Hey guys, assuming my buddy and I actually draw a license this year (based on odds/pts, it would seem we're in a good position to draw), I'll be headed out to WY in October to hunt elk w/rifle. I've scoured different forums looking for insights on what to pack (and not pack) including the Elk/Moose/Caribou forums, so I feel like I've exhausted my knowledge and I'm at the point where I could subject my draft gear list for critiques. I think my biggest takeaway in researching is don't overpack clothing (there are more key takeaways I've learned, but that's the one that's stood out to me). I'm aware that October could be hot or could be cold, or could be both all within 1 day, so the actual clothing that goes with us will be a game time decision as we grab/pack what we need out of the truck, and leave what we don't need. But the clothing listed in the attached would at least be available in the truck to backpack in (I plan to pack my rain gear and insulation pieces irrespective of the forecast).
A few notes:
- Unit Research: I'm knee-deep in OnX and GoHunt every night after work (and kids in bed) evaluating potential hunting locations for the unit we applied for. Obviously we'll have to be nimble/flexible to the exact hunting area given hunting pressure/weather/etc. when the time comes. Either way, my goal is to get to know the terrain and features extremely well before boots are on the ground.
- Duration: We're looking at 7 days for hunting (excluding travel). That seems like what will end up working w/both of our work schedules. I feel like this is adequate for the trip, and based on research here on RS and other sources that's a decent time to chase elk. Also, it's plausible we'd go into an area for a day, two, three, and pull out and go to a different spot depending on what we were seeing. That would give us an opportunity to get back to the truck, maybe go to local town for shower, re-gear up and head back out.
- Weapon: This is a rifle/scope combo I'm super comfortable with. I consistently shoot at a local range at 200/300/600 with this setup. I'm not an expert shot by any means, but based on the advice of many, now, Well Known Roksliders, I feel confident the 308 is capable and I'll focus on shot placement/high percentage shots that have the elements in my favor - and it's flat out the setup I'm good with. FWIW, I don't intend to shoot at an animal beyond ~300. Personal preference. Hopefully there's not too much criticism on this caliber (it's what I got!) and setup, but it's all good if you want to throw in your $0.02. I respect it.
- Food: After I get this gear list squared away, among other things, I'll be focusing on a food pack list, so food isn't included. Just yet.
- Pack: The gear list lists the Kifaru Stryker w/Camp bag as my backpacking setup - this is likely going to change based on this trip. I went on a 3-dayer about a month ago with this setup and I was pushing the limits of what (I felt like) that setup was capable of. So, I've been researching larger bag options on the Kifaru front, and would buy the pack with at least 2-3 months lead time before the trip so I could "test drive" it on some day hiking trips loaded out to spec.
Sorry for the novel. If it's easier I can drop the info in the attached into multiple tables in the text. Sincerely appreciate it.
JW
A few notes:
- Unit Research: I'm knee-deep in OnX and GoHunt every night after work (and kids in bed) evaluating potential hunting locations for the unit we applied for. Obviously we'll have to be nimble/flexible to the exact hunting area given hunting pressure/weather/etc. when the time comes. Either way, my goal is to get to know the terrain and features extremely well before boots are on the ground.
- Duration: We're looking at 7 days for hunting (excluding travel). That seems like what will end up working w/both of our work schedules. I feel like this is adequate for the trip, and based on research here on RS and other sources that's a decent time to chase elk. Also, it's plausible we'd go into an area for a day, two, three, and pull out and go to a different spot depending on what we were seeing. That would give us an opportunity to get back to the truck, maybe go to local town for shower, re-gear up and head back out.
- Weapon: This is a rifle/scope combo I'm super comfortable with. I consistently shoot at a local range at 200/300/600 with this setup. I'm not an expert shot by any means, but based on the advice of many, now, Well Known Roksliders, I feel confident the 308 is capable and I'll focus on shot placement/high percentage shots that have the elements in my favor - and it's flat out the setup I'm good with. FWIW, I don't intend to shoot at an animal beyond ~300. Personal preference. Hopefully there's not too much criticism on this caliber (it's what I got!) and setup, but it's all good if you want to throw in your $0.02. I respect it.
- Food: After I get this gear list squared away, among other things, I'll be focusing on a food pack list, so food isn't included. Just yet.
- Pack: The gear list lists the Kifaru Stryker w/Camp bag as my backpacking setup - this is likely going to change based on this trip. I went on a 3-dayer about a month ago with this setup and I was pushing the limits of what (I felt like) that setup was capable of. So, I've been researching larger bag options on the Kifaru front, and would buy the pack with at least 2-3 months lead time before the trip so I could "test drive" it on some day hiking trips loaded out to spec.
Sorry for the novel. If it's easier I can drop the info in the attached into multiple tables in the text. Sincerely appreciate it.
JW
later this year when we head out
