Hunting & Fishing First Western Elk Hunt…Essential Gear/Clothing Advice Needed

[ccasanova]

I’m a Louisiana native, and have wanted to hunt out West for decades. My son (14) is now physically capable enough and highly motivated, so we are tagging along with an experienced friend to Wyoming the week before Thanksgiving, as he tries to fill 2 cow tags. I started purchasing youth preference points for both of my kids. My friend is a former WY resident, is familiar with the area, and has hunted his private property near Chama, NM for 20 years. So he is knowledgeable and helpful making gear suggestions. But I wanted to check in here with some Western residents and lifelong hunters. Hide members have helped me spend my money many times

We stopped by the Kuiu store in Dallas last weekend to get fitted for packs. I ordered a Pro6000 for myself and Pro4500 Divide for my son.

I have several sets and weights of First Lite merino layers, Kuiu Attack pants, vests from both.

Need recommendations for outerwear, gloves, boots, socks, etc.

I have a pair of Nikon M5 8x42 Binos for my son. I’m checking forums for used Vortex Razor/Maven B1, etc

What else do we need to successfully tag along on a mid-November WY elk hunt?

Thank you.

 

[TheJammar]

I’ve tried many boots over the years and have landed on Crispi’s. I can’t imagine wearing anything else at this point. They aren’t cheap, but after 7 days hiking around you won’t remember or care what you paid for them.

I use Darn Tough socks. Plenty of good ones out there though.

 

[Modoc]

Physical fitness! And plan a couple days local to the hunt for altitude adjustment. My AO goes from 50 foot Above Sea Level to 8000 foot plus. That kind of change will mess with you, more so if you are not in good physical shape (cardio).

 

[ccasanova]

We spent last week hiking and fishing 9k-11k ft near Chama, NM. I haven’t been in the gym in a few months and that was all the motivation I needed to tighten up my diet and get back to it. Plan on rucking with our packs when they come in. Son plays HS football and is in decent shape too.

 

[TheJammar]

If you don't have one already, I would also consider a glassing/butt pad. Lots of time spent sitting and glassing out here. Also doubles as a rear support for your rifle if needed. The one I use looks to be discontinued but also can be used on your pack as your 'blaze orange' if you are ever hunting a place that requires it.

StHealthy Hunter Glassing Pad

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[Long Range 338]

What hunt area and what are your plans for lodging/shelter? Fall can be a real wild swing of temperatures in these parts and could go from well below zero to the high 60s depending on the weather and altitude. Physical fitness is an obvious priority but staying warm can depend an awful lot of eating well and sleeping well. if you don't layer your clothing properly and making sure your clothes dry out overnight, it can take an otherwise enjoyable trip and make it utterly miserable.

 

[Matches Malone]

Feet. Get good boots with an appropriate sole stiffness and ankle support.


It really depends how you hunt though. If you’re backpacking into a wilderness miles away from anything, then you’re going to need a lot.

If you are hunting private property, by the roads, and staying a mile from the truck and sleeping at a hotel or lodge then you need less.

If you’re staying in a camper as a home base, then you need more, but not nearly what you need for backpacking.

A down jacket is something I’d recommend either way. Especially for backpacking.

 

[KYAggie]

We spent last week hiking and fishing 9k-11k ft near Chama, NM. I haven’t been in the gym in a few months and that was all the motivation I needed to tighten up my diet and get back to it. Plan on rucking with our packs when they come in. Son plays HS football and is in decent shape too.

Definitely put weight in your packs and hike, walk on a treadmill jacked up, or a stair machine. Use rice in a doubled garbage bag to add weight and volume to your packs. It’s all about conditioning your body for the weight and cardio. Hiking poles used properly, look at YouTube, help a lot once on the trail and especially off the trail. As far as cloths, layers are essential. I like Kenetrek for boots, but there are other good brands too, just stay in the mountaineering alpine style boot that has good support and is stiff; break them in.

What part of WY are going to?

