Elk Hunting on a budget

[MidwestHunter]

So, this year will be my first elk hunt. Over the last year, I have been compiling gear at times when they are on clearance. I pretty much started with almost nothing for elk hunting. Just my normal Midwest whitetail deer and turkey hunting gear of boots, headlamps, gps. I had nothing wool (all cotton) which I do not want to do in Montana. I just wanted to share the gear I have purchased over the last year to show how "affordable" it can be for newbies on DIY if they are patient and give plenty of time to acquire gear in the offseason. I listed "retail price" and how much I paid for it. Discounts varied from ebay items, clearance in the bargain cave, extra $10/$20 off coupons, and even buying cabela's gift cards for 20% off from ebay.

See the attached list. I will try to update everyone, and give some reviews/whether I would buy again. Most things I researched reviews extensively before purchasing. Very time consuming, but when you are on a budget, have to make every purchase count.

Overall cost was $2793.91 including the wall tent/gun, etc. Since some family members pitched in for the wall tent, my portion turns out to be $1850 (+$650 for revolver). Elk tag = $800, portion of gas = $300. Total =$3600 or so (maybe add a few hundred for other supplies). Pretty cheap in my opinion for everything. After this first hunt, next hunt will be ALMOST free

Anyone else have some money saving tips for people starting out elk hunting?

[Fridaythe13th]

Other thing you might want to consider would be a cot, generator, freezer, table, chair, shower? and maybe more than 1 boxer a trailer of some sort to haul all of this stuff.

[Kessler10]

where in the world did you find First Lite tops and bottoms so cheap???

[MidwestHunter]

where in the world did you find First Lite tops and bottoms so cheap???

At MidwayUSA. Plus I didn't have to pay taxes, and free shipping! They still have good sales on some sizes in real tree camo pattern. The $40 shirts got off of eBay.

[MidwestHunter]

Other thing you might want to consider would be a cot, generator, freezer, table, chair, shower? and maybe more than 1 boxer a trailer of some sort to haul all of this stuff.

Lol have most of those except freezer, just forgot to put on the list. Got a Coleman portable on demand water heater for showers... Lol. Still looking for trailer.

[husky390]

EMT conduit for the wall tent should be less. I paid $135 for the conduit on my 16'x20' at Home Depot but I cut it myself.

[saddlesore]

For a shower,I took a 3 gallon Garden sprayer ( New).Threw the wand away and replaced with a kitchen sink sprayer .Total cost was about $15.Then I found a 2 room shower tent at K-Mart for $36 that is as good as what Cabelas sell their single room for $120. I heat about a gallon and a half of water to boil , and use that and the rest cold water to get a nice warm shower. Even with only 3 gallons, I have never run out or water while showering. Might have to pump iy up onetime between start and finish though.

Costco has some nice Merino wool/poly long johns for about $17 each of top and bottom that are really great.

I have found some good bargains at the Coleman store of Outlet shops north of me. Also check the Goodwill Retail outlets.Phenominal bargains there.

[Elkduds]

Saddlesore, you are my new WT hero! I HATE to pay full price. Plus you have hunted the West Elks, my old stomping ground.

Midwest Hunter, that is some impressive shopping, sir. Goodwill large pillowcases are my gamebags.

I got older pattern camo wear from Sitka, Core4, etc. from internet classifieds: CL, WT, MM, RS. Top brands on clearance or mildly used for 2/3 or more off retail price, by being patient.

In hunting and life, it is either time or $. If you have one, you need the other. If you spend time, you can save $, and vice versa.

[MidwestHunter]

EMT conduit for the wall tent should be less. I paid $135 for the conduit on my 16'x20' at Home Depot but I cut it myself.

I actually just bought them today for $110 after taxes. I was waiting on my brother to buy, he said they were $160 at his work after discount. Those were supposed to be part of his portion of the wall tent. I got sick of constantly asking if he had them so I could set up the tent and hearing "not yet", so I did it myself and bought them today. Still need to cut them down.

[husky390]

EMT conduit for the wall tent should be less. I paid $135 for the conduit on my 16'x20' at Home Depot but I cut it myself.

I actually just bought them today for $110 after taxes. I was waiting on my brother to buy, he said they were $160 at his work after discount. Those were supposed to be part of his portion of the wall tent. I got sick of constantly asking if he had them so I could set up the tent and hearing "not yet", so I did it myself and bought them today. Still need to cut them down.

Brothers, lol. My brother and I do the same stuff to each other.

[saddlesore]

EMT conduit for the wall tent should be less. I paid $135 for the conduit on my 16'x20' at Home Depot but I cut it myself.

I actually just bought them today for $110 after taxes. I was waiting on my brother to buy, he said they were $160 at his work after discount. Those were supposed to be part of his portion of the wall tent. I got sick of constantly asking if he had them so I could set up the tent and hearing "not yet", so I did it myself and bought them today. Still need to cut them down.

The top rail of chain link fence makes a great ridge pole and supports. I used half inch conduit for the wall poles

[blackbruin]

5 gallon bucket with a shower head near the bottom, just add hot water with some cold to temper it even cheaper yet.