Elk hunting beginner

[highcountrymuley]

Next is a frame pack. Kelty cache hauler or Slumberjack frame hauler is what I recommend in 100 to 250 range. Go check out used stores of backpacking gear. Practice carrying and shooting rifle and be safe! You don't need fancy clothes, used backpacking stuff is where I would go.

 

[MountainMan83]

i agree with what others have said with a decent pair of boots. I started off with cheap wool garments I found at the army surplus store. One nice pair of merino wool socks will compliment the boots well.

YouTube has some good videos on basic shooting tips for hunting. Get out and practice. Start on the flat bench and when you get a decent group, practice some shots from kneeling or off your pack. I’ve never had formal shooting lessons but have killed many elk and deer.

A cheap frame pack will work but having a nice pack that can haul meat comfortably is really nice. However, the first couple elk I packed out I just threw the quarters over my shoulders and walked them out - I don’t recommend this and it’s not easy but it all can be done with very little. Save your money up and upgrade over time. Most important - get out and have fun!

 

[Timplant]

You DONT need great gear... elk get shot 20ft off the road every year. You also don't need a mentor or a guide. the internet is full of info. Drive out west and figure it out. It may take a few years. Or it might not.

The gear makes it more enjoyable, less struggle makes it more enjoyable. But go west and find elk, people have been doing it forever, and there has never been more info on HOW to do it succesfully. You'll meet the people and learn the things you need.

Take it from a guy and his hunting partner who have been driving west for 5 years and have killed an elk and two black bears. JUST GO.

 

[Smtn10pt]

I would get a budget pack, you wont appreciate a good pack until you pack a few Elk on a crappy one, and if you have to pack out an elk you wont be too upset anyway.

 

[well_known_rokslider]

I would get a budget pack, you wont appreciate a good pack until you pack a few Elk on a crappy one, and if you have to pack out an elk you wont be too upset anyway.

This is the textbook example in support of "buy once, cry once"! Go to the Rok classifieds, find a used Exo/Kifaru/Stone Glacier for the price of a new derp around pack and be done with it!

 

[BustedRagHorn]

I consistently get made fun of by my friends for running cheap gear. FB marketplace here, thrift store there, diy gear made from others trash, and the off brand amazon odds and ends. If you have it spend the extra money on a good pair of boots, I recently was gifted a good set of Schnee's and I did not realize what I was missing. However, the number one thing that kept me from getting it done in my first two years was willing to be uncomfortable, and understanding elk behavior. I have gotten lucky every year since even with the budget set up. My perspective is gear doesn't replace time in the woods but it can make the time in the woods more comfortable.

 

[Hunterscamera]

Bought a 2nd hand EXO (gen 1? Can't even find example of it online) on marketplace for under $100 bucks a couple of years ago, packed out my first deer with it and I'll be using again this season works great and is comfortable.