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12/28/2024 9:54:54 PM EDT
I put in last year for first rifle but didn’t get drawn. I gave 4, maybe 5 points, I can’t remember right now. I gave several questions if anyone is willing to help and give me advice. I’m getting ready to start researching units again, picking up where I left off last year. Not sure if I’ll use a guide, drop camp, or diy. I’d really like to go diy but I have a lot of things to buy if I do.

Questions:

1. If I do guide or drop camp, do I wait to see if I get drawn or go ahead and book something now?

If I diy:

2. What size pack would I need?

3. Should I plan on brining a 4 wheeler or utv? I’m not sure how I would get all my gear back far enough if I didn’t.

4. Should I go archery or first rifle?

I’m sure I’ll have more questions as this thread evolves.

Thanks in advance.
"It's hard to beat a person who never gives up."- Babe Ruth
12/29/2024 12:04:16 AM EDT
[#1]
Originally Posted By rat1624:
I put in last year for first rifle but didn’t get drawn. I gave 4, maybe 5 points, I can’t remember right now. I gave several questions if anyone is willing to help and give me advice. I’m getting ready to start researching units again, picking up where I left off last year. Not sure if I’ll use a guide, drop camp, or diy. I’d really like to go diy but I have a lot of things to buy if I do.

Questions:

1. If I do guide or drop camp, do I wait to see if I get drawn or go ahead and book something now?

I would hope good guide services allow for non draw. IDK.

If I diy:

2. What size pack would I need?

I like a 2200+ size. Not too big for day trips, but plenty of space for clothes you are bound to shed.
I’ve had great luck with Kuiu and EXO.   Plenty of deals on used.

3. Should I plan on brining a 4 wheeler or utv? I’m not sure how I would get all my gear back far enough if I didn’t.

I use the heck out of my utv.   Usually park where there is 5-10 miles of crap road, and I use a small trailer.  We pack in a small wall tent, wood stove and cots.  Plenty of allied gear.
It would beat my truck up and last year my truck wouldn’t have made it.
If you don’t want to bring one, there will be plenty, or a few, decent camp spots before the road goes to hell.    Depends on unit and when.  Opening weekend of archery is a zoo, and I wait for the animals to leave.

4. Should I go archery or first rifle?

All my replies are for archery, my focus the last several years.
I was a lifetime gun hunter.  Seemed too easy, I could count on laying down a small bull or cow 2 out of 3 years.   Went to bow, no elk meat since.   I also don’t hunt quality units. 0 points draw so far for my home unit.  It’s a weak unit, but close and I know it well.
I gotta stay close to home for reasons.
Non res draw will be different for you. The overcrowding has been an issue and they picked on you guys to thin the hunter crowds.  Your odds will be much worse than mine for the same draw.
I don’t know much about that, so do some research. Maybe one of the hunt apps that walk you through.  Considering how much your tag will be a 40$ app may be worthwhile.
My OnX map app is indispensable.

All 1st rifle are draw/bull only/short season.  2 through 4th season are still OTC tags through many units.

You have hardly enough points to do anything with.  Might as well apply for a point, first choice, then a likely low point unit second choice.  That’s what I do. 15 points, and still not enough for a primo unit.  

Here’s some pics to keep you going.

Attached File


I’m sure I’ll have more questions as this thread evolves.

Thanks in advance.
View Quote
Attached File
Attached File
Attached File
If life was easy nobody would quit.
12/29/2024 12:08:50 AM EDT
[Last Edit: DVCER][Edited] [#2]
That ain’t my elk in my machine..helped a friend get it out is all.

Good to get in front of that hunt now.  Don’t wait till the last month.
I’m not gonna offer unit advice cause there are so many factors.
Probably why the hunt apps have flourished.
If life was easy nobody would quit.
12/29/2024 12:24:17 AM EDT
[#3]
You are going to want a UTV like in the pictures above.

Before you leave home sort out how you wil I’ll pack it so everything fits and is strapped securely.

Make a written load plan.

Also figure out how you wil carry extra fuel.

Get as far back in as you can and then you can use that as a base camp to hunt from.

