Packing list for a Colorado elk hunt in Sept.

[SoloCam'r]

Ok, I've been invited to go bowhunting for elk in Colorado this Sept. This will be my first elk hunt and I was wanting to get your ideas for what I need in my packing list. Thanks.

[Scoutman]

You'll need alot of things, but a good pack with a hydration bladder. Atleast 2 flashlights with extra batteries, 2 knives and sharpener, light weight rain gear like space rain from cabelas, gps, repair kit for your bow,etc. Packable and layerable clothes, broken in boots, extra release, calls, gloves, hats,etc. This is a good starting point it will build from here.

[Todd_ID]

Toilet paper
Scent-Away Wipes
Water filter
rope
extra rope
more extra rope
4 huge canvas game bags
good pack frame
4 garbage bags
5 space blankets
layered clothing system

[slinger]

Bow.
Arrows.
Broadheads.
Release.
Water bottle.
T.P.
Flashlight.
Knife.

[TTS in PA]

Originally Posted by Todd_ID

Toilet paper
Scent-Away Wipes
Water filter
rope
extra rope
more extra rope
4 huge canvas game bags
good pack frame
4 garbage bags
5 space blankets
layered clothing system

I've never been out west yet. Why 5 space blankets?

TTS

[Todd_ID]

Space blankets take up no space and weigh nothing. One to lay on the ground to keep you dry. Two to put over a string for shelter. Two for wrapping around you like a sleeping bag. Even when you're not lost or struggling for survival, a hour under this simple setup will warm and reenergize you enough to keep you from getting into a tight spot and will allow you to stay in the woods hunting longer without going back to camp.

[Zappem]

Binoculars
Camera
Food

[Scoutman]

Another thing to consider is if you have only hunted whitetails is that you will be walking an average of 2-6 miles a day elk hunting. So being physically ready is a must. I walked 24 miles in 5 days last year to take my cow. It is big country and it is a awesome sight to see the sunset over the mountain and all the stars so bright in the sky. I'm an elk junkie now and I can't wait to get back on the mountain come Sept.! Seeing a elk size animal close when you are used to deer is a adrenaline rush like no other! There is no comparison at all. Good luck and take time to enjoy where you are and what you see and smell, the experience is wonderful, if you shoot an elk or not.

[zyxw]

For me I carry as little as possible while hunting. I tried the backpack deal but after 2 hours my back was soaked and I was tired of carrying that thing. I carry a small fanny pack loaded with 1 space blanket, just in case. A couple candy bars, a pack of cheese crackers, jerky and a small baggie of trail mix. Also carry a small lightweight poncho, some water proof matches and a couple firestarter sticks. Lecia Geovoids so I don't have to carry a rangefinder and binos. A knife, tolit paper. For water I carry a 20 ounce pepsi bottle and fill it in the creeks (drop in a water tablet or two). A gps, clipon compass and most important 2 tubes of chapstick. My fanny pack has 2 strings on top to tie a jacket on in case needed. Stick a few calls in my pocket and I'm good to go for all day and can stay out a night if need be

[SoloCam'r]

Keep the info coming....I'm taking notes. BTW, what is a good gps to buy? What is the average temp/weather like during Sept in Colorado....I'm used to the southeast Alabama weather where it doesn't get very cold.

[AZ&F'sDaddy]

Two words:

Head-lamp. Invaluable when coming down a mountain in the dark. Frees up your hands to carry your bow, break your fall, etc.

[zyxw]

Originally Posted by SoloCam'r

Keep the info coming....I'm taking notes. BTW, what is a good gps to buy? What is the average temp/weather like during Sept in Colorado....I'm used to the southeast Alabama weather where it doesn't get very cold.

On the weather, who knows? Be prepared for anything. Last year I went to sleep after hunting in 70 degree temps and woke to 3 ft. of snow the next morning. But that is far from the norm. Most of the time morning temps will be in the 20s daytime highs 60s and 70s. Temps drop when the sun sets at high altitude. I don't take any insulated stuff. Bottoms for me are light under armour and light chamois waterproof pants. Top is long sleeve tee, sweat shirt and light weight waterproof jacket. That's usually all I need and the jacket usually comes off after 1 hour in the morning. The cold is a very dry cold and 30 degrees there doesn't feel near as cold as it does in Alabama where you are from. One thing be prepared for thunder storms they pop up often and it can rain and hail hard. I usually have a poncho that I will put on and sit under some trees to wait out the storms. Your bow will even fit under there with you and when the storm is gone you can take off again with everything dry

[ZA206]

Tell us more about the hunt and we can give you better info. Is this a guided hunt, DIY? Are you guys hiking in and doing spike camps/backcountry hunting or doing day hunts out of a base camp?

The different hunts require vastly different equipment..... of course you will need the obvious such as clothing and bow, arrows... ect.

Tell us more about the hunt, and you'll definately get better advice.

-ZA

Originally Posted by SoloCam'r

Ok, I've been invited to go bowhunting for elk in Colorado this Sept. This will be my first elk hunt and I was wanting to get your ideas for what I need in my packing list. Thanks.

