Gents - Brand new to bowhunting, I spent the last 4 days in the woods for the elk opening and thought it might make sense to put together a list of the gear I have to make sure there is nothing I am forgetting or a piece of equipment that I could use to make things easier. As mentioned, I have never hunted before and this is ground zero for me. I did quite a bit of research when purchasing gear and since I am not married/no kids - think I was able to put together a pretty good setup. Please let me know if anything is missing that could make my hunting experience better..... Please keep in mind everything should be ultra lightweight and minimalist as I am walking a lot. Specifically, I could use some tips on what food to bring. I am extremely sensitive to salt so those backcountry dehydrated foods are a no go. BOW Mathews Creed Tactical Black 28.5/70 Mathews Quiver T-5 web series Mathews Rest Drop Away Spot Hogg Hogg-It Sight Spot Hogg Whipper Snapper Release Limbsaver AWS modular stabilizer Limbsaver Limb Dapeners bow grip sling 6 Easton Full Metal Jacket 300grheavy arrows G5 Striker Broadheads Compact Allen wrench multitool for adjustments Bohning Bow Wax PACK Mystery Ranch Longbow Foliage Mystery Ranch NICE lift kit Mystery Ranch 2 rip zip extra pockets Mystery Ranch sling pocket and waist pocket FHF Gear Binocular Harness SLEEP/CAMP Hilleberg Soulo Tent green Thermarest Prolite Plus sleeping pad Western Mountaineering Ultralite sleeping bag REI microfiber towel Thermarest Inflatable Pillow OPTICS Vortex Viper HD 10x42 Leupold Rangfinder FOOD/COOKING Jetboil Sol Stove Jetboil 1.5L cooking pot Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter Tunafish/outmeal/gorp/cliff bars/propel water flavoring/instant coffee/etc Snow Peak Titanium spork Jetboil Fuel MISCELLANEOUS Black Diamond Storm Headlamp Maps - Nat Geo and Custom purchased Primos Hoochie Mama Call Primos Wind Checker Primos Bugle Primos Mouth Call Case Changer Knife XXX Bear Spray Tags/Wallet/Car Keys/Cell Phone Elk estrus Wafers and Spray Unscented Wipes/deodorant/sunscreen/toothpaste/toothbrush/small first aid kit 2 extra batteries for headlamp 50 feet of reflective paracord 2 lighters and small firestarter block Allen Game Bags Allen Broadhead case Scent Lock Spray - I keep this in my truck and use it before I go but do not bring it into camp with me. CLOTHING Ibex Woolies Merino Baselayer Top and bottom Wigwam Merino lightweight socks Kuiu 210 Merino 1/2 zip Kuiu Attack Pant Kuiu Chigach Rain jacket Kuiu gloves Kuiu Hat Zamberlan Tofane GTX hunting boots Wool Winter hat Outdoor Research ultralightweight down jacket insulation layer 1 extra pair of underwear and socks Is there anything else I am missing here? I have already spent a fortune getting all this gear (most of which I can use for backpacking with the girlfriend as well) but some of it is hunting specific. I am up for any suggestions on how to make this more enjoyable or if there is anything else I am certain to need at some point. thanks, dustin
BEEF JERKEY, AND THEN MORE BEEF JERKEY In all honesty, you seem set. That a ton of gear, Id hate to have to carry it
Have you weighed your pack and practiced walking miles with it on/shooting with it on? Are you planning to spike camp and hunt from there or bivy every night? All that fancy equipment won't mean squat if you are where the elk are. Do you know where your hunting? Scouted maps, google earth, know where the water sources are? Are you going alone? Can you quarter an elk and debone it making 4-5 trips packing it out with out spoiling meat? Oh and add wet wipes they work great for cleaning your hands after cleaning game, some what of a bath to wipe your self down with and most importantly they can be used as toilet paper.
Thats roughly the same kit I took Bivvying for Elk last year, probably weigh's no more than 40lbs including water. As long as you're fit, you'll have no problem hauling that about and just for the record I've never quartered an Elk, but you have to start somewhere and a positive mental attitude is a great start Wet wipes are a must and also medical zinc oxide tape, if you get a hot spot from rubbing, put the tape on that area asap(some use ducktape). a small , but concentrated First Aid kit, includes 8x paracetamol, 8x Ibuprofen, 8x Allergy tablets, 15x butterfly sutures, 1x small bandage, 1x large bandage, 1x lint, 1x small bottle of saline solution in case I get something in my eye and 3x antiseptic wipes, all this fits in a small zip-lock bag.
I second the duct tape or leukotape for hotspots/blisters. I also carry (and highly recommend if alone) a Quik CLot pack just in case you suffer a major wound or slip of the knife. It weighs almost nothing. I also carry one of those disposable orange emergency ponchos in case you are stranded it will keep you dry and allow you to be highly visible.
Another good thing to have is cotton balls covered in petroleum jelly and a firestarter flint. lights a fire in no time, in any weather and burns great. When things get low, a fire always picks up the spirits ....... and a cup of coffee
thanks guys - all good stuff. I actually have not purchased a GPS device which was the last big ticket item on my list. my entire pack with the bow strapped in weighs about 39 lbs with food and no water. i am in pretty good shape for a 29 year old and workout pretty regularly year round. i did 4 days with the pack and wasnt specifically tired. i also have a pair of black diamond trekking poles that were a HUGE help last week.
Additional Items Howdy, Just got back from 10 days in elk camp and here are a few things that I would include: Face paint Water purification tablets Game Cameras A couple small game tips for your arrows (Grouse eat up real nice) Small magnetic compass w/built in mirror extra release Small digital camera w/ extra battery Space blanket Good Luck, John
