Back Country Elk!!

[nodak7mm]

I am planning a back country elk hunt (my first) for next fall with a co-worker who has done so several times, so I wont be w/out adult supervison. Muzzleloaders in CO and maybe via horseback...

Anyways, looking for suggestions on "what to bring". I know there are alot of other websites and books that have such, but want to hear from you Nosler guys.

Items really want opinions on are:

"Clothing & a Pack".. I have heavy duty rain gear and good synthetic under garments. But want to know about pants and such...

Items you wished you HAD NOT brought and items you WISHED you had brought...

Rod

 

[JDMAG]

A good pack to put some of the rest of the items you are about to learn about in. I suggest a bad lands super day pack.

 

[Richracer1]

When you say "heavy duty rain gear", how "heavy" is it? Rain gear is an absolute must, but it needs to be packable rain gear.

 

[JD338]

If you go on horse back, bring plenty of Motrin 800 and some Ben Gay for your knees, you will be glad you did.

Also bring some Preparation H. It has a secondary use as a anti-inflammatory for blisters on your feet.

Learn how to saddle up and get as much saddle time as you can.

JD338

 

[nodak7mm]

Rich - Thats exactly what I meant, "heavy duty, sleet style" Too heavy to bring with and my light fishing stuff is too light. So am in need of packable yet durable set. Pretty much know what I want tho.. Something outta Cabelas...

JD338, - Gonna saddle up throughout summer and get my bottom half used to it. Been 30 yrs since I been riding and what I do remember is get used to it...

Thanks.

Rdo

 

[JD338]

Rod,

I rode all summer prior to going on my elk hunt. Even though you ride (which is good) you just can't replicate the steep climbs and descents.

I never got the "saddle sores" but my knees ached badly every night from the 6-8 hour ride of the day. It was well worth it, I shot a 5 pt on the sixth day at 350 yds.

JD338

 

[Guy Miner]

Cabelas MT 050 stuff is pretty good gore-tex rain gear. I've been using it for several years with good results and just treated my youngest son to a set. Not cheap, but pretty good stuff.

Although tough, the military stuff is way too noisy for hunting.

 

[JD338]

Cabelas MT 050 stuff is pretty good gore-tex rain gear. I've been using it for several years with good results and just treated my youngest son to a set. Not cheap, but pretty good stuff.

Although tough, the military stuff is way too noisy for hunting.

I have a set of Cabelas Gortex packable rain gear, great stuff. It keeps you dry and also breaks the wind.

JD338

 

[nodak7mm]

The set of rain gear I have right now kicks butt, it is called shikari cloth, I got it from cabelas 14-15 yrs ago. At that time I was told by the Cabela sales guy it was the same stuff as Super Slam series with out the insulation. Very happy with it, but it is not light weight packable..

I am wondering about pants, as some I know have said do not wear jeans, gets wet, stays wet, restricted movement, etc.. What these pants look like are camo warm up pants, but quiet. Any experinces with that?

Rod

 

[Powerstroke]

It can certianly depend on which part of CO you end up in, but as stated above.... Sept will require " RAIN GEAR " My hunting buddy uses the MT-050, and I have Cabela's brand version of it and it's been great.

You can expect anything from probably the 70's down to the 20's.....welcome to CO :wink:
Great socks and great boots are the next must. If your going high altitude direction and not used to it, I'd also recommend showing up a minimum of three days early.

Every article of hunting clothing I own has come from Cabelas and I have yet to have a poor performing product. I've always been happy with the DryPlus gear as well.

 

[Powerstroke]

Also meant to mention I'm reading a book now that might help a little as well....

Backcountry Bowhinting - A Guide To The Wild Side
By Cameron Hanes.

He's over the top in his daily routine and at least admits he may need some professional counsel, but the guy is phenominal !
There is a lot of good info in the book and he doesn't sugar coat anything...

 

[JD338]

Cameron Hanes also host the Eastman Bowhunting TV program.
He knows his game.

