Welcome to our Elk Hunting pages

Elk Hunting Equipment Top 10

list of equipment needed for an elk hunting trip

1. Good Boots - Comfort, comfort, comfort! Make sure that you have a good pair of boots. Unless you are planning to hunt the 'farmers field from the tractor, you will be walking your *ss off.. Expect cold and/or wet weather and make sure that whatever boots you choose say's "waterproof" not "water resistant". Don't be fooled by the price-tag, One of my (haven't leaked yet) best pair of boots only cost $40 when a $200 pair from cabelos leaked the first day. A 100% money back guarantee won't help much on 'day 2'. Make SURE your footwear is adequate prior to your hunt.

2. Ammo - Use the best bullets you can find and bring plenty. Elk and Brown Bear are the toughest animals in North America to 'bring down'

.3. Scope - a rifle scope of 3x9x40 is suggested. * This may be one of the most common errors in elk hunting. (exhibit a) -You cannot shoot what you cannot see. There is nothing wrong with a $200 rifle and a $400+ scope, refer to exhibit a. A 100% money back guarantee won't help much on 'day 2'.

4. Rifle - .30 caliber magnum or larger (if hunting with a bow, you're on your own). Get familiar with shooting your gun prior to your hunt. Not just on the 'bench' at the 'range', try taking your elk hunting rifle 'rabbit hunting' or similar event. (30-06 & 300 Win Mag are local favorites).

5. Rifle sling - A durable, lightweight, adjustable rifle sling is suggested. Without a good rifle sling you will be limited in both focus and endurance on your hunt.

6. Rifle Holster - A Must for all Elk Hunter's (see rest of website)

7. Backpack - You will need a backpack, whether it's hauling the gear you will need for your hunt or hauling up to 1000lbs of meat out of the woods. Don't be fooled by the backpack manufacturers BS sales pitch, here are some things to look for in choosing a backpack for elk hunting. (a) weight & size - establish your needs before picking a pack. Look at the items you will NEED, do not look at your 'new super pack' and say "I still have room for more". At the end of the day, you will feel every ounce of that "extra gear'. Make sure your back pack has a waist strap that you can mount items you will need often like your knife, rangefinder, ammo, compass, water, etc., a whole lot of pack makers don't even consider it. (b) waterproof - don't worry about having a "waterproof" pack, just make sure it wont get heavy when wet. Anything that has to be dry, (TP) put in a plastic bag inside of the pack. Not only are the true "waterproof" packs more noisy but they cost a whole lot more. If you are planning to "pack" into an area, you might plan on having 3 packs available, 1. Large transport pack 2. small hunting pack 3. frame, meat hauling pack. A 100% money back guarantee won't help much on 'day 2'.

8. Blaze Orange - Have bright orange 'flagging' and Blaze Clothing with you at all times. Elk are just 'big deer', it's not worth getting 'shot' for. Any light colors worn could be mistaken for the pale hide of an elk by other hunters. A Grandpa and his Grandson were both 'shot' by unaware elk hunters who had mistaken their "yellow" rain jackets for Elk. Understand that are people who do not use common sense and/or suffer from 'simple head in *ass syndrome'. When you are packing hide or head, make sure you 'flag' the antlers thoroughly.

9. Survival / First Aid - Ample supply of food, water or water treatment supplies (2 or 3 days) if possible. Have a lighter, and a small first-aid kit with you at all times.

10. Clothing - Layered clothing is suggested. Temperatures will be dramatically ranged. Weatherproof pants and coat is suggested.