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Looking forward to see what I end up with. I decided that I would use my first choice for a preference point to start building them up. I am looking at it as a learning experience, so I am not super worried about where I end up. Instead of switching scopes, seems like a perfect reason to get a new Vortex, Burris, or Leupold 3x9 scope.
Any suggestions for great references or resources for first time hunters?
Thanks!
Make sure you take bullets for your gun.
Your fishing license and your hunting tags are NOT the same thing.
Yup-because it's almost impossible to get an elk to take a lure [ROFL2]Quote:
Originally Posted by Irving
Don't forget your gun.
all great info. how many of these suggestions are from your real world experience? [hahhah-no]
Last year, I forgot a cool weather coat that wasn't my hunting jacket. Otherwise, it's always been the misfortune of others that I enjoyed.
Mine definitely was. I was able to make it to Walmart for a reprint with like 20 minutes to spare. Otherwise it was a 2+ hour drive home to look for something that I had idea where it might be.Quote:
Originally Posted by h2so4
On the first day, one of the guys walked around all day without a primer in his muzzleloader.
I spent an afternoon hunt once with no round in the chamber. Only found out when I got back to the truck and unloaded. Derp!Quote:
Originally Posted by Irving
Hint. DO NOT talk to people when they're gearing up. I have this rule when I'm hooking/unhooking the RV too. I will sure as hell screw something up (unhooking) if you bring me a beer and start flapping your gums while I'm working.
That's a great rule. In retrospect, I wish I would have thought of that rule years ago for all kinds of instances in my life.
Start figuring out your pack now. How will you clean an animal if you get one. How will you then get it to the truck and keep the meat cool. Where will you take it to get processed. Cost of processing an elk varies but plan $250+ depending on how much you do yourself and how much custom products you get.
Tell people where you plan to go and stick with it in case you get lost. You might not be able to check in with cell phones so have a radio and a channel you will be on if you get lost.
I'd have a GPS with me until you learn the area and even then take it with you. Go in the summer and mark spots you think might be good after you know where you might be hunting.
Take extra gas for your truck. Take an extra sleeping bag in case yours gets wet. Dont forget a pillow. Always put your fires out completely...that means taking extra water to dump on it or having a source for water. Park officers will fine the shit out of you for leaving hot coals unattended at camp.
Take a copy of the regs with you to camp, read the rules, get an app or pre plan so you know when legal hunting hours are. Know your gun and scope, take shots you are comfortable making, not hoping you make. If you wound an animal give it every ounce of effort to find it.
When elk hunting Dont shoot a moose thinking its an elk. Always verify your target, people have been killed because people shoot at movement or shadows.
I have lots more but not enough time right now
I forgot ammo one year. Lucky mu Uncle loads for me and had some at camp.
Oh yeah, don't leave your pack in the back of a pick-up while it rains all night long. Getting up at 4:00 am to discover all your gear is wet and cold is no fun at all. I still haven't repacked my bag after that. I guess I'll do that tonight.
Take a compass reading when you are at camp! Even a $400+ GPS can fail if there is a solar flare... Learned that the hard way last season hunting by myself... And carry a map of the area!
Here's a good online resource: The Colorado Hunting Atlas
Mess around with it and you can get some good info and fairly detailed maps.
I harvested my first elk last season and the one thing I wished I had is a spotting scope, or high quality glass. Starring through a set of 10x25 binos is not how you want to spend your day. Spotting and stalking was way more fun than sitting somewhere hoping game comes by. Also, don't be cheap on your boots don't make your body pay because you are cheap.
If you're interested in backcountry elk hunting, this is an invaluable resource: www.rokslide.com
Good info! What is your preferred spotting scope? I always try and take care of the feet. I find its a tough balance to find good hiking boots and boots that will keep your toes real warm.Quote:
Originally Posted by remingtonrob7
My buddy will be going with me- he is a butcher and processes game animals on the side- so we are confident we can handle this aspect of the hunt.Quote:
Originally Posted by sniper7
Any suggestions for the basics of a pack? I was thinking a streamlined hiking pack, with game bags, good knife/knives, small saw(?), straps or some system to attached the meat to my pack. maps, fire starting (emergency) supplies, compass/gps, as well.
That is a good rule- I can be forgetful. I will probably make a checklist and check it off before I head out.Quote:
Originally Posted by brutal
I was hog hunting last year and was within 15 yards of the hogs, i could hear them breathing. couldnt see shit in the thicket though. Got back to the truck and realized I didnt have one chambers. so i know how you feel!
Really depends on how much you want to spend. The popular packs with the backcountry folks that are lightweight and can handle a load include Kifaru, Stone Glacier, Exo Hunting and Paradox. These all come with varying degrees of sticker shock. For day hunting, you may get buy with a pack from some of the well known brands and just hike back to the truck to get a frame hauler.Quote:
Originally Posted by h2so4
Quote:
Originally Posted by remingtonrob7
Good advice about investing in good boots. Same is true when it comes to hunting optics. Compact binoculars just don't cut it. I have two pair of Bausch & Lomb 7x26 that don't get used anymore. You can't beat a good 8x42 or 10x42 binocular for fast acquisition. I can spot deer and elk at 2.5 miles with 10x42 binoculars. In my opinion, a scope is of limited use for elk hunting in most of Colorado. Too much gear and weight to carry, and you still need binoculars for hunting in the woods. I have two spotting scopes and never take them elk hunting. Binocs are far more useable.
