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Alex Gruin
Alex Gruin Guide & Outfitter • Michigan
Alex Gruin
Alex Gruin Guide & Outfitter • Michigan

Late Season Rifle Elk Hunt

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The pursuit of an elk in the toughest and most secluded parts of a mountain will require very specific skill sets as well as some great gear to support staying on the mountain. I have found that these items work the best for me in keeping me warm, dry, and comfortable during the late season.
May contain sponsored links*

Optics

Binos

Swarovski 10x42 EL Range Binoculars

Bino Harness

FHF Gear FHF Pro-M Bino Harness

Spotting Scope

Maven CS.1 15-45X65 Spotting Scope

Tripod

BlackOvis Treeline Carbon Fiber Sitting Tripod w/Panhead

Range Finder

7x24 Rangemaster CRF 2400-R Laser Rangefinder
Leica Sport Optics

Other

S1 SPOTTING SCOPE ADAPTER-S1
MagView
MAGVIEW PHONE PLATE
MagView

Backpacks & Gear

Backpack/ Pack Frame

I've found that I like the lighter options of packs during the late season due to some of my clothing having to be a bit heavier for the colder weather. Every ounce counts which is why I use multiple options for different seasons and species of hunts.

KUIU PRO LT HUNTING PACK KIT

Knives

Havalon Piranta

Hydration

One of the other items that I change from warmer seasons to colder seasons will be my hydration. I go from using a bladder to only using a nalgene bottle due to my bladders freezing up, especially in the mouthpiece. Having a nalgene, I can warm water up and put that hot water in my tent to not freeze overnight.

Nalgene Wide Mouth BPA-Free Water Bottle, 32 oz
MSR Dromedary Bag Water Reservoir
Katadyn Hiker Microfilter

Headlamp

Black Diamond Equipment - Storm 400 Headlamp

GPS

Elite Hunt Membership
onX Hunt & onX Fish
“Must Have Service”

Satellite Messengers

Garmin inReach Explorer+

Safety/ First Aid

MyFAK
MY MEDIC

Game Bags

BlackOvis Ovis Sacks Ultralight Pro Game Bag Set

Gear - Accessories

Managing your scent and utilizing other small accessories have been very important for me on elk hunts. I have found that in the late season, I do not use calls but I do like to stay clean and still manage my scent by playing the wind and paying attention to thermals. This has been the most successful thing to winning the battle of an elks nose. I also enjoy being able to find a spot and glass while being a bit warmer with a small fire. I will make sure the wind is going the opposite way from where I am glassing, round up some wood, and put some fire starter out to enjoy a small little comfort setting as I take my place for a few hours.

Scent Eliminators

Dead Down Wind Unscented Full Body Bathing Wipes

Other

MEECO'S RED DEVIL SureStart Fire Starter Squares
GEAR AID Tenacious Tape Fabric
Vaseline 1 Blueseal Pure Petroleum Jelly

Camping Equipment

During the late season, I enjoyed camping much more with a fire, especially at night. Having a nice tent that can have enough room for myself and 1 other individual with a small stove is perfect. Along with that, a solid sleeping bag or quilt and a high R-Value Sleeping pad will make all the difference for me.

Tent

Cimarron Pyramid Tent

Sleeping Bag

KUIU Super Down Sleeping Bag 0°

Sleeping Pad

Static V Luxe
KLYMIT

Cooking

Jetboil Flash Camping and Backpacking Stove Cooking System
TOAKS Light Titanium 550ml Pot
Medium U-Turn Stove With 6' Pipe

Food & Nutrition

In the late season, calories will play a role in managing your caloric needs along with thermoregulation. It is colder and being seated and managing the cold is important to think about. I change from just looking at the nutritional value of calories to also conisdering items that will be warm when I am drinking or eating them. This has helped me with getting calories in and enjoying those little comforts. A good example is wanting to drink a hot tea versus dreading some ice cold water. One of the other items are thoroughly have enjoyed as I am glassing will be a warm cup of bone broth. This is a great way to get more protein in versus carbs and it gives me more warmth during those cold days.

Supplements

HOT IGNITE
MTN OPS
“Cold Weather Pick Me Up”

Snacks/ Bars

PERFORMANCE BARS - 10 Pc-Triple Chocolate Mudslide
MTN OPS
The New Primal Lightly Peppered Turkey Stick
Honey Waffles 16ct Box
Honey Stinger
Sweet Coconut Packaroons® (Eight Pack)
Heather's Choice®
SKIPPY Creamy Peanut Butter Individual Squeeze Packs

Freeze Dried Meals

Peak Refuel Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Peak Refuel Beef Pasta Marinara
Peak Refuel Basecamp Bucket

Other

Built Broth 10ct Bag

Clothing

As the seasons go futher into the year, I have found that the layers I used will be thicker, have added fleece and the DWR or water repellancy will need to be on the higher end. For this, my gear ends up becoming slightly heavier and I have a few more items added to the mix.

Baselayers

BATTLEGROUND MERINO HOODIE 260G
MTN OPS
KUIU Pro Merino 200 Zip-Off Bottom

Insulation/ Midlayers

SITKA Gear Men's Kelvin Aerolite Insulated Hunting Vest
BlackOvis Anchor Point 800 Fill Welded Down Jacket
BlackOvis Anchor Point 800 Fill Welded Down Pant

Outerwear/ Jackets

KUIU Axis Hybrid Hooded Jacket
SITKA Gear Ballistic Vest

Pants

KUIU Axis Hybrid Pant

Rain Gear

KUIU Chugach TR Rain Gear Set

Footwear

Crispi Wild Rock Plus GTX
Cabela's Heavyweight Thermal Crew Socks

Clothing - Accessories

During the late season, one of the adds will be an orange hat and vest. I used to use some cheaper products and get away with the use of the orange. Ultimately, I found out that I could upgrade these items and they would help improve the experience overall. I also prefer having gloves that layer as well instead of just one insulated glove.

Gloves

KUIU ULTRA Merino 210 Glove
KUIU Northstar Glove
KUIU Super Down Pro Glassing Glomitt

Hats/ Beanies

KUIU Kenai Beanie

Other

SITKA Gear Neck Gaiter
HotHands Hand Warmer Value Pack
1 pack for each day with 2 single hand warmers

Firearms

Rifle

I will use a lighter rifle during the later seasons as I have more gear that will be heavier in my pack. I have found that from all the rifles in my safe, I keep going back to one of them due to its weight and accuracy and you might be surprised which one it is.

Ruger American Rifle Predator Bolt-Action Rifle with Rotary Magazine - 6.5 Creedmoor

Ammunition

Hornady Precision Hunter Rifle Ammo
Hornady Precision Hunter 143gr ELD X

Rifle Scope

RAZOR® HD LHT™ 3-15x42 HSR-5i (MOA)
Vortex Optics
Alex Gruin
Alex Gruin Guide & Outfitter • Michigan
Owner of East 2 West Hunts. Learn more about us by visiting (url removed)
*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!