As far as which units to hunt I can’t say as there are far too many variables to factor in.

I would say first rifle over archery as rifle hunting simply give you options that you just do t have with a bow.
12/29/2024 8:17:33 AM EDT
[Last Edit: BFskinner][Edited] [#4]
Originally Posted By rat1624:
I put in last year for first rifle but didn’t get drawn. I gave 4, maybe 5 points, I can’t remember right now. I gave several questions if anyone is willing to help and give me advice. I’m getting ready to start researching units again, picking up where I left off last year. Not sure if I’ll use a guide, drop camp, or diy. I’d really like to go diy but I have a lot of things to buy if I do.

Questions:

1. If I do guide or drop camp, do I wait to see if I get drawn or go ahead and book something now?

If I diy:

2. What size pack would I need?

3. Should I plan on brining a 4 wheeler or utv? I’m not sure how I would get all my gear back far enough if I didn’t.

4. Should I go archery or first rifle?

I’m sure I’ll have more questions as this thread evolves.

Thanks in advance.
View Quote


Take it for what it is worth.  We hunted southern Colorado (near Bayfield) for about 10 years so my experience is limited to a particular area so YMMV (between 7500 feet and 10,000 ft in steep heavily forested terrain).  

1.   We have done self-guided and drop camp.  Drop camp is way easier.  If you have a good outfitter they will have their drop camps situated in decent locations but it will be up to you to find the elk.  Drop camps are nice in that you should only need to take clothes, sleeping gear, food and water and your rifle.  The outfitter should have it set up with a wall tent, cots, stove and cut firewood.

2.  If you drop camp all you need is a day pack.  The outfitter will load all your gear in paniers and will need it in smaller bags to distribute the weight on the pack horses.

3.  If you use a horse outfitter you won't need, nor will you probably be able to use an ATV.  They can get up into areas vehicles can't reach which is one of the advantages.

4.  If you have never gone before I would stick with 1st rifle if you can get it.  If you haven't scouted the area getting close enough for a bow is a lot harder than being close enough for a rifle shot.
It’s better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than open it and remove all doubt.
12/29/2024 12:19:18 PM EDT
[#5]
Hasher1 has a great point, pack everything secure for the ride in .

We lost a critical piece of gear this year.

The toilet seat.  I bought another next trip in town.   We are in all month and build a proper latrine.

Attached File
If life was easy nobody would quit.
12/29/2024 12:20:23 PM EDT
[Last Edit: ChicagoFoodie][Edited] [#6]
I have nothing really to add in regards to gear, but I would definitely use a rifle instead of a bow, unless your Cam Hanes.

Also, I just flew back from Estes Park last night, which was 7500’ elevation. Elevation didn’t bother me but we’ve been told that altitude sickness was a thing, so I’d suggest get in shape and start carrying heavy stuff right now, because you’re going to struggle in the mountains.

Good luck, and look forward to seeing your pics!

Attached File
12/29/2024 1:03:47 PM EDT
[#7]
What  ever you do get in shape early,walking briskly,then add a pack as you progress.I ended up walking 2-3 miles 3x weekly, walking 2.5 miles in about 22-25Min,This was not on level ground either.Pack weighed about 25Lb.

We started at 6700 ft and I shot my bull at about 10300.The altitude will really work on ya if you're not in shape.

Also be prepared to drink a lot of water,more than you think you'll need,it helps with the altitude sickness that can happen.

Be prepared to reliaby take shots out to 500yrds,our party took 3 nice bulls the closest was 420yrds farthest was 510yrds.3 out of 4 got their bull one guy just plain missed at about 400yrds.
12/29/2024 4:36:17 PM EDT
[#8]
Should I work on locking in someone for a drop camp right now or do I wait until I pick a unit to see if I get drawn?
"It's hard to beat a person who never gives up."- Babe Ruth
1/2/2025 9:06:51 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Iowaredneck][Edited] [#9]
Originally Posted By rat1624:
I put in last year for first rifle but didn’t get drawn. I gave 4, maybe 5 points, I can’t remember right now. I gave several questions if anyone is willing to help and give me advice. I’m getting ready to start researching units again, picking up where I left off last year. Not sure if I’ll use a guide, drop camp, or diy. I’d really like to go diy but I have a lot of things to buy if I do.