 

[ccasanova]

Units 86 & 87. Buddy has an 8-man tent for base camp. Will camp beside the truck. Smaller tents if we need to sleep farther away. He has lightweight solar panels, small refrigerator, heater, even Starlink. will need to lock up that gear daily.

 

[Matches Malone]

Units 86 & 87. Buddy has an 8-man tent for base camp. Will camp beside the truck. Smaller tents if we need to sleep farther away. He has lightweight solar panels, small refrigerator, heater, even Starlink. will need to lock up that gear daily.

Sounds like yall are day packing. Which is fine if that’s how you want to roll.

What makes me uncomfortable is when you say smaller tents if further away with no other context. That’s another matter.

On one end, you have the couch and kitchen sink with you by the trucks. On the other hand, if you’re backpacking in and or bivy hunting, you’ll have only what you pack. Changing plans on the fly is weird if you’re not set up to do the backpacking.
That’s pack, stove, food, sleeping system, hunting stuff like kill kit, maybe a spotter and tripod, layers, and so forth.

Especially in November. It does snow out there. The wind and chill can be pretty good especially at high up on cliff faces with no breaks. There’s a good amount of that in 86. The news is there plenty of animals, access and land.

 

[Long Range 338]

Those areas actually have Designated Wilderness Areas so make sure you are aware of additional regulations…

Late November in those areas should be cold and elevation will be an issue. Certainly the elk will be there, locating them will be the hardest part.

ETA: Damn, I almost forgot to mention those are grizzly areas as well! No shit! Make sure you have a plan and watch your 6.

 

[ccasanova]

Sounds like yall are day packing. Which is fine if that’s how you want to roll.

What makes me uncomfortable is when you say smaller tents if further away with no other context. That’s another matter.

On one end, you have the couch and kitchen sink with you by the trucks. On the other hand, if you’re backpacking in and or bivy hunting, you’ll have only what you pack. Changing plans on the fly is weird if you’re not set up to do the backpacking.
That’s pack, stove, food, sleeping system, hunting stuff like kill kit, maybe a spotter and tripod, layers, and so forth.

Especially in November. It does snow out there. The wind and chill can be pretty good especially at high up on cliff faces with no breaks. There’s a good amount of that in 86. The news is there plenty of animals, access and land.

He has hunted solo in these 2 units for several years, has camp stove, jet stove/cooker, game bags, kill kit, spotting scope, tripods, etc.

I think my 2 sleeping bags are 40deg. What do we need?

He’s hoping for snow!

 

[ccasanova]

Those areas actually have Designated Wilderness Areas so make sure you are aware of additional regulations…

Late November in those areas should be cold and elevation will be an issue. Certainly the elk will be there, locating them will be the hardest part.

ETA: Damn, I almost forgot to mention those are grizzly areas as well! No shit! Make sure you have a plan and watch your 6.

Thanks. I’m assuming he is aware of the regulations of camping/hunting there, but will confirm.

Yeah Grizz is a concern in my mind! What’s the best option for a non-hunter? Bear spray? Glock17? Suppressed 6.5 Grendel SBR?

 

[Long Range 338]

Thanks. I’m assuming he is aware of the regulations of camping/hunting there, but will confirm.

Yeah Grizz is a concern in my mind! What’s the best option for a non-hunter? Bear spray? Glock17? Suppressed 6.5 Grendel SBR?

Bear spray and a lot of guys are packing 10mm if using semi auto

 

[TheJammar]

10mm or be confident in anything else.

Can you buy wolf tags in WY for that unit?

 

[Matches Malone]

He has hunted solo in these 2 units for several years, has camp stove, jet stove/cooker, game bags, kill kit, spotting scope, tripods, etc.

I think my 2 sleeping bags are 40deg. What do we need?

He’s hoping for snow!

You need what he needs if that’s how he’s going to hunt, minus the hunting specific gear if you don’t have a tag.


40 degree bag in Nov is not legit. Just on the sleeping bags topic alone, different bags have different ratings.

