First elk archery hunt

[Sticknstring90]

hello everyone, I’m new to the elk scene. I’ve read a tremendous amount of intel on here since I’ve drawn my first tag. My main concern is with clothing and footwear. I bow hunt all across the u.s for mule deer and whitetail. I live in northern ny in the Adirondack mtns. Other than 4 trips diy in Arizona unit 9 Muleys, I have not experienced the rockey mountain range any general knowledge in regards to gear would be appreciated. I’m going with an outfitter for my first elk then hopefully switching to diy

Idaho palisades A tag

Thanks in advance

 

[jinglejangle]

What time of year?

 

[Sticknstring90]

Mid-late September

 

[Duckhunter14]

Mid September in the mountains can be frosty in the morning and cold wind, then 60 degrees, then hail, and then thunder and lightening and raining sideways. Depends on location and elevation. Usually it’s beautiful, but you’ll need to be ready for anything. The guide can typically steer you in the right direction. I’d think you’d want early season layers and boots (broke in!) with good ankle support for packing elk quarters and cape/head if successful. And a quality light weight rain gear. You can’t go wrong with any of the popular brands of technical clothing or hunting boots. You can find lots of gear lists online that discuss proper layering. You’ll want to be able to start the morning layered up and be able to quickly lose layers as you hike and/or it warms up (zip off long underwear are a must so you don’t have to take your boots off).

 

[Sticknstring90]

i hadn’t thought of zip off long underwear. Sounds like a great idea and something I haven’t thought of….exactly the kind of tips I was looking for! I appreciate the advice.

 

[Duckhunter14]

They’re a game-changer. I run the KUIU 145 zip offs. Lets you run a lighter weight pant with side zips for venting heat when you’re hiking but keeps you warm enough in those chilly mornings. You can zip them off as soon as it starts to heat up and shove them in your pack. Takes about 10 seconds.

If you’re going to go diy eventually learn how and when to call. Buy calls early and practice with them a lot. And not just a bugle tube.

Sounds like you already know the game, chasing deer. But wind is everything. I think swirling wind has probably saved more elk lives than anything else. Check the wind often and don’t be afraid to make a little noise if it’s right.

 

[Smfigari]

I have spent a lot of time in the palisades unit, mostly fishing. The terrain isn’t all that high with most of it falling below 10,000 feet but it’s very very steep. Footwear will be critical. The ideal attributes for footwear varies from person to person. Personally in terrain like that I like a level 4 stiffness 10” or so boo to help with a bad ankle. Stiffer boos make me more likely to blister so I apply moleskin or luco tape early and often. Best of luck!

 

[Lonsil4]

You need a pack designed for hauling meat. A lot of guys use a daypack with a load-shelf like Exo, Kuiu or Mystery Ranch, so one pack does it all day hunting and meat packing. Your outfitter will have pack animals, but on a future DIY, this is everything.

 

[Sticknstring90]

Thanks everyone for the great feedback! i have a nice frame pack already from some previous Mule deer excursions. i do need to invest in a great set of boots and also socks. unfortunately i have problems with my feet sweating just about all the time so I'm worried that might be issue. does any one have any advice on good socks that would help with the sweat? or is it a lost cause lol

 

[Deerhunter6250]

Mid September in the mountains can be frosty in the morning and cold wind, then 60 degrees, then hail, and then thunder and lightening and raining sideways. Depends on location and elevation. Usually it’s beautiful, but you’ll need to be ready for anything. The guide can typically steer you in the right direction. I’d think you’d want early season layers and boots (broke in!) with good ankle support for packing elk quarters and cape/head if successful. And a quality light weight rain gear. You can’t go wrong with any of the popular brands of technical clothing or hunting boots. You can find lots of gear lists online that discuss proper layering. You’ll want to be able to start the morning layered up and be able to quickly lose layers as you hike and/or it warms up (zip off long underwear are a must so you don’t have to take your boots off).

I like to add my Zip off pants with the zip off long johns and if its really cold zip off puffy pants.