Teach a noob a rookie a green horn....

[Blinginpse]

Tackle this post if you may haha

Fellas looks like I've got a elk hunt planned for idaho in either 2016 or 2017. Year varies pending i draw my Iowa whitetail in 2016. If I don't then the elk hunt will be in '16. A generous fella who is an Iowa resident has offered me to come join him on a DIY public Land hunt.

I have several questions and though I lurk here a lot there it's lots of interesting things I see. So if you will read on down I would like your help and advice.

I'm from Virginia I'm 29 and a beef and dairy farmer. I'm in working shape and basketball shape but not sure I'm in elk hunting shape as a daily basis routine.

I'm 5'9 145 with a athletic build. For my size my strength isn't to bad I don't figure but idk if I'm strong enough to pak out multiple trips of maybe 100lb packs of meat? On this hunt I'd want to make sure I'm in the shape he would need me to be and to have all the exact equipment to help me execute And do the best I can on this hunt.

I need help most all the way through boys.

Clothing such as tops bottoms socks boots packs rain gear. What bow poundage and arrow weights you prefer broadheads and so forth. What cloths

Far as cloths I already have for usual whitetail is merino tops and bottoms. As mid layers like pants and over shirts I have just regular predator pants That I hunt in here at home. I hunt in merrell hikers when weather isn't bad and when it turns ruff I'll slide on my muck boots. Though I know mucks won't cut it for elk hunting will hikers work? Or would I need boots like zamberlan. Socks I wear a 87% merino wool sock mid to heavy but figure I'd likely not want that walking so is the darn tuff socks like I see everyone talking about the best socks to have.

Calling. Should I aquire a cow call and learn to call or bugle?

Far as a pack I have a badlands sacrafice. I figure that wouldn't cut it for elk hunting but want to ask for knowledge. I see you guys Posting all these frames and packs and the like and I'm completely lost.

Then lastly what kind of shape to I need to be in. I read you guys put 50-100lb of sand in your pack and go to hiking and such Around your mtns. What do I need to do? I'm not sure what to even ask on this subject

 

[husky390]

It's all right here. Check out the Blog's section, tons of great articles.

I'd start by reading this.

http://www.rokslide.com/2012-01-09-05-12-00/backpacking/257-good-idea-fairy

 

[Rhansen]

First and foremost you don't need to be Cameron Hanes to hunt elk. Does it help? Heck yeah it does. But I know several elk killers that are out of shape and could stand to lose a few LBs Lol but they manage to get it done every year.

 

[Blinginpse]

Who's Cameron hanes?

 

[westrnwild]

Who's Cameron hanes?

Don't worry about him...I don't think he does DIY anymore.

You live in VA. So plenty of mountains to hike to prep on...do a weekend on the AT..you do that once a month for a year you will figure out all the gear you need to survive..read all the gear list but acquire only the necessary items. Comfortable boots and good clothes will help alot..I'm sure you have read alot on all of those. .

The hunt your planning. Are you doing it from a truck or with horses or backpack hunt. That will really determine your gear and physical reqs...backpack hunts require the most investment for gear and physical ability. Unless you get into buying stock...that's a true investment.. But if your base camp hunting from a truck or town younwont need all the gear and won't need to prep withna heavy pack full of sand. Although never hurts to be ready in case you get one down.

 

[Blinginpse]

Don't worry about him...I don't think he does DIY anymore.

You live in VA. So plenty of mountains to hike to prep on...do a weekend on the AT..you do that once a month for a year you will figure out all the gear you need to survive..read all the gear list but acquire only the necessary items. Comfortable boots and good clothes will help alot..I'm sure you have read alot on all of those. .

The hunt your planning. Are you doing it from a truck or with horses or backpack hunt. That will really determine your gear and physical reqs...backpack hunts require the most investment for gear and physical ability. Unless you get into buying stock...that's a true investment.. But if your base camp hunting from a truck or town younwont need all the gear and won't need to prep withna heavy pack full of sand. Although never hurts to be ready in case you get one down.

Yes sir here in Va. Be nice to do a weekend on the AT but unfortunately I live on a dairy farm and my dad won't let me away much. I can hike up and down the mtns and such tho yes sir

As in the hunt fella said we would ride atv in then I assume hike in and set up camp. We will Be packin out a downed animal by ourselves. No horses or mules sir


Far as gear yes I've read about boots and socks arrows weights and such. But knowing what's the best for like rain gear and cloths that work but are light and yet warm and good durable boots just all that I need you experienced men to pitch in on.

 

[westrnwild]

I understand the dairy farm. Thats hard work had a friend once up in northern VA that had a dairy farm...not any easy job.

