First ever elk hunt

[TXBlkCld]

Alright guys and gals,
I will more than likely be going on my first Colorado arhery elk hunt this year. My buddy and myself are intending on packing in and settin up a spike camp and hunting for 5 days straight. So my primary question is "What do I need to pack in with us that is a must?" copy and paste the list and add your item or items to it. Thanks in advance and God bless.

Bow
arrows with broadheads
release
range finder
skinning/gutting knife
GPS
tent
sleeping bag
camo
wind checking device or powder
flashlight

food
water or filter for water

[BlueMtnHntr]

Bow
arrows with broadheads
release
range finder
skinning/gutting knife
GPS
tent
sleeping bag
camo
wind checking device or powder
flashlight

food
water or filter for water

binoculars
meat pack frame or something similar
radios
elk bugle, cow call

[Txnrog]

Bow
arrows with broadheads
release
range finder
skinning/gutting knife
GPS
tent
sleeping bag
camo
wind checking device or powder
flashlight

food
water or filter for water

binoculars
meat pack frame or something similar
radios
elk bugle, cow call

knife sharpener
Excellent wicking socks
High quality, well broke in hiking boots
Backup shoes (light, low-top hikers work)
SPOT or Emergency beacon - hopefully you don't have to use it, but worth it
capeline long johns
Rain gear
lighter & matches
Rope - parachute cord will work for most apps, but a mid length section of heavier rope always helps
Spotting scope

[Blast-n-cast]

I am going on my first Elk hunt this year as well (Archery NM) in less than a month and I have been gearing up as well. In addition to what others have mentioned I am also taking some game dressing bags, scent free bug spray, and a Montana Elk cow decoy (it fits into your pack really easily).

[bill monroe]

leave the bug spray at home u wont need it.....

[Bill]

Good boots
Great wool socks
Clothes to layer from 25 to 70F
Hydration bladder in pack
Smoked oysters and crackers to snack on the trail ( seriously)

[TxCazador]

Pack 5 days worth of a " can get it done spirit"

[aggiedoc]

I do think you need the bug repellant. Got attacked by Mosquitos 2 yrs ago. I prefer thermacell, especially if u plan on being still, ie., over wallows.

What scent free repellant do u have?

[stinkbelly]

Do you have experience backpacking in Colorado? How far will the hike be from your car? With this information, we can help with your list better. We have elk hunted from a pack from 4 miles to 9 miles from the truck. It makes a big difference in what you bring. If you are close to the truck, you can leave a lot of your emergency weight in the truck.

[TS Outdoors]

I do think you need the bug repellant. Got attacked by Mosquitos 2 yrs ago. I prefer thermacell, especially if u plan on being still, ie., over wallows.

What scent free repellant do u have?

"No More Stinkin Bugs" by Scentsheild is the best bug spray I've ever used and it's scent free


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[Red Wing R/C]

First order of business ...........get in tip top shape!

[TXBlkCld]

Do you have experience backpacking in Colorado? How far will the hike be from your car? With this information, we can help with your list better. We have elk hunted from a pack from 4 miles to 9 miles from the truck. It makes a big difference in what you bring. If you are close to the truck, you can leave a lot of your emergency weight in the truck.

Well, I have absolutley NO experience in Colorado other than a couple of ski trips in the past. I don't mind hiking in 5-7 miles and I'm sure my buddy is down for that as well but I'm not so sure about his father-in-law. Lol. I would guess maybe a safe number would be around the 5 mile mark though.

First order of business ...........get in tip top shape!

The eliptical and me and treadmill and me are becoming good friends. Can't really speak about the rest of our party though. By the time I leave, I plan on being able to rock on with my weighted pack at 5 miles am hour for an hour straight at a minimum. I don't really want to miss the fun do to sucking wind like a Hoover vacuum.

Pack 5 days worth of a " can get it done spirit"

After breaking my leg last year in preparation for my trip and not getting to go, If I don't take anything but me and my bow, I'll have plenty of "go get em" fueled by loads of desire. Maybe even too much for my own good. Lol.

[Mike Murphey]

Are you packing in...if so limit yourself to 50-60 pounds in your pack. those hills will kill you if you get much more than that. Your bow stuff is a given but think about what you will eat and how much will you pack it in. Think outside the box as cans and sacks can become more of a problem than you realize. Instead of a coffee can use a resealable bag and only take what you need. If you are bringing food back out with you you had more than you needed. Think out each meal, do you need a bottle of ketsup or will a few bags of the ketsup at McDonalds work. Think light. How about a bed roll. Will you be on the ground or a cot.....a roll up mat weighs less than a cot....drinking water? Will you have water nearby? A filter system will be needed or iodine tablets to clear up the dreaded organisms for drinking. You really need to think about a first time pack in trip....

[old killer]

topo maps
compass and backup compass
emergency space blanket
back up fire starter
first aid kit
alcohol (preferably crown)
Asprin
Someone with mountain survival experience.

[Bill]

I was running several miles a night and lifting weights and it kicked my butt. Start doing bleacher climbs asap and then add you pack with weight in it to make harder to build your quadracep muscles.

If you do not have mountain type boots with great ankle support Danner Pronghorns. If you even think you may get blisters put the moleskin on before you do- it's cheap insurance against a ruined hunt. Search diamox on TBH to read about altitude sickness for us flatlanders.