I have a buddy coming out to do some hunting in a few weeks. He lives in Milwaukee and I doubt he's hiked through anything like this! Ha, ha, ha! You had better been getting in shape, Barrett. I'm going to work you.
The hunting has been tough. Elk aren't talking. Temps are too high. Winds are blowing 30 mph and swirling around so you can never get the advantage of being down wind from them. It's been kind of a bummer. But I keep getting out there just in case. One thing is for sure; you can't shoot one sitting on the couch but I'm starting to look forward to gun season and having a hunting partner.
Never having been hunting out here in Montana, I figured I'd make a list for my buddy and I'll share that with you. Here's what you need to bring if you're going to make the most of your hunt and this takes into account that in a week-long period, there's a good chance you get weather ranging from dry and 65 degrees to 10 degrees and snowing like a mutha.
Take care of your feet! Bring a couple pairs of boots. One that is lighter for hiking and one pair that is burly enough to handle snow. Both need to be water proof. DON'T skimp on your boots. And regardless of what boot you buy, I'd definitely pull out the insoles and get fitted for insoles that are right for you.
Socks. Have a few pairs of good, thin, wicking socks and then wool socks on top. Bring wool socks for each boot. A couple pairs should be lighter, hiking socks and then some thicker socks to wear with your snow boots.
Gaiters. They will help keep you dry while crossing creeks or bogs, in snow and keep the burs out.
Base layers. Don't skimp on the base. Make sure your first layer is of good wicking material. Breaking a sweat early in the morning sucks. Your base should be light enough to be able to get down to that layer and not sweat when it's 60 degrees out. Cotton kills. We grew up wearing the white cotton long underwear. Don't bring it unless it's just for hanging out in after the hunt. When it get's wet, it will suck the heat right out of you and it's heavy.
More layers...keeping warm and dry takes a system. Your next layer should be a little heavier but still relatively light made of wool or Smartwool or merino wool. You'll be hiking a lot in this. You next layer can be a fleece or wool jacket. Then I'd have a packable puffy jacket for when it get's really cold. I like down but there are a lot of synthetic options. Don't forget your legs. I use wool pants. They are quiet and keep you warm when they get wet.
Rain gear. You need good rain gear that is light and breathable. If it's snowing, the puffy will be good but if it's 40 degrees and raining, you need to stay dry from the rain but also dry from sweat. Gore-Tex.
Gloves. Different weights for when the temps drop. It's always going to be cold in the morning. Make sure you can shoot with them.
Blaze orange is required but not to the degree that it is in the Midwest. A vest and hat will suffice. Bring a baseball cap and a wool hat or the equivalent.
A day-pack is a must. You have to be able to pack extra clothes you're not wearing while you're hiking as well as water, snacks, and your extra shells and knives, etc.
Water bottle.
Head lamp.
Shit tickets.
A lighter just in case.
It's always good to be prepared with a medical kit. At least; I'd bring foot care. They make pads for hot-spots and such. That can be a life-saver.
Personal care like tooth brush, etc. Just remember, most shampoos and soaps smell. And the smelliest is deodorant. Bring unscented.
I use Scent Killer.
You're going to bring your phone. Don't forget the charger. Also, you should have OnX maps on your phone with Montana maps. You can certainly get by with a hand-held GPS but the OnX app is cool as hell and super simple to read. You set your tracking tool on and you should be able to make it back to the truck if you get separated provided your phone is charged.
Bring a compass for back-up.
Hiking sticks. They really help in the snow and when you're packing.
Your gun...I shoot a .270. Most folks out here like a little more oomf. A .300 win-mag is pretty standard for elk but that's kind of up to the shooter. I had a shot at an elk last year at 400 yards that I wouldn't take with the .270. I always figure I can get closer than 300 yards but...it didn't happen. Shooting over 300 yards is another topic of discussion.
Two shells. If you need more than that, I don't want to hunt with you.
I'm kidding. Shit happens. You might need to sight your rifle in through-out the trip or once it's here. Bring a box or two. You never know when the local stores will run out of popular cartridges although it hasn't been too much of a problem.
Shooting sticks. If you don't live in the mountains, you might not understand the importance of shooting sticks. You don't always have a tree to brace against and when you're shooting over a hundred yards, you should stabilize your shot.
At least two knives. If you've quartered an elk, you'll understand.
Field dressing gloves. I never used plastic field dressing gloves until the last couple years. It's kind of nice to wrap yourself up and then peal them off when you're done without having the mess on your hands to deal with.
If you have a pack-frame and you have room, bring it.
Parachute cord. It's light and packable and when you start packing an animal, you never realize how much you need.
Game bags. You can pick that up here if need-be but you need to be prepared for packing. Best to wait so you know you're getting the right sizes but it's a general rule of thumb to have a bag per quarter and then an extra for the back straps and tenderloins. These are big animals. It's a huge chore to get one out. I hope you get the chance to experience it.
Snacks. You'd be amazed at what a candy bar can do for you while you're packing out.
As for sleep systems, that all comes down to your sleeping arrangements. I have that stuff for my buddy but be prepared. Good sleep is a must. You need to recover. Bring ear plugs just in case. You never know if someone you're sleeping next to snores. I can't tell you how many times I wish I would have remembered those little details. My house is a couple blocks from the train station. I'm kind of used to it but you might not be.
A 12'ver of your favorite local craft beer. I like beer. I also like bourbon. Just sayin.
Keep 'em where they live...
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