If your close to the mountains then try to get in that hiking when you can...some great hikes in VA and depending on your location they can be tough.

As for gear. Boots are a touchy subject. I'd try to head to a hiking store and get fitted..if your going in September I'd go uninsulated but make sure there waterproof and breathable. Get some good socks like darn tough or smartwool PhDs ..

As for rain gear you can go with the cheaper cabelas stuff or go with sitka, kuiu, krptek and first lite if you want camo...if you don't care there are alot of good options at hiking shops...gore tex and eVent are the standard waterproof materials. But cocona and torray are up incoming..I personally have sitka rain gear but first lite merino for under garment... A good down or primoloft puffy will go along ways.

Other thing you need to figure out is your sleeping/ cooking situation.. If you need a bag there are a ton out there. Pads are super important. Some guys cut weight. But I prefer the weight if I sleep well..stoves is up to you..if all you do is boil water and make mountain houses. Jetboil is great. But if you got an ATV and can bring alot various options...

 

[Blinginpse]

I was ony way to ordering a
Big order of darn tuff socks
Today but found out while making my order Santana outdoors had reconyx
Stuff on sale for 10% off so I had to revert and buy me a xr6 lol

I will tet to find a boot store around. Will hikers like merrels work? And I've been looking at FL rain gear seems people like it.

I keep reading a good puffy jacket is good. What's so good about it and what is a puffy jacket?

 

[westrnwild]

Merrels will work if they fit you. Their comfortable and waterproof...
A puffy is an isolated jacket..usually filled with down or primoloft...it compresses really small to go in your bag but weights next to nothing..its warmth to weight is awesome..so instead of those big bulky whitetail hunting jackets..you bring a puffy. Keeps you even warmer but not heavy..however they aren't meant to go bush whacking..they are fragile.

Example
https://www.sitkagear.com/products/big-game/insulation/kelvin-down-ultralight-jacket

 

[Blinginpse]

10-4 ill look it up.

About the merrels. I liv
But I have some left foot arch aching at times. What insoles would I know or need to look at.
Sorry for all the questions but I seriously am just now getting monetarily stable enough to do this and am learning from Scratch about western stay hunting. I've hunted for 15 years as I'm 29 and ain't no rookie at killing but hunting y'all boys way I'm a rookie at

 

[westrnwild]

Yeah it's night and day...I struggle to sit in trees but can live out of a bag for weeks and hike all day and love it. I actually live for it.

Alot of guys like super feet.. Again most hiking stores will have them and can help. If your merrels hurt you might wanna look at other boots..just a thought.

Try and familiarize yourself with your gear before you go

 

[husky390]

Find a store that has a lot of insoles available for you to lay on the ground and step on.

 

[Blinginpse]

Yeah it's night and day...I struggle to sit in trees but can live out of a bag for weeks and hike all day and love it. I actually live for it.

Alot of guys like super feet.. Again most hiking stores will have them and can help. If your merrels hurt you might wanna look at other boots..just a thought.

Try and familiarize yourself with your gear before you go

I can adapt. Ima a hyperactive fella and spot and stalk would be great for me I get fidgity on all day sits myself but I endure it. Far as merrels hurting my feet it's just my left. I would try insoles to try to help that but if not a buddy has
Zamberlan and he brags about those things yea I know they are high but I like quality.

With us being around the AT there has to be a hiking store somewhere to help me. I looked up that link. Does Sitka make ASAT? That puffy doesn't look bulky at all. Would a fella bring jus rain pants period say 2 pair and that be the only pants you bring? To me
Seems to be smart thing to do

 

[westrnwild]

Zamberlans make some good boots for sure..but typically a little to narrow for me.

Where in VA are you?

ASAT is first lite for the most part...at least for the higher end gear. Sitka has optifade and the partner patterns..only found at sitka

I hardly ever wear rain pants..mainly hiking pants with a DWR finish to repell water. However I do pack them in my bag in case the weather turns to bad rains or snows...I wear my hardshell (rain jacket) more as it acts as an insulation piece and rain protection

 

[Blinginpse]

I have skinny narrow feet as I'm Scrawny anyway haha

I'm about 55mins east of Bristol motor speedway and the tennessee line. I could say southwest Virginia but I dont want none you boys getting that mixed up with the state West Virginia lol

Ok I knew FL made
ASAT but thought Sitka did to but wasn't sure.

When you say hiking pants your an like the new corrugate or kanab pants? I've read abou DWR but I've tried to take so much in lately it's slipped me but I do rememeber it sheds water.

And understand on the hard shell Jacket. Read thread other day here was about if rather have the rain pants or jacket.

Sir thank ya for all Ya help.

