NM Elk Hunt gear list (non backpack style)

[rootacres]

I am headed out on my first elk hunt in a few weeks. It will be in south central NM and won't be a pack in and out style hunt. Meaning there will be living quarters for us each night and most of the meals are handled by the outfitter. I just want to make sure I cross my t's and dot my i's on gear and if there is anything you think is crucial that I don't have Id like to know. Thanks in advance.

Pack:
MysteryRanch Mule w/ 3L bladder

Spotting scope w/ carbon fiber tripod
Good Binos and rangefinder

Mostly Kuiu clothing head to toe, rain gear, gaiters, bino harness

La Sportiva Boots

Med kit, small repair kit, extra release

PSE Carbon Air ECS 34 (#70) w/ Carbon Injexions and Wasp Drones


Anything Else that you can think of?

 

[vp_arkitek]

sounds like guided hunt, correct?

will you have to do any of the processing and meat care?

 

[rootacres]

sounds like guided hunt, correct?

will you have to do any of the processing and meat care?

Yes this is an outfitted hunt. The bulk of the getting the animal out will be on the outfitter with us lending a hand where we can. We will have yetis and a chest freezer at camp to transport meat back.

 

[UtahJimmy]

For a first elk hunt, I'd leave the spotter and tripod at the tent/cabin. Especially if it is a rut hunt.

I've never done anything outfitted but I would think all you'd need is your bow with rangefinder, binos, pack, water, food for the day, headlamp, and tp. Just the bare bones essentials.

The outfitter should have medical supplies. Hell, just ask them what you should have?

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[LWC]

Celebratory whiskey...don't forget that!

 

[KHNC]

I would leave the spotter and tripod as well. No need to carry that around on a hunt that time of year. Maybe add a trekking pole. (single)

 

[rootacres]

I would leave the spotter and tripod as well. No need to carry that around on a hunt that time of year. Maybe add a trekking pole. (single)

The outfitter did say that we could leave the spotter at home. I mentioned I may bring it and decide if I want to use it after the fact. He carries one himself to get a better look once we identify some potential shooters. I just thought some phone skope footage would be cool.

 

[bignocks]

The mountain can chew people up if they arent used to it so a light pack and comfy boots go a long way. leukotape is a must. Pre tape any blisters or hotspots immediately. Once your feet are torn up its all down hill.

 

[CX5Ranch]

I tried to tell a newb one time he had too much crap in his pack. I mean 7 arrows, digital camera, phone, extra release, 10 gallons of water, pistol,rain gear, and all kinds of other crap.

I said dude that's gonna get heavy. Nah I've been training for this.....OK!

That very night he literally dumped his pack on his cot and said you tell me EXACTLY what I need. Lol.

Moral of the story...you need water and arrows.

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[quackaddict]

If you’re in south central NM like unit 34 or 36 on an archery hunt, I’d definitely pass on the spotter. There are more places that 8x binos will be more than you need in those units.


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[rbljack]

Yep..agree with others. I'm familiar with a few areas of 36 if that's the area you will be in. Pretty steep country, and they had a fire in 2012, so there is a lot of blowdown and it can be tough hiking. I have packed my spotter around a few times, and I always feel like its an anchor back there....LOL. Water can be a problem there too....hard to find depending on the area and time of year. Id ditch the spotter and be carrying binos. With the weight you save on the spotter and tripod, you can carry a bit more water. Good luck on your hunt. You may or may not need the gaiters...just depends on the weather. Id take them on the trip, and make the decision to wear or not wear depending on weather. I didn't see trekking poles on your list...that might be a worthy add.

I didn't see kill kit or game bags, but im also guessing that the outfitter has this covered for ya. Id probably still bring a knife, oh...and I didn't see a headlamp or tp....LOL. Those 2 are a must...don't leave home without em.

 

[Catahoula]

Yeah leave the spotter. No sense in lugging that around. Go as light as possible being you are guided. Best of luck to you and have fun!!

 

[FlyGuy]

As others have said: headlamp, baby wipes, trekking poles, lukotape...

I say bring the spotter. I'm as bad of a gear whore as you'll ever see and I know it's tough for me to pass up any opportunity to play with my toys! HAHA! I completely understand the desire to bring and use YOUR spotter vs relying solely on the outfitter. If that is going to increase your overall enjoyment of the experience then do it, regardless of what anyone tells you. Honestly, You'll know what to do after the 1st day. If you lug it around all day and never once pull it out, then I'd just leave it in his truck. There's a good chance he has a few drive up glassing spots that he'll want to hit anyway. But, if it's more open country and you actually spend a good bit of time glassing, then I'm sure the Outfitter won't mind having an extra set of eyes out there. The middle ground might be to just take the tripod in your pack to use with your binos. I did a guided Aoudad hunt in Feb 18 and we really struggled to find rams that time of year. My guide and I ended up splitting up to cover more ground and I actually glassed up the Ram that I ended up taking with my spotter. It sure gave me a greater sense of satisfaction knowing that I was actively contributing.

Other things I would suggest you consider bringing:

- Calls (diaphragm if you can blow one or externall reed if not. You might need to stop a bull for a shot)

- Gaia or OnX on your phone to track your movements and drop waypoints.

- Bic Lighter(s)

- Wind checker

- water purification tablets



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