Who's next.........?

 

I'm in!

 

I'm much better looking than those 2 yahoos.
Glad I can make this trip. Thanks Tony!
Looking forward to it. 1st item for me to work on is my gut. Getting started on a workout program this week, I hope to be as lean and mean as those other 2, I have my work cut out. The months are going to fly and Sept will be here soon enough.
Should be an awesome trip!

 

There seems to be a recurring theme here...my elk hunting partners get older every year!

 

Good luck guys. If you can, some feedback/tips on the entire process from hunting grounds selection to license process and outfitter/no outfitter decisions would be appreciated. Also interested to hear about lodging/camping/hiking strategies.

 

Kroppe,all of that is well documented in my threads from 2014 and 2015.
Bushy and my hunt will be a duplication of same....with one exception...2 tags punched vs 1.

 

Good luck gents. I'm deciding between Idaho and Colorado. I had to back out of last year's hunt because of life, but all those transitions are behind me now. One of my friends found a good spot in Idaho, but Colorado would allow for more hunting time due to a shorter drive. Decisions, decisions.

 

Idaho for me this year as well. Two week rifle DIY hunt. Solo mission at this point. First trip in 4 years... Glad to be back in the game. Good luck to all others in their preparations and hunt.

 

Good luck guys. I'm looking foreword to reading your adventures.

 

There seems to be a recurring theme here...my elk hunting partners get older every year!

And uglier!!

Good Luck Gentlemen! It is a fun trip for sure.

 

Good luck Guys.
My buddy and I plan on going back to Montana again for a 2 week DIY Rifle hunt.

Kevin

 

Good luck guys! Safe travels.

 

Well, I got my dragonfly pack and calls in the mail yesterday. Learning all I can about elk, and I have even got a few sounds down pretty good. Started a physical fitness program, whew, am I out of shape!
Just a few more goodies to get and I should be good to go. My next must have item will be good boots. Not sure what to get yet but I am researching and hope to have them by spring so I can start wearing them.

 

I just bought some
Cabela's | Meindl Men's 400-Gram Ultralight™ Hunter Boots
So far I really like them. I haven't done much hiking in them yet but took them rabbit hunting the other day and they were very comfortable. I plan on using them when I go to Nebraska next year.

 

Does anyone have the Danner mountain lights?

 

I have the Meindl Perfeckt hunters and a pair of Lowa Khumba? both are great boots for me. One is heavy and the other real light. I also had a pair of the Danner Elk Hunters that Cabela's had and they were great until the camp man melted them down trying to dry them out.

I would stay with a fairly light boot as the terrain is pretty easy there and you don't have to carry the weight of a heavy boot all the time.

 

That sucks, I have the same boots. Use gravel warmed up on the wood stove to dry out the inside.

 

This is a great elk hunting video. Really captures the roller coaster ride that you can experience over the course of a week or more of archery elk hunting.
http://www.elk101.com/videos/new-film-release-wyoming/

 

I just watched this while I'm waiting for my meeting this am. Great video!

Does that kill sequence remind you of our hunt or what, Tony? Minus the dead bull of course! Shoulda, woulda, coulda... Frontal shot at 5 yards! Doesn't get any better than that!

Notice they use very little cow calls in their sequences. Almost all bugles, chuckles and grunts.

 

Just got a Dragonfly pack last week and still trying to get it to fit right for me. I have watched the video for all the adjustments and still it's not where it needs to be. 25 pounds ok but 50 pounds not so much. Considering returning it. Love the bag but I need it to carry the weight better. Anyone with knowledge of the pack with suggestions?

 

I assume you're aware of the ladder adjustment for the straps? The J series packs have removable aluminum stays that are easily bent to fit the contour of your back. You'll likely need to adjust them several times, with help, to get them just right, but when you do you'll notice a huge difference, especially under a load.
There's also 2 straps at the top of the bag that adjust the distance of the top of the bag from the top of the shoulder straps. This is another critical adjustment worth getting right.

 

QDMAMAN, thanks for the video link. I have been tweaking the stays and adjusting the shoulder harness up and down. I have made improvements from where it started but still have a ways to go for the fit I am looking for. I will check out the link you sent for more info. Thanks again

 

Good luck fellas! I'll be chasing elk in Montana this September and although it's my second time out there, it'll be my first time with a tag. First trip out there two years ago I just filmed instead of burning $850 on a non resident tag. Here is the video from that hunt in 2014 if anyone is interested. Any questions feel free to ask.
http://www.hybrid-outdoors.com/hunting-videos/montana-elk-hunting/

 

What zone?

 

Made my first purchase toward this years hunt today, Mouthwing boxers.
Not a lot I "need" after 3 trips under my belt but a new pair of boots are in order. The old Danner Pronghorns will be relegated to back up duty.

 

Hahaha. My wife hasn't seen the end of the month statement yet. I did warn her ahead of time though.
I am going to have to pay on this months bill for awhile before I get the rest of my essentials.

 

Q,

What's your target pack weight?

 

Hey Guys, I haven't had time to keep up with your adventure with my new work schedule, but good luck to both of you! By the way did you get the cool camo moth wing undes T. ? Watch out for the ant hills! Lol

 

Q,

What's your target pack weight?

100#....x4

Seriously, probably 25-30 with extra H2O and including my bow.
Obviously, as the day wares on it gets lighter as you eat and hydrate.

 

That sounds about right for me although I'm pushing 35# as of now, weights will be a little more accurate as I finalize my packing list
My pack weighs 9.5# empty
water 6.6# @ 3 liters
bow and arrows 6.0#
miscellaneous gear, compass, map, range finder, binos, knife and blades, meat bags, GPS, folding saw, matches, flashlight, trioxane fuel tabs, titanium cup 8.0#
extra clothing 3.0# warm hat, lightweight jacket, gloves,socks
food 1.5

 

I have been researching and following all of your guy's posts about elk hunting. Keep the info coming! I am hoping to get out west in 2017 and am trying to absorb as much info as possible. Figured there is no need to start a new thread. Have a buddy that lives in Wyoming currently that could be a resident guide if we hunt a wilderness area, but he might be moving back to Michigan this year. Looking at Colorado, Idaho, and Wyoming for hunts. I don't really like the amount of hunters in Colorado, but understand it easy to acquire tags unlike others some other states.

 

If you're looking at WY buy an elk preference point this year for $50.00

 

Great......now I want one. I am hoping to spend a little less money on a pack.

 

I got a deal on a new dragonfly for 315 shipped on ebay. I noticed that they are all running about 399. Check out rokslide classifieds also http://www.rokslide.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?88-Rokslide-Classifieds

 

I'm always looking for deals/sales. I'm in no hurry and plan on doing a lot of research still. Ebay can be a goldmine if your timing is right!

 

Firstlite had some great deals on clothing in Jan. I bought a lightweight top and was hoping to get a puffy and a heavy weight top , unfortunately their sale ended today. I hope they do it again but I doubt it. 40% off. Dang it.