I've come to see The new exo 3500 is the cats meow
Pack? I don't think my aluminum frame badlands sacrafice would cut it for this kinda hunt. Im aware I need a stronger pack

 

[westrnwild]

Don't worry I know your area sort of...my mom has a place in Smith mountain lake not to far away.. I know not to call a VA boy a WVA boy..big mistake. Lol

I think the corrugates have DWR..kanabs don't. Both are great pants..I wear just some north face pants and sitka mtn pants..but I wear asat FL chama and llano along with their merino long johns..I'm not brand specific..just appreciate good gear. The FL boundary stormtight was to baggy for me and so were the kanabs..

As for packs. The EXO seem great...I have a Mystery Ranch Metcalf. Although the stone glacier sky Archer and EXO are tempting. Maybe next year..alot of guys like the kifaru and seek outside packs too.
I had a day pack from badlands. All the buckles slowly broke after minimal use...so my Metcalf does it all now.

 

[Blinginpse]

I can't talk to bad about wva I don't reckon. My wife who I just celebrated 1year anniversary with is from there. And yes fellas she has all her teeth.

Far as pants FL first really have pants that stand out to me but that may be only cause idk what I'm looking at exactly. I don't really care for Sitka patterns cause they wouldn't do so well here around home and I'm tryin to buy camo that would fit well here to for use other than elk hunting. Don't got no pile of money so intry to maximize efficiently. Far as the tops after learning them over last couple days I DO NOT want the Labrador. Prefer the llano and Chama may would work. Not a fan of zippers. I do have some
Minus 33 mid weight tops

And far as Bottoms I have minus 33 mid weight bottoms too. Need to rodeo up A few More pair of bottoms For here for sure but wasn't sure if minus 33
Mattered Or not compared
To the FL ALLEGHENEY.

ALSO does wearing like red desert undies make that big difference?

On packs I'm sllooowwwlllly trying to Figure all that out. A lot to learn in that area obviously. Gues starters is I need to figure out just how big of pack id need

I've seen the Aron Guy posting a lot here an heist be a rep or something? Never spoke with him just seen his posts and seems like a knowledgable and willing to be helpful feller I'd almost buy From that kinda feller just cause it's people
Of that nature i like
Dealing with around the farms and that don't change on things like this either.

 

[Finch]

Welcome to the forums! I live in VA as well, close to Roanoke. A buddy and I are heading west in September for our first backpack elk hunt. I've been planning this almost 2 years now and have acquired just about all the gear I need to get the job done. You're doing it right by starting early. Good gear costs money and stretching it out over time helps.

I love to research and basically did tons of research on the gear I wanted and then made a list. That way when something went on sale or it showed up in the classifieds, I was able to pounce on it without second thought.

Check out my "planning my first elk hunt" thread in this very subforum. Looking back at it, I asked some very newbie questions but I've learned a ton since starting that thread. The guys here are very helpful.

How is the new Cabelas coming along in Bristol?

 

[Blinginpse]

Welcome to the forums! I live in VA as well, close to Roanoke. A buddy and I are heading west in September for our first backpack elk hunt. I've been planning this almost 2 years now and have acquired just about all the gear I need to get the job done. You're doing it right by starting early. Good gear costs money and stretching it out over time helps.

I love to research and basically did tons of research on the gear I wanted and then made a list. That way when something went on sale or it showed up in the classifieds, I was able to pounce on it without second thought.

Check out my "planning my first elk hunt" thread in this very subforum. Looking back at it, I asked some very newbie questions but I've learned a ton since starting that thread. The guys here are very helpful.

How is the new Cabelas coming along in Bristol?

Yes sir that's what I'm doing is trying to figure this stuff out ahead of time and piece it together as I can. I'm bout hour an 20 from you west. Wythe county!

Awesome your fairly close and goin to do what in planning on. Yes sir I'll
Half to dig your thread up and look in on it. I'm sure it's gonna be a help since I'm starting like you did!

Far as the new cabelas it's supposed to be open in October I hear. I went to the bass pro last week near there and as usual bass pro just doesn't impress
Me I'm a cabelas feller.

 

[DWinVA]

Welcome man. I'm just south of Christiansburg, VA and am heading west this fall on an elk hunt I've been trying planning for at least 5 years. I grew on my uncles dairy farm so I figure you're already in pretty good shape. I'm now a cubical engineer so biking, running and hiking with up to 80 lbs in my EXO pack is how I'm getting ready for the Colorado Rockies.

I'll hunting in Sitka and First Lite and using my proven Whitetail setup, 70# Hoyt Alphamax and heavy Easton FMJs with 125 grain Magnus Snuffers.

Planning and getting ready the past few years has been a lot of fun plus it's spread out the financial burden.

Enjoy and God Bless