If a bag is 40 comfort, it’s more like a 60 degree summer bag. That’s going to be rough in freezing weather. 15 degree comfort might seem like over kill but you’ll be warm and toasty if a storm blows in. The survival rating would be like 0. Look at the ratings and see what you need for the weather that exists during that time. If this guy is gods gift to hunting, then he should be helping you. That unit gets cold. Then there’s the matter of down vs synthetic and weight.

You’ll want layers. Gaiters for snow.
Waterproof boots. Thicker wool socks. Hand warmers. They will help unfreeze your boots in the morning.

Vehicles that can get out. A inreach never hurt anyone. A map of the unit. I wouldn’t want to share a stove with a dude unless it was necessary. i wasn’t to eat at the same time. I kill calories on the mountain. If you’re backpacking in, are you filtering water?

Thanks. I’m assuming he is aware of the regulations of camping/hunting there, but will confirm.

It’s just part of the unit, not the whole thing.
but it is limiting.

 

[JayOpticspecialist]

following this thread, I'm in Louisiana and am dying to go elk hunting one of these days.

 

[264win]

Lots of good advice above.
Pay close attention to the items you will spend lots of hours in.

Have quality head to toe base layers, I like merino wool.
A quality sleeping setup, appropriate for the coldest typical weather expected.
^^ These two items can not possibly be overstated.

Have quality boots that you have worn at least 50-100 miles.

Have a good hardshell top and bottom.

If you get these items right you will have a lot of margin for error on everything else.

 

[KYAggie]

Thanks. I’m assuming he is aware of the regulations of camping/hunting there, but will confirm.

Yeah Grizz is a concern in my mind! What’s the best option for a non-hunter? Bear spray? Glock17? Suppressed 6.5 Grendel SBR?

45-75 with open sights and good cast bullet loads would be better. Definitely get gaters and a 0 degree bag. I have a very light down zero degree bag I bought years ago and it’s still going strong. I was using a 20 degree synthetic bag before that, but spent a couple cold nights with temps in the mid teens and switched to a zero down bag; I love it.

Lots of hod recommendations here.

 

[powdahound76]

Several mportant things have been covered, with a few missing.

Clothes need to equal NO COTTON.
Wool of fleece midlayers.
I use Costco wool socks. Have for 15+ yrs. 3 or 4 pair for same price as 1 other
Softshell outer, sounds like you have pants. (kuiu guide jacket is good. Forloh soft shell jacket is super nice too)
Rain gear (I often just run a jacket since I wear OR Crocs gaiters and KUIU attack or similar pants) I run one of Gore Paclite.
Down jacket (Mine stays stuffed in a small dry bag until used on hunts)
Gloves (I run Mechanix for base and carry cheap but warm mittens).
A wool neck gaiter is nice in the pack when its cold.
I run a light fleece beanie and a blaze orange Stormy Kromer hat for cold weather. Add the beanie if needed and use it at camp and sleeping. Warmer I just run an orange ball cap (but always have that 0.4 oz beanie in my pack in any season).


Items for pack:
Glassing pad (buy a cheap foam pad and cut them, 2 layers, tape together) or spend $
Tarp - a light 8x10 tarp with some 4’ P cord pieces and stakes for rain, blowing snow, or emergencies. I use a Rab one. Several good ones on the market
Spare pair of socks
I either carry a pair of light glassing pants (Im using the KUIU ones) or a Kifaru woobie to help keep warm in cold times when glassing. Woobie is nice as it keeps feet warm too……

An “oh crap” bag. I use a small Kifaru ultralight pull out. Has a reflective bivy sack, leatherman, multiple ways to help start a fire, matches and 2x lighters, P cord.

Med kit. I can go for days on this. Keep it simple, and be able to treat stuff.
Small bag or bottle of meds (motrin, tylenol, etc). Duct tape (get micro rolls from north american rescue). Some gauze.
I am a big fan of having 1 TQ and quick clot.

Camp:
Get a good sleeping pad to go with a warm bag.
0 or 10 degree bag. I would go with zero since you arent used to the cold.
A pad with a good R value makes that bag actually work.
I use Exped Downmat 9 or an ultralight thermarest NXS depending on season.