Questions:

1. If I do guide or drop camp, do I wait to see if I get drawn or go ahead and book something now?

If I diy:

2. What size pack would I need?

3. Should I plan on brining a 4 wheeler or utv? I’m not sure how I would get all my gear back far enough if I didn’t.

4. Should I go archery or first rifle?

I’m sure I’ll have more questions as this thread evolves.

Thanks in advance.
View Quote



1 you need to figure out where you want to be over the counter or draw but if you have a place in mind I'd be talking to guides in advance any worth a shit are booked way in advance

2 I carry a good sized day pack with 4 cheap game bags soon as I get one down it's boned and hanging carry a load out and come back with my frame pack

3 that highly depends on where you are going I hunt where there is no atv access and what there is on the other side of the mountains is width restricted so only an atv would work

4 that's up to you 1st rifle is pretty much a zoo but get in the right spot and people will push them to you if you can get away from people and the rut is rocking an archery hunt would be awesome


I've been out there 21x since 1998 killed 16 and 6 for the last 6 all diy otc
Originally Posted By nickforney
This subforum has filled up with a bunch of worthless fudds and I feel less and less that this is any kind of community I want to be a part of.
1/2/2025 9:15:46 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Iowaredneck][Edited] [#10]
Weird double tap
Originally Posted By nickforney
This subforum has filled up with a bunch of worthless fudds and I feel less and less that this is any kind of community I want to be a part of.
1/2/2025 11:09:20 AM EDT
[#11]
The prior poster mentioned boning out your kill.  I thought it worth mentioning that the processor we used would not accept meat for processing that he couldn't hang.  Since we wanted it processed and packaged we just gutted and quartered our kills and let the pack horses do the hard work of getting the quarters off the mountain.  

The outfitter who provides you a drop camp may very likely be willing to come check on you at least once to haul out the meat before it spoils which can be an issue 1st season depending upon where you end up hunting.  



It’s better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than open it and remove all doubt.
1/2/2025 12:41:41 PM EDT
[#12]
Thanks for the replies. I'm narrowing down some units to apply for and deciding whether to go archery or 1R. I'd like to do full DIY but I just don't have all the gear i need at this point(tent/packs/etc.) I looked today and have 4 points for Elk. I'll look for units that i can draw with 4 points and try to find one that will allow me some potential success. Really want to get a hunt under my belt out there and really excited to go.
"It's hard to beat a person who never gives up."- Babe Ruth
1/2/2025 2:15:56 PM EDT
[#13]
Thoughts on EM code vs EE code? I'd like to get a cow if i can't get a bull but is it easier to be successful with one code or the other, meaning are units where its easier to secure a EE hunt less desired/low elk population? I'm still listing out units I can get a tag with 4 points, and there are several, then i'll cross reference success for bull and elk, and number of hunters.
"It's hard to beat a person who never gives up."- Babe Ruth
1/2/2025 2:35:26 PM EDT
[#14]
Chronic wasting in those areas?  I'd do little butchering until the head clears.
1/2/2025 2:50:27 PM EDT
[#15]
I’ve never played the odds of EM vs EE.  I have no idea what the odds of draw are, but I always get EE, Archery.

You should really buy a hunt app, I hear they lay all that stuff out.
Anything I tell you will be my weighted odds as a resident and not applicable to you.
If life was easy nobody would quit.
1/2/2025 3:48:55 PM EDT
[Last Edit: rat1624][Edited] [#16]
Quote History
Originally Posted By DVCER:
I’ve never played the odds of EM vs EE.  I have no idea what the odds of draw are, but I always get EE, Archery.

