It's amazing how fast you guys speed up the learning curve for the logistics of a trip like this. A few months ago I was overwhelmed just by looking at GMU's, let alone everything else that would go into it. Now I can't wait for September and the challenges of the mountains.
How about if we both draw a tag! I wouldn't get to excited if you draw, they always gar hole the NR hunters
My dad's side of the family makes up about 50% of the city of Pikeville. I used to go down there when I was a kid and run those hills all summer. I've been out west skiing a few times. The difference in the terrain compared to SE KY is dramatic. First, the hills in KY are exactly that. They're climbable, uncomfortable, but you can do it. Peaks are roughly 2000'. Colorado is 8-12000 ft. I remember the first time I went west. I was young, and I expected it to look like KY. I almost crapped my pants. You can literally see the Mountains in CO....from Nebraska. But you're right, the terrain in KY on the hills is not forgiving at all. Just not nearly as tall. Tons of snakes, Rattlers and Copperheads everywhere. My dad's people are hillbillies. ( I say that proudly). Those people have forgot more about those hills than most will ever know.
So, I think I may have possibly wrangled up a hunting partner. (another member of the site) We've hunted together once before during deer season. I'm not going to say who it is, just in case he can't go, other members won't bust his chops over it. Just figured I'd post it up here, I'm going to keep this thread going as a diary of the process of getting ready and the hunt itself.
Thanks. I'm starting to line things up. I'm going to put an estimated budget together shortly that I'll share for novices like me that would like to do this. Maybe some others can learn from my mistakes. I spent some quality time at BassPro today. I didn't do anything except some eyeball shopping. Taking pictures of things that I want to compare prices online. I'm in need of a quality backpack. I've been looking at the Tenzing packs tonight. I'm concerned that they don't "come with" a frame. I'm going to do everything I can to keep my pack 40-45lbs. max. Can anyone recommend some other brands of good backcountry packs for comparison?
Tenzing offers frames in a number of their packs. The TZ4000 is a fantastic pack. I would also take a look at the badlands 2200. Day pack wise you should be around 20# pound finished. With a quarter you are looking anywhere from 50-90# depending on the elk and how you have it quartered.
Right, I believe a couple (if not all) of those Tenzing packs can break down from a full pack, to a smaller day pack. I just started researching them, so I'm not certain.
Love hearing it! Do you plan to hunt from a base/truck camp? Just curious as far as pack selection goes...dayhunts vs backcountry camping with all your gear (sleeping bag, tent, food, etc) I can already tell you are enjoying the planning and preparation of this hunt - which is part of what makes a DIY so great IMO. With having the time you do - there are ways to get some of the gear you need at discounted/sale prices also...let us know items you may need.
While I don't have the experience of the others in on this, I went with an Eberlestock X2 pack for my first hunt. My local Cabelas didn't offer much for packs in store, but I didn't like the ones they had. I ordered the X2 and loaded it up and so far so good. Going off bz_711 suggestion, Sierra Trading Post has some awesome deals, and is where I picked up my hiking boots. I will also probably end up getting my merino base layers there as well. Can't wait to hear how your story unfolds. I'll be tuned in.
I try to tell everyone about Sierra Trading Post - sign up for their email deal flyers and wait for a 35-40% day. Just yesterday after work I got my 0 degree sleeping bag and sleeping pad I ordered from them...spent most of the night trying it out in front room with the kids $165 usual retail, got it for $77. I've gotten by with old sleeping bag the last 4 years but also had some chilly nights...its nice now that I can just pick up a thing or two each season to tweak my gear. Also got some medium weight merino wool hiking socks for $5.24/pair. STP is very good for getting your base layer, socks, and items that you are not worried about having in camo. They even have some great ultralight tents that at 40% off would be a steal. My plan now is to slowly build some ultralight gear, then finally a bigger pack, and be prepared for a couple nights of spike camps in the future...but no plans for it this year.
Some great info guys. I'm in the initial stages of planning a DIY elk hunt to CO in 2015 as a 40th bday gift to myself. I'll be watching this thread for more tips/advice.
Yeah I was amazaed when my boots came out at $116 or nearly 50% off. To this point everything I have bought has been on sale or with gift cards. My Kuiu gear was my biggest expense so far, but I didn't NEED to splurge on it if I was watching my pennies. I'm staying tuned in on Camofire the last few weeks,, they seem to have a lot of great bargains everyday as well.
Thanks for the Sierra Trading post. I've made the decision on the pack. Tenzing TZ5000. I think it'll do me nicely. It's the same as the TZ6000, but the 6000 is for taller people.(I don't have that issue) I can't do the CF13. It's just out of budget. I've also made the choice on the tent. MSR Hubba NX. Here are a couple of videos if you want to see. [video=youtube_share;tc0B4mm-9xM]http://youtu.be/tc0B4mm-9xM[/video] [video=youtube_share;RhUNwCMpg9w]http://youtu.be/RhUNwCMpg9w[/video]
Thanks. Yes, I'm really enjoying it. As I type this I've got 5 spreadsheets in front of me dealing with budget, weight, items needed, tips I've been picking up from you guys. I'm going through right now and starting to pick out specific equipment that I don't have. You'd think it would be easy....pick nice stuff. But it's not so simple when you're concerned about the weight of every item. For example, I ran across the JetBoil Flash. I thought it was perfect for my needs. Until I saw the weight. It's out. Yes, the plan is to backpack in and stay. I know it might sound kind of cheesy. But I want to wake up on top of the Rocky Mountains. I may change my tune when I actually do wake up there, but for now, the plan is to stay out there. I don't want this to be just a hunt, I want it to be an adventure. If I get an elk, that's icing on the cake. Yes, I'm glad I'm not rushing to get things. I'm picking them out, and I've got some time to keep an eye on prices/sales, etc.
Sweet! With you planning to pack your camp in on your back - I highly recommend Rokslide.com and their forum. I have learned so much from that sight - those guys are crazy about backcountry hunting. Gear reviews are top notch - especially when it comes to packs, tents, sleep systems, and stoves... At the very least - you're setting yourself up for one heck of an adventure!
And this won't be the last reminder...do not underestimate how much better the adventure will be by being in the best shape you possibly can... ...it's just one more piece of the yearly preparation that I've grown to love also...
This can't be emphasized enough. I have never been in great shape but every trip has been easier and easier because I've improved. I'm about to go hardcore into cardio conditioning starting next month in prep for this fall.
