i am going elk hunting in '08 and was looking for some help choosing my gear. i will be bow hunting. do i need a super expensive rangefinder, same goes for binocs. will i need heavilyinsulated boots or some where more in the moderate? i am a rookie so any and all suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Need a little more information. Where are you hunting?

A rangefinder is a big plus. I have a Lieca but most of the ones sold are fairly decent for archery use. Lots of practice can aleiviate the need for one. I shot several elk with bow before ever getting a rangefinder. As for boots. Get a pair NOW, that fit well and make sure they are "broke in" to your feet. You will be to some heavy walking. All I have ever used is a pair of insulated Rocky's or whatever your flavor and they have been fine. Don't really need heavy insulated since the walking will (should) keep your feet warm. Get waterproof boot though as the dew on everything in the morning will soak your pants and boots. Better yet bring two pair as one will get wet and you will need a spare. One of the best I have used are the military desert boots. Very comfortable and tough. Lots of rocks to cut up your boots.
Binoculars....what hasn't been said....get the BEST you can afford. I have gone through so many I hate to admit it. I now use Lieca 8x42. 8 power seems to me to be the best compromise. I also have a 10 power Lieca but have found that in the thick pines they are too much.

Hope this helps. WW

GPS and/or compass, map, good knife. Pack as light as you can, most elk hunting is in steep rough country where you will do a lot of walking.

Boots -- get the best and most comfortable you can afford. You are going to do some serious hiking and climbing unless you plan on sitting in a tree stand all day. The bow season is early so it will not be that cold so go as light a boot as you can. I even wear a light pair in gun season with400 gr. of insulation. And the advice to get them early and break them in right on.

Binoc - 8 power is about right. Get the best you can afford but you do not need to go overboard. Also get get the straps/harness that goes over your shoulder and holds them on your chest. If you try and carry them around your neck they will bounce around and always be in the way.

thanx for all the help. i will be hunting in colorado. unsure exactly where.

Good boots are important when hunting elk, since you will be walking a lot in steep terrain. Wear them and break them in before you go. Heavy insulation isn't necessary during archery season, especially earlier in the season when it can be pretty warm- your feet would burn up. In fact, I use non-insulated boots for archery season and have never had a problem with my feet getting too cold. You will be on the move so much that your body will be warm. I have a pair of Danners and love them, but everyone has their preferences. Also, don't go cheap on socks because you will end up with blisters and your hunt will be over. I like medium-weight wool socks. SmartWool, Thorlo, Bridgedale and Danner all make good socks.

WWhunter is right. The need for a rangefinder really depends on your ability. I personally don't use one. If you are well practiced and are decent at judging distance, you can get by without one. If you don't have the time to practice and get a good feel for distance, it's probably in your best interst (as well as the elk's best interest) to get one.

Binoculars really depends on the territory that you are hunting. Some elk territory can be so thick that you won't see any animals until they are really close. Here you will be hunting primarily by sound, and binoculars won't matter as much. If you are hunting more open terrain with glassing opportunities, you will want a pair- and a good pair. Many people will tell you to get the best pair that you can afford, and I agree. Glassing through cheap binoculars is no fun. Pay the extra money now for a good pair if you can. If you go with a cheap pair now you will get rid of them in a few years and eventually buy a good pair anyway, and end up spending more money in the process