2013 Post Hunt- What do you need?

[Z Barebow]

What do I want/need for future hunts? What do I need to replace?

Boots- I currently have Meindl Perfekts. They are hiker version. I have had these for about 8 years and they have led a good life. They are not totally waterproof (But I don’t think any boot would have kept my feet dry this trip) I think the toe box has expanded and allow too much movement. I am leaning toward Kennetrek Hardscrabbles.

Decoy- I had my Montana Decoy torn off of my packs and lost it as I navigated through deadfall. Think of the ElkMtnGear elk decoy (SLIP System) as a replacement.

Hunting Hat- I lost this in deadfall also. (I had my beanie on underneath so I didn’t notice). I customize a Columbia fishing hat which makes it uniquely mine. I like the wide brim which keep rain/snow from falling down your neck. I also like that I can wear alone in hot weather, or add my beanie underneath for insulation.

Gaiters- The lack of gaiters is one of the reasons my feet/boots became so wet in the rain/snow. I have already solved this as Camofire had some Kennetrek Gaiters on web yesterday, so I pulled the trigger.

Rain Pants- I currently have MTO50 rain pants. They won’t keep you dry in an all day rain/snow. They also take up 3 times the space in my pack as my Space Rain Jacket. MTO50 has taken some abuse and never ripped. I am purchasing the Space Rain pants (I suspect they are less durable but we will see) in an effort to save weight. They are a membrane so they should be waterproof, it is just a matter if they will hold up to deadfall. Purchased yesterday at Cabelas.

[>>>---WW---->]

About all I need is an elk. LOL! But I'm not too worried as my tag is still good until January 15 of next year.

I do need to send my binoculars in for a little work. It looks like the coating is chipping off of the objective lense. Other than that, I'm in pretty good shape. Actually it is kind of a pain to go to Cabela's or Sportmans and never find anything I can't live without or spend my money or points on. LOL!

[cnelk]

I need a lollypop.....

err.... popcycle

[WapitiTalk1]

Again, really thinking I might throw a tree stand into my elk hunting mix. There was a few spots this year that a TS could have been emplaced with potential dividends. Just gotta work on my patience level.

[ElkNut1]

Boots & gaiters are at the top of the list for me! My Crispis have been an excellent boot, best so far! But I'm in the market to try something new, right now it's the Lathrop & Sons Hanwags, we'll see what the future holds! (grin) And yes I'm also looking into a new pair of wool pants with cargo pockets, I love wool for those wet cold days!!

ElkNut1

[Swede]

Like WW and cnelk, there is not much or anything I need. I may get a new trail camera to replace the one that quit on me. I may get another Millennium stand. I see Cabelas has them in their bargain barn now. Who puts out a reliable trail camera at a good price? I don't need a fast trigger or great picture quality. I would like it to have a sensor that reaches out 50+ feet.

[pointysticks]

i'm going to buy a new bow. i think.

for sure, i am upgrading my outerwear. i have a potentially much wetter hunt coming for next year's elk. my clothing would suck in water.
i hope to visit KUIU soon, and try on a few things. crazy how much $$ that stuff is.

[mtnmutt]

Replace critter damaged rain fly on BA base camp tent. I hope they have replacements because I don't want to buy a new tent.

Backup bow - this may be a long shot. I will know by March if funds magically appear.

Bugle - yes, I am going to learn to do a location bugle. A spike proved to me that I can in fact hear bugles at short distances despite my severe hearing loss. Winter project: learn location bugles and annoy neighbors.

3rd and maybe 4th trail camera. This summer, I tried them for the first time. I did not hunt where I had used them because of unexpected factors. I need to do more ambush style hunting so trail cams are a much needed tool.

Ingredients and supplies to make my own instant meals. I am way over MH meals. Winter project: learn to make my own instant meals.

Heads up decoy maybe. This year I never used my Montana decoy because its too cumbersome.

Make a deer hat for CO eastern plains deer hunt. I have no creative talent and do not know how to sew. My mom doesn't know it yet but I will ask her to help.

[Atxboise]

Z Barebow: I am in the same boat as you regarding boots. Same aged meindl's with the sloppy feel, and no longer supportive. Except lucky me, I won a pair of Hardscrabbles! I have 30 miles on them and still not broken in, but i really think it will be worth the wait. So far so good!

[elkmtngear]

Decoy- I had my Montana Decoy torn off of my packs and lost it as I navigated through deadfall. Think of the ElkMtnGear elk decoy (SLIP System) as a replacement.

Sorry about the Montana...but for navigating deadfall, the SLIP System certainly will help!

I got about 4 Seasons out of my Merrel Moabs...I got a little leakage this Year on one side. Looking at the Salomon Quest 4D GTX or Lowa Renegade GTX for replacements, I've heard good things about both.

[aron]

I now need new rain gear after 5 wet days tore up my cabelas space rain set. The stuff works great for a few showers but not all day hunting. Rest of the items are more "wants".

[pointysticks]

oh. not so much "equipment" but i am going to spend some money towards a gym membership.

my legs are way better than a few years ago. stronger. same goes for my lungs. pretty happy about it. BUT, there is still room for improvement. i realize that legs and lungs are just part of the equation. i need to step up and build up my core strength. basic upper body strength wont suck either. hauling around gear and dead animals..HEAVY. hate to hurt myself because my core is weak, or my flexibilty lacking.

off to the gym. i hate hefting a heavy pack onto my back. i'm awkward, and i grunt alot

[ctdad]

For those of you looking into rain gear, I was very please with the core4element torrent rain pants I used this year. Those along with my hanwag boots (also highly recommended) and my legs and feet stayed 100% dry. It was soaking wet with rain and snow about 4-5 days that I hunted. This was the first time I ever stayed dry completely. My only complaint about the rain pants is that their sizing is funky. Mine were a bit big but it didn't affect my ability to move and I stayed dry.

I'm going to get the torrent rain jacket and some gaiters for next year.