Accountability thread!!!

by **Lark Bunting** » 01 28, 2014 • [Post 1]

MODS, Let me know if this isn't the correct place for this and feel free to move the thread as appropriate.

I thought I'd create a thread for anyone, especially us new to elk hunting, to keep a log of what we are doing to be as prepared as possible for this year's hunt. I like to track my progress as big events approach. Maybe we can pick up ideas from each other along the way.

I have purchased a new-to-me-bow (Mathews Drenalin), I got it paper tuned and walk-back tuned last weekend. I have my hunting arrows at 414g and flying as true as they are going to fly. I have researched my plan A and plan B areas to death on G.E. and caltopo. I am picking up a used backpack this week, 100l, external frame pack. I have been practicing my calls on my way to and from work. I began experimenting with dehydrating my own foods last weekend to see if I can come up with a way to bring my own stuff. Those MH meals have too much MSG for me. I have been hiking with a weighted pack a couple times each week. And, as of tonight I am meeting up with our hunting group to go over a calendar and figure out which week(s) work for all of us.

I will commence in a full on workout at the gym in February as well. I also need to work on longer range shooting and get my pins set. I can only do 20 yard shooting in my yard...(until a neighbor calls the cops).

by **Willie makit** » 01 28, 2014 • [Post 2]

This might be better in doc office or DIY/gear/training but I'll hang with you on this one. I'll need some accountability when I start my official march to September a after next week. This Friday I leave with the wife for a 5 day cruise that is my bribe to be able to do my elk hunt AND my usual Midwest deer hunt. I'll have all my books to read on the boat and hope not to have the DT's from missing this forum.

As for my readiness, I,m putting in for some higher demand LE units to lessen my draw odds so I can get at least one OTC hunt under my belt before pulling a good unit, but I need to get started getting some maps.

Need to upgrade my GPS, get a tent, sleeping bag and water bladder for sure. Have these 90% narrowed down! just need fundages.

I have:
all the bow hunting stuff and accessories for it.
Barney external frame.
Sleeping pad.
Water filter.
Hiking poles.

by **easeup** » 01 28, 2014 • [Post 3]

I'm still shootin a LH dren too. It has been a great bow for me.

you guys got your elknut playbook yet? better start reading and thinking about how to read and work the elk.

by **JohnFitzgerald** » 01 28, 2014 • [Post 4]

Tom - this thread will probably be best in the DIY - Gear -Training thread. Do you mind if we move it?

by **Willie makit** » 01 28, 2014 • [Post 5]

Not at all Lark says ok at beginning and I think be more fitting there.

Yep, audio form and field book, scouting DVD, bugling bulls 1-4, mastering mouth call, elk sounds cd, tube and 1/2 dozen mouth calls, tree stand hunting book, Paul's probably got my address memorized

Been looking up utube vids to get a feel of the behavior and sounds, plus I've picked up several older cheap elk hunting DVDs to do the same.

by **Lark Bunting** » 01 28, 2014 • [Post 6]

JohnFitzgerald wrote:Tom - this thread will probably be best in the DIY - Gear -Training thread. Do you mind if we move it?

Please do.

by **Indian Summer** » 01 29, 2014 • [Post 7]

[quote="Willie makit"]I have:
Barney external frame.quote]

Huh... not settling for anything but the Cadillac there Willie. Nice! I have one myself.

by **Willie makit** » 01 29, 2014 • [Post 8]

Hehehe, yeah been looking about a year for a used one, when I did find one it was gone quick, got nothin but good reviews. I'll up my budget on something I think is well worth the extra $ up front, nothing more aggravating or ruin a trip faster than cheap or uncomfortable equipment. I figure I can sell it with less of a loss if this elk stuff ain't for me but #1 reason is Made in USA. I'll pay more for that tag any time I can, especially if reviews are good.