You should really buy a hunt app, I hear they lay all that stuff out.
Anything I tell you will be my weighted odds as a resident and not applicable to you.
View Quote


I have OnX but have been reading through CO big game website stats. I'll start looking at OnX, might save me a bunch of time.
"It's hard to beat a person who never gives up."- Babe Ruth
1/2/2025 4:11:36 PM EDT
[#17]
Those CPW stat pages make me crazy thus I offer no advice.
From what I hear, 4 points will not get you much as a NR.
I’ll send you an IM.
If life was easy nobody would quit.
5/30/2025 1:38:55 PM EDT
[#18]
My buddy and i drew CO 1st rifle! Unit 39.
"It's hard to beat a person who never gives up."- Babe Ruth
5/30/2025 3:38:03 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote History
Originally Posted By rat1624:
My buddy and i drew CO 1st rifle! Unit 39.
View Quote


Good deal.  I can say get the MVUM *Motor Vehicle use map* for that unit since you, and I, know nothing of the Regs there.
It should be findable on the USFS.

Get here as early as possible to acclimate to the altitude.  You won’t really acclimate unless you are a big cardio guy, but maybe you can beat the usual headache/altitude sickness.
If life was easy nobody would quit.
6/1/2025 6:44:22 PM EDT
[#20]
Quote History
Originally Posted By DVCER:


Good deal.  I can say get the MVUM *Motor Vehicle use map* for that unit since you, and I, know nothing of the Regs there.
It should be findable on the USFS.

Get here as early as possible to acclimate to the altitude.  You won’t really acclimate unless you are a big cardio guy, but maybe you can beat the usual headache/altitude sickness.
View Quote


My family and I were in Breck in ‘24 mid October and hiked up blue lakes near Hoosier pass. I did pretty well. We flew in Friday night and hiked Saturday.

My buddy and I plan to get there on Monday, Wednesday is opening day so we should have time to acclimate.

Im going to do a scouting trip sometime in August but have to figure out the dates.
"It's hard to beat a person who never gives up."- Babe Ruth
6/1/2025 7:04:16 PM EDT
[Last Edit: DVCER][Edited] [#21]
Quote History
Originally Posted By rat1624:


My family and I were in Breck in ‘24 mid October and hiked up blue lakes near Hoosier pass. I did pretty well. We flew in Friday night and hiked Saturday.

My buddy and I plan to get there on Monday, Wednesday is opening day so we should have time to acclimate.

Im going to do a scouting trip sometime in August but have to figure out the dates.
View Quote


You are in better shape than most then.  That’s all above 10k’.

You’ll have a great time.  You find a drop camp?  Be aware if you bring an ATV these turds want a CO permit.  You can buy it online or here, most anywhere.
If life was easy nobody would quit.
6/1/2025 7:15:39 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote History
Originally Posted By DVCER:


You are in better shape than most then.  That’s all above 10k’.

You’ll have a great time.  You find a drop camp?  Be aware if you bring an ATV these turds want a CO permit.  You can buy it online or here, most anywhere.
View Quote


No drop camp yet. We’re trying to decide whether to do it on our own, but should at least call and talk to some drop camp providers. I want to get away from everyone and that might be our best bet.

My buddy has a side by side do we might bring it if it’s allowed. I want to get into the mt Evans wilderness area but I don’t think vehicles are allowed.
"It's hard to beat a person who never gives up."- Babe Ruth
6/1/2025 7:17:43 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote History
Originally Posted By DVCER:


You are in better shape than most then.  That’s all above 10k’.

You’ll have a great time.  You find a drop camp?  Be aware if you bring an ATV these turds want a CO permit.  You can buy it online or here, most anywhere.
View Quote


I also had my 4 yr old daughter on my shoulders the whole time lol. Shes only about 35lbs though, but wasn’t planning on that.
"It's hard to beat a person who never gives up."- Babe Ruth
6/1/2025 9:41:06 PM EDT
[Last Edit: DVCER][Edited] [#24]
Mt Evans wilderness, any wilderness, is foot or horse.
Still, anything is better than banging in on rough roads to a trailhead.

I have been chasing elk for a long time, and it was an evolution for me.

Just the 4x truck and chains worked

Then I got a Jeep, towed it in with the truck.

