The one item you would not go without...
 

Going to Montana for Elk this fall. We plan to go with bow. No guides. On our own (sorta, got a friend out there that may be going with us but we'll be camping out...)

My dad and Uncle (both going) have both hunted in Alaska and Canada several times.

All of us going have done extended hunting trips from tents. Several times just a sleeping bag and food and bit of plastic in case it rains.

My uncle has been to Montana several years ago for Elk.

As far as the usual Tents, sleeping bags, food, firearms/bows, etc. we pretty much have down pat from past experience.

But what is the one thing that someone that is hunting Montana for the first time may need/want that an "out of stater" may not think of??

Thanks,
Country Boy

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

I guess this is two things, but I wouldn't want to go into a new area without a good map of the area and a GPS!

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

A good map and compass ( and the knowledge of how to use them) are already in.

a GPS might be... I don't have one... YET.

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

A small block and tackle to hang those quarters or boned out meat up in a tree to keep them out of harms way until you get it packed out. I won't go elk hunting again with out one.

A .22 pistol for those wonderful grouse around camp.

Field points for those wonderful grouse away from camp.

Map and compas / GPS.

Spike seasoning. This single can of seasoning tastes great on everything from burgers and steak to birds and fish.

LED head lamps with 3 or 4 bulbs instead of flash lights. They last way longer and weight almost nothing.

Flourescent lamps for the tent. Lamp and batteries are much smaller and lighter to carry than a propane lamp and bottles of propane. Unless you already have those really expensive and compact lamps.

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

toilet paper lmao

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

I guess we could assume that you have a number of good elk bull and cow calls and know how to use them. If you don't then that is a very high priority for an elk hunter to have. ESP. THE COW CALLS. Don't leave home without one.

Robin.

Oh and a big jug of "bear spray" becuz when you get to callin elk sometimes somthing else comes sneaking in.

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

My vote for the "too often ignored or "left at home" item would be a cheap simple GPS ($100-150) and the computer hook up cable to a computer with Topo! software for Montana installed on it (leave the notebook computer in the truck at the trail head). Use the software to make your own custom map showing pre-designated waypoints of landmarks, trailheads, water, saddles, etc. BEFORE you ever go.

IMHO, no single item will give you more confidence and help you master your "never been here before" area better than GPS shy of a scouting trip and maybe not even then.
HOWEVER, get the TOPO! software for your home state and thoroughly master it's use in a local situation first on the highway and then in the filed BEFORE leaving -- this is critical.

Most the successful elk hunters I know navigate to their stands both ways in the dark and when you are a newbie in the area that is just asking for trouble unless you can GPS it. If the older experienced guys don't use this and you are all going to an area none of you have ever been to, AND you really know how to use it and you have it preprogrammed with relevant waypoints in addition to the ones you add as you go, and you have printed out maps for everyone in your team, then you will have something that will be a real personal contribution to your group and you'll feel much more like a player than a tag-a-long.

My $.02, choose what you please.

EKM

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

Country,

These guys have hit major points. Knowing that you can get around without being lost is a major comfort and you can spend your time looking for animals more than your back trail.

I don't use a gps myself, but i'm not saying its a bad thing. But if you do use gps's do yourself a favor if you already don't own one. Buy it earlier and play with it and get to know how to use it well at home. And like elkamp said have it preprogram for area your going into. When you get to your area do some waypoint checks at camp before you ever set foot in the mountains for hunting. We have so many hunters lost everyyear due batteries and mess up's on the gps settings.
I prefer the compass and a topo but that's the military in me.

Main thing I would get for the trip would be some high altitude sickness pills and bring lots of water on your trip. Beer is fine but it usually makes people from lower elevation really sick at times and ruins the whole trip. Stick with the water you'll have a better time getting up those hills.

Its a pain in the butt but keep your food away from your sleeping area atleast 50ft incase a bear visit your camp. If you kill then keep those bloody clothes away from where you sleep also. Just to be safe.

If you don't walk much I would start now mile or two a day will make a big difference in your mobility in the mountains. Stick to a game plan for the day and let your hunting partners know roughly where you maybe in the event of an accident.

hey goodluck and have the time of your life. bring back some pics

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

FIRST AID KIT!! Good luck.

