Trad Gang

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The first day of spring was today, buy more importantly, the first day of ELK spring occurred! That is, the first day of real preparations, which for me, took the form of 2 hours of push-mowing with my 60-lb pack.
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I've been on five OTC/DIY elk hunts in Colorado and have shot five elk; however, the two I shot with the longbow went unrecovered. Then three more bulls with the compound. This fall, I'm committed to killing an elk with the longbow--so I've got a lot of work to do.

I've been maintaining my general workout routine with the barbell, kettlebell, bodyweight exercises and sprints. But today was the start of the real deal--pack training! I'm 33 and I can tell I'm no longer 23, but I made it through pretty well.

In addition to physical prep, I'm doing loads of online scouting (Caltopo.com is the best I've found) and have found another handful of new areas to check out in addition to my old favorites. I look for areas close enough to the truck to pack out a bull within a couple days, but which are steep and difficult to access.
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I'm also honing my gear list (pack is down to 15 lbs before food and water), picking up a few new items (Allen game bags--nice, Alpen compact 20x50 spotting scope--nicer, Stone Glacier pack--nicest!), and coming up with what I hope are better hunting strategies (slow down!).

I keep my   blog (http://elkprep.blogspot.com)   updated with major news, but I was hoping to keep this thread going and hear from you all about your elk preparations (or dreams). What you got planned for this fall?

Pete

You have been 5 times and shot 5 elk! That is absolutely awesome. I have been 3 times (once guided) and never let an arrow loose at an elk. Good luck this year with your longbow!

Bisch

I admire the preparation but nobody should be mowing grass in March.  That just ain't right.  LOL

I have been putting a few miles on with 40 lbs. on my pack.

QuoteOriginally posted by meathead:
I admire the preparation but nobody should be mowing grass in March.  That just ain't right.  LOL

I have been putting a few miles on with 40 lbs. on my pack.

If you live in Tx and don't mow your grass in March it will be 2' high!!!

Bisch

Hi all, I haven't posted much here but lurk some, and like the idea of this thread.

I spent my free time this weekend on google earth looking for new spots, tuning arrows and sharpening broadheads.
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last years bull

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2014 bull with the crew

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Hope to get one of these big boys someday.

It took me 5 years to get my first bull with a bow, since then I've punched my tag every year,hope I can continue the streak...

Keep doing what you've been doing! It sounds like you have it figured out, you just need a little luck!

The dog and I spent some time in Elky country today.  the stumps were plentiful.    :)  
This was one of those nice Spring days and still plenty of snow in the Higher country.

 (http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y434/danamhay/Mobile%20Uploads/1458618063_zpsv6suf9jy.jpg) (http://s1274.photobucket.com/user/danamhay/media/Mobile%20Uploads/1458618063_zpsv6suf9jy.jpg.html)

I'll be following, all in for Operation Longbow Elk 2016.    :thumbsup:

Cool post will be following

I'm not sure about your game bags but if you are open to suggestions look up T.A.G. bags. They are expensive but reusable, durable and light weight. Good luck

Glad there are some others out there as crazy as I am, obsessing about elk year-round.

Olin, I've used the TAG game bags, and I think these Allens are as good or better. Though Allen does make some junky ones (open mesh, too stretchy), I have these ("Backcountry Meat Bags") and they're perfect:
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Best part is, they cost half as much!

I just told my bride it was time to start hitting the gym to get on cardio and to help loose 15-20 lbs before summer.

Lord willing my son and I will be chasing elk north of Chama, NM this Sept again.  We've been together 4 trips and he has punched his tag twice.  

The first bull he shot with a compound I also put an arrow in as it ran past me.  I did not realize he had shot it just a few seconds before the bull came past me.  We both ended up shooting our first archery bull the same day which was the same bull!

I'm working on a new bamboo backed osage longbow that I plan to carry this fall.

Best of luck to you this year!

Ha, what are the odds of that? There is some pretty country up there.

If you haven't tried it, I'd highly recommend incorporating  weight training (functional movements like squats/deadlifts) and interval training (sprints/push-ups/pull-ups/burpees) into your gym time. It's much more beneficial than long slow cardio, easier on your joints, and less boring IMO.

Would love to see your BBO. Best of luck to you as well!

Pete

Here is my recommendation for anybody looking for game bags, go down to your local Salvation Army and pick up 4 pillow cases for $1 a piece.  Myself and brothers have been doing this for years, just throw the bloody bags away when done.  I normally vacuum seal them, they don't take up as much space (about the size of a brick) in your pack that way.  Also, pack some parachute cord for hanging the bags.

We bone all our meat in the field, so these bags probably would not work for full quarters.

Good luck to all, will be in Colorado again this fall chasing my own longbow elk.

Mark

Thanks for the tip on the Allen bags I'll check them out.
I do have pillow case bags also. The issue with them is if you are packing in somewhere they are too heavy. The new synthetic type bags fit the bill for pack in hunts.

I have a set of the heavier duty Allen game bags but but always wind up putting a set of the cheap Allen bags in my pack to save weight-bulk.....so I always end up using the light ones, they work fine for keeping the meat clean. If I was using horses I'd probably use the heavy duty ones.

For training I'm mostly mountain biking and doing body weight exercises. The trick to getting a good elk hunting workout on the bike is doing a couple miles at a good pace..... without sitting down! Later in the summer I'm going to try and hike some 13ers and maybe a 14er with my full load(@40lbs).

Caribou Game bags.  Nice and light and high quality.

" I'm 33 and I can tell I'm no longer 23."

Wow.  Wait till your 63 and see how you feel after a day in the Mountains.

I ll be 70 for the upcoming season.  I tend to hunt alone so as not to hold up the others.  I live at 5600 and don't notice the effort much till I get above 10000'.  The downed timber is the big nemesis.

Amen to that--I hope to be still hunting elk when I'm y'alls age. I admire your longevity!

Also, thanks for the other input and pics of elk country! I'm working on a piece on internet scouting for everyone to discuss shortly.

great thread, thanks guys. any tips or advice about tripods for spotting scopes that are light enough to pack but strong enough to do the job? what are you guys packing?

I am fortunate enough to have 4 different properties (as well as unlimited timberland) to hunt within 10-15 miles of my home. I could see the ocean from where my last bull was killed. No elevation much over 500 feet!

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Sock,Good binoculars are much more important than a spotter IMO, my spotter usually stays in the truck for long range scouting from the road. 10x40 Nikon Monarchs are all I use up in the mountains.

Awesome bull, Newhouse! I've never hunted Oregon, but that sounds like an ideal place.

Sock, I don't glass much at all when actually hunting elk; I just don't see the need for glass since I'm not evaluating trophy potential. I don't even carry binos anymore, since they're so dang heavy. However, I do glass from the truck at times. I'm testing this 9-oz tripod (ZipShot Mini) and it looks promising.
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I agree, I never pack a scope elk hunting but binocs are a must for me.  So PP, what happened with your previous two bulls? Anything you think you can change to improve recovery (share what you learned from those two).

Good question, Kadbow. In a nutshell, what I learned is that an exit hole is a MUST when elk hunting and Dr. Ashby is 100% correct about broadheads. I will never chase elk again without  a long, skinny, heavy, single-bevel head.

I don't want to start a broadheads-for-elk debate, but I shot my first 2 elk with 57-65#, 550-650 grain (tuned, high-FOC) carbon arrows, and a wide Magnus I 2-blade and a Woodsmen 3-blade. Both hits were good but neither exited (quartering away), so I was left with little to no blood to follow and was unable to find either animal. It was devastating.

I realize people have other opinions on broadheads and I don't want to start debating them here, but those are my thoughts and experiences. I've got Cutthroats this year!

