Southern NM/AZ Archery Elk

Optics

For archery elk hunting, I typically prefer carrying a single pair of "do all" binoculars and a small, traditional, hand-held rangefinder. You will likely encounter opportunities to sit on a canyon rim and glass fairly long distances, but also be in tight, timbered bedding areas looking for an ear or antler.

Binos

Maven B.2 11x45 Binoculars

Marsupial Enclosed Binocular Pack

Marsupial Rangefinder Pouch

Vanguard Carbon Fiber Tripod

Range Finder

Sig Sauer Kilo1000

Optic Adapter

Universal 'Lollipop' Phone Case

U1 Mini Universal Adapter

OUTDOORSMANS BINOCULAR ADAPTER

OUTDOORSMANS LARGE BINOCULAR STUD

Backpacks & Gear

When staying mobile and active, backpack and accessory choices can make or break the experience. I like carrying a comfortable and compact pack with a frame and the capability of packing meat when success is found.

Backpack/ Pack Frame

KIFARU Stryker XL

KIFARU Duplex Lite Frame

KIFARU 500D Pullouts

Knives

RazorPro™

Havalon Piranta-Stag

Hydration

KUIU Platypus 3L Hoser

Lights

PETZL, TACTIKKA +RGB Stealth Headlamp

Streamlight LED Stylus Pro

GPS & Safety

Elite Hunt Membership

Garmin inReach Explorer+

First Aid

I built my own First Aid kit, but really anything that revolves around stopping blood loss. I carry two tourniquets, bandages, compression bandages, vet wrap, and band-aids to name a few. I also have some very basic, over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, Excedrin, aspirin, and an antihistamine.

Aquatabs

If I don't carry enough water, chances are my options are going to be from pretty stagnant sources.

Game Bags

I used the Kuiu game bags this past year and will continue to.

KUIU Quarter Game Bag

KUIU Boned-Out Game Bag

Type III 550 Paracord

I always carry a roll of 550 type chord. I often choose to quarter meat and hang it in the coolest spot near me so I can pack it.

Accessories

The individual products I choose in this section are probably based more on personal preference than some of the others. Still, I am particularly fond of what I have listed, and believe them to be some of the best. The diaphragm call I prefer makes a great range of sounds for me, but you have to practice making the sounds you want to make well before a hunt.

Barronett Blinds OX 5 Crater Core

MONTANA DECOY Miss September

Calls

Rocky Mountain Bully Bull Extreme Grunt Tube

Rocky Mountain Black Magic Diaphragm Call

Scent Eliminators

It is my core belief that you have to keep the wind right. You are mobile and sweating on hunts like this and staying scent free is unreasonable.

Dead Down Wind Laundry Detergent

Dead Down Wind Body & Hair Soap

Dead Down Wind Evolve Field Spray

I will use the spray if going to sit in a blind.

Trail Cameras

Hex

Browning Strike Force Extreme

Miscellaneous Safety Items

Pyro Putty 5 Pack of .5 OZ Cans

Pyro Putty Single Use Foils

Zippo Typhoon Match Kit

Zippo Fire Starting Paracord

Flourescent Orange Flagging Tape

Camping Equipment

The camping gear I chose depends on the unit I draw. Even in a relatively similar area, my choice may change depending on what is available to me. Much of the guiding I do revolves around a main camp or lodge we return to each night. I may choose to set up a camp trailer in some units, or a tent in others, depending on how far I'm traveling and how rough the roads are to get there.

Davis ELK CAMP TENT PACKAGE

COSMIC SYNTHETIC 20

EXPED Sleepwell Organic Cotton Liner

NEMO Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad

Cabela's Alaskan Guide Cot

Jetboil Zip Camping Stove

MSR WindBurner Windproof Stove System

Honda 2200 Watt Portable Inverter Generator

Food & Nutrition

My choices of food vary greatly depending on where I'm hunting. Unless monsoonal rains have provided extra surface water, I know my water availability may be low. I typically don't pack dehydrated meals and a stove away from camp for the day. Instead, I'll carry a little extra weight and carry a lunch kit of food for that day.

Supplements

IGNITE TRAIL PACKS

Snacks/ Bars

Blueberry Almond Packaroons® (10 Pack)

Original Trail Mix 12 Pack

Beef Jerky Variety Pack

Freeze Dried Meals

Grass-Fed Bison Chili (Single Pack)

Spinach Curry with Chicken & Rice (Single Pack)

Other

Black Rifle Coffee Just Black Cold Brew Packs

Black Rifle Coffee Murdered Out

Classic Perfect-Brew Pour Over Set

Clothing

I am listing the most common of my choices in this section. I like several brands and clothing options including King's camo, Skre, Kuiu, and others. I also pay attention to forecasts and will bring heavier rain gear if likely to face severe rain or thunderstorms.

Baselayers

KUIU Gila LS Crew

Insulation/ Midlayers

KUIU Kenai Jacket

KUIU Guide DCS Jacket

Pants

XKG Preacher Pant 2.0

Hardscrabble Pants

KUIU Attack Pant

Rain Gear

MEN'S ULTRA-LITE RAIN SUIT

Footwear

1110 BALTORO LITE GTX RR - Musk

CRISPI Thor II GTX

DARN TOUGH Hunter Midweight w/ Cushion Sock

Sheep Feet Full Length Custom Orthotic

XKG Leg Gaiter

Accessories

Mechanix Wear: The Original Leather Work Gloves

Minus33 Merino Wool Beanie

KUIU Gila Airmesh Boonie

Firearms

Archery Equipment

I have been very happy with my bow choice, but I personally feel like this is one of the less important things to focus on. Several bow companies are making excellent bow options. I have shot bows I'd be happy with from Mathews, Hoyt, PSE, Bear, Elite, Darton, Prime, Bowtech, and Athens. I believe that proven, rugged accessories and fit are more important aspects of a quality setup.

Mathews Traverse Compound Bow

I have happily been shooting a Mathews Traverse since 2019.

Black Gold Ascent Verdict

Bee Stinger Xtreme Stabilizer

Tightspot Quiver

QAD Ultra-Rest HDX

Carter Enterprises Quickie 1 Plus ITS Release

Broadheads

Slick Trick 1" 4 Blade Standard

Slick Trick Viper Trick

KuduPoint Contour+ Plus

DAY SIX EVO

IRON WILL S SERIES BROADHEADS

Arrows

BLACK LABEL QUANTUM HUNTING ARROWS

TAC 2.75" Driver Hybrid Vanes

Targets

Delta McKenzie Pro Killzone 3D Archery Target

Case/ Storage

SKB Bow Cases