First timer for Elk / Deer- submitted my application!

[Hummer]

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 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

[Hummer]

Yup-because it's almost impossible to get an elk to take a lure

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!

[remingtonrob7]

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.

[sniper7]

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.

[TRnCO]

I use heavy duty trash bags to put the meat in

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.
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.

[Limited GM]

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.

[Hummer]

Nice buck LTD.

The best way to haul an elk out of the woods.

[rondog]

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.

Very nice buck! That wasn't one of your "backyard buddies" was it? J/K, I'm sure it wasn't!

[Jacket]

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.