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Colorado DIY Archery Elk Hunt

Spencie

Senior Member
5,046
145
Constitution Ohio
Can't say that I will be ready for the Rockies but the hills around here aren't an issue at the moment. I have been SLOWLY working to get in shape. Daily pushups and situps. Each day I have also, hiked, biked or kayaked...sometimes 2 of the 3. Nothing has been for extended periods, just taking my time. I don't want to peak before September. I will start to rev it up beginning in August.

I have a lot of my gear now. The Kuiu 4000 pack is nice and I put a 50# bag of corn on it for a hike up Mt Athens. Packing 50# is a learning curve!
 

giles

Cull buck specialist
Supporting Member
Here’s a couple friendly tips I just thought of.

Take a look behind you from time to time. If you’re in bear country, a courious bear will often track you a couple of miles.

If you have to break trail, let one of them boys do it. Preferably the tallest one. That high stepping in snow or weeds will take it right out of you. And they clear all the spider webs and other crap. 😂
 

Spencie

Senior Member
5,046
145
Constitution Ohio
For any of you guys that have gone on a week long back-country backpack trip, how many clothes do you pack in? After getting my gear together there's no way all my clothes will fit in pack with all my gear and food. I'm guessing wear in one set and pack in another set along with rain gear. This is going to be a learning experience.
 

giles

Cull buck specialist
Supporting Member
I Take two scent free baby wipe showers a day, rain gear, an enough underwear to change them daily.

If enough room and weight, I’ll take more. I’d suggest a couple pair of good wool socks in different weights/thickness. No need to change socks every day with good wool ones.

This would be my very least that I would take. Rain gear also would go on the outside of my pack and not take up any space inside and be very accessible.
 
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Spencie

Senior Member
5,046
145
Constitution Ohio
I have all the gear I could possibly need. I have to get it down to the essentials. Do I take light gear and cold gear or just the cold gear and strip down if it’s warm? A mule would be great to have!
 

giles

Cull buck specialist
Supporting Member
Let the weather tell you when it gets closer. Layers is what it’ll come down to though. Mountains ain’t no joke and you can’t possibly wear it all while hiking/packing meat. Gonna need to be able to shed and reapply cloths multiple times a day.
 

Spencie

Senior Member
5,046
145
Constitution Ohio
Let the weather tell you when it gets closer.

My wife and I are flying out the week before for a vacation and I'm meeting the boys when they come through Denver. So, my gear will have to be packed a week in advance. I'm probably going to take my cold gear and strip down to my wool unders if it's warm.
 

Spencie

Senior Member
5,046
145
Constitution Ohio
They are driving, pulling a box trailer converted into a camper. There is another guy and his gf that are going. They drew muzzy tags. They are hunting from camper.
 

Jackalope

Dignitary Member
Staff member
39,120
274
While I have never done this myself one thing surfaces almost every time I read recommendations from people who have done it. 1. Quality boots. 2. Quality glass. Spend enough on the them that you regret it and they may be good enough. Sitting on your butt gassing for hours will do some funky stuff to your eyes and cause headaches if you have mediocre glass.
 

Spencie

Senior Member
5,046
145
Constitution Ohio
I have leupold binos and just bought salomon boots...they are incredibly light and comfortable right out of the box.
I also ordered our mountain house meals today. Picked up a few at Dunham’s. They aren’t bad at all.
Tested my katadyn water filter in the sink last night. Still need to try my life straw.
Also bought a Marmot sleeping bag and Klymit sleeping pad.
The boys have most of the camping gear but I have picked up a few items.
 

Spencie

Senior Member
5,046
145
Constitution Ohio
I don’t have high hopes for the hunt. Most reviews are negative for our units. I guess that’s why they are over the counter tags. The experience will be great and the knowledge gained will be beneficial to future hunts.
 
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