Connor Bailey Laramie, Wyoming
Connor Bailey Laramie, Wyoming
Western Mid Season Elk/Deer & Predator Hunting
This is a compilation of several years of guiding and hunting the western states. This Is the gear that works for me pursuing high country and desert mule deer, as well as backpacking elk hunts. I am primarily a rifle hunter, and hunt steep country. This gear list carries from mid-September until the end of November and well into predator hunting season. All the gear listed has a specific purpose. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out via instagram. Please use this gear list as a reference to prepare for upcoming hunts.
May contain sponsored links*Optics
Binos
These are my go-to binoculars. The clarity and field of view are amazing.
Bino Harness
This has enough space for a windicator, extra bullets, some emergency supplies, and tags. I replace the buckles with auto-locking buckles so the harness doesn't slide down during the day.
Spotting Scope
Swarovski ATS 20-60x65mm Angled Spotting Scope. A lighter weight crystal clear spotting scope option. I only carry a spotting scope when mule deer hunting or I'm hunting in the open country. Dark timber elk hunting, a spotting scope often goes unused.
Range Finder
With the ability to load ballistic data using the BDX system, the Sig Sauer takes all the guesswork out of those longer shots.
Backpacks & Gear
I primarily backpack hunt. So my packs need to be comfortable and able to carry heavy loads.
Backpack/ Pack Frame
This is a very versatile frame that is extremely comfortable to wear and haul heavy loads.
I use this bag for 75% of my hunts. It is big enough for multi-day hunts, but can be strapped down into a day pack mode.
This is a dedicated day pack, usually used for short coyote hunts, or early-season scouting day trips. However, it is no longer in production.
Knives
I use this knife for almost everything. Works great and I break way less blades than I did on my Havalon.
Hydration
I carry 2 bottles.
Headlamp
Safety/ First Aid
Calls
Only used for predator hunting. Exceptional sound and clarity.
During elk season I will always carry a cow call and bugle tube. I am currently using a Duel Bugle tube and Duel Black Widow cow call.
Camping Equipment
This Section IS MY RECOMMENDATION of camping equipment. Please take into consideration the weather conditions, terrain, and your personal comfort.
Tent
This is a one person tent with lots of room.
Sleeping Bag
Kifaru 20 degree Slick Bag- My sleeping bag from April until December. I do sleep in all of my clothes minus rain gear.
I use this bag in January and February.
Sleeping Pad
With an R value of 1.4 this is an early season/warmer hunt sleeping pad. I have used it until late October with no issue.
This pad has an R value of 4.3. I use this pad for cold weather hunts or hunts where snow is on the ground.
Food & Nutrition
I make sure to pack 2500 to 3,000 calories per day. This is based on my body type and energy exertion level.
Supplements
Their motto is "stay salty". With 1,000 mg of Sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60 mg of magnesium, two of these a day keep me hydrated on long days of sweating. They come in a variety of flavors.
Snacks/ Bars
Think of a cliff bar on steroids that doesn't taste awful. At 700 calories a bar these organic dense bags of energy are a great breakfast option.
Freeze Dried Meals
These meals are calorie dense and high in protein.
Clothing
This Section IS MY RECOMMENDATION of clothing. Please take into consideration the weather conditions, terrain, and your personal comfort.
Baselayers
This piece is great for warmer days and the hood gives you cover from the sun.
For later season hunts when a lightweight hood isn't necessary.
Comfortable and no bunching.
Insulation/ Midlayers
This hoodie has a warm waffle pattern fleece keeping heat in and moving moisture out.
A great mid-season, puffy jacket.
For extreme cold weather or when you're on long sits glassing or calling coyotes.
Outerwear/ Jackets
A great layer for cutting the wind. I wear this outside of my heavy weight hoodie then put the puffy coat over top of the wind jacket.
Pants
I have an older version of these insulated pants. I highly recommend them if you are going to be in cold weather and stationary, like hunting coyotes.
Tough, durable, flexible,breathable. Need I say more?
Rain Gear
A great lightweight and bomb proof set of rain gear.
Footwear
These are the workhorse of my boots. I wear these anytime I know I will be hiking in steep country or carrying heavy loads.
My everyday/light hiking boots.
These boots are for the extreme cold. I use them for coyote hunting or riding in wilderness camps.
I use the heavyweight hunting sock throughout most of the season.
Clothing - Accessories
I make sure and pair my gloves and socks to weather conditions. And I pack one pair of socks per three days in the field.
Gloves
These come in 3 different weight options to cover a wide variety of weather conditions.
These gloves are for colder and wet conditions.
Hats/ Beanies
This hat cuts the wind and keeps my ears warm.
Other
The only gaiters I've owned that last longer than one season.
I prefer this pattern over the straight white overwhites. In the desert where I hunt, there are always patches of sagebrush or dirt exposed.
Firearms
Rifle Equipment
Have a rifle that YOU can comfortably shoot to ranges of 4-500 yards.
Big Game Rifle
I use rifles that are easy to find ammunition, able to kill all animals I need them to.
Browning x-bolt in .308 Winchester
Rifle Scope
This is a rifle everyone can shoot. I often carry it as a backup for clients.
Predator Hunting Rifle
Chambered in .243
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Ammunition
Hornandy Superformance 165 gr.
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Bipods/ Shooting Sticks
Steep terrain is not conducive for prone shooting. Shooting sticks help offer support and stability for those longer shots.
Connor Bailey Laramie, Wyoming
*NOTE: The links to purchase certain products I recommend in this gear list may result in me being paid a small commission. I appreciate your support!