Got an invitation to go to CO on an archery elk hunt a few days ago, and barring no disasters here I'm going. Last year I had three opportunities fall through on me, so maybe this is a sign--I sure hope so!

I'll be going with three other hunters, all of them with a good bit of experience, but I figure it never hurts to ask for suggestions.

What methods have worked for you? What essentials do you take? We'll be packing in 4-5 miles and staying for a week. With a bum ankle, I don't want to pack more weight than I have to, but I don't want to get in and learn I left one or two essential items behind.

Chad

I'm sure you know these things but I'll rattle them off anyway just in case. Here's a few that come to mind. Its been about 4 years since I've went so I know I'm missing allot of things that I would normally take.

Dehydrated food and drink, light for packing.
Excellent boots, ones your comfortable wearing. Make sure they are broke in before going up the mountains. Maybe even an extra pair of boots.
Compass.
Whistle if you get lost.
Maps of the area your hunting.
Binocs
Small First Aid kit (blister stuff for your feet)
Fire Sticks in case its wet
Small back pack for hunting
Cow calls
Spike calls
Bugle Pipe of some sort and call (whatever elk calls you desire)
Camera
Extra bow or limbs if you have a take down
Extra string, tab/glove, your basic archery essentials that you will need.
Knife
Watch
Some kind of blanket of some sort in case you get stranded in the mountains over night. I can't remember what its called.
Sleeping bag- Warm one
Tracking tape for marking on blood trail
Solar shower
Non scented soap and non scented deodorant of some kind.
Hunting clothes and regular clothes

I'll add to the list when I remember more. Your one lucky dog there Chad!! I miss my elk hunting allot!!!!!!!! Money hasn't allowed me to go for about 4 years now. I've never connected on one yet but I sure love trying to.

Good luck out there and be safe.

I'm not sure if you are going into Wilderness land or not. If not, are you going to take ATV's? If yes, are you taking horses or mules in? Its something that could make life a lot easier as to what you are taking in. When I go, we usually take horses.

Depending on where you are going, cell phones, may not work. You may want to consider renting a Satelite Phone.

Be sure to take a first aid kit, a mirror, some flint (and know how to use it), water proof matches, some real good worn in boots (especially important with your bad ankle) and a GPS. You may also want to bring a walking stick.

I'd also try to get into good physical shape. However, remember that the altitude (breathing) is what will take someone out before your muscles wear out. I don't know any real way to train for altitude safely.

No ATV's, but we do plan on renting a horse (or mule) to haul some of our gear. I'm going with guys who have hunted here before, and cell phones do work. I am in the process of buying a GPS.

I have a magnesium/flint firestarter, and some trioxane tabs for fire. Also taking a couple of lighters, and some waterproof matches if I can find them.

One fellow (not one of the hunters) told me he "heard" (he didn't know either) that walking/hiking while breathing through a straw helped condition your lungs for the high country. No idea if that's true, but I may try it.

Chad

You're welcome to borrow mine if you need it.

Get your but in shape whether its walking, runing or whatever. Work them lungs some how.

I appreciate the offer Bob--been wanting to get one anyhow, and this is a good excuse. Got some advice on getting one that doesn't cost a fortune, but will do anything I'll ever need it to do. That's why I don't already own one--I'm dumb as a rock when it comes to that stuff, and can't afford a bunch of trial and error.

I plan to walk with a pack--I ain't fast on my best day, but I am stubborn........

Chad

That will work Chad. Thats what my dad always did years back before heading to Colorado. It worked well for him.

I've hunted Elk Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming. Getting in shape in number one. I would add to your list a second small knife, a sharpener, lots of socks and an extra warm hat.

Don't forget game bags to carry your elk meat out in.