Then I got a SxX.  The Jeep hasn’t moved since.  I tow the Sx in with the truck, to a trailhead.  Bang camp in another 5-10 miles using a SxS trailer.  Slow, but once camp is in the Sx scoots into various drainages much quicker than anything else.

Thing is, you can hunt out of anything.  What I find is the elk move a lot.  I like being able to jump over if the animals aren’t where I thought, the SxS covers our crap trails  quick.  An ATV is almost better if there are 50” trails.  They are a thing here.  A MVUM will show it.

I’ve hunted all over the state but never there.
If life was easy nobody would quit.
6/2/2025 6:22:40 AM EDT
[#25]
As above post says.

A side by side can be run on roads.   Lots of trails are limited to 50 inch wide ATVs.  The trails that go deep into the mountains are 4 wheeler paths

Been out several times, be prepared for bad luck.  

Had 3 feet of snow dropped on us overnight, really limited our movement.

Had a sxs roll over due to steering box freezing up.  Made for long day and a nice black eye.

Had 75 mph winds one day/night with freezing rain sleet.

Had a guy get sick from altitude.  Had to come off mountain several times during week.

Walked back to my truck one night and had to wait on a moose to walk away before I could open the door.  He was standing about a foot from the side of truck.


All said it is a great experience.  I need to organize another trip to head again.





6/2/2025 11:04:17 AM EDT
[Last Edit: DVCER][Edited] [#26]
Good input vatopa.  Gotta be like an extreme Disney trip for men for you outta state guys.   I forget sometimes how blessed I am having it so close.

The wind can be epic bad.  Have everything that can blow away staked down tight.

Attached File


That was before it got bad, and the chair went 50 yards.
The tent gave up on one side at 0200.  I threw the hot stove in the snow and got in the truck at 0215.
If life was easy nobody would quit.
6/2/2025 3:36:28 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote History
Originally Posted By DVCER:
Good input vatopa.  Gotta be like an extreme Disney trip for men for you outta state guys.   I forget sometimes how blessed I am having it so close.

The wind can be epic bad.  Have everything that can blow away staked down tight.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/857/IMG_7288_jpeg-3554514.JPG

That was before it got bad, and the chair went 50 yards.
The tent gave up on one side at 0200.  I threw the hot stove in the snow and got in the truck at 0215.
View Quote



Crazy! What season was that?

"It's hard to beat a person who never gives up."- Babe Ruth
6/2/2025 5:26:03 PM EDT
[Last Edit: DVCER][Edited] [#28]
You know, that was second season.  I had an unsuccessful archery hunt, and had a bonus rifle cow tag.

Wife got sick and I missed the first couple days, or it would’ve been meat in the freezer.  That is enough snow to push the elk down.
Hundreds of fresh tracks told me the whole story.  They all went down maybe the day or 2 before I got there.   I hunt there all the time and really didn’t think there were that many animals up there.
Grand Mesa.

Probably should have turned around after I got stuck the first time.
No, i chained up and got stuck worse.  Ended up unloading the SxS, unhooked the trailer and I was able to backtrack about 600 yards to the campsite.  Then trudged back, hooked the trailer to the Sx and dragged it up.  All solo.

Attached File
Attached File
If life was easy nobody would quit.
6/3/2025 10:00:55 AM EDT
[#29]
fun experience after the fact i'm sure.

I'd like to eventually do a later season hunt but don't want to start that way. I have some things to learn.
"It's hard to beat a person who never gives up."- Babe Ruth
6/3/2025 2:30:03 PM EDT
[#30]
First season should be safe from extreme weather. Should.

Mid September a few years ago.  It was all melted in a few days.

Attached File
If life was easy nobody would quit.
6/5/2025 5:56:23 AM EDT
[#31]
Plan on taking 1-1/2 to 2 times longer to hike distances.   Us flat landers take some getting used to altitude.

Water, sunscreen, sunglasses, chap stick are all your friends.  The sun is brutal on top the mountain. A nice bucket hat also might help

Take some heavy duty coat hangers and devise a way to hang clothes in tent at night to dry.

Get good maps, onx, google whatever... trespassing is frowned upon in a big way.