I have a Antelope and Deer hunt scheduled out of State this year but I will hit the Elk wood here in Colorado as I can.

I'm in.

An exit hole is nice but not 100% needed. The bull above was actually killed at a hard quartering towards me when I shot it. What I feel helped the most was a fairly low hit on entry. The bull was actually coming up hill when I shot him. The arrow did leave an exit wound but it was very high up and right in front of the off side ham. Virtually no blood from the exit. The arrow was a 7595 trad GT full length with a 150 grain point adapter and a 200 grain grizzly kodiak up front. Total arrow weight about 750 grains. This pushed by a Bear Montana 60 lb longbow.

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Nice shot, Newhouse! And lucky you, BT, you've got some great plans.

This time of year, one of my favorite ways to increase my odds is via scouting. However, I live too far from elk country to actually hike it, so I have to rely on the internet. That's not ideal, but not terrible--I've had great luck identifying places that hold elk in bow season with just the internet. Actually, 6 of my groups last 6 bulls were killed in areas where we had never set foot until we went in there hunting.
The best tool I have is    CalTopo (http://caltopo.com) . To illustrate how it works, I picked a Colorado unit (43) near Snowmass, CO, where I've never been. Being a backpack hunter, I try to find secluded areas that are difficult to access, yet close enough to the truck that I waste minimal time between spots. I found a few spots in the Maroon Bells Wilderness in unit 43 that look very promising, and mapped access routes into them:
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I'll then look for 6-8 or more similar spots in close proximity, and prioritize them. With CalTopo, one can plot routes and then check out the elevation profiles to see just how hard access will be. It's a great tool! And    HERE (http://caltopo.com/m/3D86)   is the actual map I drew, you can play around with it for yourself.

If you want, find a few other spots of your own on the map and we can discuss them. And if you've ever been to these areas, let me know if I was right about them holding elk!

QuoteOriginally posted by tracker12:
" I'm 33 and I can tell I'm no longer 23."

Wow.  Wait till your 63 and see how you feel after a day in the Mountains.

Exactly what I was thinking when I read the OP... you beat me to it!     :saywhat:    I'm 62 and I can tell I'm no longer 61!     :rolleyes:  

Still love getting in the mountains every chance I get, though!     :archer:

Good stuff, and with March almost over, elk season is only 4.5 months away!  No time to waste.  Serious prep effort will be the difference between those of us packing out elk meat and those packing out an unfilled elk tag.

Sometimes it can be a relief to carry out less than you carried in.   :)

Cool thread. This year I started weight lifting to gain some strength. I am doing a program called strong lifts 5x5. I have never been much into weights but have been really enjoy it. Using this program i have been able to steadily increase my weight and not be sore. I am upto 225lbs for 5x5 squats. Ready to haul some quarters!

Also bought Swarovski slc binos. I get chest pain every time I think about it, then I look through them and forget about the price because they are amazing!

Awesome! Heavy lifting and those compound movements (squats/deadlifts/cleans/etc) are highly under appreciated, and 5x5 @ 225 with proper form is great! I love barbell training and think it is very valuable for a pursuit like this. And I bet you love those binos...

Have been kayak fishing 5 days a week ( good workout and also fun )and about to start hiking with a 50# pack several days a week also..

Will be here before you know it.....

,,,,Sam,,,

I'm with you PistolPete.  After 20 years of shooting trad (whitetails and black bears) I went on my second elk hunt last year and got talked into carrying a compound.  I didn't get a shot and felt a huge part of the hunt was missing for me.  I'm committed now to do it with my longbow or nothing.  

Went through my gear list again today and apart from food I'm ready to go at the drop of a hat  :)   However, at 46 I'm glad I still have a few warm months to get in more training.  It will be another DIY backpack hunt, my favourite kind.

Thanks for the input, Sam and Seeza. Speaking of gear lists, here's mine, with all weights listed:
 (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BTneYy-CXpw/VP78ksRf0vI/AAAAAAAADA4/7o7L2ItI-Ds/s800/packlist.png)
I think it's as light as one would ever want to go, and I consider myself an extreme minimalist. However, I think any elk hunter (and certainly any backpacker) could massively benefit from owning a kitchen scale and weighing every item. It has opened my eyes and made my hunting much more efficient. I wish I had done it years before.

My pack, before food and water, weighs right at 15 lbs. Add 1.5 lbs of food per day and an average of 1 liter of water = 23 lbs for a 4-day jaunt. My additional carried weight, including my bow, the clothes on my back and boots on my feet, adds another 5 lbs for a grand total of 28 pounds added to my naked body.

You're welcome for the image.

What does your list look like?

Quote. I didn't get a shot and felt a huge part of the hunt was missing for me. I'm committed now to do it with my longbow or nothing.

Not only that, but compare the weight of a compound and the paraphernalia to service it to the 32oz of Longbow equipment!  I always found carrying a wheel bow to be uncomfortable.

I'll try and figure out how to post my spreadsheet.  I've spent quite a bit of time and money putting my kit together but come in heavier than you.  I'm at 35 lbs before consumables so for 12 days total pack weight is 50.49 lbs.  That is my solo set up without sharing anything like a tent, stove, etc.


Monterey-you're right about all the cr-p that went with the compound.  Release, tools, etc.  not to mention the fragility of bumping sights, cams, etc.

QuoteOriginally posted by PistolPete:
Thanks for the input, Sam and Seeza. Speaking of gear lists, here's mine, with all weights listed:
  (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BTneYy-CXpw/VP78ksRf0vI/AAAAAAAADA4/7o7L2ItI-Ds/s800/packlist.png)
I think it's as light as one would ever want to go, and I consider myself an extreme minimalist. However, I think any elk hunter (and certainly any backpacker) could massively benefit from owning a kitchen scale and weighing every item. It has opened my eyes and made my hunting much more efficient. I wish I had done it years before.

My pack, before food and water, weighs right at 15 lbs. Add 1.5 lbs of food per day and an average of 1 liter of water = 23 lbs for a 4-day jaunt. My additional carried weight, including my bow, the clothes on my back and boots on my feet, adds another 5 lbs for a grand total of 28 pounds added to my naked body.

You're welcome for the image.

What does your list look like?

Dang you got your gear down way lower than my pack weight. I do tend to bring a few things I could do without but I figure I just have to get them to spike camp then I'm done with the load till time to pack out. We don't go near as far in as your planning to go either. I just bought one of those kitchen scales and can see that this will be a huge benefit in getting my pack weight down some this year.
Good luck to all that will be heading out chasing elk this season!

Elk season is only 4 months and 3 weeks away so now is the perfect time to start preping.

Yeah, Basinboy, I am a ultralighter mostly because I always have my pack on my back during a hunt; therefore, it has to be as small and light as possible.

I've also been working on a little DIY project to lighten my load further: a bivy sack, made from 2 different types of Tyvek.
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I think it's going to work great, increase the warmth of my 30 degree bag, and allow me to save even more weight by carrying a tarp instead of a tent.

Great thread, love the passion!  Elks can do that to a fella.

Looks like you are only using one set of clothes for the entire hunt, and have no cold weather clothes.  Are you staying back in the entire hunt, or coming out to vehicle half way through hunt to replenish?  Must be a very early season hunt; even so you can still get snow up high, what about that?

This year for the first time, I will attempt to carry my camp on my back all the time, like you.  All my previous backcountry hunts were bivy hunts up to 6 miles back into wilderness, but the need to always come back to bivy camp location hurt my chances.  The thought of camping wherever darkness finds me is exciting, especially if close to elk.

