Elk hunting beginner

[Deerhunter6250]

You can good quality gear and clothing in the hunting forum classifieds, Facebook, even on craigs list, but you need to know your size of clothing and your boots and if need be try different boots on at any outdoor store till you find one you like. I use JanSport external frame backpack I bought off ebay for around 60.00 I've warn three of them out out over the last thirty years.

 

[Tobe_B]

Like others have said, good boots are a must. The rest is not as necessary to start, go hit up some used sporting goods places and you can find a lot of decent equipment for a better than new price. That’ll save you from buying expensive gear you end up not liking and needing to replace.

Decide if you want to pack in or camp at the truck. Then go to the woods and have a good time. If you’re in it just to kill elk you’re missing more than half the enjoyment anyway. It’s supposed to be fun. Then when you do kill something, embrace the suck.

 

[COJoe]

We all live in the front range and plan on doing some hiking/rucking this summer to get cardio ready. Thanks for the advice!

What part of the front range do you live in? There may be some items I have extras of that you can borrow for this year to help you get out there. I'm in Southern Co.

 

[qboss]

Boulder area. That would be awesome. I really appreciate it!

 

[qboss]

Appreciate everyone’s advice! Sounds like a good pair of boots is a good place to start and use this year as a learning opportunity. Thanks again!

 

[Tbonespop]

Boulder area. That would be awesome. I really appreciate it!

Midway USA often has killer deals on Crispi boots where you can get up to 40% off. Keep an eye out for deals. I have bought a ton of gear off of Ebay and FB marketplace. I'm a thrifty SOB except for my boots (I do love a good deal on good boots) guns, and optics. The rest I buy second hand.

 

[dusky]

Keep it cheap at the start. Just get out there with the basics covered. Experience is the best gear. As the addiction takes root, you will be upgrading your gear.

 

[rayporter]

^^^
what he said! just go!

 

[Nickofthewoods]

Hunting elk is kinda like skiing. You're going to suck and look like a gaper for awhile. Eventually through experience, failure, and hopefully some success you will fine tune your gear.

 

[Laramie]

Appreciate everyone’s advice! Sounds like a good pair of boots is a good place to start and use this year as a learning opportunity. Thanks again!

You don't need expensive gear to be successful but you do need to know the gear you have very well to put it use. Starting with your borrowed rifle- you need to spend significant time at the range practicing so you can capitalize on an opportunity if you get one. Many guys hunt elk for a week and see elk once or maybe twice in the easy to draw/OTC areas. You will likely need to act quickly and execute a possibly challenging shot from a field position. That is hard to do if you have no experience with the weapon you are carrying. After that, you need to think safety. What gear is essential? Depends on how you plan to hunt and where you are hunting. At minimum, have a decent first aid kit in your pack and a way to call for help. Stuff happens in the back country and being prepared for it may be the difference between life and death.

Creature comforts are just that - comforts. I shot my first dozen elk wearing WalMart clothing/boots and shooting the cheapest factory ammo money could buy. Figure out what works for you by going on hikes this summer. Take the rifle and pack along on some of those because carrying that stuff feels different.

Lastly, stay out of my honey hole by the road. The only elk you will find will be 3+ miles deep.

Good luck.

 

[LURE]

Good boots doesn't meant expensive. I spent 6-7 years on a pair of 100 dollar Cabelas brand boots. Wore them until they were worn down to useless. Good means they're comfortable and fit your feet. Test em out.

 

[hairloom56]

Planning to go with my brother and cousin but no experience between us so we were hoping to use this season to learn and the very small chance of a harvest. Considering a guide but looks to be quite expensive. Would it be a waste to not get a guide this season?

I'll suggest you guys get a guide as first timers. It is worth the education you can pass onto your kids or other member of the family.

 

[well_known_rokslider]

Buy once, cry once on the pack and boots. They will allow you to hunt longer and further. Everything else start cheap and upgrade as needed. $15 tech pants from Costco, $30 amazon merino shirt. I actually started buying alot of my camp food/snacks/ramin/tuna packets from Aldi which has saved a surprising amount of coin.

 

[Forkasauras]

Make the gear that helps you stay in the backcountry a priority. Heading back to the truck/hotel every evening will greatly limit your chances of success. A good sleeping pad and bag are essential. And by good I mean light, packs down small, and keeps you warm. You don't need a $1000 tent. Tarps and trecking poles are lighter, cheaper, and keep you moving. Prepare to cover lots of ground. It is all about finding the elk. If you aren't seeing/hearing elk, go further from the trail.