Tag Archives | Elk Hunting

Gears for Elk Hunting

The gear required for elk hunting depends upon the accommodation planned for
the hunt. If camping in the wilderness is the option, the gear required would
definitely be substantially more. Here is a basic list of things needed for a
self-guided elk hunt for a three-person hunt team:

1. Camp needs
2 tents
3 sleeping bags
1 cook stove (can be propane stove)
3 sets eating utensils
1 set cooking utensils
1 heating stove (optional)
1 tarp
1 5-gallon water jug
1 large basin for dishes
1 portable table and chairs
2 gas lanterns
1 shovel for latrine

2. Survival Kit
1 space blanket
1 day food supply (dried food)
1 pack waterproof matches
1 20-feet nylon rope
1 day liquid supply
1 pack freshwater tabs (iodine) and/or portable water purifier
1 roll duct tape
1 cigarette lighter
1 first-aid kit
2 water bottles

Hunting gear (weaponry)
1 rifle with scope and sling (may want to have a backup rifle in case scope
breaks)
2 boxes of ammunition (plus extra ammunition)
2 smaller sharp knives
1 large hunting knife
1 knife sharpener
1 belt saw for bone
1 hatchet
1 gun-cleaning kit
1 all purpose tool

Location and directional needs
1 pair of binoculars (or more)
1 compass or GPS or both
1 roll of orange fluorescent surveyors tape
1 small flashlight with batteries and extra batteries

5. Game “packaging” needs
1 sturdy frame for packing
1 sturdy length of rope for tying quarters to frame-pack
1 sturdy length of rope for hanging quarters
1 big game bag for covering and protecting meat or 4 game bags for each quarter
1 large can of black pepper (to cover fresh elk meat to ward off flies and
other insects)

6. Personal needs
1 pair of waterproof boots
1 pair of insulated waterproof boots (in case there’s snow)
1 pair of hiking shoes (for warmer days or after hunting)
regular socks for length of stay (warm weather)
heavy socks for length of stay (cold weather)
clothing for length of stay (warm weather)
clothing for length of stay (cold weather)
1 set rain gear
baseball-type cap for warmer days
insulated hat for colder days
1 pair of warm hunting gloves
1 small bottle of aspirin
1 bottle of elk scent
1 bottle of scent eliminator
elk call – bugle or cow call
1 florescent clothing as state requirement
1 thermos bottle
1 can of pepper spray

There is of course other consideration such as transportation and the duration
of stay to determine how much gear to carry. Thorough planning will eliminate
the need to leave campsite to top-up any of the basic needs.

Gears for Elk Hunting

The gear required for elk hunting depends upon the accommodation planned for the hunt. If camping in the wilderness is the option, the gear required would definitely be substantially more. Here is a basic list of things needed for a self-guided elk hunt for a three-person hunt team:

1. Camp needs
• 2 tents
• 3 sleeping bags
• 1 cook stove (can be propane stove)
• 3 sets eating utensils
• 1 set cooking utensils
• 1 heating stove (optional)
• 1 tarp
• 1 5-gallon water jug
• 1 large basin for dishes
• 1 portable table and chairs
• 2 gas lanterns
• 1 shovel for latrine

2. Survival Kit
• 1 space blanket
• 1 day food supply (dried food)
• 1 pack waterproof matches
• 1 20-feet nylon rope
• 1 day liquid supply
• 1 pack freshwater tabs (iodine) and/or portable water purifier
• 1 roll duct tape
• 1 cigarette lighter
• 1 first-aid kit
• 2 water bottles

3. Hunting gear (weaponry)
• 1 rifle with scope and sling (may want to have a backup rifle in case scope breaks)
• 2 boxes of ammunition (plus extra ammunition)
• 2 smaller sharp knives
• 1 large hunting knife
• 1 knife sharpener
• 1 belt saw for bone
• 1 hatchet
• 1 gun-cleaning kit
• 1 all purpose tool

4. Location and directional needs
• 1 pair of binoculars (or more)
• 1 compass or GPS or both
• 1 roll of orange fluorescent surveyors tape
• 1 small flashlight with batteries and extra batteries

5. Game “packaging” needs
• 1 sturdy frame for packing
• 1 sturdy length of rope for tying quarters to frame-pack
• 1 sturdy length of rope for hanging quarters
• 1 big game bag for covering and protecting meat or 4 game bags for each quarter
• 1 large can of black pepper (to cover fresh elk meat to ward off flies and other insects)

6. Personal needs
• 1 pair of waterproof boots
• 1 pair of insulated waterproof boots (in case there’s snow)
• 1 pair of hiking shoes (for warmer days or after hunting)
• regular socks for length of stay (warm weather)
• heavy socks for length of stay (cold weather)
• clothing for length of stay (warm weather)
• clothing for length of stay (cold weather)
• 1 set rain gear
• baseball-type cap for warmer days
• insulated hat for colder days
• 1 pair of warm hunting gloves
• 1 small bottle of aspirin
• 1 bottle of elk scent
• 1 bottle of scent eliminator
• elk call – bugle or cow call
• 1 florescent clothing as state requirement
• 1 thermos bottle
• 1 can of pepper spray
•

There is of course other consideration such as transportation and the duration of stay to determine how much gear to carry. Thorough planning will eliminate the need to leave campsite to top-up any of the basic needs.