I stay active and try to watch what I eat and limit my bud light. I wear 3-5# ankle weights all day every day, when yard care season comes I wear my frame pack with 60# of sand while I mow and weed wack (2+ hrs per week).  I love to fish high lakes and spend a good deal of time hiking to them in the summer and I work really hard on various boxing training routines The latter helps drop weight faster than anything, increases lung power rapidly and is a great way to relieve stress for a non-traditional student attending a VERY liberal college, such as myself.     :pray:

Cool stuff......I was 59years old on my first elk hunt.......getting in shape is very, very important. Best of luck this fall!

I like the Ideas.  I need to lighten my load some.  I am a little stumped by the 1/2s but it makes me smile.    :dunno:

Brent, sounds like you attend Ft Lewis.   :goldtooth:

Ha, Pinky--glad you got a smile. The "1/2" refers to gear split between me and my partner. We're not cutting things in half, but we split them up evenly.

Jeff, we usually hunt the last 2 weeks of September, and up to 12,000 feet. I do only use one set of clothes, but it's more than enough for me: long sleeve merino tee, merino boxer briefs, long underwear, wind shirt, lightweight pants, down puffy (key!), merino toboggan, merino buff, and rain jacket and pants. Never needed any more than that, though sometimes I wear it all! I find that I'm usually moving or in my sleeping bag, so that helps too.

And you're right, there is absolutely nothing like a true bivy hunt, wandering with the elk and sleeping where you end up (except when you have to hike away from them to keep from being too close!). And there is also no more lethal way to hunt them. Just keep moving and it's only a matter of time...

Thanks for the input, all.

EFFICIENT TRAINING FOR AN ELK HUNT

I enjoy working out year-round, but an upcoming hunt gives me more motivation. With 2 young kids, I typically don't get as much time in my garage gym as I'd like, but I shoot for 4 sessions per week, and usually 10-20 minutes per session. That may seem like a short amount of time, but it's more than enough. Every workout I do is some sort of maximal effort. My general workout theme is to always do high-intensity functional movements.

At the start of the season, I focus more on heavy weightlifting. I concentrate on deadlifts, squats, and Turkish getups. These are the 3 most important lifts in the world, and every person should learn to do them with proper form. I do absolutely ZERO bench press, curls, tricep pushdowns, lat pulls, or anything else commonly done in a gym or on a machine. They are a waste of your time if you are after performance gains in the mountains.

I also incorporate bodyweight exercises, especially pullups, pushups, burpees (!), lunges, and sprints. There is NO reason for any elk hunter to ever run distances of over 800 meters. It hurts your joints and wastes your muscle mass. Not having to run long distance sounds easy, until you run 400-meter repeats as fast as possible with 1:30 break between them. Then you'll be screaming to go run 6 miles instead!

As far as equipment, it doesn't take much. If I were to recommend one purchase for all elk hunters, it would be a kettlebell. 35 pounds is a great starting weight for most men. Learn to do squats, lunges, swings, kettlebell snatches, and split squats, then mix them all up at random with bodyweight exercises and sprints 3-5 times per week.
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Of course, train with a loaded pack as often as possible as well. I'll gradually increase my pack training as the season gets closer, and continue push-mowing with my 60 lbs all summer.

My recommendation for any elk hunter is to learn proper form first (!), then give it a try! Gradually work your way up to maximal efforts and be prepared for major benefits.

I go to spinning class 2x a week. Lift 2x a week. One day of uphill treadmill cardio. Plus I walk my Brittanies and do yoga. What I think helps me the most is to shoot while I'm tired and when my heart rate is up. You really need to focus

Your pulling a crossfit style exercise - functional movements - deadlifts turkish, BURPEES ! OUCH - - it will get you into shape for sure! great training and builds endurance. I enjoy the CF stuff go three times a week to keep myself fit for the fire department and also hunting.

Enjoy following the thread - cool info from all.

J

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Another common question you hear is, "which boots are best for an elk hunt?" I have a much different opinion on footwear. I don't want heavy, tall boots which get wet and stay wet and make me roll my ankles because of their high heels. I want light, low, and breathable--something just like the above. They dry in a heartbeat (I HATE Goretex; it always leaks and then never dries. Why would I want to wear a rain jacket on my feet?), fight fatigue, and sit low to the ground, providing much better ankle stability.

I've packed 100+ pounds in lightweight trail runners for miles--no problems there, either. The only issue I've had is that they wear out after a couple weeks of elk hunting, but I think it's a good trade-off.

What do you like?

For elk hunting in most terrain I think you have a point. I cut my teeth hunting dall sheep in some of the nastiest rocky country on earth and have completely destroyed good Danner's in three days. You need the ankle support (and protection) of a higher boot in steep rocky ground, IMHO

I did a little spinning today up a closed road with the dog, then stashed the bike and headed up a ridge to slay some stumps. That bike and incline had me huffing and puffing.    :help:  
I was also trying out a "new to me" pair of Danner boots, they feel good on the feet but after a little climbing I could feel some a hot spot on one of my heels. Maybe they just need a little more breaking in.  I have been very happy with some Keen hikers in the past.
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I saw a few Mulies with the binoculars and there were lots of elk and deer tracks on the ridge.

Still not sure about that 1/2 cup.    ;)

Great thread.  I can only dream of an elk hunt.  Maybe after I retire from teaching (September is a tough time to get time off in the teaching world). But then I will be over 60 and the winter doldrums will require even more work to come back from than it does for you 33 year kids.     :goldtooth:

Thanks for the input, all.

Pinky - I'm jealous of you getting to live in a place like that! I've thought western MT would be about the perfect place for me. Maybe one day...

PP, I'm with you on western MT.  Hunted it in 2014 and can't wait to get back.

Boots - definitely break in whatever you choose.  I thought my boots were good in 2014 but after a day I had bad blisters.  I had a pair of cheap Bass Pro 400g insulated boots along which saved the day (other than being way too warm).  

I'm taking a little different approach this year.  Been lifting using Starting Strength program since Jan.  Plan to reduce that in May to one heavy lift day adding weight each time and one light lift day per week (80% of heavy day. Then throw in swim/bike/run & hikes on the in between days.

I have begun training as well... I appreciate the work out guidance . Been doing lunges here...
I'll also say incorporate some calf work outs... Mine tend to bother me hiking the hills

Great!

Scott, Starting Strength is THE book for getting stronger. I'm sure you've already seen tremendous progress. Your periodization concept is similar to what I do--strength focus early in the year shifting to more metabolic training and pack work as the hunt approaches...

Bump

Just read through this thread and I am very excited to find it!  I am going on my first out-of-state MT spring bear in late May.  I am thinking about doing an elk hunt in the fall this year.  Never done anything like that. I am 47 and in pretty good shape. Spend a lot of time hiking and ski all winter. Going to up the training so that I can increase the lung capacity.  I 've been studying elk hunting equipment and reading what I can. If I do this, I'll be dropped off somewhere by my wife while she visits friends in Durango with the teens. (my deer hunting partner can't go this year) I would hope to get into some wilderness area with few other hunters (don't we all!). I am going to be satisfied to just follow through with the plan, see some beautiful country, and ....maybe, an elk!  A successful hunt for me would not have to include a big bull...be happy with a cow and some good meat for the freezer.

A big part of prep for me will be figuring out where the heck to go without having ever even been to the state!

Dan

Best of luck on the bear hunt, Dan. You can locate elk with ease by online scouting. I'm batting around .800 on spots I located with online scouting holding awesome populations of elk--just make sure you have a handful of options and be mobile. Then, it's only a matter of time!