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

A go Topo map of the area hunting, compass, rope to tie the meat up in a tree!

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

I think the most important and most overlooked thing in elk hunting is a good pair of boots. Hike 10 miles a day for a few days and you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. If you're a deer hunter you'll find you'll probably do a lot more walking and most people just don't think about that. You want the most comfortable waterproof boot you can afford to buy.

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

You have a very good point! If you have the wrong type or kind of boot your hunting trip could be over sooner than you want. Whites Boot company is the way to go on boots!

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

Good wool socks,a small bic lighter in your pocket,and a warm hat we do get snow in September,so beprepared for the worst.

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

If you have done trips of this nature in the past then you should know what to expect.
How long has it been since you have been here? We have had some fires in the last few years that may effect the area you wish to hunt. For better or worse.
I would concentrate on the area your going to hunt,by scouting it out or by getting some locals info.
They are calling for yet another dry season which could spell disaster for an area you havent scouted or know nothing about. They have closed the forest down in the past due to fire danger. Have a back up area.
In the case of an unknown area... map and GPS with plenty of batteries.
So the answer to your question would be knowlege of the area you wish to hunt unless your just going for a picnic.
Good Luck:)

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

I like the GPS idea... and the recommendation to get to know how to use it BEFORE you need to use it.

When I bought mine, I spent 'bout 6-8 hrs straight reading the manual and trying everything on the GPS... until I was proficient at it all. Nuthin' worse than tryin' to figure out an electronic device when you're all stressed out and tired.

Also... if the area that you'll be hunting has ANY road near by... drive them with your GPS on... and then "save" the routes into the memory.

If you ever get lost (or fogged in... or whatever), you can simply recall the road route(s) onto your GPS screen... and simply track yourself as you walk... and then adjust your track to intersect the road. I've got all the nearby roads saved in my GPS's memory.

Also, even if you get and take a GPS with you, take a compass as well. Doing a "Go To" on your GPS... getting the distance and the bearing... using your compass, you can set the bearing and sight in a target. Without a compass, you have to track yourself for a while to see what direction you're heading in... and then adjust... which is a nuisance IMO.

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

My one item? I've been without a GPS for years before they were invented, so that's a want, not a need. Definitely need food, shelter, water, gun, and license. But back to my one item...ready...it's Wet Ones. Or baby wipes if you will. They give you a wipe shower, clean your hands and tools after field dressing, and most importantly---the do a GREAT job of cleaning your bottom after doing your business. If millions of babys use 'em, they can't be wrong!!! I've been using them for years and if you try them, you'll never go back to tp in the outdoors.

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

Toilet paper!

Good Luck hunting!!

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

LMAO!! You beat me to the punch - guess I better read the whole thread first.:D

Depending on the season Fall/Winter make sure your stuff is waterproof, get some good optics. Boots do make the trip and good wool socks help prevent blisters.

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

lol hunter/gatherer how could of we forgot the most important thing of all.

As a youngster my tshirts and long johns were always missing a piece or two. Lmao Never forget the tp.

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

Don't go on any hunt without letting someone at home know exactly where your camp is & a check in date/time. Your life could count on it.
If everyone got snowed in you would ALL be in need of help..

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

Toilet Paper AKA Mountain Money

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

A first aid kit. Two pair of well used hunting boots. Lots of wool socks. I prefer the Smartwool brand of wool socks.

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

Speaking of wool socks - has anyone used the Merino type of wool for socks and or 1st layer? I hear it doesn't itch as bad. I use silk 1st under wool now but I was wondering if I could eliminate the silk layer for merino wool and avoid the over heats when the weather changes.

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

I started using the merino wool socks about three or four years ago. Now I will not wear any other type of sock while hunting. That wool is soooooo soft it is hard to believe that it is actually wool. No need for a liner sock any more to keep from iching. Definetly try them out this upcomong season. You won't be sorry. They hold up a lot better than the regular wool does too.

Believe it or not Wal-Mart has a really good selection of merino wool socks by Rocky, Woolrich and one endorsed Ducks Unlimited. They usually carry a light weight, medium weight and an expedition weight.

