Dan's GEAR

 PNUMA - Base layers merino wool top & bottom, Gunnison hoodie, Waypoint jacket & pant, and for late season whitetails iconx heated core vest.

Layering System

  • Renegade SS, LS, 1/4 Zip - The Renegade line is highly breathable and has one-way moisture transfer.
  • Alpha Vertex Vest - Complete your layering system
  • Pursuit Pant - This is the ultimate September out West hunting pant
  • Alpha Vertex Jacket - Best mid-layer option
  • Palisade Puffy - Never leaves my pack

Discount Code: elkshape20 

 

 

 

ONXHUNT - Download your maps for offline mode before you step out the door on your next hunt.  This is the most reliable mapping application out there.  

Discount Code 20% off an Elite: elkshape 

 

 

 

 WILDERNESS ATHLETE - Trust your recovery from training and hunting with hydrate & recover, energy & focus, pack-out bars & bites and more. 

Discount Code: ELKSHAPE23

 

 

 

MATHEWS ARCHERY - 2023 PHASE 4 29/33" has 75# mods, 80% let-off, custom strings from Podium Archer (BCY 454), Bowmar Nosebutton, 1/4" peep from Radical Designs, Hamskea ElkShape Edition Epsilon Rest, Spot Hogg Triple Stack Dovetail, Mathews 1 Piece Low Profile Quiver, Engage Leg Limbs, 10" Bridgelock Stabilizer up front (2oz), 8" Bridgelock Rear Stabilizer (4oz), ElkShape Side Plates.

 

 

 

 

VORTEX OPTICS - My favorite item is the UHD 10x42's for all hunting pursuits.  Rangefinder of choice is the Razor HD 4000, and Spotter is a Razor 65mm angled on their Summit Carbon II tripod made specifically for the backcountry.  I also am in love with their Vortex Wear for training and scouting. 

Vortex Wear Discount Code: elkshape

EuroOptic.com 10% Discount Code: elk10

 

 

 

KIFARU - My preferred pack and frame for ALL elk hunting is the HOODLUM on a Duplex frame.  Other good options are the .22 Mag, Kutthroat or Stryker.  I also use the Shape Charge on whitetail hunts.  I've tried so many packs out on the market, Kifaru is hands down the best fitting frame I've found.

KIFARU 15% Discount Code: ELKSHAPE15

(Excludes: Tipis, shelters, Hilleberg, stoves, sleds, YETI Drinkware - Cannot be used in conjunction with other sales.)

 

 

 

 

BAKCOU -  I am in love with my eBike, it's literally a MULE and appropriately named that.  I use it for cruising cat roads looking for spring bear in full stealth mode.  You can use it to easily sneak into your tree stand sets or pitch bugles off of it in September.  Best money spent! 

Save $300 Discount Code: elkshape

 

 

 

CRISPI BOOTS

BOOTS - I've tried Kenetrek, HanWag, Crispi and Danner.  I prefer a wider toe box, higher boot, stiff but not too stiff, very grippy vibram on the bottom, leather or synthetic depending on the weather & terrain (synthetic can dry fast).  Boots are so personal so please find what works for you.  

  1. Spot & Stalk Scenarios out West: Lapponia II GTX
  2. All September Elk Hunting: Colorado II GTX
  3. Spring Bear: Briksdal Non-Insulated GTX
  4. Late Season Hunts: Guides Non-Insulated GTX

 

 

 

TREKKING POLES - I have 2 pairs and love both.  One is the LEKI Micro Vario and the other is Black Ovis Crestone Collapsible, buy either HERE & save 10%

Discount Code: elkshape

 

 

 

CHEST HOLSTER - I use a Glock 20 in GRIZZLY bear and wolf country.  I use the Cloak Chest Holster from Alien Gear Holsters out of Post Falls, Idaho.  It fits below my bino rig.  This is the best option for fast access and doesn't get in the way when shooting, glassing or sitting down. LINK 

 

 

 

BINO HARNESS - I have tried them all... Adak, Alaska Guide Creations, FHF, Pnuma, Vortex, etc... so far, my favorite is from Marsupial and here's the LINK.