Basic tool kit.  

I take tire plug kits.  Colorado doesn't sell them.  They require patching a tire.  Also take an air tank/pump.



6/5/2025 9:15:18 AM EDT
[#32]
Quote History
Originally Posted By vatopa:
Plan on taking 1-1/2 to 2 times longer to hike distances.   Us flat landers take some getting used to altitude.

Water, sunscreen, sunglasses, chap stick are all your friends.  The sun is brutal on top the mountain. A nice bucket hat also might help

Take some heavy duty coat hangers and devise a way to hang clothes in tent at night to dry.

Get good maps, onx, google whatever... trespassing is frowned upon in a big way.

Basic tool kit.  

I take tire plug kits.  Colorado doesn't sell them.  They require patching a tire.  Also take an air tank/pump.

Thanks for the advice.

I have Onx and am looking at buying a gps or inreach. Thoughts?



View Quote

"It's hard to beat a person who never gives up."- Babe Ruth
6/5/2025 9:42:04 AM EDT
[#33]
What’s the plan?  Base camp/truck camp or?
If life was easy nobody would quit.
6/5/2025 10:07:30 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote History
Originally Posted By DVCER:
What’s the plan?  Base camp/truck camp or?
View Quote


We had originally planned on truck camping but after talking the last couple days, we're leaning towards hiking in further and camping. More likely for success doing that but it also changes our gear and our plan.

I'm going to do a scouting trip in early to mid august so we aren't going in blind. Also getting ready to buy some freeze dried meals to taste test before we go. Need a jet boil type unit or something similar. I've never camped completely off grid so learning what i can from reading and watching and asking questions. I'm an outdoor guy so i'm looking forward to it but here in Indiana there just aren't places like CO/mountains, obviously.
"It's hard to beat a person who never gives up."- Babe Ruth
6/5/2025 10:13:02 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote History
Originally Posted By rat1624:
My buddy and i drew CO 1st rifle! Unit 39.
View Quote


Congratulations I don't know much about that unit but I'm sure you'll have a blast

My best advice is leave camp way before daylight and don't leave for camp till shooting light is over I see countless people in the evening heading for camp before the elk start moving

Originally Posted By nickforney
This subforum has filled up with a bunch of worthless fudds and I feel less and less that this is any kind of community I want to be a part of.
6/5/2025 10:13:15 AM EDT
[#36]
So any tips on gear are helpful and appreciated. My neighbor has a teepee tent i might be able to use. He's been west before and has a few things.

I have a Kuiu frame pack with 1850 and 5200 bags. Kuiu clothes with puffy's.

I ordered some Nosler 150gr ammo online, trophy grade i think. I looked everywhere around here and we don't have much of a selection above 130gr other than remington core-lokt.

We have a big hill() in our neighborhood i've been hiking with 30lbs in my pack to start, i'll increase weight in a few weeks. I'll start shooting once my ammo shows up. I'm giving it everything i got.
"It's hard to beat a person who never gives up."- Babe Ruth
6/5/2025 10:16:25 AM EDT
[Last Edit: rat1624][Edited] [#37]
double tap
"It's hard to beat a person who never gives up."- Babe Ruth
6/5/2025 10:16:57 AM EDT
[#38]
Attached File


don't make fun of our big Indiana hills! lol
"It's hard to beat a person who never gives up."- Babe Ruth
6/5/2025 10:19:09 AM EDT
[#39]
Quote History
Originally Posted By Iowaredneck:


Congratulations I don't know much about that unit but I'm sure you'll have a blast

My best advice is leave camp way before daylight and don't leave for camp till shooting light is over I see countless people in the evening heading for camp before the elk start moving

View Quote


Noted. I'm not afraid(I don't think lol) to camp where we put the elk to bed at to be close in the morning.
"It's hard to beat a person who never gives up."- Babe Ruth
6/5/2025 7:05:31 PM EDT
[#40]


I keep 4 cheap game bags nitrile gloves and some para cord vacuum sealed that and a folding fillet knife that kill pack is super handy

I hunt 3rd season but probably my most useful piece of kit is a super light weight sil nylon tarp I made myself keep it with 4 aluminum stakes some paracord and a fast ridgeline we use them a lot if weather rolls in takes seconds to deploy it packs down super small and weights nothing

Originally Posted By nickforney
This subforum has filled up with a bunch of worthless fudds and I feel less and less that this is any kind of community I want to be a part of.
6/5/2025 7:27:43 PM EDT
[#41]
I’ve done the pack in a few times.  We had horses/mules on speed dial for the pack out of meat, but never needed them.
Easier for me being local I’m sure.