Feel the excitement in archery elk hunting

One of the best ways to hunt elk at close quarters that can literally allow you to look into its eyes while feeling its moist breath upon you is to engage inarchery elk hunting. You will need to develop your archery skills since you will only get one chance to shoot your arrow once you reach quite close to an unsuspecting elk.

You can choose from the many designs of bows and crossbows available in hunting or online stores. However, you should make sure that crossbow hunting is allowed in the area that you plan to hunt since such bows are banned in certain states. You will firstly need to practice shooting arrows from various positions and distances on stationary and moving targets so as to get a feel of the bow, rest and sights. You should also have easy access to your arrows by keeping only a few in your quiver so that it does not slow you down during yourarchery elk hunting adventure. You will certainly need a high level of fitness when you want to hunt elk with a bow and arrow since you will need to stalk, run and shoot an elk while carrying your hunting equipment with you at all times.

Unlike shooting with a gun, which can shoot elk from quite a distance, you will need to stalk an elk within a distance of around 20 to 50 yards for a clean shot. You can also attract elk towards you by cow calling and bugling techniques so as to ambush it when it is quite near. A clean shot through the elk’s lungs with a carbon or aluminum arrow should do the job and drop the elk within a few yards after a shot. The fun in archery elk hunting is the stalking, waiting and readying for a shot when a bull gets quite close for comfort. This is sure to get your adrenaline pumping in your body even as your heartbeat sounds like a freight-train roaring past your body.

There are several states that allow archery elk hunting such as New Mexico, Arizona, Montana, California, Washington, etc. All hunting has to be done in designated areas only and that too only after obtaining necessary permits from forest and other authorities. If you are new to archery hunting then you should hire an expert hunter that will not only teach you archery skills but also arrange for your stay, provide you with the required equipment and also take you on a hunting expedition within the designated areas. You will virtually eliminate any chances of an error while having fun in stalking and hunting elk in a way that you always dreamt about. Many guides also allow children to accompany adults and you too could take your excited kids for a hunt and teach them the ways of the wild during your hunting adventure.

You are sure to end up with a thrilling experience when you opt for archery elkhunting. All you will need to do is to polish up your archery skills and shoot accurately up to 50 yards in various positions and weather conditions. This will make you ready for an actual kill when you crouch along a path in wait for a bull to pass along or attract it with a call. You will surely end up with a wonderful trophy and an exciting story to tell your loved ones once you hunt an elk with your bow and arrow.

Enjoy quality time with your children during elk trips

Elk hunting is an excellent way to bond with your family especially your children and teach them about hunting in the wild too. You can plan your trip together, stalk elk by following tips from experts and bring down an elk with a single shot through your bow or rifle. You can surely enjoy quality time with your children during elk trips.

Planning a hunt requires a lot of groundwork and arranging for equipment some time before the hunt actually starts. You can let experts handle all the paperwork including arranging for the appropriate permits from concerned authorities while also allowing them to arrange for all related equipment. Since your children would be accompanying you in this hunt, you will also need to make sure that their special needs such as arranging for food, water and warm clothing are arranged for well in advance. Your children will surely dance with excitement many days before such elk trips and you will have to train them to remain calm and quiet while stalking a herd of elk. Elk might look imposing but they are also quite jittery and might run swiftly away at a crack of a twig or a giggle from a child.

Your children will also love sleeping in tents and padded sleeping bags. You will need to ensure that you and your children are fit since you might have to climb to around 7000 feet above sea level with your guide before you can stalk any herd or attract it towards you through bugling or cow calling methods. Your children will also love riding on horses as you seek out water holes frequented by elk or paths where you could lay in ambush before shooting at a bull with your rifle, bow or crossbow. Your children will remember such elk trips with fond memories and you will definitely have a story to tell your loved ones when you down a huge bull with a single bullet or arrow.

In most states October and November is hunting season and you will have to plan your trip in advance. There are several outfitters in several states within the United States of America that can help you to plan and execute a memorable elk trip. Some of them offer elk trips in Big Horn Mountains in Wyoming, Ute Creek in New Mexico, Cabinet Mountains located in Montana and several other scenic places across America. Most are family-run businesses that can take good care of your children and offer guided trips in elk country. You need not worry about finding the right equipment or choosing the perfect route without getting lost in the mountains as everything will be handled by these efficient outfitters. You and your children can have fun stalking and hunting instead of worrying about logistics and paperwork.