Speaking of made in America, I like the what I see on the six moons skyscape trekker tent but emailed them to see if they made in America about 2 weeks ago but they never replied, anyone know if they are?

by **Willie makit** » 02 01, 2014 • [Post 9]

Ok, I'm getting ready to take one for the elk hunting team. I'm sitting here getting ready for our safety briefing on this floating motel and buffet. Got 5 nights to explain to the wife that this 5 day cruise is to keep me out of trouble when I go off to the elk woods come September, time will tell how it works.

I got all my elk books packed, DVDs to watch but she caught me trying to sneak my calls aboard. I was wondering how they sounded over water and in our stateroom. Was planning to really have fun with them on our stops :cry:

I got my new FMJ's in but no time to do anything with them before making this sacrifice, glad hunting season is finally over though. I just hope we don't make the national news, lol

by **Lark Bunting** » 02 02, 2014 • [Post 10]

I got a used 100liter backpack yesterday as well as some cooking gear. I got in a great workout shoveling snow three times in the last two days. :mrgreen:

I am researching GPS units next. I believe I can get everything I need in a GPS for around $100 used on AT.

I will have to be conservative this month on expenses, $600 went to a vet last week for a sick cat. Had to put him down yesterday.

I also have my most favorite night of the year coming up, the annual Daddy-Daughter dance. Dresses get more expensive the older she gets, dinner is pretty expensive as well but I'd pay four times the amount to see her eyes light up when we enter the dance hall. Priceless!

by **Broken arrow** » 02 02, 2014 • [Post 11]

Last year was my rookie year. After 9 days 50+ miles a 5 hour horse ride rain lots of rain (thankful for the help cause it would have taken me 2 days to pack her out on foot.) exercises for my core and knees are top priority. Second is sprints with a pack on and shooting a bow.
Now also for this year I'm looking into 2 things a lighter shelter and a lighter pack. My blue widow worked great and so did my nemo espri 2. I can save almost 5lbs for a few more coins. And I'm refining my food choices. (Some things I ate because they tasted good, others I ate for pure calories). Remember dry foods ie crackers = more water needed. For us flatlanders it's a week or two fuel is all that matters you won't die and you're there to kill an elk. And ya ya ya ( it the experience) it is and if you aren't successful it isn't the end of the world. And it's fun but let's be real we all want to kill an elk. Push yourself to uncomfortable pain and suffering you won't be disappointed.

by **Lark Bunting** » 02 03, 2014 • [Post 12]

Broken arrow wrote:Last year was my rookie year. After 9 days 50+ miles a 5 hour horse ride rain lots of rain (thankful for the help cause it would have taken me 2 days to pack her out on foot.) exercises for my core and knees are top priority. Second is sprints with a pack on and shooting a bow.
Now also for this year I'm looking into 2 things a lighter shelter and a lighter pack. My blue widow worked great and so did my nemo espri 2. I can save almost 5lbs for a few more coins. And I'm refining my food choices. (Some things I ate because they tasted good, others I ate for pure calories). Remember dry foods ie crackers = more water needed. For us flatlanders it's a week or two fuel is all that matters you won't die and you're there to kill an elk. And ya ya ya ( it the experience) it is and if you aren't successful it isn't the end of the world. And it's fun but let's be real we all want to kill an elk. Push yourself to uncomfortable pain and suffering you won't be disappointed.

Great post! This is one thing I struggled with last year. My son was my hunting partner but at age 11 I was always cautious of how far we strayed from the road or even the campsite. I called a couple weekend hunts early due to drunken campers next to us shooting guns well past dark, and the rain. I didn't want him to be miserable and lose interest in hunting. Anyway, I will be working on my mental toughness this summer by doing some backpack trips. This will help work out the kinks for my first backpack hunt and give me a few nights solo to really get comfortable with my inner demons.

by **Willie makit** » 02 08, 2014 • [Post 13]

Broken arrow wrote:Last year was my rookie year. After 9 days 50+ miles .......... And I'm refining my food choices. (Some things I ate because they tasted good, others I ate for pure calories). Remember dry foods ie crackers = more water needed. For us flatlanders it's a week or two fuel is all that matters you won't die and you're there to kill an elk.

