What to take on a colorado elk hunt

[bigmike]

Thinking of doing a gun elk hunt in meeker in oct. What do I need for equip., clothes anything that you think I would need.:confused: Thanks for the help;) I know getting in shape is #1:sad::rant:

[PsEbUcKmAsTeR17]

Well for starters you are going to want to get a extra large insulated hat.:yikes:....

Dad said you are in shape... ROUND.

-Psebuckmaster17-

[Stugots]

1. Wool
2. .300 Weatherby (sighted in @ 200 yds. Be ready to shoot 300!)
3. Comfortable (worn in) boots with ankle support

[seips]

a good day pack and a good pack frame for hauling out the monsta.

[steve1983]

Take lot's of extra sock's and a good pair of boot's and change sock's when you sweet a lot that will keep your feet from hurting so much! and a good gps!!

[Loaded4bear]

My last trip to WY for elk I had the same questions. All of the responses are good.....but for me the #2.....#1 being "getting in shape"...some good binocs. 1) They allow you to pick up objects like antlers, body shapes, etc...from the background 2) When your guide says "There they are"....to can see them too


My other .02 is to do some practicing shooting at 200yds....a little more than "just ensuring that your sighted in"

Good Luck!

[M1Garand]

A lot of good advise and I second most of it. I'll add that besides being in shape make sure you have good binos. You may be glassing for extended periods and you will find out how good "bargain" glass is when you get eye fatigue.

Good quality boots are a must. You will most likely be mobile and on your feet and cheap supermarket $30 specials won't cut it. One I'd recommend is the Danner Frontier (http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/common/search/search-results1.jsp?QueryText=danner+frontier&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=danner+frontier&noImage=0). Cabelas has a sale on them right now depending on how much thinsulate you want in them they are a bargain. I'm also a wool fan and it is vastly underrated with all the new materials and insulation available today. I finally broke down and got quality wool clothes and I can't express how nice they were. And finally, whatever firearm you plan on bringing, use a good quality bullet and put in some time with the gun (esp at positions you may be shooting from in the field) and become familar with the ballistics and how it will behave at the ranges you expect to be shooting.

[GrizzlyHunter]

Thinking of doing a gun elk hunt in meeker in oct. What do I need for equip., clothes anything that you think I would need.:confused: Thanks for the help;) I know getting in shape is #1:sad::rant:

By your question I will assume that this is your first time. I've been out on almost a dozen out of state big game hunts so I'll try my best to share what I've learned.

#1 - Get in shape, and then get in better shape. Most likely you'll think you're in good enough shape when you go, but when your done hunting you'll realize that you weren't. I train (work out) for at least 4 solid months before I go. That includes weight training and watching what I eat (and drink). Your lungs and legs will let you down the most. For this I put on my hunting clothes, boots and a loaded daypack and then I proceed to "run" UP a 75 yard sledding hill, walk down, and repeat. I do this until I work my way up to 30 round trips with out stopping. I takes about an hour to do it and should be done 3 times a week when it's time to go hunting. I usually lose at least 10 pounds before every trip and I'm not an overly large guy.

#2 - Practice shooting your rifle, preferrably a .30 caliber magnum at about 200 yards or longer. Sight in at 3" high at 100 yards. Buy shooting sticks, not a bipod.

#3 - Buy some very high quality hunting boots, and make sure you break them in (see #1 above). If you don't and your feet get blistered up...your hunt is over. Period.

#4 - Clothes, read and learn how to layer up with synthetics. You should not be wearing any cotton "AT ALL." Not ever your underwear.

#5 - Make sure you have a good daypack with a survival kit that will prepare you to spend at least a night in the woods if you get "temporarily disoriented." :lol:

#6 - Buy good binocs. Spend at least $500, and it's better to spend $1,000. You'll have them the rest of your life.

Have fun. For me the planning and working out part is half the fun. Be careful though...you'll probably get addicted to hunting out West after only one trip.

Feel free to PM me with other questions.

Grizzly Hunter

[bigmike]

Thanks again guys for all the great tips this is why I really love this place:)

[Loaded4bear]

Grizzly Hunter mentioned the most important....


"HAVE FUN"

That's what it's all about.....and good luck!

Loaded4bear

[dougdad]

Bigmike, Do yourself a big favor and make SHURE YOU HAVE A VALID HUNTER EDUCATION CARD... Colo. is one of the pickiest states on that. However, Michigan cards are readily accepted. A local insructor can assist you in attaining one. DON'T LEAVE WITHOUT ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You can also contact your local DNR field office for assistance.

[bigmike]

cool thanks for that info, I didn't think of that;)

[Lisa23]

A good GPS, But get famillar with how to use it before heading outwest, and of course a good compass. Is your wife or Girlfriend going with you??

Ive never been to CO. hint hint.

