I'm not looking for specific gear suggestions, just some wisdom on how to use a limited budget.
I'm doing my first elk hunt this fall. I'll probably enter for points and just hunt an OTC rifle unit in north central or north west Colorado, but I'm not sure exactly where yet, still analyzing the different units nearby. I already have a really good set of backcountry hiking and camping gear and am confident with the backpack portion of the trip, I just need the hunting specific stuff. I am a buy once cry once guy, and I like the idea of buying a mix of really nice and really cheap stuff, and then upgrading later, IF that's feasible. Here are the items that get really pricey.
Rifle (I do have a Model 70 in .270, but it's heavy, easy way to save money is to use it)
Scope (Rifle has some random 3-9x40 scope, not sure what)
Pack
Binoculars
Rangefinder
I think maybe the rifle would be fine to use for a while, even though it's a tad heavy. Having everything fairly light is important to me since I'm not a big guy. The idea of shaving several lbs off the rifle is attractive to me.
Where do I put my money year 1? I have about $2,000 for everything. Should I get mid range everything, or should I get a couple nice items, and a few cheap ones. Everyone talks up having really great glass, but I think in the area I'll be hunting, it's pretty wooded, so maybe I won't need high end glass out of the gate? Thanks!
I'm doing my first elk hunt this fall. I'll probably enter for points and just hunt an OTC rifle unit in north central or north west Colorado, but I'm not sure exactly where yet, still analyzing the different units nearby. I already have a really good set of backcountry hiking and camping gear and am confident with the backpack portion of the trip, I just need the hunting specific stuff. I am a buy once cry once guy, and I like the idea of buying a mix of really nice and really cheap stuff, and then upgrading later, IF that's feasible. Here are the items that get really pricey.
Rifle (I do have a Model 70 in .270, but it's heavy, easy way to save money is to use it)
Scope (Rifle has some random 3-9x40 scope, not sure what)
Pack
Binoculars
Rangefinder
I think maybe the rifle would be fine to use for a while, even though it's a tad heavy. Having everything fairly light is important to me since I'm not a big guy. The idea of shaving several lbs off the rifle is attractive to me.
Where do I put my money year 1? I have about $2,000 for everything. Should I get mid range everything, or should I get a couple nice items, and a few cheap ones. Everyone talks up having really great glass, but I think in the area I'll be hunting, it's pretty wooded, so maybe I won't need high end glass out of the gate? Thanks!