What to bring on my first elk hunt?

[wisdeerkiller]

I am going to Craig, CO in October and I need to know what to bring or what to buy? First elk hunting trip. This is also on private land. Uncles buddy from high school.

I already have a 7mm rem mag that I reloaded 160gr accubonds for this trip.

I do have a Leupold Mark 4 6-20x, and a Leupold VX1 4-12x.

Is it worth bringing the Mark 4? (has Mil-Dots) Don't know what kind of range I can get there but I have shot a 12" steel target at 1000yds.

My Uncle's are bringing 4 wheelers.

So do what else do I need??? IF ANYTHING OTHER THAN MY DEER HUNTING STUFF


thanks

 

[cohunter14]

Are you camping or staying in a lodge/cabin? The list gets extensive if you are camping. If not, you will probably just need the basics you take with you deer hunting. Bring clothing that can be layered and be ready for anything from 60 degrees and sunny to negative temps and snowing sideways (this can actually happen in the same day believe it or not).

 

[kraigwy]

I like the mil dot for hunting, even if you don't need it for range finding.

For example with elk, the body of an average elk is 25 inches from the top of his shoulder to the bottom of his stomach.

If you look at the critter and it covers two mils, its right at 350 yards. I zero my rifle so the point blank zero never takes it out, high or low, out of the 15 inch vital area.

So as long as the critter fits in the two mils or more, I'm in range if I hold center of the vitals.

As to what else, like mentioned depends on if you're camping or staying at the ranch headquarters.

This year I'm leaving the truck at the highway then heading in with a 4-wheeler and 4 wheeler trailer, taking tent, food, stove, lots of clothing, small shovel, ax, sleeping gear, food and gas.

Depends on how long I stay, I can store extra stuff with the truck and go back for it if I need a re-supply.

I'm hunting the Big Horns. There were a couple times I thought I'd have to leave the truck and come back for it in the spring. Once it cost $200 for a wrecker to pull me to the highway because of snow.

I figure the 4 wheeler will get me back to the truck and the snow plows will keep the road open so I can get home when I'm ready.

Got burned by my horse last year. Spent the first three days of elk season hunting horse instead of elk.

 

[cohunter14]

Forgot about the scope portion of the question. I would suggest asking your uncle's buddy about the shot opportunities. If there is a chance you could shoot one in the woods, then you might want to opt for the 4-12 simply for the lower power. If they will be at range, then the Mark 4 will be great.

 

[wisdeerkiller]

We are staying in cabins. And I guess there are stands all over the property. The only I can't get an answer on is how far we are able to shoot.

I do have quick detach on both scopes so I guess i'll have to bring both.

Are any calls worth bringing? if so which?

Thanks

 

[25 Otter]

Cloths that can be layered. Wicking under wear are a must. No cotton tees. Broken in boots. LOTS of socks. A fresh pair at lunch time is sweet! Patience. Your first time in a unit will be a learning experience. 2 years ago I hunted unit 67 first rifle. I got a broad overview of our part of the unit and learned a lot. Our camp took one bull. Headed into 67 again this fall for the same early season. Now,I have some solid knowledge of the lay of the land. Where we found elk/sign. And the confidence to hunt smart this trip. I also picked up a chip for my Garmin GPS Map 62S. Love it. Bought it on line from the Hunting GPS Maps. Worth a look in my opinion. Sounds like you have the shootin iron under control. Did I mention patience?

 

[MMERSS]

Leupold Mark 4 or VX1. That's like saying Ford Taurus or Mustang. Both will get you to point B but only one will be worth the ride.

 

[FEENIX]

Your license/tag to hunt legally! lightbulb

 

[orion2000]

I am heading to COlorado for my fourth crack at elk hunting this year. from the past 3 years:

1) Good boots, well broken in. If new, start breaking them in now. It's not too soon.

2) If there is any verticle involved, get boots 1/2 to 1 full size longer than what you wear on flat land. Toe bump on the steep down hillls will kill your toes in a very short time.

3) If any hiking/humping involved, as mentioned before, clothes that wick. Merino wool or Under Armour type base layer. Wool / synthetic outer layers. If you are hiking/humping/going vertical, leave the Carhartts coveralls in the cabin/truck/4 wheeler.

4) Take both scopes. Start off with the 4x12. When hiking in Colorado, lighter is better. I had a Leupold LR 6.5x20x50 once upon a time. Good glass, but way too heavy. If you end up bushwacking 500 to 1000 vertical feet (or more) in a day, you will appreciate the weight savings.

5) Final thing to take on the trip is the lightest, most fit you that you can put together in time for the trip. Given the altitude, and the terrain, you need to be in the best condition possible to have the most enjoyable trip possible.

If you use the search function for this site and on 24HCF there is plenty of good information to soak up and learn. But most of all, Enjoy ! It is addicting...

 

[T3-OleMan]

I carry 2 small tubes of 'Vaseline Lip Therapy' cause when I can't find one the other is in my pocket. Some years my lips and fingers crack out there and you might have to poke some up your nose to keep it soft also. If you need it and don't have it life, can be a bitch.
Good luck.

 

[orion2000]

... Some years my lips and fingers crack out there ...

LOL ! So far, has been EVERY year for me. And yes, it sucks. Especially the fingers. So far this year, I have been having good luck with O'Keefes Working Hands. We will see in October if it really makes a difference...

 

[wisdeerkiller]

Leupold Mark 4 or VX1. That's like saying Ford Taurus or Mustang. Both will get you to point B but only one will be worth the ride.

True but when you want just better MPG take the Taurus.

Same as if i'm only able to shoot 200yds the mark 4 would be over kill on the power.

 

[rooster740]

Unless you know what you are doing with a call, leave it at home. A guy could find an elk farm and get a call and go have some schooling. Good comfy boots, wool clothes in layers, check zero before hunting and if it is looking tough I always get all the elevation possible and start to look and listen! When ya whack that bull, especially if it is your first elk, keep putting lead into it until it is really dead!
Happy hunting!

 

[JohnnyO]

Don't get your hopes up for those stands you were talking about. It's more likely you will walk your butt off in our beautiful mtns.