Thanks PistolPete!  I am trying to learn all I can about how to prepare and where the resources are.  Reading the book The Modern Elk Hunter right now and just getting into the section on scouting using online resources.  
I have wondered lately if I'll be in over my head as a solo hunter.  I have read some posts and articles suggesting that the amount of work to haul out meat on a remote hunt (several miles or more in) would be too much and could result in meat spoilage before you got it all out.  That made me depressed since I want to hunt in hard to reach areas away from ATVs or other hunters.  

Dan

Dan look around for some trad brothers to go as a group. I love hunting alone and do that most of the time. But 4 of us got together to hunt elk in Colorado and I wouldn't trade that time to hunt it alone. The 4 of us were able to pack out a big cow elk in one trip. We are tentatively planning another trip this fall. It depends on how this last ct scan turned out. I'll have a heck of a job getting hunt strong as I'm 67, fighting cancer, and spent the last 3 months on my butt or back due to internal bleeding. The bleeding has stopped and my strength is returning. I guess what I'm trying to tell you is do what you need to do to hunt elk, open yourself to different options, choose you hunting companions wisely, and have the time of your life.

Thank you very much for your encouragement and I wish you the best and send you my thoughts and meditation on a swift healthy recovery to full strength.  I am always inspired by those like you with a strong passion and motivation to live life to the fullest!  Hope I am as strong as you when I am your age!
As for the solo, yes, I too spend a lot of time doing solo deer hunting and woods 'loafing'.  But, love most of all the sharing with others at the end of a hard hunt as we sit around the fire.  I would love to have company on such a trip, especially with those who share the love of traditional equipment and a respect for quiet Wilderness, but I am a newbie and don't want to slow anyone up (at least until I can see what I am 'made of' when I reach the mountains).  I am planning and dreaming now and at some point soon I'll decide whether or not to go do it this September...or wait until my great deer hunting partner can go in the future.

Sincerely,

Dan

Oldrubline me and few guys will be hunting elk in Colorado again , I will be in the mountains for 3 weeks again. You are welcome to go with us if you want just let me know. OTC tag DIY , pack into wilderness area no ATVs....

I just started a new outlook on my lifestyle and where I want to be come elk season myself. I have cut out all sodas and crap food , I have never had any problems in the mountains but this year will be the best yet. I spend lots of time on the road and always in a hurry or pressed for time so I spend way to much time eating fast food and just plain junk. Just time for a change I'm not in bad shape and feel I could hit the mountain right now but and do fine. I'm six foot one inch tall and 185lbs and 44 years old so it's not a weight loss deal. I am just wanting to be the Monster on the mountain this season and also for many seasons in the future. Starting my walking and hiking with my pack loaded with 65lbs , mountain biking , some weights and lots of kayak fishing. Also my son started shooting again so I'm fired up with my life and can't wait for this season.....

,,,Sam,,,

This will be my 5th trip out to Colorado OTC... The first year I wasn't really prepared for what the mountains had in store for us.  As a flatlander, it is really hard to comprehend how hard you have to work to hunt the mountains.  I knew it would be hard, but I underestimated it.

After that first year, it has gotten much easier.  A LOT of it is mental.. Once you get over that, it can be done.

As for going solo your first time... I think it depends on your personality.  To me, the mountains are a very lonely place.  I don't know if I could do more than a few days solo.

There is nothing like it though and I hope I can go every year for as long as my body allows.  This annual trip makes me at least consider my diet and exercise routine throughout the entire year.  It really becomes a lifestyle.  I hope you get to go oldrubline.

Getting an elk out on your own is tough, but don't let it stop you if it's your only option.  Learn the techniques for boning an animal out.  That will reduce an average size. Elk to 160 to 200#.  That's two or three trips for one guy and on most terrain could be done in one day if it's two miles in.  If there is a head to carry out it can be done later.

Not trying to make it sound easy, but we all do what we have to do one way or another   :)

old rub:  If you do go solo, check with outfitters, game warden, butcher shop, meat processor, sporting goods store, etc. in the area you plan to hunt.  Might be able to find someone who will pack the animal out for you with mules or horses if you get one.

If you pack more than three miles in, I doubt you would be able to get out an elk by yourself before some of it spoiled.

Old rub I went solo the first year I hunted elk. I didn't pack in but  set up a base camp. BUT when I stepped off the back of the pickup I popped my knee out. If I had been miles back by myself I'd have been in a lot of trouble. Hunting deer at home alone you can get hurt but someone will be looking for you in a few hours. Back in the mountains you're screwed!

Going solo for elk can be done. In 2010 I was hunting with a herd of Tradgang guys in a Colorado wilderness area. I shot a nice cow 8 miles away from the car at 10K elevation. My friends wanted to help but I wanted to try to pack it alone. I hiked 44 miles in 42 hours. 3 trips out. 1with the hide and 2 packs of boneless meat at 75# each. If I did it again, I would split the meat into 3-50# packs. I lived at 7,500' at the time and was in good shape for being 41.

Hey everyone!  Thank you for sharing your experiences with me and giving me some perspective to go by. It sounds like this will be a real hunting obsession and the mountains call you back year after year.  I will go on my bear hunt in MT at the end of may (remember, that will be my first out of state).  It will be solo yet maybe not what I will experience in CO...still, it should show me what such a hunt can be like and help me decide if I am going to do the elk hunt this year.  I have gotten ahead of myself a bit in the hunting dreams. Actually, I have a 5 day turkey hunt coming up..then the bear spot and stalk.  I have been so excited by all of it that my mind wandered off to the future and elk...and maybe AZ muleys..and...and!

Thanks again all,

Dan
Sam S.  I am going to send you a PM

AND , AND,AND it never ends LOL

I live in the mountains and stare at peaks every day....  That said, they still cause ache every time I climb them.    Before age 35 or so, I never took conditioning seriously.   But now, even living in the mountains, I do light crossfit to get the most out of Sept.


I say light because I do the reps and exercises on the WOD, I just scale down the weight considerably for less joint damage.  Kudos to you flatlanders for respecting the challenge these mountains pose.  

Jeff

To say i am jealous of this thread is an understatment...... Ill be living very vicariously through it.

I'm tuning my bow/arrow combination for maximum elk deadliness. Current arrow setup is a 30", 300-spine Easton Powerflight, footed, with 350 grains up front. This results in a total weight of 655 grains and over 25% FOC. Torn between 250-grain Cutthroats (tougher one-piece design) and 300-grain Steel Force heads (better mechanical advantage, thicker steel; below). I'm a complete Ashby disciple, if you couldn't tell!

  (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WXqrCKk-3mI/VSPOhK3iDLI/AAAAAAAADDs/6L3oLj0QzWo/s600/NCM_0340.JPG)

Pete, Elk and Ashby arrows should always go together-in my opinion and experience.

PistolPete,
You have a phone in your list and appear to be using it for the camera and gps.  I don't know much about gps (have only used compass/map in the east).  I don know the phone has that option.  How do you keep it charged for a multi day hunt?  Battery pack?  Does it take the place of gps and work well for that purpose for you?

Dan

Hi Dan,

I only use my phone as a GPS for backup. I ALWAYS have a printed/waterproof 1:24 topo map of my area and compass that I use 98% of the time. So my phone battery will last a week or more with as little as I use it; however, it is nice to have from time to time. Get the "Avenza PDF Maps" app and download your relevant USGS quads (for free) in advance.

I love this thread, very inspiring!

Maineac and others who have trouble getting time off in September for elk: hunt elk in UTah!  Their opener this year is 8/20 and they have OTC tags plus high elk population plus very good public areas.  I did my very first elk hunt there, solo in 2001 and was just hoping to gain some experience, but returned with a huge smile and an elk in the coolers!  You can do it too!

