Create a Checklist for Your Upcoming Elk Hunt

When you’re ready to tackle a Colorado elk hunt, take some time to create a checklist and organize your gear for the big trip. Start this process well in advance of your trip, while you still have plenty of time to prepare. Preparation and confidence go hand in hand.

Our guided hunters all receive a hunt info letter that includes a checklist with recommended gear. If you’re hunting with us this year, be sure and use that checklist. Another nice advantage of hunting with a guide is that it limits the amount of gear our hunters needs to carry in their daypack. But both guided and unguided elk hunters should have some essential gear at the ready.

As you begin working on your checklist for the hunt, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Rain Gear

If you’re hunting here in Colorado, you can expect a typically dry climate. On many of our hunts, rain gear spends more time in our backpacks than it does on our person. However, it’s still an essential part of your kit.

Rain, snow or sunshine, it’s all a possibility on a high country elk hunt. Look for rain gear that’s light enough to carry in your backpack but solid enough to keep you comfortable through rain and snow. Even when there’s no precipitation, rain gear is also useful when glassing in windy conditions. We highly recommend the lightweight raingear from First Lite, including the Women’s and Men’s Stormlight jackets and the Boundary Stormtight pants.

Layering

Versatility is the key to layering for any mountain adventure. Whether you’ll be hunting elk in September or November, it’s possible to experience anything from warm, sunny weather to snow and sub-freezing temperatures.

To learn more about our layering recommendations, please take a look at our previous article where we outline recommended clothing for a Colorado elk hunt.

Boots

A solid pair of boots is a critical on any mountain hunt. Bad blisters or wet, cold feet can end a hunt in a hurry. You’ll want a pair of boots that’s waterproof, durable and comfortable on your feet.

If you’re considering a new pair of boots for an elk hunt this year, we highly recommend making that purchase as soon as possible. Give yourself plenty of time to hike in the boots this summer. If there are any issues, the sooner you can address them, the better.

For some specific tips and ideas, see our previous article on boots for a Colorado hunting trip.

Daypack

Our guided hunters will need a comfortable daypack to carry their rain gear, extra layers, water and snacks. If you’re hunting on your own from a base camp, you’ll also need a solid daypack for the hunt.

Typically, a backpack that’s around 2,000-3,500 cubic inches is a good size for an elk hunting daypack. However, late season rifle hunts typically need more space than early season archery hunts, simply because they require more layers and bulkier clothing. Also look for a pack that has an expandable load shelf for hauling meat. A rain cover is also a good idea.

Check out our previous article on how to load your daypack for a guided hunt.

Optics

For our elk hunts on the Uncompahgre Plateau, we recommend 10x42 binoculars. However, if you’re planning a hunt elsewhere, be sure to ask your guide what they recommend for the specific terrain and style of hunting.

Pack your binoculars, range finder and a cleaning cloth in a comfortable chest harness. When your system is complete, spend time at the range (rifle or bow) practicing while wearing your clothing and bino harness.

Kill Kit

On a guided hunt, your guide will be prepared to field dress game, so always check to make sure you’re not unnecessarily duplicating these items. On our guided hunts here at Dark Timber lodge, we tell our clients not to worry about bringing a kill kit, as it adds unnecessary weight to their daypack.

Whenever you’re hunting on your own, always pack a basic hunting kill kit. This includes a quality knife and sharpener, bone saw, game bags, and paracord. Also pack your hunting license and a pen (wherever signature is required) in the kill kit.

Again, anytime you’re planning a guided hunt, speak with your guide in advance because these are items you can probably skip.

Snacks

We provide plenty of lunch items and snacks on our guided hunts. But if you have any “can’t live without” favorites, bring them along. Having your favorite comfort snacks can help keep you fueled and focused on long days in the field.

Water

Carry enough water for the duration of each day. Two liters is a good rule of thumb for most day hunts. Although it could be more if the weather is very warm. If you’re not used to hiking at altitude, this is especially important. Staying hydrated is the number one way to battle headaches and other symptoms of altitude.

Nalgene style water bottles are durable and easy to refill.  But we also recommend a Platypus or other soft-bottle system with a hose that can clip onto your backpack shoulder harness. Having quick, easy access to your water at all times will prompt you to drink more water, more often.

Headlamp

When elk hunting, it’s not uncommon to be hiking in the dark in the mornings and again in the evenings. A quality headlamp is an absolute necessity. Check your batteries and test the light before departing on the trip. Also pack plenty of spare batteries – you can keep one set in your daypack and the rest back at camp.

First Aid  & Survival Kit

Your guide will carry a robust first aid kit, but every hunter should at least carry a few first aid and survival basics. If you will be hunting on your own, you’ll need to carry a complete system.

For a basic kit, consider packing items like gauze, tape, blister pads, antibiotic ointment, aspirin and any medications needed. Also throw in a lighter, a small fire starter and an emergency blanket. Accidents can happen when working with sharp knives as well. Consider adding a QuikClot or WoundSeal powder to your kit.

You can put all these items in an ultralight nylon bag or even a basic ziplock bag will do.  

Contact Us With Questions

If you have questions about your upcoming elk hunt, please feel free to ask. If you’d like to know more about our guided elk hunts, explore the rest of the information here on the website. Or you can contact us for specific availability and other details.