You might find out who the permitted outfitters are in that unit and hit them up before you arrive.  It’ll probably be 500 bucks minimum for a pack out, cheaper than a blown knee.

I have a knockoff jetboil, works fine. Either get a stand for it or buy the mega size fuel cans for stability.  Not much will piss you off more than knocking the thing over full of hot water.

I think that 5200 is my big Kuiu bag.  I mainly use a 2300 for day hunting.  5200 is stuffed for a 4 day hunt in archery.  You are gonna need more warm stuff than my bow hunts need.

Might wanna get an Inreach or some sat text device.  I use Inreach and have OnX mapping.   A 10-20k mah battery bank might make it a week charging.  Put the phone in airplane and the battery lasts.

I’m more into big base camp style.  Get trekking poles too, that pack will tax you.  Bow hunts on my back, I’ve been doing the hammock, but it’s warmer then.

This was 62 lbs without water.  We filtered ours and only took a couple liters for the hike in.  I wouldn’t mess around with a small sawyer squeeze type filter either.  I keep one for day hunting, but it would be miserable for camp.  Get a bladder/gravity type.  One container for dirty water, one to store clean.
Attached File


Nothing wrong with cached supplies either if you come to scout.  We dragged a case of beer in early, since we had to hack a trail in thru oakbrush.

Attached File
Attached File
If life was easy nobody would quit.
6/5/2025 8:45:33 PM EDT
[#42]
Congrats on the draw!  I'm not a pro by any means but I'm 4 for 4 on elk hunts so far.  I drew in NM again this year in a once in a lifetime unit.  This year, I also have the opportunity to help guide an archery elk hunt with a non-profit that puts mil, vets, and first responders on hunts.  Every year I make changes or upgrades to my gear and I think I've got it just about dialed.

Hit a stair climber or a treadmill on max incline every day until your hunt, but don't over exert yourself at first.

If you're only going to be able to do one scouting trip, use it to get the lay of the land: roads, access points, glassing spots, water.  Don't waste your time looking for elk because they'll probably move by the time the hunt comes around.

Start building a packing list now, and double and triple check before you leave the house.

I have a 5000 pack and can fit 5-6 days of gear and food.

That being said, I always bring gear to spike camp but always end up staying at base camp.  I'd rather hike 10 miles daily than pack 70lbs of shit 2 miles in and decide I need to move areas completely after day 2.  However, I do believe access to huntable areas is easier in NM than CO, at least the units I've been in so far.

Trekking poles: don't be a tough guy, just use them. They save energy and possibly injury if you catch yourself off balance.

Skip the jet boil if all you're going to use it for is boiling water.  I cut my food prep kit weight by at least half and was cheaper by now using a 750ml titanium cup, soto wind master stove, and 100g fuel canisters.  The 100g fuel canisters are good for boiling about 10 cups of water or so.

Get the best quality 10x binos that you can afford.  A tripod goes a long ways in being able to steady your picture to help find or judge the size of critters.

I could go on for days.  I'm a bit of a gear whore .
6/5/2025 9:53:17 PM EDT
[#43]
Good points by Pitt.  If you are carrying camp, think 3 times whether or not to take something.   Cut weight where you can.  

My Kuiu is normally a loved pack with day trip loads in the 3000.  Plenty of room for shed clothes as the day warms.

The big bag and load really sucked.  Could be I’m still on the oldest suspension they had.  IDK about their new suspension.