To all backpack hunters: if you're shopping for ultralight gear, check out    Massdrop (https://www.massdrop.com/r/VCKBP9)  right now. They have a 20-degree down quilt for $200, and collapsible trekking poles for $50. Both are real steals for quality gear.

PP, Great thread for sure.

I've been wondering about the kettle bells and appreciate you sharing the good starting weight. Is there a set "routine" you do with the kettle bell?

Also, I'm curious about the tyvek bivy. Is there a pattern you used or just eyeballed it? Is that a zipper or velcro or even something else along the side?

Thanks again for all the sharing and good luck!

Hi Jcar,

There is no set routine--that's the whole point. Constant variation, but always high intensity. One day I might do 100 kettlebell squats as fast as possible. The next day might be 5 sets of 10 kb clean and jerks on each side as fast as possible. Then the next day, 50 each of kb lunges, kb snatches, pushups, push presses, and kb swings. All of course with proper form and as fast as possible. I would recommend almost never doing the same workout twice--use infinite variability. Keeps things interesting!

I wrote up my    DIY Tyvek bivy (http://elkprep.blogspot.com/2015/03/diy-tyvek-bivy.html)   in more detail on my blog, with measurements. And yes, it's velcro.

Pistol, Thanks big time!

Good luck with it all mate. I came over to Colorado in 2010 with my Jim Jones Firefly longbow and tried to get an Elk. No success but a trip to remember. It certainly left a burning desire to get back there with longbow in hand.

I'm shooting every day now, getting my longbow dialed in. I'm shooting a 68", 65@29.5 Border Griffon GL this year. It's an incredible bow.

 (https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ydYOaY8TH_g/VxBJQA2B5iI/AAAAAAAADfw/qdV1fP0sfKchBaeFPic8wZvNCUlTZ7uIACLcB/s600/IMG_1689.jpg)  

I also twisted up a new string (8 strands of Ultra Cam, 10 in the loops), and instead of using my normal two larger acrylic yarn puffs, I split each puff in half and put a total of 4 smaller ones on the string, at 1/3 and 1/4 on each side. Made it noticeably quieter than with 2 larger puffs!

Nice bow Pete! I've heard lots of good things about Border bows. Should be more than enough to get the job done. Whats' your arrow setup?

Well no bighorn sheep tag for me (didn't really expect it) so now I need to really focus on making MT elk a reality.
Training is going well.  I'm into my 3rd week switch to more cardio.
Looking at a new pack and thinking of Mystery Ranch load sling with daypack lid.  Should offer enough room to serve as a daypack and be able to come out heavy loaded.  Not planning to carry camp with me daily this year.  Anybody have experience/opinions on this type set up?

Scott, you can't go wrong with a MR pack. I have the crew crab, it's bomb proof. The last pack you will have to buy. I'm going to Montana this year for elk also. Good luck to you.

i would look hard at an exo mountain gear 3500 pack. they can be had used around 300-350$ super solid pack and has a load sling which is key. being able to carry meat and your gear totally separate is a game changer. compresses down to only a couple inches thick when empty without a bunch of straps and floppy fabric hanging off

QuoteOriginally posted by PistolPete:
...... I also twisted up a new string (8 strands of Ultra Cam, 10 in the loops), and instead of using my normal two larger acrylic yarn puffs, I split each puff in half and put a total of 4 smaller ones on the string, at 1/3 and 1/4 on each side. Made it noticeably quieter than with 2 larger puffs!

Just a suggestion, but it can get mighty wet hunting elk.  Might consider going with rubber cat whiskers

Brad, that EXO Mtn Gear 3500 looks good, especially for a bivy hunt.  Need to do some more research and shopping.

that "level" of pack in spendy, but its a one time deal hopefully. I have a kuiu icon pro 3200 which i like, but ive used the EXO 3500 several times and its the pack im gonna buy my wife. basically all we do is backpack hunt and they work great. light, very comfy, very adjustable and they handle as much weight as you want to carry.

Cheers  :)

Saguache - I'm shooting a 30" 300 spine Easton Powerflight with 350 grains up front for a total of 650 or so grains.

awbowman - I've used acrylic yarn for years and never had any problem in the rain. It really doesn't absorb anything. Cotton might be another story though!

Love the discussion. It helps cure the elk itch, at least slightly.

I used the EXO 3500 last year and it worked perfect for a six day hunt. Going to add some accessories this year but was very satisfied with its performance.

Funny how everybody is different. I had the Kuiu ultra and it just did not fit my body at all. It actually hurt to pack 40lbs. Sold it and got a stone glacier sky 5100 and absolutely love it. Pays to try as many as you can and see what your body likes. Some for boots.

PP...  Strongly disagree with you on footwear choice....  Side hilling and walking in broken OFF TRAIL terrain is much more exhausting without a stiff support in you footwear.  Rigid support lets you use your large leg muscles versus the small muscles of your foot and ankle.
I have done both.  Sure on a packed trail light shoes are fine.  In fact they are great and I do it all of the time.  But for deadfall,serious northslopes, steep tallus (ie where the elk live) or any other tough terrain good boots will far outpace them.  

If tenni-runners were the right choice, our military would be using them for combat.  

To each their own.. but I would hate to see him lead someone else estray.

Hey, whatever works for you. I've hiked and packed meat extensively in both, and can cover more ground and be more agile and nimble by far in the minimalist shoes, along with having more ankle stability and no longer worrying about rolling them. But then again not many others share my hatred for Goretex, either, so I'm sure I'm in the minority on this as well!

As a brief pack update, I thought I could go with the KUIU Icon Pro pack so I sold my Stone Glacier to free up the funds. I was wrong. I packed more weight on the KUIU since then and hated the waist belt and lumber pad. So I got back on the Rokslide classifieds and bought another Stone Glacier, for right about what I paid for my old one. It is such a superior pack than the KUIU - which I can no longer endorse for heavy loads (50+).

Quote

...My pack, before food and water, weighs right at 15 lbs. Add 1.5 lbs of food per day and an average of 1 liter of water = 23 lbs for a 4-day jaunt. My additional carried weight, including my bow, the clothes on my back and boots on my feet, adds another 5 lbs for a grand total of 28 pounds added to my naked body.

You're welcome for the image.

What does your list look like? [/QB]

Your weights are almost exactly what mine are for a bivy hunt same duration. I use a sill tarp, no ground cloth, but make up for the weight savings with my slightly heavy svea 123. I love that stove. Why do you carry keys and cash? I never carry keys. Whats the point? You can't use them until you or someone are at the vehicle. I  hide them on my truck. Same with cash etc. I only take ID and tags.
Neat thread and thanks for getting it started.

Joshua
N

PP - good feedback on the Kuiu pack.  I was talking to some local guys that have Kuiu and Kifaru.  Hope to look/try each this weekend.  Also, the EXO stuff looks good too.  I've kinda strayed from the MR stuff unless I come across a killer deal.

Scott - that's the way to do it; try all you can before you buy. (Or in my case, buy used and try, then sell). I've heard great things about the EXO as well. And there are budget options, like the ILBE military surplus on **** for under $100.

Thanks for the feedback, Joshua. I take cash in case I need to persuade somebody I meet in the backcountry to pack my meat with their horses! And if I need a ride back to my truck as well.

PP - I know in the past you have endorsed the Inov-8 Trailroc 245's, have you found the Solomons to be better?

Burnsie - I've run the 245s through the paces and they've done great, though as I said earlier, the mesh does start to break down after a few weeks worth of elk-hunting hard use.

I ordered the Salomons and only tried them on at the house; I returned them because I couldn't convince myself they would be $100+ better than my 245s. But then again, I'm a cheap guy. If I didn't have the 245s, or when they wear out, I'll probably go with Salomon Speed Assaults.

