Elk hunting essentials

[Covey]

Just wondered what was the most importent things u'all take with u for Colorado elk? Thanks Jason

[Dave2old]

Huevos!

[bowfiend]

That's pretty broad. Really want to know everything I consider important, or are you looking for the things I've forgotten and wished I had?

[Lin Rhea]

Uncented Chapstick. You will thank me later. The climate can be soooooo dry.

Good shoes/boots
energy foods
easy to carry liquids
flashlights

Get in shape. Enough for now.   Lin

[Roger Moerke]

elk

[rtherber]

Camelbak,UnderArmour,gaiters,Jolly Ranchers(watermelon flavored),wind checkers,BIC lighters,trioxane bars,elk calls,quality raingear,sleeping bag,GPS,compass,topos

[Whip]

Tops on my list are good boots and socks, camelback hydration bag, and the most excercise you can squeeze out of your body during the months before leaving!  Get in shape!

[Basic Instinct]

DON'T FORGET A BOW AND ARROWS!! Tags, Good sharpener, extra knives, quarter bags, Camera, so we can see your smile with the kill. Extra set of lungs when yours get tired. GOOD BOOTS,Well broke in.  The list would go on and on!!

[Covey]

Looks like I got work to do!!!tell me more. Thanks Jason

[beyondmyken]

binoculars.  You will/should do a lot of glassing to find the elk.  Positive attitude that you will get into elk so you will be willing to get up in the dark, hike uphill for an hour or so in the dark, stay out all day, and come back to camp in the dark.  GPS to find camp in the dark and find your elk when you go back for the quarters.  LED headlamp for long term night hiking and a small very bright flashlight when you need to see out a ways. Minimalist gear to spend a cold dark night if necessary because you got "cliffed out".

[J. Adams]

i reckon it depends on the season (fall vs. winter) and location of the elk hunt you will attempt (backcountry bivouac vs. alfalfa field ambush...) lots of variables...

regardless, the following always top my list - as I have found an immediate need for them while miles away from camp:

as much water as you can pack (or carry a filtration kit,) good boots (w/ extra socks,) good-quality binocs, a compact or folding saw, a compass w/ good maps...... of course, food, clothing, shelter and basic first aid aren't a bad idea to have with you either.

[SoNevada Archer]

Jason,
As I read the list by the others, it looks like the most popular thing on most lists in good boots/shoes! I heartly agree. Getting in shape is also a must! A good knife, flashlight, water, and bivy, compass, good binoculars are all on my list as well. One other thing I don't see is the ability to judge crittle distance at the moment of truth...try and practice your shooting so you can make good hits out to 30 yards. The west is big country in most cases and I think 30 yard shots would be a normal distance to give you a good chance.
Also a good meat pack, I've helped pack meat for others as well as myself. A good meat pack is tops for that.

[Herdbull]

Covey, You can take many of the things listed, but most important is self-reliance. It can't be bought.  Mike

[highcountry]

If it happens, a good sharp pack axe, pack saw and old back pack. Check the area when you first show up and locate someone with a mule or pack horse. For a small fee or trading out some meat they will pack out for you.  I always have a pack flyrod and water filter.

[Rik]

Mini hatchet. Spend a night huddling under a pine tree in a cold, pouring rain that's just one degree shy of turning to snow and you'll know why.

. . . oh yeah, if you didn't invest in a top-quality pack frame for the meat-------don't forget the llamas.

[John Scifres]

When you say essentials do you really mean it?  Here's what you need:

-shelter: clothing first, something to sleep in second, something to sleep under third (read the book "98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive" Cody Lundin).  Probably have to have something to carry this in like a backpack.

-water: You have to have a way to get it and a way to make it drinkable.

-Food - count on 3000 calories per day and don't forget something to cook it on if that is the plan.

-Bow and arrows

-knife

-some plan to carry or get the animal out if you kill one

-above all, get your body and mind ready.  Elk are not Indiana whitetails.  Don't plan to hunt them the same way.  You gotta move.  Be prepared physically to move.  The mountains aren't the hills of Martin or Orange County.

[buckster]

Asprin, meds and don't forget to drink lots of water to help prevent altitude sickness.

[Chad Sivertsen]

Wet Wipes

[northener]

wet wipes AND baby powder

[just_a_hunter]

Determination.

Todd