JD338

 

[SJB358]

Our Gore Tex is a little noisy, but if you are going to be sitting and glassing, the noise factor shouldn't hinder you too much. I am sure Cabelas has some great stuff also. I like to wear a Gore Tex outer shell, just to stop wind and moisture. If I am moving through dark timber a lighter would work just fine. There are alot of new military style rain garments available that are quiet, lite, and dry very easily. Most of my stuff you can dry over a small fire or heat source if needed. Good luck, sounds like a great trip. Scotty

 

[Snowshoe Hunter]

Cabela's MT050 raingear is the best I've seen. I'd go for the bibs and not the pants.

 

[Divernhunter]

+1 for bibs to wear over pants and a long parka over that. Mine from Cabelas/Red Head have worked well in rain to -2* and 40+ mph winds and snow............something not expected on a pronghorn hunt. Now you know why I pack for any weather when I go. You can always leave stuff in the truck/motel etc when you are sure you do not need it. But it sucks to have all the right gear back at home two+ states away. Get inslated and non-insulated boots and break them in before the hunt. Trim you toenails short about a week before the trip and then you will have less trouble when walking the slopes. Take extra socks. They can be used as hand warmers if you forget or loose your gloves. Don't ask Take peptobismo tablets/asprin/other pain relievers/daily meds needed/bandaides(SP)/tape/other med supplies you need. Duct tape/hunting knife/small axe(good for quartering etc)water containers/hat/ammo/rifle/tape for over the muzzle of the rifle/snacks of your liking/a good sleeping bag and pad/if not provided food/something to cook in(lightweight kit type)/stove(a compact one burner at least)/lightweight tent(rain proof)
I like the "silent"type of pants/shirts and other clothing and in a gray type camo myself. I usually get long sleeve t-shits(camo) as well as short. IF space etc is a problem I would rather take the long sleeve and if need use my knife to make them short in the field. I take insulated and non-insulated pants and shirts.The insulated ones I prefer to have water-proof. If space etc require I will just take non-insulated but have insulated rain gear/coverall/bibsand parka to stay dry and warm.
My 2 cents

 

[JDMAG]

Since you are ML hunting, Instead of tape over your muzzle, for rain, I use the little rubber finger protectors. they look like little bitty condoms, and fit perfectly over the muzzle of your muzzle loader. they do however come off when you remve the gun from a scabbard. That is the only problem I have found.

 

[Powerstroke]

Don't forget we don't have the humidity here that other parts of the country do. That is generally a benifit when it's cold out.
With that said I do have both pants and bibs in several differnt styles. I don't get my bibs out generally though until November / December or when I know I'm going to be on the ATV for quite some time. Walking with bibs is like adding an extra upper layer and very difficult to get rid of when you start getting hot, but still need the water-proof protection.

 

[nodak7mm]

Thats something I deal with, I am very warm blooded so to speak, maybe thats why I prefer -30* vs +90*. As long as I am dry, I am fine.

With bibs, I am fine if stationary, I am too tall for bibs for good unrestricted movement...

I guess thats my criteria, good waterproof, breathable, light-weight, unrestricted "Durable" pants & light jacket.....

How about packs, internal vs external.. Opinions...?

Thanks..................Rod

 

[Powerstroke]

Rod,

Excellent criteria !

Packs... hmmm....I'm an internal type fan.. that's all I've ever owned.

I do all my elk meat packing in an older North Face Renegade pack.

I just purchased an Eberlestock pack for this season and trying to break it in now... so far so good.

 

[super-7]

A couple extras for your pack should be a good compass&local map, and a flint & steel. If it's your first trip to the high country do not depend on some one else not to get lost. It will be very easy to get turned around . If you have a guide this shouldn't be aproblem, prepare for the worst hope for the best. A good under-layer is almost as important as your rain gear, I use a 1 piece helly hansen thermal underwear, it wicks away moisture and keeps you warm. I layer here in Alberta for a fall hunt Helly's first, if it gets warm, remove layers untill the hellys are all your wearing and your pack. Are weather is probably as up and down as CO's. In '07 we hunted in tee shirts on rememberance day(nov-11) 2 weeks later it was -35'C and a 30 mph wind. Always pack enough to have one warm set of clothes at camp. Depending on weather that can be tough.