I use Swarovski optics. Is this a must? No. I have found over the years that there is a definite difference in good glass and mediocre. For high paying clients or a hard to draw tag like this. Those last few minutes of daylight may be the difference in bagging a trophy or going home empty handed.
I like Kuiu's day pack. It is comfortable, light and well thought out organization pockets. My outdoor edge kit does not leave my pack on any hunt. The saw and gut blade are a life saver. I like to carry a few glow sticks to find my way back to a quartered out elk or back to the side by side at night. On X is a must when hunting near CWMU or private property. Those elk seam to know where the line is. I use and reuse the badlands quarter bags. They are awesome.
I like the sound of the new Phelps bugle and Rocky Mountain hunting calls make the best cow calls I've ever blown.
I like to camp in a little bit of luxury. I use a canvas wall tent. I like a tall cot to get you off the ground and storage underneath. Kuiu's sleeping bags will keep you warm all night.
MTN OPS makes great bars and energy drinks. Peak refuel has great breakfast and dinner packs.
I like layers. It will be cold in the morning but warm up quickly. The Kuiu zip off bottoms are game changer.
Kings has great accessories at a great price.
CVA makes amazing muzzleloaders. This one shoots better than most of my rifles.
Primo's trigger sticks have made big game hunting a lot easier.