Please no comments on why they call him Bigmike:lol:

[BraceCreek]

I hunt in the Meeker area also and one of thing things that has helped me was a water blatter. I used to take a canteen; it was a pain to get it out and take a drink so I didn't unless I was taking a break. I switched to a blatter with the drinking hose and put it my day pack, routing the hose so I could drink while walking. That way I would drink when I was thristy, not when I was taken a break.

Another thing, take two knifes and a good sharperner. When you tip over an Elk you will be glad you had the two knifes you won't spend as much time sharping.

Good luck,

BraceCreek

[GrizzlyHunter]

Bigmike, Do yourself a big favor and make SHURE YOU HAVE A VALID HUNTER EDUCATION CARD... Colo. is one of the pickiest states on that. However, Michigan cards are readily accepted. A local insructor can assist you in attaining one. DON'T LEAVE WITHOUT ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You can also contact your local DNR field office for assistance.

Excellent point Dougdad! You are absolutely correct.

Grizzly Hunter

[vantolr]

All great suggestions.......

Believe me, you'll want to be in shape. Even when I lived in Colorado and worked out every day, I could not believe how tired I would get after lots of hunting. Altitude and steep grade/hills combine for a challenge for the most "in'shape" people.

Optics are also critical. Not only binoculars, but make sure you a good scope, it's well mounted and your sighted in. Expect a 200 yard shot, be ready for a 300 yard shot if that big bull just isn't approachable any closer than 300 yards.

I use a .300 Winchester Magnum. Does the job.

Good socks and boots!!!! Be prepared for COLD nights!

[mmac1318]

After a few archery elk hunts I have been on I have figured out a few must have things also. The absolute number 1 thing to take is a possitive attitude. One poor attitude can really spoil a trip for the whole camp.
In you day pack you should have a extra pair of socks and your water purifier and small survival kit. I didnt carry any of these things the 1st couple of trips out west but this year was tougher hunting and we had to go higher and further to get to the cooperative elk and away from other hunters. The water purifier I started carrying because a couple of times I was up high and wanted to keep going to the sounds of bugling elk but I didnt because I was almost out of water with the purifier you can refill and keep going.
In the survival kit I carry.
50' military coard
about 20' duct tape-every body knows duct tape fixes everything including cuts,holding splints for broken bones,etc.(instead of carrying a roll i just unspooled what I needed and respooled it onto a pc of aluminum.
bands aids,ibuprofen,matches,magnesium striker,chap stick,whistle,mirror.

Have fun and once you go you are going to be hooked.

[bigmike]

why Lisa23 are you a good guide?:lol:

[Violator22]

Depends on which season you draw for, 1st or secoond season, you will be dressing warm in the morning, layer so you can remove, 3 and 4th season, just dress warm, trust me on this. Best bet is to get a day pack that will carry a camel back inside for water. If you have a 30-06 you don't need anything else. Practice shooting at 300 yards and less, seriously the 300 yards is about the most a guide will let you shoot, unless you take the time to show him different. I use a light rifle, get you rifle as light as you possibly can, less you are a road hunter, a few guides still do that. Irritates the crap out of me. Good(not expensive) binos, at least 10X. Good boots, and plenty of socks. Biggest thing is practice a lot with what you are hunting with, and when you get here, confirm your zero, the change in elevation will throw off the bullets impact, not much at 100-150 yards, but at 300 or more, it will change about 3 inches. I have been here since 96 and I love it, but I still go back to Michigan to Deerhunt with my dad. You got lots of good advice here in this whole thread grizzhunter gave some of the best. Les

[Garret]

Mole skin! A small piece on an area of your foot where a blister is starting to form from your boots can be the difference between a great hunt and a painful one.

It saved me after a few hours walking in the mountains and I noticed a tender spot on the back of my foot. If I wouldn't have had it with me I would never have had the chance to shoot over the back of a nice 6 x 6 with my bow. Sure I missed my bull :sad: but it was still a great hunt! :D

Mole skin is a must! Skinning the mole was a different story!;)

My 2 cents

[EYESON]

Where are you going in Meeker? We hunted Meeker a last year for the second rifle season left the trail head at Marvine Creek. First off are you doing a DIY hunt or a semi-giuded hunt?
First thing I would prepare for is snow. We ended up with ouver two feet when we were there. Also take a propane torch for getting the fire started if you have a wood burner. It makes that getting up in the morning more enjoyable when you can get the fire started fast. A good sleeping bag is also a must. Every one else mention boots, optics and GPS so I won't bother going into that. Get in shape and for sure if you think you drank enough water drink more. The other thing I would recomend taking is a extra $100.00. Once you are out there you can usually hire a packer to come in and haul out your elk for you if you are lucky enough to get one. We did a drop camp and packing the elk out once it was down was part of the trip. I did talk to a guy that told me one of the guys in their camp shot one and did not want to hire a packer, so the rest of the guys in camp spent a whole day packing his elk out, and did not get to hunt that day.

