%3B%7D%0A%09.st1-pro%7Bfill%3Aurl(%23PRO_2)%3B%7D%0A%09.st2-pro%7Bfill%3A%23FFFFFF%3B%7D%0A%3C%2Fstyle%3E%0A%3CradialGradient%20id%3D%22PRO_1%22%20cx%3D%22119.3454%22%20cy%3D%221.2055%22%20r%3D%2294.5354%22%20fx%3D%22120.9682%22%20fy%3D%22-66.4064%22%20gradientTransform%3D%22matrix(1%200%200%20-1.1501%200%20131.8377)%22%20gradientUnits%3D%22userSpaceOnUse%22%3E%0A%09%3Cstop%20%20offset%3D%220.4666%22%20style%3D%22stop-color%3A%23000000%3Bstop-opacity%3A0.8%22%2F%3E%0A%09%3Cstop%20%20offset%3D%221%22%20style%3D%22stop-color%3A%23000000%3Bstop-opacity%3A0%22%2F%3E%0A%3C%2FradialGradient%3E%0A%3Cellipse%20class%3D%22st0-pro%22%20cx%3D%22120%22%20cy%3D%22127.9%22%20rx%3D%2294.2%22%20ry%3D%22112.1%22%2F%3E%0A%3CradialGradient%20id%3D%22PRO_2%22%20cx%3D%22120%22%20cy%3D%22-33.3%22%20r%3D%22107.1804%22%20gradientTransform%3D%22matrix(1%200%200%20-1%200%2084)%22%20gradientUnits%3D%22userSpaceOnUse%22%3E%0A%09%3Cstop%20%20offset%3D%220%22%20style%3D%22stop-color%3A%2379C729%22%2F%3E%0A%09%3Cstop%20%20offset%3D%221%22%20style%3D%22stop-color%3A%2361A021%22%2F%3E%0A%3C%2FradialGradient%3E%0A%3Cpath%20class%3D%22st1-pro%22%20d%3D%22M120%2C0L24%2C42.7v64c0%2C59.2%2C41%2C114.5%2C96%2C127.9c55-13.4%2C96-68.8%2C96-127.9v-64L120%2C0z%22%2F%3E%0A%3Cg%3E%0A%09%3Cpath%20class%3D%22st2-pro%22%20d%3D%22M75%2C74.1c6.2%2C0%2C9.2%2C3%2C9.2%2C9.2v14.3c0%2C6.2-3%2C9.2-9.2%2C9.2H60v14.8H47.2V74.1H75z%20M70.3%2C96.5c1%2C0%2C1.2-0.3%2C1.2-1.2%0A%09%09v-9.5c0-1-0.3-1.2-1.2-1.2H60v11.9H70.3z%22%2F%3E%0A%09%3Cpath%20class%3D%22st2-pro%22%20d%3D%22M126.5%2C121.7l-8.1-15.9h-5.3v15.9h-12.7V74.1h27.9c6.2%2C0%2C9.2%2C3%2C9.2%2C9.2v12.4c0%2C5.3-2.1%2C8.2-6.5%2C9l8.3%2C16.9%0A%09%09H126.5z%20M123.5%2C95.7c1%2C0%2C1.2-0.3%2C1.2-1.2v-8.9c0-1-0.3-1.2-1.2-1.2h-10.4v11.3H123.5z%22%2F%3E%0A%09%3Cpath%20class%3D%22st2-pro%22%20d%3D%22M164.4%2C121.7c-6.2%2C0-9.2-3-9.2-9.2V83.3c0-6.2%2C3-9.2%2C9.2-9.2h19.1c6.2%2C0%2C9.2%2C3%2C9.2%2C9.2v29.2%0A%09%09c0%2C6.2-3%2C9.2-9.2%2C9.2H164.4z%20M168%2C109.8c0%2C1%2C0.3%2C1.2%2C1.2%2C1.2h9.6c1%2C0%2C1.2-0.3%2C1.2-1.2v-24c0-1-0.3-1.2-1.2-1.2h-9.6%0A%09%09c-1%2C0-1.2%2C0.3-1.2%2C1.2V109.8z%22%2F%3E%0A%3C%2Fg%3E%0A%3C%2Fsvg%3E%0A)
Colorado Rifle Seasons Elk
Hunting any of Colorado's rifle season can present many challenges (i.e. big temperature swings, snow and bitter cold, hunting pressure). To be successful means being able to endure the weather and many times get away from pressure and off the beaten path. Therefore, having the right gear is critical to your success! Below, you will find suggestions on gear, clothing and weapons that have worked well for me in recent years.
May contain sponsored links*Optics
For optics, I recommend getting a minimal of 10x50's, I use 12x50's. Buy the best you can afford as your optics are your best friend for helping you locate game. Bulk and weight are also a factor! Good optics can be critical to finding game especially when the hunting gets tough! Not only do I use mine glassing for game but also for tracks in the snow to find areas where elk are traveling, congregating and feeding.
Binos
Bino Harness
Spotting Scope
I don't use a spotting scope as I find with my 12x50 binos, it's rare I need one and don't want to carry the extra weight in my backpack.
Range Finder
Backpacks & Gear
Below is the essential gear I always have with me on a hunt.