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

Since you all covered of TP, footwear, hoisting devices, gps, maps, etc. One thing I learned the hardway that will never happen again, is giving the wife a kiss goodbye even if it is 4 am...hard to believe I know but the one time I slipped out of bed and headed up for a week of archery moose without kissin' the ms. was the most miserable trip I have ever been on and when I got home she was still stoked about my get away in the predawn darkness(of course this was before we had kids;))

If you don't have a better half or significant other, any one of the other suggestions is good but if you do have one add this little item to your list. Side note a few flowers never hurts either:)

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

Poluke & bigbulls,
SmartWool socks are made from 100% pure Merino wool. Give them a try if you see them on the shelf. You will like them.:)

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

Thanks, I'll look for them next time I'm out shopping for hunting stuff.

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

A knife and good boots!!!!!!

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

Wyoming Bone Saw - a neccessity

I also won't go out without a cig lighter and pine knot. Regardless of how bad the weather I can start a fire with that combo

I also am liking my little Stanley razor knif. Ultra light, ultra sharp, ultra handy

Also, lacing cord (12 ply waxed nylon cord)

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

i'd bring a whole lot of sandwiches and beer cause i ain't ever heard of anybody bringing down elk in montana this time of year! :D but seriously, i would bring a .22 pistol like someone else suggested and good army grade knife. good luck!

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

Other than my hunting license, baby wipes. After several days in the field, they sure help to freshen up.

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

Good topic,

I myself will be going to Montana for elk this Sept and would like to know what power and kind of Binoculars everyone uses to glass for elk?

Searched the forums but didn't find too much....

Thanks

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

1. toilet paper (ruined too many good shirts)
2. SmartWool socks
3. snoose
4. my gun
5. knife

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

Kraton, You would probably get a whole lot more responses if you started a new thread about binocs.

But I use nothing over 8 power. Anything bigger than that (10X +) is either too heavy and bulky or if in a compact model is very light restrictive. The 10X and larger are also best used on a tripod to get a steady picture.

When you look for binoculars divide the objective (large end) size by the power and you will get the exit pupil size. For good light transmission you will wnat to have an exit pupil size of at least 4mm up to about 8mm. The bigger the magnification you have or want the larger the objective lense you will need to get good light transmission. You can see how a 10X25 will only give you an exit pupil of 2.5mm thus not letting your eye absorbe the maximum ammount of light but an 8X32 will give you 4mm exit pupil size which is about the size of your pupil during daylight. To get the same ammount of light to your eye in a 10 power binoc you will need a 40mm ebjective lense and for a 12 power binoc you will need a 48mm objective lense.

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

A good strong hunting partner to pack out my elk. lol lol. On a serious note I would write a checklist and double check it before I left. I was talking to a sporting goods shop owner in Salmon Idaho (central Idaho) and he told me every year he sells 4-5 guns and/or bows to out of staters who fly in to Idaho. And then drive 3 hours to Salmon. And meet their outfitter only to remember (when their outfitter asks what their shooting) that they left their gun or bow at home. He of course sells a lot more of the personal items that people often foget.

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

What I have found that is even better is bring a stack of baby wipes. You will need them when you are gutting an animal. Plus they feel refreshing on your bum ;). Especially if the wind is blowing...

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

They are pretty good for keeping the rest of your body as well as your hair somewhat clean too.

Don't use the same one though.;):D

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

The one thing I wouldn't go without are two way radios. Hunting in the rockies is a completley different and can be a scary experiance.

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

Call me nuts, call me real old school....I agree with most of what has been said. Although I do not own a GPS, I do carry a compass in my purse. LOL and have topos of all areas I hunt and know how to use them. My late father was retired military and taught me survival skills when I was young.....you guys will laugh and say I'm an idiot however, although I take lighters with me. Only 2....I always take some flint and iron pyrite to make a spark....when lighters get wet they do not work. Flint and pyrite always do. Just a thought as it could save you from hypothermia...one of the biggest killers when your out and unprepared.

RE: The one item you would not go without...
 

Do the regs allow for the use of two way radios while hunting?