First timer for Elk / Deer- submitted my application!

[sniper7]

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

[Sackett]

I forgot ammo one year. Lucky mu Uncle loads for me and had some at camp.

[Irving]

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.

[hunterhawk]

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!

[GilpinGuy]

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.

[remingtonrob7]

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.

[Rucker61]

If you're interested in backcountry elk hunting, this is an invaluable resource: www.rokslide.com

[h2so4]

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

[h2so4]

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!

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 is a good rule- I can be forgetful. I will probably make a checklist and check it off before I head out.

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!

[Rucker61]

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.

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.