This list is intended for hunters who are planning an elk hunt with Elite and are wondering what kind of equipment to bring. Based on my years of experience, the following list is what I believe you will need. Johnny Hughes
Compound Bow - Elite recommends modern, high-speed compound bows. Draw weights between 60 and 80 pounds are adequate for elk hunting. To prepare for elk bowhunting, practice shooting off your knees, uphill/downhill, around obstacles, and any other unorthodox positions you can come up with. It matters little how well you shoot from the perfect standing position. Even try jogging around your house or yard until you are breathing a little heavier than normal and then dropping to your knees and shooting. This type of shooting is what to expect on an elk hunt. Even if you are not breathing hard from exertion, your heart will be pounding from adrenaline, so practice accordingly.
Sights - The adjustable single-pin sights and fixed, multiple-pin sights comprise the majority of bow sights used in elk camps. The fixed, multiple pin sight is used and preferred by Elite’s guides. It requires no physical adjustment at any time. Dinking with trying to change a single-pin sight as a bull approaches, is not good. Been there, done that. Plan on normal first shots at bulls being between 10 and 40 yards. However, after the first shot attempt, bulls will often bolt a short distance and stop because they never knew exactly what happened. Especially if you give a cow call immediately upon shooting. As a result, you can sometimes get a second arrow into them if you will set up pins for 50 and 60 yards. Trying to Kentucky-windage a 60-yard shot with a 40-yard pin is tough. Setting up a typical 5-pin sight at 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 yards will cover all your bases.
Arrows - Most of Elite’s guides prefer and use carbon shafts. But good aluminum shafts are fine also if that is what you prefer. Make sure the arrows are spined correctly for the poundage of your bow. Vanes are much more durable than feathers. Feathers are susceptible to rain and the constant abrasion of thick brush. If you have good arrow flight with feathers, but have difficulty getting vanes to fly correctly, I suggest you start looking at your arrow rest.
Arrow Rest - Prong rests are notorious for touching vanes off the release and messing up arrow flight. In addition, arrows are very susceptible to falling off the prongs during an adrenalin-induced draw of the bow. Try one of the new drop-away rests or a Whisker Biscuit. The drop away eliminates vane clearance and also lets you shoot either an aggressive offset, a helical fletching, or even the new taller, 2-inch Blazer broadhead vanes. All can help stabilize broadhead flight. Biscuits are becoming more common in the elk woods for their ability to hold a nocked arrow securely. They perform well in the field and other than just the idea that my vanes are passing through the bristles, I can’t find a fault with them.
Quiver - Bow quivers are by far the most popular and are recommended. Get a lightweight, quiet model that holds from four to six arrows. The advantage to a bow quiver is they keep arrows close at hand. Pack quivers seem to work fine although I have not seen many used in our camps. Quick accessibility to arrows seems to be the biggest drawback with the pack quiver. The hip quivers are the ones to avoid. My experience with them is they are noisy and always in the way for any hiking-oriented bow hunting.
Release - Mechanical releases are highly recommended over fingers. There is no questioning the increased accuracy of the release over fingers. Since shot placement is everything on an elk, any advantage in accuracy should be utilized to minimize the chances of wounding a bull and losing it.
Broadheads - Elite has implemented a mandatory broadhead policy for 2008. (Please see the "Policies Page".
Bow Sling - A bow sling is vital for carrying your bow all day between setups. I like the Ultimate Bow Sling, but several makers are marketing good slings. Find one you can get your bow in and out easily.
Binoculars - The 10x40mm glass is probably the best overall binocular for most elk hunting. The 10-power magnification is adequate and the 40mm objective, is bright enough in low-light conditions, yet the weight is reasonable. You can get away with compacts for archery season if the binoculars are of high quality. Look for multicoated lenses exclusively. Beware of glasses that say "coated lenses" That means one coat. Also if you are looking at roof-prism binoculars, make sure they have "phase-corrected" prisms. If not, you are looking at an inferior glass. Spend the money one time, the first time, and you have a worthwhile investment that will last your lifetime.
Rangefinder - Probably the biggest advancement in hunting over the last 20 years, is the evolution of the laser rangefinder. It should be a vital piece of equipment to all hunters. From bow hunting to rifle hunting, they are essential for accuracy in range estimation. The compact models are limited on the distances of readings, but work best for bow hunting.
