I was recently invited to tag along with a group to Colorado in September. They are staying in a cabin that one of the guys got a hookup on, so we wouldn't be camping out. I'm trying to get an idea on how much all of this will cost me before giving them an answer. I'm pretty sure that I would need to purchase a lot of new gear for the trip. Boots? Backpacks? Camo Clothing? GPS? Any suggestions on these or anything else I may need. I am also planning on buying a Mathews Z7 at 70# (regardless if I go on the trip or not). The arrow I have picked for it is a total of about 440 grains. This should be enough for elk, correct? This has been a trip I have dreamed about, and I would love to be able to pull it off.
Congrats on the oppurtunity! I'm a bit of a gearhead so bear with me, lol. Boots: I personally only wear Danner, but there are several makers out there that are top notch. Try on as many as you can and then decide. I would for something mid ankle height with a stiff ankle support. Something uninsulated and in the 1.5# range. http://www.danner.com/boots/ http://www.kenetrek.com/ http://www.rockyboots.com/ Pack: This all depends on what you want your pack to accomplish. Do you want something you can pack meat out with? or something light and fast? I currently use Badlands Packs. The 2200 and 2800 are both great packs for elk hunting. Full internal frames that allow you to pack meat, but also carry your gear for several days. Sitka makes great packs too. Mystery Ranch is at the top of hill for price, but unparalleled in quality. I like the NICE Crewcab and NICE longbow. http://www.badlandspacks.com/ http://www.sitkagear.com/products/open-country/packs/sitka-flash-20/ http://www.mysteryranch.com/s.nl/sc.8/category.1962/.f Clothing: If you can afford it, go with Sitka. This stuff is absolutely incredible. Clothing that works with you. Another great option that is slightly less expensive is the Russell APXg2 clothing. Built alot like Sitka Gear. Another fairly new company in KUIU, which was formed by a former founder on Sitka. http://www.sitkagear.com/ http://kuiu.com/ http://www.russelloutdoorsgear.com/portal/site/russelloutdoors/ Your arrow is perfect for elk. What broad head do you plan on using? I hit most of these topics fairly lightly. If you have any questions feel free to PM me. I would be more than happy to go in depth with you on anything. Good luck this fall!
Here's a good article I read lastnight on the CO DOW Elk Hunting University site - http://wildlife.state.co.us/Hunting/ElkHuntingUniversity/EHULessons/EHUGunsGear.htm
So, if I am reading your post right, I would have to ask you why you need to buy all of that stuff to come archery hunt elk in Colorado. Yes, all that gear would be nice and if you can afford it great. But I would venture to say that it isn't all needed for an early season hunt here in Colorado. I guess all I am saying is that I would sacrifice some of the nice gear in order to come elk hunt, believe me IT IS WORTH IT!
If you have camo, just wear it, the movement is your biggest enemy in elk country, as long as you have something that is half decent to blend in you should be good. If you have a GOOD pair of well broken in boots, then you're ready to go in the boots department. Nice to have 2 pair, but if you're staying in a cabin, you should have the means to get them dried out if they do get wet. As far as the rest of the gear, buy a mouth read (a double is probably best) and learn a few cow mew sounds, and only an occasional mew, leave the bugle at home if you don't know what you're doing with it. For a pack, if you have a good DAY pack, that will do fine for the HUNTING part. If you get an animal down a nice sturdy FRAME pack would be nice though, but you don't have to break the bank. I have the first version of this pack ( http://www.basspro.com/RedHead-Spike-Camp-Frame-Packs/product/10202761/-1605055 ) and it's served me well for several years. It's comfortable, and can carry as much a load as most people could reasonably load on their person. If you're not in shape right now, then you'd better start today, and be ready to feel some burn in your legs and lungs, but the experience if WELL worth it!!! As far as a bow, if you're option is to not buy a bow so you can enjoy this hunt, use what you have, and keep your shots where they're supposed to be with a GOOD broadhead, and an arrow 375gr or heavier, and you ought to be fine as long as you're shooting at least 55ft/# of KE out of your set-up. I personally wouldn't shoot at one any further than 40yds away because I want to make sure the shot I take is sufficient, but I'm packing around 75ft/# of KE out of my set-up with a 445 gr arrow. This is an experience that you'll cherish forever, don't miss a GREAT opportunity!!!
I should have been more clear with the camo clothing question. I meant more along the lines of what type of conditions might I be facing. I have plenty of clothes, but not really sure what would be needed. My current setup is a Mathews Switchback at 60# with a 370 grain arrow. Im getting right around 59 # of KE out it. I had been planning on getting a new bow for a few months now, and just settled on the Z7 a couple days ago. Thanks for all the suggestions so far!
On your clothing I would suggest a good base layer for starters. You will welcome the insulation in the mornings and praise it for being lightweight and breathable throughout the day. Typically I wear my pants by themselves, a good base layer top, followed by a long sleeve camo shirt, then topped off with a camo flannel if it's getting chilly at all. This is plenty for me all elk season. I would also look at a set of lightweight rain tops and bottoms, just in case. Your current set-up is more than doable. I would, however, suggest moving to a 125 grain head or adding 2 GPI weight tubes. Having a heavier arrow for elk is always a welcomed investment. I would look at a good quality head, usually a COC.
Good Article Check out the link below. There is a post that has some good info and some cool pics of elk being packed out.
I have to agree alot with the recommendations of backcountry. My opinion only changes when it comes to Rocky Boots....not my choice....for $170 go the Danner, but if you cancel the bow and buy a set of Kenetrek's ($380) and you spend time in these type of boots you will be forever thankful As far as clothing, light weight packable gear (and rain gear) is what you want. The ability to layer is most important and leave the cotton clothes in the bin. Packs, I have a Badlands 2200 which has served me well in years past. That or a similar pack should serve you well...I do have a Cabela's frame pack which I am selling due to two new packs I got from Kuiu....if interested...$75 plus shipping What I would do is set a total (hunt included) and once you have paid for the hunt, tag, etc...prioritize your list and start from the top down. One thing we will all agree on, is that being in the high country in September is something you will never forget. Good luck with your plans and hopefully it all comes together. September can't be here soon enough Rob