FWIW, the guy I hunt with had a Kifaru, with a similar 60 lb load.
Latest version too, and it was a big difference once you strapped it on.  It was heavy, but just carried the weight better.Attached File
If life was easy nobody would quit.
6/7/2025 5:49:45 AM EDT
[#44]
For your binoculars, no need for a Bipod.

Wear a tight baseball hat, pull down the bill to touch top of binoculars and grasp both with your hands.  Rock solid.

6/12/2025 11:11:18 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote History
Originally Posted By DVCER:
I’ve done the pack in a few times.  We had horses/mules on speed dial for the pack out of meat, but never needed them.
Easier for me being local I’m sure.

You might find out who the permitted outfitters are in that unit and hit them up before you arrive.  It’ll probably be 500 bucks minimum for a pack out, cheaper than a blown knee.

I have a knockoff jetboil, works fine. Either get a stand for it or buy the mega size fuel cans for stability.  Not much will piss you off more than knocking the thing over full of hot water.

I think that 5200 is my big Kuiu bag.  I mainly use a 2300 for day hunting.  5200 is stuffed for a 4 day hunt in archery.  You are gonna need more warm stuff than my bow hunts need.

Might wanna get an Inreach or some sat text device.  I use Inreach and have OnX mapping.   A 10-20k mah battery bank might make it a week charging.  Put the phone in airplane and the battery lasts.

I’m more into big base camp style.  Get trekking poles too, that pack will tax you.  Bow hunts on my back, I’ve been doing the hammock, but it’s warmer then.

This was 62 lbs without water.  We filtered ours and only took a couple liters for the hike in.  I wouldn’t mess around with a small sawyer squeeze type filter either.  I keep one for day hunting, but it would be miserable for camp.  Get a bladder/gravity type.  One container for dirty water, one to store clean.
https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/857/IMG_5061_jpeg-3556786.JPG

Nothing wrong with cached supplies either if you come to scout.  We dragged a case of beer in early, since we had to hack a trail in thru oakbrush.

https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/857/65056363612__866DBEA5-36B9-4ADB-A2D5-1B6-3556797.JPGhttps://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/857/IMG_4954_jpeg-3556798.JPG
View Quote


another comms option is TMobile, they teamed up with Starlink, so now you basically have a texting capable satellite phone...Beta is free until the end of this month, then plan dependent, if your not in one of their top tier plans, it'll be $10/mo

full disclosure, I just got back from vacation Tuesday night so haven't had a chance to test it out yet...I will this weekend though
6/19/2025 9:54:34 AM EDT
[#46]
Would i need any calls for first rifle? I don't know if they still bugle or not. Would at least a cow call be good to have or both?

Also, any need to worry about bears?
"It's hard to beat a person who never gives up."- Babe Ruth
6/20/2025 10:03:26 AM EDT
[#47]
Quote History
Originally Posted By rat1624:
Would i need any calls for first rifle? I don't know if they still bugle or not. Would at least a cow call be good to have or both?

Also, any need to worry about bears?
View Quote



Yes take a cow call hell I've heard them bugle in 3rd season
Originally Posted By nickforney
This subforum has filled up with a bunch of worthless fudds and I feel less and less that this is any kind of community I want to be a part of.
6/20/2025 10:13:51 AM EDT
[#48]
Get competent with a cow call and take it.

Bears are only an issue if they raid your camp.  We get pretty careless with food, but no issues yet.  They can/will trash a camp.
If life was easy nobody would quit.
6/21/2025 12:59:46 AM EDT
[#49]
I don't know much about Colorado bear hunting. According to google there is a healthy population in the mountains. Bear hunting can be incredibly difficult, often harder than elk hunting. Since a tag appears to be $300, I'd probably skip it. I'm sure residents carry tags just in case, but they are an animal that's best hunted intentionally, the chances of happening across one randomly and getting a shot at it is not great.
6/27/2025 1:34:57 PM EDT
[#50]
Would a Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x40 AO be a good scope to buy for my .270 on this hunt? I currently have a 3-9x40 Nikon Prostaff and am a little worried it won't be a good enough scope.
"It's hard to beat a person who never gives up."- Babe Ruth

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