[Violator22]

Garret, moleskin is only needed if you don't break in your boots, it is good to have, but after a few years in the Army, I figured out if the boots ain't broke in, or don't fit, you feet are screwed anyways. Wear the boots you are going to be using out stream fishing, wade in them, then let them dry to your feet, trust me on this, I only had two blisters after 10 years of being in the Infantry, that is how I broke in every pair of boots I have. Les

[Garret]

Garret, moleskin is only needed if you don't break in your boots, it is good to have, but after a few years in the Army, I figured out if the boots ain't broke in, or don't fit, you feet are screwed anyways. Wear the boots you are going to be using out stream fishing, wade in them, then let them dry to your feet, trust me on this, I only had two blisters after 10 years of being in the Infantry, that is how I broke in every pair of boots I have. Les


Good point Les. My boots were rather new but i had thought they were broke in enough. I was wrong and moleskin was a life saver.

[aph]

A small saw and extra shoe laces for tying a variety of things. also cleaning rubber gloves that fit halfway up your arm. if you are a half days walk or ride back to camp, somewhat clean hands and harms are a bonus... expecially if you have an itchy nose.

[Lisa23]

why Lisa23 are you a good guide?:lol:


Mike I dont think I would be a very good guide, but I might show you a couple of things, Still You would'nt think that it had anything to do with Elk:yikes:

Just kidding, I hope you have a safe and successful hunt:)

[gwhuntr1212]

I guess the biggest thing that i recommend would be a good set of binos... you dont have to spend a lot, i use nikon monarch 10x42 and they are some of the nicest binos i've looked through, they're only about 300-400 bucks. If your going in oct i would suggest a wool suit, in the mountains it can be awefully cold. I use filson wool, its expensive but worht every penny, plus its lifetime guarenteed. If not wool get some good base layers. Another thing is be good with your gun. Elk have been hunted for a month or so by then and sometimes they are spookier.... the farther you feel comfortable shootin the higher your chances of shooting a nice elk. I've had hunter shoot elk at 450-500 yrds. I dont let any hunter shoot that far but if it is someone i feel i can(everybody says they can) then they can, only if thats the only option, if we can get closer than we always do sometimes you just cant due to terrain, ect. Bring lots of layers and dress so you cn shed layers. I always wear too much that way i can shed clothes and leave them at my horse. It depends on what kind of hunt your going on for a pack... if its guided then i would suggest a SMALL fannypack/backpack. Most all our hunters bring big packs loaded down with gear and they never use them, by the second day thy leave them in camp. We carry all the stuff you guys need for the most part. If you arent guided or are doing a ton of hiking then its different. I only carry a fanny pack and it fits everything i need for a day and if somethin bad happens a night too. The only thing hunters carry with them is water, lunch and maybe a knife. We do all the work. So i guess in that aspect it depends on where you go. Also a good camera to take pics of that monster bull you shoot!!! Good luck. If you have any other questions i would be happy to answer them for you.

[gwhuntr1212]

The only prob we have come across with camel backs is they will freez if its cold and they kinda perspire and we've had hunter actually have them frozen to there back!!!! kinda funny for us but not so much for him. just my 2 cents

[gwhuntr1212]

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The 2 mulies were both over 30" wide, the one with all the junk was shot at 340 yrds. The 6x7 was shot at 500 yds. Again just be profficent with your gun, the better you are and the more confident you are with your shooting abilities the better your hunt is goin to be. Like said above... a positive atitude is a must, you most likely arent going o see elk everyday, your guide is going to try his hardest, he should, to put you in elk everyday but it doesnt always work out that way. Dont get discouraged and have a good time, its hunting it should be fun not stressful.

[gwhuntr1212]

Where are you going in Meeker? We hunted Meeker a last year for the second rifle season left the trail head at Marvine Creek. First off are you doing a DIY hunt or a semi-giuded hunt?
First thing I would prepare for is snow. We ended up with ouver two feet when we were there. Also take a propane torch for getting the fire started if you have a wood burner. It makes that getting up in the morning more enjoyable when you can get the fire started fast. A good sleeping bag is also a must. Every one else mention boots, optics and GPS so I won't bother going into that. Get in shape and for sure if you think you drank enough water drink more. The other thing I would recomend taking is a extra $100.00. Once you are out there you can usually hire a packer to come in and haul out your elk for you if you are lucky enough to get one. We did a drop camp and packing the elk out once it was down was part of the trip. I did talk to a guy that told me one of the guys in their camp shot one and did not want to hire a packer, so the rest of the guys in camp spent a whole day packing his elk out, and did not get to hunt that day.

Its gonna cost a bit more than an extra $100 to get your elk packed out, the avg packout its gonna take 2 pack animals and a packer.... around 500-600 bucks.