[cactus kid]

need more info bro!

[Todd_ID]

Originally Posted by AZ&F'sDaddy

Two words:

Head-lamp. Invaluable when coming down a mountain in the dark. Frees up your hands to carry your bow, break your fall, etc.

Sorry I forgot this one... I never, NEVER, leave home without this one simple thing.

I own 4 or 5 of them because they are so effective.

[dsheally]

Don't forget chapstick and asprin, you will need it.

[Scoutman]

The weather can change in an instant. Last opening day it was 84 going up the mountain for an evening hunt, by dark it had rained, hailed and snowed, and then faired off again! It was 27 degrees at camp that night! We southern boys were amazed but we were prepared. You just need to pack in clothes if you need them.

[SoloCam'r]

As I understand it...my buddy and I will be hunting with his Dad (who lives in Colorado) and will be hunting public land. So, this is a DIY hunt but with someone who lives there and knows the area very well (so not a paid guide). We will be hiking in to a camp area that he will already have set up and I've been told to expect about 6 miles/day hike for hunting. This will be a 5 day hunt. It is scheduled for the first part of September. My friend is still working out the details with his dad (even though they've done this every year for the past 15 years)...so, that's about all I know for now. I just wanted to get a jump on buying things. Thanks for all your advice. I'm still taking notes.

[PistolPete]

I second the headlamp, and the chapstick! Also the baby wipes (i.e. shower-on-a-cloth), a little duck tape wrapped around a pencil stub for blisters/hotspots, plenty of good socks, good boots, and prepare to become addicted...

Pete

[zyxw]

I love my gps. Don't go without one. It doesn't have to be fancy. Just one that will mark waypoints so you can get back to camp or a good spot in the dark (or light ). I just started using one about 5 years ago and it has saved me a lot of unnecassary walking in circles. I used to just hunt and then try to find my way back to camp. Now I hunt and when it is time to go back turn on the gps punch in camp and go straight back to camp. No worries

[cdmorten]

Here's a good thread to check out from a couple of weeks ago on AT. Same topic, just way more in depth.

[cdmorten]

Oops...here is the thread.

http://www.archerytalk.com/vb/showth...50196&posted=1

[gutzjr]

Don't forget the oxygen! Gutz

[Okie bowhunter]

I would be sure to take something that you can pack the elk out in. If you have horses it is less of a concern, but if you are like me and do not have horses, then a good pack frame and game bags are a must. I also recommend taking plenty of rope, it always comes in handy. A great item to take and keep at your main camp is a solar shower. Nothing feels better than a warm shower after busting your hump. Always consider the weight of everything you pack in, it will add up before you know it.

[Todd_ID]

In response to your question about a GPS... I have an old Magellan Sport Trak Pro that I love. I just checked EBay, and you can get one for $75 on there and one that comes with the Mapsend Topo program if you watch for a while. You need to download the topo for the area that you'll be using. I use that thing all the time to check out what's ahead on the route. "Can I actually walk up that hill, or will I have to crawl?" will be a very valid concern when elk hunting. Another thing that I use the topo for is to locate the small benches and basins in the area that I may not have known about. It's surprising what you can learn with topo on a GPS about an area that you may have been in for 30 years let alone a new area in a new state.

[350-P&Ybull]

Believe it, or not. I have talked with guys that come out and hunt Elk for the first time with everything they needed except the brain power to make the shot. One guy from Iowa set up a treestand over a water hole. Set on it for two - three days straight. Elk came in and all he could do was watch. He was so amazed at the size and beauty of the (cow) he never shot. Less than 20 yards, perfect broad side shot and he never even picked up his bow. He's not the only one that has done this. I here storys every year. So get it in your head now, what you are going to do, when one comes in. (And have fun) By the way that was the first elk that man had ever seen. It accualy scared him. He never thought of them being that big......

[5MilesBack]

With me, elk hunting is more of an extreme excursion than to most. I cover a lot of ground if I have to. You have to find elk in order to shoot one. That sounds like common sense, but elk can move a great distance in a very short amount of time. Be prepared to move. A lot of hunters will hunt the same spot day in and day out hoping to find something. If the elk aren't there, you're wasting your time. Find fresh sign then hunt. Take whatever you think you'll need to cover a lot of ground. I hike in in the dark, and hike out in the dark unless I got something earlier. I use a headlamp (sometimes), I also carry a mini-Maglite wrapped with duct tape. GPS and compass, GMRS radio, extra batteries, binos, two knives, sharpener, Wyoming saw, game bags, parachute cord, baby wipes, lots of water, latex gloves, first aid kit with sunscreen and chapstick, gallon ziplock for the heart (if intact), rain gear, fire starter, food, and the obvious stuff. I like going prepared, sure it's a lot to carry, but I get in shape and I'm usually good unless my knee starts giving me trouble. Oh ya, I take a neoprene knee brace as well, and a lightweight foam pad for sitting on. I think that's it, until I remember something else, then I add that in too.