(Author photos)
August 26, 2024
By Zach Bowhay
As you prepare for your elk hunt, you're probably trying to figure out what you must do to get ready and what gear you'll need. The list is extensive, and not everything can be bought with money. You'll need to ensure your calling is good, your shooting is on point, and that you're physically ready for the rigorous demands of an elk hunt.
Today, though, we'll focus on the things you can buy and the gear you’ll need to tackle your first elk hunt — or any elk hunt, for that matter. To keep things concise, I won’t cover what you need to make a comfortable base camp or the gear for a backpack-style hunt. Instead, I'll focus on what you'll need to carry on your person each day as you venture into the woods after elk.
Backpack You need a reliable backpack to carry everything in the field. I have strict criteria for my elk hunting pack. It must be large enough to carry everything I might need on any given day, no matter how far I’m going or what weather I encounter. Additionally, I want a pack that compresses down nicely when it’s not as full. Lastly, I want a pack where the main bag is removable from the frame so that meat can be carried tight to the frame, with the bag reattached over the top. This setup allows me to have the weight where I need it and keeps my gear clean and away from the meat.
I’ve used the Initial Ascent 1A3K pack for the past couple of seasons. This pack checks all the boxes for me. Of course, many great packs are out there, but this configuration hits all the marks for an ideal elk-hunting pack.
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Calls Even if you don’t call elk on your hunts, most hunters do, and you should have a few calls in your kit. A good bugle tube is essential. It doesn’t have to be the largest tube out there, but I find that larger tubes produce a better, more natural sound.
It’s worth investing time in becoming proficient with a mouth diaphragm call. If you can’t use a diaphragm call, consider products that make similar subtle sounds, such as the Enchantress by Slayer Calls or the EZ SUK’R from Phelps .
Lastly, an open reed call is great for making more exciting estrus-type calls. Many great companies make calls, such as Rocky Mountain Game Calls , Phelps, Native by Carlton , Born and Raised Call Company , and Slayer. It doesn’t matter which you choose as long as you practice and become proficient.
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Optics Optics are important, but what you “need” can vary depending on your hunt. I recommend purchasing a good bino harness to ensure your binoculars and rangefinder are always within easy reach. For elk hunts, I prefer a good set of 10x42 mm binoculars. They offer enough power to glass at a decent distance but aren’t too high in magnification, making them usable in the timber when elk are close.
A good rangefinder is a must. I find that using a bowhunting-specific model, like the Leupold Full Draw 5, is perfect for my style of elk hunting. It’s small, lightweight, and has all the necessary modes for up-close encounters.
As for a spotting scope, I only carry one sometimes. If I’m on a hunt where I’m being selective about the size of elk I’m after, I’ll bring a spotter. However, I'll forego the spotter on many hunts where I’m hunting over-the-counter, general-type tags and would be happy with any five- or six-point bull.
When I do carry a spotting scope, I generally take my Vortex Razor. This season, though, I’ve been testing and enjoying the S1.2A 25-50x80 Spotting Scope. While you could opt for a more compact model, I prefer to carry some extra weight to ensure I have the magnification needed to justify the additional load.
Of course, when carrying a spotter, you’ll need a tripod. I’ve been using a Tricer AD tripod with an LP Head this year. I can’t say enough about this setup—it’s lightweight and supremely functional.
What You Should Wear Few categories in the hunting industry have exploded, such as the apparel market, and there are now tons of great options out there. The brand you choose doesn’t matter as much as having the right gear. For September elk hunting, stick with lighter-weight pants and shirts, and get a good base layer set of merino wool.
A decade ago, I never carried a down jacket, but now it’s a must-have in my pack, regardless of the hunt or season. They pack down to nearly nothing, but they can be a lifesaver when needed.
On mountain hunts, it's always best to have a set of rain gear in your pack. In the states where I typically hunt, I don’t need rain gear that often, but I always bring it along. Since I don’t use it frequently, I opt for a set of Kuiu rain gear that compresses tightly and is lightweight. If your rain gear is big and bulky, it’s easy to leave it behind—which is fine until it’s not.
I choose my jacket and vest based on the type of hunt I’m doing. For a backpack hunt, I try to get by with just the essentials I’ve already mentioned to save weight. If I’m day hunting, I usually carry a good soft-shell jacket or, more often, a nice soft-shell vest. Ultimately, know your comfort level and build a layering system that can keep you comfortable through all the temperature changes and weather conditions you may encounter.
Boots You often hear that boots are one of the most essential items on a mountain hunt, and I couldn’t agree more. A quality pair of broken-in boots can make or break any hunt. You can spend the extra money on boots like Kenetrek Hardscrabble hikers and be extremely satisfied, or you can spend half that on various other pairs and be plenty comfortable on your hunt. The longevity of the boots might vary with the pricing, but plenty of great options will do the job. Ensure they are waterproof, broken in, and offer good ankle support.
Just in Case Any hunt requires precautions if things go wrong; an elk hunt is no exception. This category is often overlooked because it isn’t as exciting as buying “cool” gear, but it’s essential. First, a satellite messenger is a good idea. I’ve used an InReach Mini for several years, and it works great.
A medical kit with plenty of supplies for cuts, burns, and stings is essential. Quick clots and a tourniquet are also good ideas in a life-or-death situation.
Always carry a lighter or two, flint and steel, and a fire starter like Pyro Putty in your emergency kit. I also have a Dark Energy flashlight and a windproof lighter to complement my primary headlamp.
Lastly, carrying some iodine tablets or a water filter is good if you run out of drinkable water. I have a small bottle that I can scoop water from a source, and it filters as I drink, as well as typically some iodine tablets in my med kit.
Kill Kit Elk are big animals, and when one hits the ground, you need to be ready. A quality kill kit packed with everything you’ll need is essential. A good set of game bags from companies like Argali, VIAM, Caribou Gear, KUIU , Black Ovis, etc., is a worthwhile investment. The brand isn’t as important as making sure you have five bags. I generally carry the meat on the bone, so I make sure I have four bags large enough for each of the quarters and one more bag large enough to hold all the extra meat.
I carry two quality knives: one fixed blade that only comes out when it’s time to break down a bull and a folder for tasks that may come up during the hunt, such as making initial cuts through the elk's hide, so my fixed blade stays razor sharp. Speaking of sharpness, a product like the Guided Field Sharpener by Worksharp is excellent for keeping an edge on your knife while breaking down a bull.
Fifty feet of 550 paracord for lashing meat to a pack or making a makeshift meat pole is always a good idea. A small bone saw can be handy, though I no longer carry one because I use the gutless method and euro-mount all my bulls. Lastly, a small roll of flagging tape for marking trails is useful.
Final Thoughts Hunting elk can take place in some rugged terrain that will test both you and your gear. Before you head out on your elk hunt, you must ensure you have everything you need to hunt effectively. That being said, you don’t have to break the bank.
You can find the gear you need at various price points with some research. Start by investing in the items you feel are most important and spend your money there. Consider buying used or opting for less expensive models to start with other products. Over time, you can build your kit to the level you want. As your elk hunting experience grows, you can upgrade areas where you’d like better gear.
The planning phase of the hunt can be just as crucial as the hunt itself. Being well-prepared beforehand can go a long way toward helping you achieve a successful elk hunt.