Just wondering if you would share more details on what changes you are making and/or what you would not take again. Thanks

by **zpd307** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 14]

the one thing about gear that I find sucky, is the fact you have to buy it and use it before you know if it will work.....

by **Swede** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 15]

I got 10 pairs of Marino wool blend socks from Cabela's yesterday. I'm ready.

I exercise 5-6 days each week. I need to start shooting again. Hopefully good weather will return again someday. I could practice calling as that would help if I am going to call for my son and friend.

by **Broken arrow** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 16]

Willie makit wrote:
Broken arrow wrote:Last year was my rookie year. After 9 days 50+ miles .......... And I'm refining my food choices. (Some things I ate because they tasted good, others I ate for pure calories). Remember dry foods ie crackers = more water needed. For us flatlanders it's a week or two fuel is all that matters you won't die and you're there to kill an elk.

Just wondering if you would share more details on what changes you are making and/or what you would not take again. Thanks

I'm going floorless to save weight and going for a lighter pack.
Mountain shelter lt 2.3# and an EXO mountain gear pack just over 4.5# That alone will save me almost 6.5lbs. I also switched to the MH pro packs ordered from beprepared.com to save space. Great price! No more cheese, peanut butter crackers ( ended up cheese and powder. Less jerky and trail mix. Adding top ramen and more .89 packs of instant potatoes. Keeping my carnation instant breakfast with Nido brand powdered milk ( it's full fat powdered milk in the Mexican section) taste is not bad. With all this I think I can get 2 weeks supplies and gear under 50lbs. Also google knee strengthening exercises. Your legs mean more than anything when you're hiking into the back country. Your knees mean even more.

by **stringunner** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 17]

I got another game camera! I'm working on maps, working on an email to Swede, and heading to the central Oregon sportsman show this weekend, going to take in some seminars and check out some booths.

by **zpd307** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 18]

these merino socks are awesome! unfortunately I wear them at work during the winter and wear them out by the time hunting season comes around..... man they are spendy.

by **swmoelk** » 03 06, 2014 • [Post 19]

I will be going on my first Elk hunt from Sept 4-12 this year but its a 900 mile drive so we will probably hunt 7-12 with a driving night and acclimation to altitude days. We are doing a bivy/spike combo. Mainly camp on our backs but hopefully leave it set up for a day or two at a time. This will be wilderness area but never more than 5-6 miles from the road. I have my application in. I have my maps in topo and aerial view. I talked to the biologist Sunday and he spent 30 min on the phone with me marking an X for me which is where I had planned on hunting He said that we were in for a great adventure and while nothing is guranteed we should be into elk after the first two hours of walking. I have all my gear ready to go except binos and outer layer of camo. I went searching for backpacking gear help from backpackers andhunting help from real been there done that public land elk hunters. I'm lucky enough to have an elk gude as a Sunday school teacher and work with another part time guide. I've not been brand loyal to any gear that I have bought but I have scoured the web and classifieds for the cheapest/lightest gear I could find while also making sure its quality. To the other newbies outthere NEVER pay retail prices on things. Excluding elknuts playbook,and your new Vortex optics because both are priceless and will have a huge ROI.

by **pointysticks** » 03 06, 2014 • [Post 20]

I just need a elk tag from the drawl/lotto.

I am not buying a thing this year. Maybe a new day pack. My money is going to actually hunting and not stuff.

by **danarnold** » 03 07, 2014 • [Post 21]

pointysticks wrote:I just need a elk tag from the drawl/lotto.