Backpack/ Pack Frame
First, on backpacks, you want one that can be adjusted to fit you properly, especially for heavy loads. The ability to carry all the gear you need is important as is the ability to synch the pack down when the pack isn't full. Lastly, one of the very best features of today's best packs for hunting is the ability to pack a game quarter by loosening the pack bag and sliding a quarter against the frame followed by synching everything up tight again. I am using the KUIU (but there are several other great hunting packs on the market today) pack system. Key reasons are it is almost 2 pounds lighter than its competitors, carries weight well, the fit can be easily customized to your built (plus they offer sizes based on your height and waist), offers great organization with pockets and it's quick and easy to load a quarter or swap bags to a different size. Lastly, KUIU offers a lifetime warranty too! If you do have any issues they will make it right and quickly!
Knives
On knives, I like one for skinning, one for removing quarters and boning out meat, and a final for tough skinning or caping chores (one with surgical steel - super sharp). I like knives that are easy to sharpen but hold a decent edge.
Hydration
During the cold weather, I tend to carry hot water (or use it in my drinks) given it makes it easier to drink enough this way in prevention of getting dehydration.
Headlamp
Other key items are a quality headlamp, extra batteries, and a backup light.
GPS
Finishing off the list are a good first aid kit, and a emergency communication device.
Satellite Messengers
Safety/ First Aid
Calls
Success with hunting elk any season can be increased by calling. I've used many calls including diaphragms over the years but nothing beats Phelps Game Calls! Given the manufacturing consistency of their calls, I know each time I open a package for a new diaphragm it will sound as good as the last. I've used others where this is NOT the case! Their new aluminum bugle is a game-changer, too! It produces a crisp, clean sound! Frankly the best I've heard yet!
Other
I carry a small saw. The saw comes in handy for many things including cutting a lodge pole to hang quarters!
Camping Equipment
Staying dry and warm is critical to your backcountry experience as is having gear that is reasonable to pack in terms of bulk and weight! During the early rifle season, I like to pack in and hunt remotely, weather permitting. This requires a packable shelter that's snow worthy and can accommodate a lightweight packable stove. The later rifle seasons typically means deep snow in the backcountry and frigid weather. This time of year elk will start to migrate to a lower country so I don't pack in for these seasons. For these conditions, I like a wall tent with a wood stove. This provides a warm, comfortable camp and the ability to keep water from freezing too!
Tent
Sleeping Bag
Other
Food & Nutrition
Carrying the right food and enough of it is critical to your hunt! Archery hunting elk can require covering 6-10 miles per day so you need enough calories and protein to keep going! Staying properly hydrated is also critical!
Snacks/ Bars
Other
Clothing
As with all gear hunting elk in the Rockies, lightweight, packability, and durability are critical features! A layering system is also critical to deal with big temperature swings.
Baselayers
I also choose base layers made of merino wool given they breathe, dry quickly if they get wet, and don't retain order. I like the base layer bottoms which allow for removing them without taking your boots and pants off during strenuous hiking or packing meat. They can easily be put back on when you cool off.
Insulation/ Midlayers
Outerwear/ Jackets
When on the move during cold weather, I like a soft shell jacket with pit zips for venting. This provides quiet protection from wind and snow, ease of movement, and is plenty warm enough with a couple of layers underneath. When I am on stand or glassing, I put on a warm down jacket (and pants too if need be) as my outer layer. I like the new down technology which doesn't absorb water so even in wet weather you will stay warm!
Pants
Rain Gear
Footwear
For boots hunting in the west, I prefer a 9-10" hiking style boot for cold weather and snow along with gaiters. 200 grams of insulation is enough or they will be clumsy for hiking. I find this is enough to keep my feet comfortable. If riding horseback in frigid temps, I will wear a felt-lined pack boot as they do the job when stationary in real cold temperatures. A final point, make a point to go try on a few pairs of boots to see what feels good on your feet and boots ARE not a place to skimp. Buy the best you can afford and you will be glad you did!
Clothing - Accessories
With clothing accessories, the same critical feature apply including lightweight, packable, durable, and insurance that these items will keep you warm and dry. High-quality merino socks are critical for comfortable, warm feet! With merino socks, you can easily get by with just 2 or 3 pairs for a week-long hunt with no odor and dry quickly!
Gloves
Other
Firearms
Rifle Equipment
For elk hunting in the west, ideally, you want to be able to shoot accurately to a minimum of 300 yards, 400 yards is even better! Therefore, rifles that shoot relatively flat out to 300 yards are preferred while still maintaining good energy. The same goes for ammunition. I have found that depending on the caliber 140-180 grain offer plenty of energy and good penetration. Even with bigger calibers and heavier bullets, shot placement is critical so picking a caliber where you can consistently shoot nice tight groups is the most important! For optics, I like a 2.5-10x power scope (or 3-12X) with a 44-50 lenses as these gather light well. These scopes provide plenty of power but are not too heavy and bulky including for hunting off horseback. I also like the lower power for when hunting on the move and track game as it allows for quick shooting if need be!
))/3406523.json "Tikka T3X Superlite Bolt-Action Rifle in TrueTimber VSX - 7mm Remington Magnum")
Ammunition
))/3345629.json "Hornady Outfitter CX Centerfire Ammo")
))/2353180.json "Hornady Superformance SST Centerfire Rifle Ammo")
Rifle Scope
For optics, I like a 2.5-10x power scope (or 3-12X) with a 44-50 lenses as these gather light well. These scopes provide plenty of power but are not too heavy and bulky including for hunting off horseback. I also like the lower power for when hunting on the move and track game as it allows for quick shooting if need be!