 

 

 

 

BROADHEADS - I have had tremendous luck with Grim Reaper Micro Hades 3 blades, made in America.  I am also tinkering with IronWill s125 and s100's with bleeders.  Speaking of Ironwill, I really dig their titanium HIT inserts and collars.  I have both their 10grain and 25 grain impact collars.  I don't use mechanicals and I think they will eventually fail you, just my opinion.

 

 

 

KNIVES - I have tried so many on elk, my absolute favorite is the classic BUCK 110 and their Legendary Hunting Skinning Knives.

 

 

 

ARROWS - ABT (always be tinkering) - currently I am using RIP TKO ELITES 300 spine.  I really like AAE Max Stealth vanes, I put them in max helical.  I have tinkered with AAE Hybrid 26 and Hunters as well, but ultimately I end up with the Stealths.  I don't like wraps on the back of the arrow and when I am not hunting in Idaho I use nockturnal lighted nocks.  My goal for FOC is 15% and a total weight around 440-480 grains given my draw length of 27".

 

 

 

RELEASES - I get asked this a lot so here goes - most of the elk I have harvested have been with a Scott XT singe hook index release.  Currently, my primary hunting release is the Carter WISE CHOICE thumb when hunting.  In practice, I float around a lot hinges, tension, etc... some of the other releases I own are Carter Honey, HTM, Scott Black Hole, Nockon Backstrap.

TRAIL CAMS - I have tried many and found the best luck with STEALTH CAM - I run lithium AA's and a 64GB memory card on video mode, use their cell phone cams and transmit images directly to my phone.  

NON CELLULAR Discount Code: ELKSHAPE20

CELLULAR Discount Code: ELKSHAPE10

 

 

SLEEP SYSTEMS - I run a 2 man tent from Klymit (Maxfield), a floorless shelter from Seek Outside called Cimarron 4P with stove for colder hunts.  I really like my Western Mountaineering Versalite on a Klymit pad, but I run cold so keep that in mind.

Mobile Elk Hunting - My truck is a mobile attack unit for elk hunting out west.  I have a Ready Lift for suspension, a full DECKED system for storage, Method Wheels (MR315), Nitto Ridge Grips Tires, Free Spirit Roof Top Tent on a Leightner Rack.

 

Bulletproof Your Shoulders

Healthy shoulders rank supreme in my little world of archery.  I would encourage anyone not wanting to go under the knife for shoulder surgery to create a dedicated space for bands and shoulder stability.  I like the simplicity of CrossOver Symmetry.  Here’s the LINK to learn more about CrossOver Symmetry and here’s a LINK to get the Amazon knock off.  I don’t care what you buy, but I do want this equipment readily available for your garage gym.

Discount Code CrossOver: elkshape

 

 

 

Getting Home Gym Equipment on the CHEAP 

I suggest shopping Craigslist, Garage Sales or Facebook Marketplace.  If you’re an Amazon Prime Member then take advantage of their fast free shipping.  When we used to own a gym,  we paid so much in freight fees that it would make you sick.  My entire gym is comprised of REP FITNESS GEAR out of Denver, Co.  They are about 20% cheaper than Rogue Fitness and their shipping is fast and FREE:

  • Pull-Up Bar 
  • Pair of Dumbbells 
  • Barbell 
  • One or Two Kettlebells 35# and 55# 
  • MedBall 20# 
  • Bumper Plate Set 45’s # 25’s#, 10’s# 
  • Assault Bike 
  • Concept II Rower 
  • Concept II Ski Erg  
  • CrossOver Symmetry
  • Squat Rack or Power Rack

 

 

Fatty Smoked meat sticks are a healthy option for the backcountry!  These are an oversized meat stick packed with protein, low in sugar, made with real hickory wood smoke, gluten-free and made with no MSG... and American-made. 

Discount Code: elkhunter

BASEKAMP MEAT TARP - LINK

Discount Code: elkshape

 

 

 

 

Discount Code: elkshape

 

 

 

Discount Code: elkshape

 

 

 

Canvas Cutter

Discount Code: ELKSHAPE