I am not buying a thing this year. Maybe a new day pack. My money is going to actually hunting and not stuff.

took the words right outta my mouth

I NEED a tag, I WANT a new pack

I'll settle for the tag!!

by **zpd307** » 03 07, 2014 • [Post 22]

I need a new pack also. I need to downsize what I bring with me for the day and my old pack is still too bulky. It will get used for bringing in our gear to camp and to pack out an elk if we get lucky.

by **RichM** » 03 10, 2014 • [Post 23]

I had an unsuccessful rifle hunt last year for elk in New Mexico unit 6B, which was my first hunt ever. This year I hope to draw for NM 34 for rifle elk and archery deer hunts.
Picked up a Hoyt bow for deer and maybe elk in a season or two. I still need to work on my form and tune it for broad heads that I also need to get. I'm leaning towards G5 Strikers or QAD Exudous fixed broad heads, but that's a different post.
I am thinking about an external frame pack, I have hopes I can get by with my internal for the 2014 season.
I should be ok in the camping gear category; packs, sleeping bag, thermarest, tent, cooking gear.
I built a new rifle (AR in 308) hopefully for Elk, its a lot more accurate than my Savage. But 2+ lbs heavier. I need some better (read quieter) clothing, I'm really interested in the Natural Gear stuff.
I need to get back in the gym on a daily basis, tell the girl friend she will have to feed the pets or they will have to wait for me to get home late.
I also need to do more lurking here so I can get as much information as I can without being annoying.

Last year I took too much stuff. In my day pack I probably had 2 days of food and water, first aid kit, camera, gps, rope, tarp as well as field dressing equipment I could have left back at the truck that had another few days of food and equipment. This year I hope to limit what I take on the daily treks to just what immediate needs and not prepare for the apocalypse.

I'm getting into the hunting culture, the anticipation is an interesting feeling.

Rich

by **Lark Bunting** » 03 10, 2014 • [Post 24]

I finally got back to running last week. I put in 13 miles in three days. My knees felt GREAT!

I also received a bugle tube from a member here and spent hours yesterday listening to Paul's videos and actual elk recordings and practiced replicating the sounds and understanding the elk language. Someone needs a Rosetta Stone for elk language!

I read about half on the Elknut Playbook over the weekend.

I watched two hours of elk hunting yesterday morning. I paid more attention to the elk calling and tried to figure out why the set-up's worked.

It snowed again Friday night then warmed up to the 70's yesterday. I wanted to hike but the mud was too much.

I dream about elk hunting damn near every night.

by **swmoelk** » 03 10, 2014 • [Post 25]

I put 2 miles on the pack last night at 55lbs. Felt good and it was the first time I got to test the new etrex 20 and a hydration bladder. I also got my first set of elk calls Saturday evening and by Saturday night the Wife had put an end to practicing in the house.

I have a 75 mile commute to practice all I can though. I'm trying to balance my newfound elk fever with my family life and upcoming fishing season. This is going to be a busy year.

by **blackwolf** » 03 13, 2014 • [Post 26]

What a relief, I thought this was a thread from my boss!!!

I need to get bow tuned and new quiver set up. Lots of little details to take care of that will make a difference come Sep!

by **Lark Bunting** » 03 14, 2014 • [Post 27]

Ran two miles last night. Knee is feeling great!

My son and I listened to elk sounds last night and practiced calling.

Then, we watched some elk hunting videos.

by **jmez** » 03 14, 2014 • [Post 28]

I'm playing with arrow set up right now. I've used FMJ's for years. 485gr arrow and had really good luck with them. Buddy shot a mature cow last year with a VAP shaft, 25 yard frontal shot and the broadhead tip was just poking out of the skin on the opposite hip, shot the length of her!!! I was impressed with the penetration so bought some FMJ Injextions to play with.

Don't like the Deep 6 system so using the VAP Penetrator and Penetrator II half in half outs on them. Regular penetrator weighs 33 grains and puts me at 484 grains and the Penetrator II weighs 55 grains and will put me at 501gr with higher FOC. Shooting all three now and essentially have the same POI so that is nice. I'll go with the heaviest arrow if they fly well with broadheads. I haven't shot any BH's with them yet. I think these skinny arrows will be the ticket.