Thanks Pete, from reading this thread it is obvious you do thorough research on your gear, but this article may be helpful on the Salomons.
http://www.itstactical.com/gearcom/footwear/my-love-hate-relationship-with-salomon-shoes/

Interesting - that is helpful. One thing that clearly sticks out to me was that he was running on pavement in shoes designed for off-trail use. I would imagine a sole designed for off-trail use should be softer rubber for better grip, whereas a road-running shoe could have a harder and more durable rubber compound.

And good thing for me; I do almost zero running on pavement!

I thought the rubber toe bumper consistently peeling off was interesting.
I'm actually having a hard time finding Salomon Speed Assaults online, at least like the ones you had pictured.  Keeps steering me towards the Speedcross 3 and some other Forces Assaults that look like high tops?

Yeah, certainly.

I wrote my article on the Fellcross 3 (low tops) and they were the only Salomon's I've actually tried on. However, I think the    Speed Assaults (http://www.lapolicegear.com/salomon-speed-assault-boot.html)  (high tops but otherwise very similar) might be even better, with a little more ankle protection.

PP,

I love the way you share your information and research. Going to be living vicariously through your post. I wish you luck from SC.

Pete, why not get ride of the soft shell??? 10 ounces gone. The puffy and rain coat will do everything you need. IMO.

Nice list! I am a big training fan, and I really like that you too also don't bring binos and spotters. For mule deer, I absolutely do. And for scouting, but not for hunting elk.

Have you tried just using a iodine tabs instead of a pump? Some folks don't like them, but the taste doesn't bother me at all. For mulies or dry country I think the pump/filter is great, but I like light and easy in Sept elk country.

Good idea on the shoes, I have my SpeedCross 3s that I'm going to try during scouting. Will get wet though, but what a great way to stay quiet and light. My buddy used his Inov8 goretex hikers two years ago in a January snow storm, with OR gaiters and stayed dry. I may have to get them a go myself.

QuoteOriginally posted by PistolPete:
Thanks for the input, Sam and Seeza. Speaking of gear lists, here's mine, with all weights listed:
  (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BTneYy-CXpw/VP78ksRf0vI/AAAAAAAADA4/7o7L2ItI-Ds/s800/packlist.png)
I think it's as light as one would ever want to go, and I consider myself an extreme minimalist. However, I think any elk hunter (and certainly any backpacker) could massively benefit from owning a kitchen scale and weighing every item. It has opened my eyes and made my hunting much more efficient. I wish I had done it years before.

My pack, before food and water, weighs right at 15 lbs. Add 1.5 lbs of food per day and an average of 1 liter of water = 23 lbs for a 4-day jaunt. My additional carried weight, including my bow, the clothes on my back and boots on my feet, adds another 5 lbs for a grand total of 28 pounds added to my naked body.

You're welcome for the image.

What does your list look like?

Great thoughts, TWP. I'd love to toss the soft shell but I need a light, quiet, wind-resistant layer I can hike in, and the rain shell isn't that breathable. And I've done iodine before too - I don't hate it, but the filter spliced inline to my bladder is so convenient. Just fill and drink.

Try the Speedcrosses and kiss Goretex's lies goodbye forever! Love to know your thoughts on them.

What is your puffy? I use a first lite llano, chama and puffy combo and it is freak'n sweet! From 90 degrees here in Texas down to 20s and I'm good. Do you wear many layers while hiking? I would sweat the dang things out. The first lite puffy turns into a sweet pillow also with it's own pocket stuff sack. Just my experiences, not pushing first lite on you.

Also, I have had great success in 10 years of elk hunting, dang that makes me feel old, with Goretex. However, that has been with high quality Zamberlan boots and Nik Wax usage, so maybe the Goretex wasn't the deciding factor????

Have you tried any of the light weight interchangeable blade knives? I have used ONE blade on an elk with the havalon, but they can be dangerous changing blades. Looking at the Outdoor Edge right now, safer exchange and a more rigid blade.

I'm not using any rain gear this year...we shall see how that goes. Unless the weather is just terrible leaving the trail head like it was last year in Idaho.

Lots of ways to skin a cat, but I've spent enough nights in the wilderness that I think I'm going to try the ultra light this year up high. A late season hunt would be a totally different ball game. With lots of clothes and creature comforts at night.

I use a Stoic I got on sale for $50 a few years ago and it's fantastic. Hooded, 2 oz of 850-fill, weighs 8 oz total, and I wear it to sleep most nights. And I don't wear many layers hiking except first thing in the morning or on a windy/cool day, and that's when the wind jacket shines over my merino base. I'd replace it with a windshirt like a Houdini (3-4 oz?) if they were just a little quieter. And like you said, the puffy is great for warmth when stationary, and the rain gear cuts the wind when stationary, but I find I need a breathable wind layer when moving and cool.

I've played with the HAvalon-type knives, but I love my 1.3-oz Opinel--it's much sturdier. And I'd take a sharpener anyway for broadheads, so that serves double duty. I know a lot of guys like the replaceable scalpel blades, though.

I love NikWax on full leather upper boots, but in my book, all Goretex is good for is preventing feet from drying when they inevitably get wet (from sweat or leaks).

And absolutely, late season is a whole different animal! Not something I've done much of.

Sounds like you've got a great system going...

Still following this thread with great interest.

Since I'm mostly doing day hunts, I was thinking of a packable softshell like the Columbia Flashforward in my pack for the pop up rain or windy cool weather.  If it's raining or a good chance of it, throw the rain gear in the pack.
Thoughts?

Also, while I'm keeping an eye open for a good puffer, I have a GI field jacket liner that I've used numerous times as an insulating layer.  If nothing better comes along I'll stuff it in a dry sack daily.

Hi Scott - for day hunts, either should be fine. Both are heavier and bulkier than I'd take on a bivy hunt, but you certainly could do that as well.

I should clarify on my "softshell" - mine is basically a stretchy windshirt, and it only weighs 10 oz; about half of what most softshells weigh. And the only reason I carry it is for cutting the wind. Normal softshells I think are not the best for backpacking, since windshirts cut the wind better and fleece insulates better when moving, and both are lighter in weight and bulk. But when elk hunting in September, I simply do not need fleece or additional insulation for being active, since I'm either moving enough to be warm, or sitting still enough to use my down puffy.

An FYI for anyone looking for a top-shelf bivy-hunting pack at a much cheaper price than the big boys, look    here (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/seek-outside-revolution?referer=VCKBP9) .

MassDrop has been getting some great lightweight elk gear lately!

I gotta quit reading all this stuff about gear and elk hunting or I'll be broke, divorced, and nutz by September.

Almost dropped $$ on Kuiu stuff on sale.  Caught myself in time.  Refocused now on a good pack and making sure boots are good to go or replace them (don't want a repeat of blisterfest 2014).  Ordered a few pairs from Zappos yesterday to try.

For this trip it'll be BDU's, field jacket liner, poncho/liner in case I get into elk late.  I can be uncomfortable for a few days and live.

Bringing this back to the top (because I'm addicted I guess).

Put a couple of new strings on the bows last week and was shooting them yesterday.

Don't worry, Scott - I'm addicted too! Mostly training lately; it's nice to have some motivation to work harder!

Agreed.

Got talking to a guy a the gym lately.  He's headed out to SW MT for DIY elk also.  Helps to push each other and bounce ideas like on here.

Decided to replace boots.  With no good hiking boot stores close, Zappos & Shoebuy are your friend and there are multiple pairs at the house being tried and retried.  Once narrowed down the right one, the rest go back for full refund.

Scoped out a good 9 mile trail with 1000ft elevation change that's not too far away.  Gonna start doing that on weekends with weighted pack.

