Reviewing the Equipment List from my 2012 Colorado Elk Hunt

Last year at this time, I was sharing what I was taking into the backcountry to hunt for the Wapiti. This year I am not hunting for them, but as others are I figured I would share what I would change about my set up. Thanks to B. Cramer for the great question and I hope this post helps you when packing. If you see it in black, I will still be bringing it. If it has a strike-through, it’ll be removed.

I will recommend that you test out and know each article of gear you bring with you. You may need more than what I am bringing, like a tent. I didn’t need a tent because Eddy already had one set up for us. If you plan on staying deep in the forest and waking up with the elk you will need one. Think about the area, terrain, weather, and read up on what others have done and recommend, too.

My list from last year had a lot on it. Here is my 2012 list and what I will be changing for my 2014 hunt.

• Hunter Education Card (Must have in order to hunt non-resident in Colorado)
• Hunting License (Will purchase OTC when I arrive)
• Hunting Regulation Book – Just bring the pages you need for elk hunting

• PSE DNA 65# – I used my PSE Bow Madness on my 2012 hunt.
• Easton 340 Full Metal Jacket Arrows (dozen)
• G5 T3 Striker Magnum Broadheads
• Scott Archery Little Bitty Goose Release – Also pack a spare
• Judo Points
• TightSpot Quiver
• Nikon Archer’s Choice Rangefinder

• KOWA 10×50 Binos
• KOWA 10×42 Binos – MINOX 10×43 Binoculars
• Carbon Fiber Tripod with Ball Head – For camp only
• Small tripod for hunting
• Badlands Bino Pack

• Mountain House Meals
• House of Jerky Black Pepper Jerky
• Jetboil
• Jetboil Fuel
• Coffee Packets
• Wilderness Athlete Gel Packs
• Energy Bars
• Cookie Boy Cookies – PROBAR Meal Bar Supplements

• Trekking Poles
• Badlands 2200 Backpack w/96 oz. bladder
• Hybrid Daypack – If using my frame pack (below) I would utilize a smaller pack.
• Pure Hydration Water Bladder And Filter – As a spare
• Commander Freighter Frame Pack – Bring it on every hunt in case you get one and are miles deep!
• Knives (Buck Special, SOG Woodline Fixed, Havalon Piranta)
• Knife Sharpener

• SPOT Locator
• Garmin Etrex Venture GPS w/HuntingGPS Maps
• Smith&Wesson Flashlight
• LENSER L7 Headlamp
• Nikon DSLR Camera – Always bring it with you if you want good photos!
• Brunton ReSync Charger
• Digital Cards with extras
• Extra Batteries

• Schnee’s Wilderness Hunting Boots – Best piece of gear on my body! Add inserts for support.
• 6 Pair Of Wool Socks
• Camouflage Pants (Insulated and Non-Insulated)
• Camouflage Jacket (Insulated and Non-Insulated)
• 2 Pair of RedRam Merino Wool Base Layers
• Camouflage Gloves (Insulated and Non-Insulated)
• Camouflage Cold Weather Hat
• Brimmed Hats
• Rain Gear
• Alaska Game Bags (2 Packs) – I might switch up to a more rugged bag, or a pillow case.