hardcastonly

Im always rather amazed when we bring new hunters out of state on hunting trips, out too the rocky mountains
invariably, theres several almost expected flaws with the equipment, being used or prep for the trip,

(1) most of them can shoot excellent groups off a bench rest,
but in most cases they could not hit a coke can from a rapidly acquired field position,
at 100 yards if their lives depended on doing so.
only after a few days does the concept of using a bi-pod and sling seem viable to most, of them

(2) many have no idea how to use a compass or gps or topo map,
if they get more than a 1/2 mile from camp in rough country , they get disorientated,
and have difficulty walking directly back to where we camp.

(3) almost everyone is not in physical condition to handle higher altitudes, walking up a steep grade,
covering a 1/4 mile at 8000-10000 ft altitude
is a far different level of stress than doing the same thing at 200-1500 ft above sea level
(this is especially true of the florida new guys)

(4) bring chap stick and aspirin, and drink lots of liquids
fail to do so and youll soon realize why I suggested that.

(5) break in and test your boots and back-pack very thoroughly before the trip,
and have a back-up plan , a rifle cleaning kit and basic tools to work on your weapon,
if your primary rifle , archery equipment or scope fails
being 2300 miles from home with a rifle with a broken scope, or mounts and no back-up
or iron sights is frustrating, I can,t begin to count the times my back-up rifle saved some guys hunt.

(6) buy a sleeping bag thats rated for colder temps than you expect, freezing your ass off is not a good way to spend your nights,

(7) carry a day pack with a warm vest and rain poncho, and a cell phone with a back-up battery,
and anything else you may need.

some basic thoughts
(now admittedly I hunted mostly rugged canyon country for elk and mule deer, for the last 50 years,
so some ideas may not apply where you hunt)
(1) do the required research prior to the season, to locate a good area with a reasonable game population
talk to the local biologist and game wardens, and local ranchers if you can.
learn to shoot quickly from field positions use a sling and bi-pod.
(2) get and study topo maps and purchase area aerial photos, use both extensively
learn what elk eat, where they find cover, bed and locate the areas that provide the potential escape routes
locate the logging road access, and major camp sites, use the other hunter pressure too your advantage,
knowing where elk will avoid helps you limit the areas you need to glass.
(3) assuming your in decent physical condition, physically get out into areas ,
use a GPS to locate terrain choke points to glass for game,learn to recognizes tracks, and the age of elk droppings
scout on foot,in locations on the topo map's that indicate the location has potential.
(4)spend the time glassing the better potential areas, if you don,t see elk in 45 minutes, move to the next likely area to glass from
, and repeat, dawn till dusk until you see elk.
if you don,t see elk in two days move your camp to a different area and altitude
(5) once you've located legal shoot- able ELK use binoculars and your topo map info,
to move into range, as you cover ground to close the distance, while watching the terrain , maintaining your cover,
limiting noise and planing a route that limits your scent reaching the elk.
(6)move into range, reevaluate the game,frequently, watch for sentry cows and outlaying bulls ,that might spoil the stalk,
use your optics and once in range use your weapon of choice to take the elk ethically.
its not easy but its not complicated, it takes persistence and a willingness to get out away from the local road access.
(7) dress and process the game, transport it to the truck pack in zip loc bags and dry ice as fast as possible
heres a quick memory jog list, for MY hunting day pack
(you sure may not need everything,
but it may jog your memories or cause you too think.)
(remember you might be forced to stay out over night, & weather is unpredictable)
skinning knife
kukri
compact blade sharpener
compass
area topo maps
canteen
licences
cell phone (car charger and/or back-up batteries)
several lighters
several mil surplus trioxane heat tabs
granola bars
rain poncho
2 gallon zip lock bags
small block & tackle hoist & rope(50 ft parachute cord)
spare ammo
heavy hoodie jacket
large plastic tarp
aspirin
other meds
lip chapstick
water purification tablets, or filter/pump
down vest
gps
pack of wetnaps
toilet paper
emergency food
spare boot laces
compact bore cleaning rod/brush

anything that could get screwed up if you fall in a creek like medicine, licences, cell phones etc.
gets double zip loc bagged


emergency's do occasionally happen