Shirts - I have long relied on lightweight, loose-fitting, long-sleeve, camo cotton shirts during warm days. They are inexpensive, yet functional. The long-sleeves provide concealment and protection from the elements. Cotton is a terrible insulator, but it provides excellent breathability and evaporative cooling, which helps on hot September days. Some of the new hot-weather synthetic shirts on the market, such as those made by Under Armour, are great but they are pricey. I carry a couple of synthetic thermal tops to use when the evening chill arrives or when rain makes a rude appearance. If the weather is cool to cold, the synthetic tops are the base layer. The expected temperature ranges dictate which direction to go. Look for lighter camo patterns with gray as the dominant color. Most camo on the market is too dark.
Pants - Practically the same rule as in shirts. Cotton or very light synthetic pants for warm weather, and synthetic or wool pants for cool weather. Use a couple of different weights of tight-fitting synthetic long john bottoms during colder weather. Adjust to changing conditions with layers.
Rain Gear - The final layer of my hunting clothes is packable rain gear. Just make sure you get rain gear with some type of quiet outer finish. All rain gear, even "quiet" rain gear, makes noise. Some is just quieter than others. If it rains, you have it. If you need an outer layer while sitting on a cold, windblown ridge, you have it.
Socks - A quality, synthetic sock will cushion and protect your feet from the constant abrasion they will endure during the many hours of the elk-hunting season. I also use wool socks and like them, even in warm weather. They offer good protection to your feet and contrary to what most people think, they do not feel any hotter than any other material. Cotton socks quickly absorb sweat, lose their shape, and then offer very little protection or insulation for your feet. Avoid cotton socks and most of your foot problems will disappear.
Boots - Good boots are an important part of your feet being able to survive the torture of days upon days of elk hunting. Rely on Gore Tex or Dry Plus breathable, waterproof linings. Even if it doesn’t rain, heavy dews can soak ordinary boots. Insulation is not necessary on most September bow hunts. Stiff, Vibram-type soles are best. Make sure the boot has lateral and torsional support. Side hills will tear you up if your boots don’t have enough support. Choose anywhere from 6-inch to 9-inch heights. Lower boots typically offer less ankle support but are lighter. Higher boots offer the most support, but are heavier.
Hat - Any hat that is comfortable will work. Some type of ventilated, lightweight cap is best for warm weather. A heavier cap or hat coupled with a synthetic balaclava usually covers most cooler weather situations.
Gloves - Even during warm weather, lightweight or fingerless gloves provide concealment for your hands and protection from grabbing brush. You should bring a pair of waterproof, insulated gloves too.
Daypack - Some type of lightweight pack is required to carry the clothing, gear and food of a mobile elk hunter. Pick a pack with padded shoulder straps, a sternum strap, and a padded hip belt. A good suspension system is the most important feature to look for. Compression straps that keep the load tight to your back are another important feature.
Canteen - Staying hydrated is a constant struggle on these hunts. You cannot rely on consistently finding drinking water during the day, so plan on carrying what you will need for the day. You will need a minimum of 2 quarts per day. The hydration bags such as those by Camelbak are ideal. They collapse as you use the water therefore they never slosh and the space they require diminishes as you use the water. Besides, they keep water accessible to you at all times and you will find you drink more than if you have to dig a water bottle out of your pack. This is important, because you need to drink a lot of water as dehydration seriously affects your physical performance, especially at high altitude.
Sleeping Bag - (Pack-In Camp Only) You will need a good sleeping bag rated down to at least 20 degrees. Cots with pads will be provided. A small pillow is much more comfortable than a wadded up coat, so bring one of those too.
Emergency Kit - Put together an emergency kit consisting of an emergency space blanket, fire starter, and butane lighters. If you are forced into a situation where you have to spend an unplanned night in the woods, you will be equipped to do it.
Flashlight - Bring a small flashlight with enough batteries to last the week. The AAA battery headlight models such as those by Petzal are great.
Camera - A small, 35mm or digital camera will record invaluable memories of your trip. Assuming you’re successful, your guide will have a camera to take photos of your bull. However, cameras fail and two sets of photos are always better than one. So bring a camera.
Alarm Clock - (Pack-In Camp Only) Any small type of reliable alarm clock that will wake you up.
Baby Wipes - (Pack-In Camp Only) A small container or baggie of unscented baby wipes will prove invaluable for personal hygiene.