Pure Green FNG in Idaho - Seeking Advice on Elk Hunting Gear

[GreenTeamFNG]

Hi all,

I’m an FNG with zero hunting experience and I really want to go elk hunting (even if I’m just tagging along).

I’m aware there are lot of people seeking hunting advice and I know that some information is a closely held secret. I’m not interested in poaching anyone’s hunting grounds or secrets.

I’m primarily looking for gear advice in terms what are the necessities for a 2-4 day public land hunt. What are the most important things to buy first? What are things that aren’t quite necessities but will make the experience more enjoyable?

If these types of questions have been asked and answered elsewhere, my apologies. Please point me in the right direction

 

[Pacific_Fork]

Welcome to Idaho

First, in your upcoming adventures don’t video, geotag, post everything on you new CA to ID “journey” on how great ID is. Everyone seems to do that and idaho is become less great because of it. It’s getting loved to death much like CA and CO. Keep that stuff to your friends and family and off social media unless you want more to keep piling on crowding the woods.

2nd, get used to being just in the woods for a few years and camping alone. Get to know the basics of all gear before hunting. Then you can try finding someone to tag along with and help them process an animal which is the biggest undertaking in hunting. You’ll meet someone eventually at the local water hole or gym and start talking hunting. Then get your weapon of choice and practice like every single week for at least a year. You have to build solid confidence in your weapon before attempting to take an animals life.

Third, don’t be that new guy that sets up his camp in prime deer/elk feeding and bedding areas or skyline your self in broad daylight during hunting seasons. Sleep in dark holes where you don’t see fresh sign and move in the timber or dark.

Most important thing to buy first are boots followed by another pair of boots until you find the right ones for your feet. You don’t need big stiff kenetreks.

Take your time in the process and before you know it you’ll have an elk in the freezer.

 

[Axlrod]

The BEST thing I ever learned about elk hunting was many many years ago, from a guy that killed a big bull every year.
Get the best binos you can, and LIVE behind them. I know you heard "live behind them" and thought glass a bunch. It' much more than that. Glass everything, most people pass up looking right where there are elk. Find the elk and go kill them. Everything else you do is just camping.

 

[eddielasvegas]

As the self-appointed chairman of the welcoming committee, it is my privilege to extend a laurel, and hearty handshake (virtual, of course) to our new ID member.


Eddie

 

[elkliver]

1st learn how to be in the woods... You can learn alot before ever holding a tag in hand 2nd, you don't need all top of the line name brand Camo and gear to get started. avoid Cotton, stick with wool, fleece or synthetics. Same with packs etc. start basic. Start with camping at the truck and go for hikes... no need for solo backpacking adventures to start . 3rd, Join a local chapter of Mule Deer foundation or something similar and volunteer to help if they have a work group . You will be doing some good while meeting some folks.

Hunting isnt about killing every year. all of the social media/influencers will make you think you suck if you don't kill a huge bull every year. Enjoy the experience, it will come together

 

[GreenTeamFNG]

Welcome to Idaho

First, in your upcoming adventures don’t video, geotag, post everything on you new CA to ID “journey” on how great ID is. Everyone seems to do that and idaho is become less great because of it. It’s getting loved to death much like CA and CO. Keep that stuff to your friends and family and off social media unless you want more to keep piling on crowding the woods.

2nd, get used to being just in the woods for a few years and camping alone. Get to know the basics of all gear before hunting. Then you can try finding someone to tag along with and help them process an animal which is the biggest undertaking in hunting. You’ll meet someone eventually at the local water hole or gym and start talking hunting. Then get your weapon of choice and practice like every single week for at least a year. You have to build solid confidence in your weapon before attempting to take an animals life.

Third, don’t be that new guy that sets up his camp in prime deer/elk feeding and bedding areas or skyline your self in broad daylight during hunting seasons. Sleep in dark holes where you don’t see fresh sign and move in the timber or dark.

Most important thing to buy first are boots followed by another pair of boots until you find the right ones for your feet. You don’t need big stiff kenetreks.

Take your time in the process and before you know it you’ll have an elk in the freezer.

Thank you for the in depth response. If you were to take someone out for their first time what would you expect them to bring?

 

[GreenTeamFNG]

The BEST thing I ever learned about elk hunting was many many years ago, from a guy that killed a big bull every year.
Get the best binos you can, and LIVE behind them. I know you heard "live behind them" and thought glass a bunch. It' much more than that. Glass everything, most people pass up looking right where there are elk. Find the elk and go kill them. Everything else you do is just camping.

Simple and straight the point. Thank you!

 

[Customweld]

Thank you for the in depth response. If you were to take someone out for their first time what would you expect them to bring?

For a day trip,
Well broken in boots.
Good glass.
Clothing depends on the time of year.
A quality pack that you have been carrying and are used to. Items in the pack are knives, paracord,extra socks and a small first aid kit and water.
Always offer to chip in on fuel and food.
A positive attitude.

Multiple days are obviously different. I have everything needed for an extended camp, so I would expect everything included in the day trip, along with quality sleeping gear .
Even more positive attitude. Long trips are grueling and they aren’t for everyone. Many guys burn out after a few days of missing family and working your ass off and not seeing anything.

 

[elkliver]

What to bring: You need to be self sufficient and not a liability; You should have a small pack/fanny pack etc that contains your survival