Speaking of packs, I'm driving myself crazy looking at different options.  I thought the MR was the ticket and almost bought.  Really like the EXO concept.  Thought of Kifaru but that pushed the budget too much.  Have a Kuiu 3200 coming but that'll probably get sent back.  Gotta love the 60day return policy.  Since I plan to hunt from trailheads, I'm thinking of just using my old daypack (great for PA whitetails) and just going back to the truck and get the hauler when needed.  Only issue is this takes the overnight option out if I get into elk late.

Sorry for the long post.

That's the way to go with shoes for most of us! I've done it many times; thank goodness for free returns. Also, hopefully you're using    Mr. Rebates (http://www.mrrebates.com?refid=679435)  to get an additional 10% back from Shoebuy (and many other online stores).

I'm jealous of people like you who live among topographic changes. I have to climb stairs instead of hills around here.

If you're returning to the truck every day, you could get along pretty well with any day pack. It might not carry the first load out easily, but having a freighter in the truck will get you taken care of.

I think a daypack would work just fine for that. My best friend uses a little cheapo fleece day pack and has hauled meat out a couple times with it. Not comfy but works till he can get his frame pack

I think a daypack would work just fine for that. My best friend uses a little cheapo fleece day pack and has hauled meat out a couple times with it. Not comfy but works till he can get his frame pack

Back up to the top! I've been messing with my Tyvek tarp lately and I'm not sure I like how it's looking. I tried a bunch of different setups and I think I prefer the GoLite SL2 we've been using, even though it's about 10 ounces heavier. Tarp just seems to offer too little protection.

Also, I'm stepping up my push-mower training (in addition to my typical workouts). Today I mowed for 2 hours with my 60-lb pack on as usual, but I soaked my feet before the last 30 minutes. This sounds stupid/crazy, but it's to start to condition my feet to not blister and get as sore when hiking while wet, which they undoubtedly will be for some of the time this fall.

Good idea on soaking your feet.

Saturday I did 5.5 miles with a 45lb pack and 1730ft elevation change.  Also, narrowed down my new boot selection - Mammut mtn trail xt.  They seemed to fit the best after repeated trials followed closely by the Solomon Quest 4D.  These will be my secondary boots until well broken in.

Pack issues resolved too.  Found a deal on a MR Longbow.  More comfortable than the Kuiu 3200 even though a little heavier.  Few more straps than I like but I feel it'll be better comeing out heavy  ;) .

Now to narrow down the GPS.  Anybody use Garmin 64st?  Also, family is a little concerned with me going solo and have looked at the SPOT system?  I'm not real keen on it as I had limited cell access on top last trip.  Any opinions?

I have a 64st. I like it but it isn't quite as fast or as user friendly as my old 62. I bought the western X Maps chip for it too.

I use the 64st, it is a good GPS, can do more than I know how to make it do! But I just really mark stuff with it tree stands, camp, fishing holes, rubs, scraps.

Can't go wrong with it.

J

I like my garmin 62 with the on x chip. Also bought a Delorme inreach for this fall to communicate with others hunting with me and the family back at home.

QuoteToday I mowed for 2 hours with my 60-lb pack on as usual,  

This seems like an exceptionally good idea.   :thumbsup: .  If there is anyone in my area who would like to try this, my lawn is available.   :)

Working up to the wet feet problem is a good idea.  Every season I lose a couple toenails from walking in wet socks!

I admire your commitment and planning.  I hope your Hunt is all you hope it to be.

I thought the systems like Spot functioned by satellite.  I'm thinking of getting one of those type systems this year.  Just the simple type that alerts S&R if I've "fallen and can't get up".

You wouldn't need to be alone to get use out of it.  It will be handy if a partner goes down.

Monterey - The SPOT systems do use satellites.  My comment was more of I didn't think it was necessary as I had some cell service last time out.

Sorry, I misunderstood.  I thought you meant there was no service and thought it was needed.

In 2012 I had a VERY serious accident 12 miles in from a land line in winter at 2:30 in the afternoon.  Elevation was about 10,500.  Cell service was nonexistent for about 25 miles.

I would be dead if I'd been alone.  We were on snowmobiles so one of my companions went to the land line and called for help. He described pretty accurately where we were. Then he went back to the scene with a sled behind his snowmobile.  

They wrapped me into the sled and took me out.  The chopper was waiting for us.  They had searched for us until dark and then went to the trailhead and waited.

WE NEVER EVEN HEARD THE CHOPPER!

I tell this story to emphasize how helpful it could have been to have a satellite based distress call system.  Or, in this case even a GPS would have allowed relaying the coordinates to S&R via the land line.

I'm pretty sure I'll add one of these to my kit before season this year.  I Hunt mostly alone.

Sorry about going off on a tangent

I'm finally Mountain House free!

I've been trying to get away from Mountain House meals for years. They're convenient, but expensive, carb-laden, and not very nutritious. I finally decided to try    Patrick Smith\\'s Wild Casserole (http://elkprep.blogspot.com/2016/06/backpacking-food-breakthrough-wild.html) , and it was all that a backcountry food should be. I love it, and I will eat it every day over Mountain House. Cheaper, more versatile, better-tasting, less digestive issues, and far more nutritious. I'm working on making my second big batch of it later today to store up for the backcountry.
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Monterey - your story has me rethinking the SPOT or similar device.  I'll be solo most of the trip also.  Added bonus is my sons will be able to track me on Google maps using the SPOT.

Looks great PistolPete:

QuoteOriginally posted by ScottinPA:
Monterey - your story has me rethinking the SPOT or similar device.  I'll be solo most of the trip also.  Added bonus is my sons will be able to track me on Google maps using the SPOT.

I didn't mean to sidetrack the thread, but it seemed like a good opportunity to throw a thought out there that might be helpful to others.

IMO it wasn't a sidetrack just good info.  Right now there is a 50% rebate on the SPOT unit if anyone is interested.

bringing it back to the top

QuoteOriginally posted by ScottinPA:
bringing it back to the top

I don't know if you got a pack yet but I highly recommend Exo mountain gear packs
Tim

After going around and around with lots of ideas, I found a good deal on a MR Longbow.  I think the EXO 3500 may be the first upgrade over the fall/winter.  I like the concept and layout of the packs better than the offerings of Kifaru and MR.

Getting equipment prepared for my first elk hunt.  Ordered Primos set of 4 diaphram calls to start learning that. I am wondering about a reed style call.  Anyone use those and which brand have you found to be quality?
Pete....that meal looks very good. I'm going to try and make those too.  I made my bear hunt meals but the dried meat chunks were really tough and it all made for a lot of chewin when I really wanted to get back to huntin!
I have been leaning toward using my 10 by 10 Bushcraft tarp to save weight.  Seems like the ticket and easy to set up in the diamond fly form.

Dan

like this sort of set up...

 (http://i1168.photobucket.com/albums/r498/cotedan/IMG_2387_zpsx5rf0h0x.jpg) (http://s1168.photobucket.com/user/cotedan/media/IMG_2387_zpsx5rf0h0x.jpg.html)

I'll have to check out the Golite SL2 and see if I can fit something like that in my budget or not....

Dan

I just bought a diaphragm call but not real good yet.  Gotta break the habit of trying to turkey yelp with it.
I also have a Primos "I Maka da bull crazy" (or something like that) call that I like.  Used it in 2011 in WY and called in a good bull but no shot.  I bent the reed sometime when I put the cap back on but it still sounds good.

google jimmytarps  he makes some great and affordable shelters
Tim

Hey Dan - that 10x10 should work great. GoLite is no longer in business, but you can get a similar shelter from Mountainsmith. Or, if it's just you going solo, I'd get the Gatewood Cape. It is a poncho (and pack cover), and single-man shelter.

