RE: Must have for elk hunting
 

If you want to hunt hard for multiple days, TP is a necessity. Not joking around. If you wipe your a$$ with leaves or whatever it can ruin the rest of your hunt. Think about it, day two of a week long dream hunt and you have inflamed hemroids, itchy butt, or worse a allergic reaction in your seat.[:@]

Always, I stress always carry survival gear. I don't care how long or short you plan to be in the mountains. You know what most all people who have to be rescued say when they are found? "we/I didn't plan on being gone very long"

Water. You can go overnight without food. Though a cup of soup is nice on the mountain. But, you can get dehydrated and get alttitude sickness in a hurry. I try to carry at least a quart of water and a means to purify more (tablets or pump purifier).

A good knife. I don't mean your old folding buck. I mean a good knife that is sharp and a small stone to resharpen. Skinning can take the edge off a knife in a hurry. Its a pain to bone out with a dull knife. I generally carry at least two knife. I don't carry a bone saw because I generally bone on the spot.

A camera.If nothing else a little disposable one.There's nothing like thepictures taken in the wild at the scene of the action. People reactions and smiles seem more genuine. The memories will last well beyond when the steaks run out.

RE: Must have for elk hunting
 

Hear, hear. I have to take ribbing, but I always grab the backpack, even when I'm near the truck. The reason is habit! Two seasons ago, my son's downed muley that had been shot from 100 yds off the road got up and we wound up stalking him 2 hours from the road, returningin a blizzard after dusk. No problem, even if we couldn't have found our way back.