First Time

rden · Spike Joined: 05 Aug 2009 Posts: 21 Location: CT

I have not posted on here much but I have read alot of posts. There are 3 of us that are planning on doing a DIY elk hunt in CO next year. We have been reading posts and buying up books and swapping them. We understand that it is going to be tough to tag an elk our first year with no experience but DIY is our only option unless a seasoned hunter wants to join us. We will be archery hunting.

We are getting into shape and reviewing the gear that we will need. We are looking at 2 areas as of now. One being 24 and the other is GMU371. If you can shed any light on these areas, please PM me.

As for packs, we are looking at Sitka Bivy 45 or the Blue Widow. What is your experience with these packs?

He wants to get a bivy sack but I am leaning more towards a light tent. I think I would feel more comfortable with a little room to spread out in.

This is all very exciting for us. As we learn and buy gear, I will keep everyone posted.

It is going to be a long 8 months.

Arrowslinger · Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2009 6:01 pm Post subject:

rden · Spike Joined: 05 Aug 2009 Posts: 21 Location: CT

thanks arrow slinger. 7 day is just more food right? We are looking at a 7 day hunt. Any creative ideas that you can share for 7+ days?

Arrowslinger · Posted: Tue Dec 29, 2009 8:15 pm Post subject:

If you guys are going to be hunting together, cut down on doubles -only take one stove and share the weight and extra fuel packs. If you're gonna go with a tent, split up the weight and volume and look at each item that you pack very carefully......think about the things you'll need, everything else is just added weight.

If you're taking spotting scopes, just take one and split the weight up of it and the tripod. 7 Days is very doable, the most i've ever packed for was 8 and i took way too much......lucky i only had to hunt 3 and was headed back to the truck.

Fun stuff, the planning is half the fun. Researching gear is a huge part of it and there's a ton of info on this site. Do a quick search for items you're interested in and you'll find lots.

Best of luck and keep asking questions, that's the easiest and fastest way to learn.

kirk.

WillyP · Posted: Wed Dec 30, 2009 8:50 pm Post subject:

Plan on taking one or two meals for really bad weather days. I like an MRE or two with me or something like that. Heating an MRE inside a tent or vehicle can get pretty rough so vent a lot to let the heater fumes out. Seems like you can count on at least one day of crap weather and crap weather in the mountains can be real " special" !

That new Big Agnes tent is looking pretty sweet but I do dislike end entry tents. Side entry works so much better for me putting on boots or taking them off etc. Keep as much headroom in your tent choices as possible. It sucks dressing in a short ceiling tent !!

If the pack you choose has straps under it you can do the old school thing and make a pack that will sling under it for making room for stuff right out of the gate and if you need to put your camp in it and use the pack to get meat out of the high country ! It lets me set up for 4 or 5 days out of a Badlands 2200.

pointblank · Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2009 12:04 am Post subject:

Pat, what are you using for the pack under your 2200?
That seems to be the way I am going , to get more out of the 2200. If you have pictures that would be great.

Thanks, Randy.

WillyP · Posted: Thu Dec 31, 2009 12:17 am Post subject:

It is an old style Granite Gear Block Solid Compression bag. Look through my pics of WY this year on the picasa link and it's about half way through laying beside a table in base camp slung under the 2200. If you watch the Eastmans and some others do this but sort of hide it. I never understand why they don't use it in a tips sort of segment some time. It is handy to use a small sort of daypack setup and have enough room. I like the lower center of gravity for stability too. Basically all I had in the 2200 main compartment was my caldera cone setup, 600 mug, and ursak. I had a hubba, sleeping bag, pad, extra clothes, and some other stuff in the underslung sack.