I like diaphragms for bugling (look up some Youtube videos; it's pretty simple) and open-reed calls for most of my cow-calling. I have the Primos "Imaka" long range and it's good. I also have some Carlton open reeds that are orange/yellow -- cheap and sound great too.

Oldrubline the best reed type call I've found is from bulging bull called (the temptress) super easy to use and you can get many tones from it. I also have a carlton estrus cow call that's second on my list it's a little more nasally sounding. I have the reed style call called (who's yrr daddy) with a little push button that I don't care for so much. I also have one from dual game calls called (widow maker 1) it sounds good but is very loud. If you want to be heard a ways off this is the call but up close calling it's to loud in my opinion. Hope this helps and everyone else like different calls.

X2 on the Buglin Bull calls from Rocky Jacobson.  I use his open reed cow calls and I also use his bugles that have the Conqueror mouthpiece.  It makes learning to bugle very easy and does a nice job. I called two hunters into me last time out and they said I sounded pretty convincing. Got bulls revved up with them too.  I'm not looking to be a master bugler, so I leave the mouth diaphragms to others,  plus I gag on the diaphragm,  which makes the Conqueror system so nice.

You guys are really amping me up!  Just counted the days till opener. The countdown is on.

I use any turkey or elk mouth call for bugling.  They all seem to work.  Also have several of the Lohmancow calls as well as a few similar ones that have been very effective.

At one time we all were carrying those long grunt tubes around.  Great for using your own vocal chords to grunt with or for bugling through.  They hide imperfect sounds well.  Get in the way for bowhunting.

Sounds good guys...thank you!!

Dan

Golite is back as Mytrail company. Not sure if they are remaking the sl2 though. I love my sl5.

Planning on using the tarp with ground cloth combo which will be under about 2 lbs. I have a downmat exped that will add to some of that weight but gives me a restorative sleep. Using a Big agnes 2 person down bag which allows me a sleep similar to a quilt and no down fill on the bottom to save some bulk.
Now for the stove....   I really really like the wood burning option since no need to carry fuel, but am worried about the fire ban possibility.  So, alternative would be canister stove. Looking at Giga power which are real light.  Any additional thoughts on these options?

QuoteOriginally posted by oldrubline:
Now for the stove....   I really really like the wood burning option since no need to carry fuel, but am worried about the fire ban possibility.

I liked the "idea" of a wood burning stove so I bought one.  I have since found it's heat output to be a bit "anemic" for boiling water to make meals in my backyard.  Wouldn't want to find that out on day one, a few miles from the road.

I've stuck with a canister stove.
homebru

The giga power stove should work fine. I use a optimus crux lite for all my backpacking and elk hunting.

BTT because I got my tag in the mail this week and I'm stoked.

I think I have everything I need so I'm down to looking for ways to cut some weight on my pack.  Daypacking so I'm surprised the total with 3L water is 22.1 lbs.  I'll do a bag dump again and see what else I can duel purpose.

For those in Griz country - gun or spray?  I have a handgun but don't like how it sets on my pack belt and it weighs 3.5 lbs.

If you can shoot, are not subject to flinches, the S&W 329 makes a good griz carry gun.  It weighs what three speed loaders of ammo do.  And its a 44 mag.
MAP

13 pounds.

I just finished my gear list for this fall. My backpack will weigh a little over 13 lbs before food and water. I don't think it's possible to go any lighter -- which is of utmost importance since I bivy hunt and always carry my camp, which is by far the most effective way to kill an elk. Not the easiest, many times not the most fun, and sometimes nearly impossible to get the meat out.

I can't get the table to format in this post, but  you can see my full list here. (http://elkprep.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-lightest-backpack-hunting-gear-list.html)

Currently testing my Gatewood Cape from Six Moon Designs. It is a floorless shelter that is also wearable as a poncho, even covering your pack and functioning as a pack cover. It is a technical piece of ultralight gear, and would not work for all people or all situations; however, I am starting to love it. I an planning on taking it as my only tent and rain gear next month. Just seam-sealed it today. An advantage to a 2 or 3 man shelter is the much smaller footprint; that makes site selection much easier in the steep mountains. It weighs 12 ounces.

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Nice setup.  That's something I'm going to consider in future hunts.

I think my setup is established for this year.  Guess it better be since I leave in 3 weeks.  
I'm at 21 lbs without food/water but that's only a daypack.  I can't imagine 13 lbs for extended bivy.  I guess to be fair the Alaskan adds about 4 lbs.  

Plan to go thru the pack several times over the next few weeks and get rid of the GIF stuff.

You got it coming together now, Scott!

I'm shooting the bow every day now. Taking my 68", 65@29.5 Border Griffon GL, that I sent to Tom Parsons to install a Connexion hinge. I have got to have a takedown in elk country!

   (https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fj6wEmWdkeA/V7MEdvlYcUI/AAAAAAAADjM/6jjDwU-Zn5A6525I47r49lVhhOpgGEd6wCLcB/s600/IMG_2310.JPG)  

   (https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n4Fc_gfV-F8/V7MEdLI25BI/AAAAAAAADjI/4rnyOnad1foQhPmd8DFjx6lmoUM5U_DfgCLcB/s600/IMG_2311.JPG)

Wrapping up final details getting ready to leave Saturday. Will be glassing Sunday evening and headed up the mountain before light on Monday, packed for 10 days! I've eaten very clean the past few weeks and dropped another 5 pounds of "pack weight." Today I've been stropping broadheads one more time (they'll all shave hair with the grain, with no pressure, in one stroke) and applying fresh DWR to my wind shirt, hat, pants, boots, and pack bag.

My packing list is almost all crossed off now!

How'd it go?

Just getting my feet back under me now. It was a very tough hunt. We always get on elk, and it's been a long time since we've gone a full day without seeing and/or hearing elk up close. But this hunt, that was the exception and not the rule. We didn't shoot an elk for the first time since I've been making the trip to Colorado; we didn't even have a shot opportunity. I saw one bull.

It leaves a bitter taste. Not the lack of a kill (though me and partners are 11/11 prior to this trip on shooting elk, and our family lives on game meat), but the lack of action. We climbed and fought to reach a number of previous hotspots, including a 40-mile circuit hike, without reward.

I'm very dejected, honestly. I suppose my hopes were too high, but all the preparation with no opportunities is hard.

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My season went much the same.  

My son in law went to the area I hunted last year and swore I'd never go back too.  He was into elk every day but didn't get close enough.

It is what it is, there is always next year.

Dang. Hoping you'd bring some good news. Same for me and my brother this year. Hunted harder, longer and farther than ever before and for the most part... No elk action save for almost being run over by a cow under moonlight while searching for active Bulls and having a raghorn sneak in quiet after a late breakfast... Called him back in 3 times but no shot oppurtunity. He was a confused mess  :)  but yeah, rejecting year after my hopes were so high and so much hard work put in. But alas... Memories were made and beauty was experienced. Until next year, yah?  ;)

Many similar stories this year. ..  many die-hard CO resident elk hunters had a tough year.  Full moon, temps, etc.  made for tough hunting.

Similar experience also..Full Moon, zero bugling, warm days, many miles on the boots, and empty coolers, beetle killed areas were difficult to navigate..elk hunting at its finest

I think I was in the shop when Tom was installing the hinge on that bow, I doubt he has cut more than one Border bow in half.

This was a good thread with lots of useful info. Did you all go back in 2017, and if so, was that hunt more like the previous ones?  I am guessing not since no posts from last fall.  Returning this fall?  If so, what will you do differently?