Have a good plan for hydration and nutrition.
It matters at elevation and in the cold.

I carry a small Ti pot with stove and fuel for coffee or hot chocolate during the day as needed or wanted.
I also carry a dime bag or 2 with pre-workout powder in them. 300mg caffeine doesnt suck when your pack is pushing 100 lbs and you have 8 miles of mtn hiking to go.


Sounds a little crazy, its just what works year after year in the cold mtns.

Have fun. Glass around, check stuff out.
Take notes and pictures.


G20 for bears. I dont carry spray.
I do carry a spare mag of 200 gr hardcasts in Grizzly country though.

 

[Soulezoo]

Check out Cliff Grey videos/website.

Best info out there.

I would suggest Sig Kilo stabilized binoculars though. Makes a huge difference in viewing. Just don't shoot yourself with them.

 

[powdahound76]

Aziak arca adapter for current binos to clip into your tripod beats the weight and cost of the Sigs…..

$40 vs several hundred


Also OP, if you or anyone else is handy, you can spend a little time and make your own tarp and save $.
Ripstop by the roll sells kits.

 

[Long Range 338]

Can you buy wolf tags in WY for that unit?

Looks like you can, but don’t take my word for it. Here’s the wolf regulations

Gray Wolf 2024 Regs

Experience our interactive, profoundly engaging digital publication!

www.nxtbook.com

 

[ccasanova]

If a bag is 40 comfort, it’s more like a 60 degree summer bag. That’s going to be rough in freezing weather.

Vehicles that can get out. A inreach never hurt anyone…are you filtering water?

Thanks. I’ll start researching warmer sleeping bags. I have an InReach Messenger and Sawyer water filter setup.

 

[ccasanova]

Buddy always packs a solid med kit and 2 tourniquets. He’s a mechanical engineer, former Army, shot in action in Afghanistan.

Thanks a ton for the recommendations and advice. I’m building a spreadsheet to compare to his, and others on Rokslide etc.

If you have any specific recommendations for boots, sleeping bags, rain jackets, etc…especially from places we might could save money, that would be particularly helpful. Thankfully the kuiu packs were on sale and I have a ton of First Lite merino already.

 

[SkyScrapin]

Clothing: You can go cheap, but performance gear is appreciably better. Sitka, First Lite, Kuiu.

Bags: Tons of options. 0 Degree or better. Lighter the better.

Boots: Schnee's, Crispi.

Packs: Anything framed. Lighter the better. If you have pack horses or mules, weight on your back is less a thing. If you're packing out meat, debone, and ditch as much stuff as possible on your second turn.

Socks... if you're putting in miles and miles, bring a 2x per day. Swap out mid-day... it's an incredible upgrade.

Best way to learn is to go, freeze your tail off and make a list

 

[ccasanova]

I’m selling a suppressor, rifle and pistol to help fund this new venture

Anyone want to trade Elk hunting gear for a like new TBAC .338 Ultra?

 

[powdahound76]

Thanks. I’ll start researching warmer sleeping bags. I have an InReach Messenger and Sawyer water filter setup.

I forgot, I also keep some emergency water treatment tabs in my little "oh Poop" bag. (Its built to help survive a rough night out, due to any number of factors)
Caution with the Sawyer in super cold temps. They can freeze and not pass water and will crack the inside and allow things through.....
UV light water treatment is possibly the best/easiest for super cold temps to keep water from freezing in the filter..... Yes, I am here to spend more of your $

decent quality sleeping bags are pretty spendy. Perhaps look at renting a 0F bag from REI for the week. If you are driving, you could pick them up in Denver perhaps. Might be a cheaper way to go this year vs several hundred on sleeping bags alone.

shop closeouts, sales, and etc for gear.

For saving $, any quality brand of outdoor gear works for rifle hunts. In CO, we have to wear loads of orange by law during rifle season, so camo is of no help.
Loads of decent brands out there