dog]

9 mile said it, but I will repeat it, I LOVE my GPS BUT, get a map and compass and be proficient with them. Dont do ya no good if you dont know how to use them, and in them mountains learn how to triangulate with the comapass and map.

rely on your compass and your mind to get you around.

I start the day with my GPS then throw it in my pack until needed. kinda like good insurance!!!!!!!(if there is such a thing)

GOOD LUCK!! I wish ya the best. bring back lotsa pics.

[greenhed]

I would be sure to have a judo point and have the ability to cook grouse.  Its amazing how good they taste when you are on the side of a mountain a long way from camp.  They wont be around when you look for them, but as soon as you set up on an elk, they will be in the trees over your head, pecking at your boot laces, etc.

As far as getting in shape, wht will get you is hiking at elevation.  I have outlasted flatland marathon runners.  Just remember you arent going to outrun an elk, so go slow, enjoy the experience and stay hydrated.  

Are you hunting a special draw, or general hunt?

[Cutty47]

greenhed brings up a great point...I live in the Bitterroots, on the other side of where you'll be hunting.  I see it all the time, guys who think they're in great shape coming up to altitude and getting WIPED OUT...different people react differently to altitude as well.  

If you can plan it, give yourself a couple days to acclimate before your really push it.

Wool..wool...wool...and the best boots you can afford...very well broken in...

[Cutty47]

Oh, I find a decent LED headlamp comes in pretty handy as well...

[jwingman]

Simple items but you will appreciate having them along. Baby wipes for keeping clean. They can be a real important issue when spending the week in camp. The other small item is chapstick. It is more important than you might think.
 Good matches - waterproof.
  If you forget your chapstick you can rub your lips with fresh horse droppings. It won't help the current dry lips but it will keep you from licking them any further!  LOL

Have a great time and good luck. Take lots of pictures.

[Rick McGowan]

Its real easy to load up your pack with everything you MIGHT need, but its something else again to carry it up and down mountains everyday! A topo map is a necessity in my mind, otherwise you are hunting blind. IF there is water to be had the water filter will save you from carrying a lot of extra weight. I prefer the collapsible water containers to the bottle type which "slosh" unless full. Pillow cases from the resale shops make excellant game bages. A BIG orange trash bag, like they use for roadside collection has many uses. It can be used to lay meat on, as a ground cloth, rain coat, shelter, tarp over meat, a signaling device etc.. An extra pair of socks, sprinkled with cornstarch and kept in a ziplock bag, change socks at lunchtime and it will feel like a whole new day!

[elk ninja]

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

[Roadkill]

Sspoon the list and advice here are pretty complete-what you need-flatlander-is to come back out here and let me take you running up Peavine behind the house!  You know the place, just north of me-up to the clouds.  We'll get ya in shape to carry all that stuff.
Seriously, you just moved from here and know how elevation affects folks not used to it. Getting your lungs ready for the exertionis key. None of that stuff will matter if you are miserable at camp. Kerry and Big Head say howdy. We talked about your bowstrings yesterday,

[Brandon Jasper]

Wow some people really pack a lot in.

If I'm on a survival trip.
X-pack water system, or Platypus bag and a MIOX
Good knife
Appropriate clothing in layers.  If it starts to get cold you can take grasses/leaves/etc and stuff them between the layers for more insulation.
Swedish FireSteel
550 cord
Tomahawk (great tool and cooler than carrying a hatchet     )
Bow/Rifle and appropriate extras

Hunt
same as above plus
LED light
GPS + spare batteries
Mainstay ration pack(s) 1 is good for 3 days
Jetboil
Instant Coffee
Soup packs
Bivy sack or ultralight tent depending on the weather and how much I'm in the mood to carry.
Deet insect repellant
spare socks
Titanium cup
bundle of 550 cord

On another note if you really want to improve your hunting and stalking skills and learn some survival tricks go to Tom Brown’s school.