You too can embark upon elk trips to teach your children about the fun of hunting and exploring the outdoors in a safe manner. These trips will surely be filled with great stalking and hunting memories and you might also return back with a trophy after a trip. So, pack your bags and your excited children too while heading towards the nearest hunting area and return back with an experience of a lifetime.

Elk Hunting – The Ethics Issues

As with any modern-day hunting activity, there will always be ethical issues attached to it. Elk hunting is not spared. The debate on this has spawned as long as some form of legislative body has been in place and will definitely go on as long as there are differing opinions on game hunting.

One key issue is the hunting season itself. Avid elk hunters are aware that seasonal hunting gives the best opportunity for a good hunt, whether for meat or for trophy. However, in recent developments, all-season hunting has been made available, meaning hunters are able to choose the time that suits them the most and go hunting at any time of the year. This is the result of game farms, where farmers allocate hectares of land to breed and raise elk and other game animals, for the sole purpose of allowing hunters to pay and hunt within these encroachments.

Activists believe this has made elk hunting too much of a sport without taking into consideration the biological needs of the elk population. This includes interfering with and manipulating of the natural breeding and birthing cycle and process. This in turn will result in less superior elks, more prone to cross-animal diseases and other genetic implications.

The other pertinent issue would be the purpose of hunting them. Different hunters are into this activity for different reasons. Apart from the lean meat that wild elks provide, there are hunters who are in it for the endurance-like challenge, with end-result of either taking away with them the meat or just the trophy, which ultimately are the head and antlers. In some cases, such as in “research captures”, the elks are tranquilized and only the antlers removed.

The age of the elks hunted also varies. This aspect may be an issue among some. The meat-hunters will go for elks that have just matured into young bulls or cows and occasionally yearlings or calves are hunted as well. For trophy hunters, the more matured bulls provide the best yield. Occasionally, hunting for cows means that the yearlings’ dependent upon them will lose their provider, for nursing and protection. Weakened calves or death among the still-nursing, abandoned calves will be almost eminent.

Another issue raised by many is the method of hunting or killing of the elks. While it is well known that primitive weaponry is no longer used, it is often debated whether modern-day weaponry such as rifles and tranquilizer guns are more humane. Reality is, a hunt means stalking and immobilizing it, or ideally, killing the elk the fastest possible way. However, in many cases, injury not resulting in instantaneous death of the hunted elk does occur. In many cases, the use of high-powered rifles results in a direct hit of vital organs. However, the elk is either still able to move about, resulting in the hunter having to hunt for a wounded, suffering elk. In some instances, where terrain and weather may hamper the hunter, it may take hours or worse, days before a wounded elk is found. By then it would probably have died a fairly agonizing death.

Other concerns raised by certain parties are the ecological impact of such activity. This includes the trail of human litter, where irresponsible hunters may leave behind gear or rubbish brought along into the wilderness while hunting.

Elk Hunting on a Budget

Like many types of hunting, elk hunting can be a very rewarding experience. The thrill of seeking out the quarry, getting close enough for the shot and then the excitement of bringing down one of the largest of the deer species cannot be beaten. The right equipment is a necessity as well, so we will talk here about your elk hunting budget.

Equipment and supplies are essential to the successful hunt and these can be a bit pricey. So you need to do two things first:
Set a hunting budget for what you will spend , and
Make a list of what you will need for that hunt.

These factors can vary depending on whether you go on an unguided or a guided hunt, the area you intend to hunt, how long you intend to stay afield and other factors. Of course, the proper firearm and ammunition are essentials and should constitute, in my humble opinion, at least 20% to 30% of that hunting budget.

For starters, concentrate on the basics that you MUST have, like warm clothing, boots, knife or field dressing kit, gloves, thermal socks, underwear and elk calls. You should be able to find these items at a local sporting goods store, but you can also shop online and find deals. Usually, you can find hunting budget busters at the end of the season and in the off season.

Secondary essentials can include fold up seats, portable stands and scent control items. These can also be found at local brick and mortar stores, but online shops can offer bargains. One thing you can do is look at the name brands of the items you need, then search out the same item in a secondary brand. You would be surprised at the money you can save by simply using a not so well-known brand.

When putting together your hunting budget, money can be saved in several ways. Using secondary brands us very god for saving money over the name brands. The same item that provides the same effect can cost up to 40% or 50% less in some cases. Don’t just pay for a name.

Look for kits that contain several items you are looking at. I did this last hunting season when I upgraded my scent control program. The individual items would have cost more than $50. I found a kit that included all of them PLUS a couple of other things for $37; a savings of about 17%.

Overall, it pays to simply be smart and not buy the first thing that you find. Do some research and find other types and brands that provide the same service. Even if you want to shop at a local storefront, go to their online site and check the inventory for availability. Saves you time and money traveling somewhere that doesn’t even have what you need on hand. Some places will have free shipping to the store nearest to you and you pick it up when it arrives, so you get the things you need all in one place and don’t even pay shipping costs. That can be significant to you as a cost saving maneuver.