Btw, if you're looking to upgrade from your compacts, consider these, fine, bright binoculars at a great price.
/shameless promotion
Quote:
Originally Posted by StagLefty
Believe it or not, elk lures or elk decoys are used more and more now, especially by archery hunters on private land. Check out these decoys.
A couple years ago (and too cheap to buy a pronghorn decoy) I printed out a picture of a pronghorn and attached it to a cardboard on a stick. I packed it in on my hunt and set it on a fence post, then sat back in the sage to wait. Sure enough, that picture brought in a buck from a quarter mile away! :p
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g2...psdx4reycf.jpg
I'm a Vortex Optics guy. They offer a program for 35% off retail for active duty military. Not sure if it applies to prior service or retirees. My glassing experience consisted of sitting in a truck and spotting the elk and then trying to get ahead of them, or make a plan for the next morning. I wouldn't pack it in the field. Another item you will need is a skinning/de boning knife set with a saw. No need to carry bones back just to dispose of them later. Plus you can hunt coyotes later. I use heavy duty trash bags to put the meat in, it works and is way cheaper than game bags. The other thing is a range finder. ELK MAY APPEAR CLOSER THAN THEY ARE.
My pack varies. depends on weather, what the forecasted weather is, how far I am going, where I am going and for how long, plus contingencies should anything happen.
At a bare minimum I always bring: pack, water, dry snack like granola bars or energy bars, 2 knives, bonesaw, headlamp with extra batteries, cheap pocket sharpener, latex gloves with sani wipes, small medical kit, paracord, cheap poncho just in case, extra pair of socks (your feet get wet and you will be miserable, a fresh pair of socks could save your feet and keep you hunting), extra pair of gloves for same reason as socks, some type of fire starter (usually a lighter, a hotel size shampoo bottle of rubbing alcohol, plus strike anywhere matches), license, extra ammo/powder/projectiles/primers depending on weapon, small leatherman, minimum of one game bag, and the most important of all....toilet paper in a doubled zip-lock bag.
other things as options:
GPS, range finder, binoculars, spotting scope, bugle/mouth calls, rain gear, extra batteries, maps, backup battery for phone charger, camera (my phone really is my camera now), video camera if you feel like recording the hunt or have someone else who can (i need a gopro), handgun for protection, facemask, flashlight or pucklight, decoys, water purifier or tablets.
There is less and more you can take, just depends on what you think you will need. You develop a system over time. My list sounds/looks like a lot, but it really is quite light and pretty minimal. I used to carry a lot more.
I have different packs for everything, one for waterfowl, one for elk/deer, one for pheasants since I have my dog and he has needs as well. also a packframe which is much easier on your when hauling out quarters and the head/cape.
I also have a two tubs full of my gear that I just toss in the back of the truck, they lock, they are waterproof and everything I could ever want or need is in there. Weather changes and your needs change. You don't want to be out there with a elk down and no game bags to keep your meat clean, or a bone saw to save you a ton of weight or not be able to get the skull or antlers off, or rope and not be able to tie down the quarters.
Problem is most trash bags are treated with chemicals to kill smell/bacteria. Also, plastic trash bags don't allow the meat to breath and cool, and getting the meat cooled as quickly as possible is important. The ONLY time I'd ever use trash bags is when it was hot outside, often during early archery season, and I'd then put the meat in untreated trash bags IF I had a cold stream or other body of water to submerge the meat in, to allow cooling. Once I take the meat out of the water, it then would be transferred into game bags to allow it to breath.Quote:
I use heavy duty trash bags to put the meat in
I carry game bags with me, and my frame pack, at all times when elk hunting. I don't want to waste a trip back to camp when I could be carrying out the first load instead.
Most definitly plan on how you'll get the meat from the field if you fill your tag. I don't know a great deal of people out here and even no farther than I had to move this one, it was a chore. I can't imagine an elk or moose.
Nice buck LTD.
The best way to haul an elk out of the woods.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g2...he-Packers.jpg
Very nice buck! That wasn't one of your "backyard buddies" was it? J/K, I'm sure it wasn't!Quote:
Originally Posted by Limited GM
Meat preservation is usually first on my list of things, I always have good sharps knives, game bags, tarps, parachute cord, and coolers as basics. Meat preservation is uaslly differnt depending on climate weather, circumstances but you want to cool the meat and keep flies, bacteria and dirt out of it.
Game bags are really handy they get the meat in a bundle you can hang and carry they also let the meat cool and breath. Tarps and coolers are very handy when you get the meat to your vehicle. You can put game bags in your washer(make sure all the soap is rinsed out) and uses them a few times, tarps can also be cleaned and used again.