Getting Mobile
Staying mobile while elk hunting is imperative for success on public land. We are not in control of hunting pressure from easy access or even hard to reach areas. There are more fit and adventurous elk hunters today then years past coupled with with growing grizzly and wolf populations out West - you have nomadic elk moving real estate locations often... so should you!
I like the idea of spike camping in areas that I can cover multiple drainages and basins from one central location. I key in on areas where I camp near water and hop on ridges to cover country and find elk. I want to be far enough from the truck to avoid average hunting efforts but not too deep where I'm stuck in a certain location. Elk are constantly moving and I need to be able to find them each and everyday to up my chances of punching my tag.
My spike camp is something I can pack up and move when necessary. Sometimes I'm moving camp every night and other times I can hang in an area for a few days. The bottom line is that I am not big on 'bivy' or backpack elk hunting. I think the convenience of camping wherever you end up at the end of the day doesn't outweigh being fast and mobile in the elk woods. If my day pack is under 30lbs then I am able to make fast decisions and move in on elk. If I am lugging around a giant 40-60lb pack then I am slower and burning more energy. Energy and time are the two most precious commodities in the elk woods, so I'd rather have options that don't squander large amounts of energy and time. I think backpack hunting is great, but doesn't work as good as a mobile spike camp.
Spike Camp Gear List (Condensed)
Morrell Big High Roller XL Target (Stays in the truck)
Western Mountaineering Versalite Sleeping Bag
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- Kifaru Duplex Frame with Cuthroat or Stryker with Camp Bag
- Kenetek Boots - Mountain Guides
- Kenetrek Gaiters - Hikers
- Kenetrek Boot Care Wax
- Mathews VXR 28
- Mathews Flatline Stabilizers
- Grim Reaper Broadheads Micro Hades 3 Blade
- Black Gold Pro Sight
- Tight Spot Quiver
- Hamskea Trinity Rest
- AAE Max Stealth Vanes
- Easton Axis Match Grade 340 Spine
- Custom Bow Strings from Spokane Valley Archery
- Solvid Head Camera Strap
- Panasonic 180 Camcorder
- 128GB Memory Cards
- SD Card Reader for iPhone
- GoPro Hero
- Sitka Gear Bino Harness (NEW for 2020)
- Outdoorsmans Compact Tripod
- Outdoorsmans Bino Adaptor
- Outdoorsmans Tripod Adaptor
- Vortex UHD 10x42
- Vortex Spotter 65mm
- Vortex Razor HD 4000 Rangefinder
- Phoneskope for iPhone
- Platypus hydration system
- Goat Knives
- Black Ovis Kill Kit
3 comments
Are there any more spots available in Wisconsin. In feb thank you god bless
This is an excellent list of what is mostly reasonable gear for any hunter. If some of the brands seem a little out of your price range you’ll find that with some research you can find something of quality at a price you are more comfortable with. Buy the best gear YOU can afford.
I was noticing you like to carry a lot of tape. I carry a lot since I’m a guide here in NM and do a fair amount of backcountry hunting. My tip is or suggestion would be to run tape around your Water bottle to save pack space and also it serves as a added insulator to help keep your water cool. I use duct tape and I carry a little electrical tape as well. I’ve used this method for years since I’m also a wild land firefighter. It’s always at the ready if you need it. Just a little tip from one hunter to another. Good luck on your hunts.