I’ve talked about it before, but this year we’re serious. We plan on going this fall. Colorado OTC. I know some of the gear I have to get. Good boots, clothes, frame pack etc. this will be a new experience for us. What is some advice on what all gear to get and any other advice? Thanks I’m advance.

Get onx maps. Use promo code “Randy” or “elktalk” Click Here. I would also check out gohunt. They do draw odds and strategy articles for drawing tags but would be very helpful for trying to narrow down where you want to hunt. They also have the same promo codes as onx. Click Here I would start listening to some podcasts and definitely study up on the game laws. Good luck and I hope you have great success

I have no help for you, other than that would be something I would love to do one day.

I will say this that Clay Hayes has some good elk hunting videos on his Youtube channel, where he stalks and hunts elk on public land with his homemade traditional archery equipment.

Beautiful scenery too...

Start training hard.

first and most important....get yer azz in good climbing shape. Walk/run steps/bleachers...a lot. The better shape you are in the faster you will recover from the altitude change and be able to enjoy your hunt. I cannot stress this enough. Alabama ain't Colorado. Don't worry about flat running, up and down is where it's at.

get ALL the info you can get from the DCNR in Co...they have a LOT of info. When you start to make a real plan call out to Co and talk to the elk biologist over the area you want to hunt. Get up to date info and on the ground help.

careful read the game laws in Co, they have way diff laws/regs than we do and they don't play.

carry a small survival kit on yer person when away from the truck.

get in shape.

I've been four times, killed two good 5X5 bulls in the Flattops Wilderness Area. Use a 7mag or 300mag and nobler partitions, and if he is still on his feet keep shooting.

This is a must. Look into quick clot graze pads and something that can be used as a pressure dressing or tourniquet. I was watching an elk hunting video and a guy had an arrow fall out of his quiver and he stepped into it driving the broad head into his calf. They didn’t have the proper stuff to bandage him up. It turned out good but could have been much worse. Look at Tractor Supply for vetwrap. It is good stuff

All of the above and :

1. have a plan for what you will do when you get one. A 500-700 animal is a lot different than a 150 pound whitetail. If you are in the back country you'll need a plan to pack it out. And you'll need to bone it before you bring into AL.

2. You don't need a magnum. .30-06 and .270 are plenty. I've killed two with the 06 ( at 225 and 280 yards) and a friend successfully hunted elk for 30 plus years with his .270 . But you need a heavy for caliber bullet and practice shooting at longer ranges from improvised positions while wearing your hunting clothes. Get a range finder. Distances can be deceiving.

3. Get a GPS and practice with it. It is easy to get disoriented. A GPS can keep a small problem from becoming a big problem. You probably won't have a cell phone connection and it will be harder to run into people/civilization.

4. Good hiking boots. Not muck boots or rubber boots. Something that you can walk and climb in for long distances without getting blisters.

5. Enjoy the hunt, it is the prize, An elk is a bonus.

Train harder than you think you need to, the altitude will hurt you. Prior to my trip out in October I was hiking 4-5 miles with a 60 lb pack at least 3 times a week. And I tried to fit in a 8-10 miler each week if time allowed. I thought I was in pretty good shape, as soon as I started going up hill at 9000 feet I felt like a little bitch.

Be prepared for some crazy weather. Went from low in the 30's highs in the 60's to below 0 lows and single digit highs overnight.

Clothing wise get a good layering system. even at -6, when moving, I was comfortable with merino base layer, wool shirt, down vest, good gloves and beanie. I carried a heavier jacket and a light sleeping bag to use when stopping to glass, eat, etc. Gaiters are for the snow or dew.

Newberg has a good video series on e-scouting.

also snow chains, tow straps, come along or winch for your vehicle.

I went with foldemup...that dude is a machine, I was more like a donut machine.....

Get in shape. I wasn't in awful shape but was not at my best either. When you see a big bull, you aren't going to want to stop, and it can really suck. To be completely honest, I've started eating healthier and working out more just in case I do get to go back

A friend of mine had a elk hunting trip to Colorado given to him by his wife at Christmas about 15 years ago. He ran stadium steps, ran for miles and did everything he could to get in shape. The 3rd morning he told his guide to get him out of there, he had enough.

I can’t repeat this enough

We are heading to unit 171 or 161 this year for 2nd rifle. Start running stadiums now! If by the time you leave you can run stadiums for 45 mins straight with a 40lb pack you will enjoy your trip far more, that's my goal every year. It is an awesome experience and if you get in shape and have a good trip you wont be able to not think about going back every year. I pre-cook all of our meals, vacuum pack, and freeze them before we leave as this really helps the long days of hunting. We camp at the base of the mountain usually and plan on 2 hours to walk in and 2 hours out everyday so it makes for a very long day. We usually meet for lunch at a central location and discuss what we have seen for the day adjust tactics and then break back up for the evening. We try to buddy hunt where 2 of us are 100-200 yards apart for safety. Buy the best boots you can afford 3 months in advance and break them in, as well as a good backpack with a scabbard. Sock liners, water, and a good flash light are invaluable as well but the key in my opinion is pick your hunting party wisely! Do not under any circumstances take a pessimist, whinner, or anyone who is lazy and not in it for the greater good of the group as they will ruin your trip. Ideally find guys who will be just as happy that you kill a bull as if they do, because when you do they will have to stop hunting and help pack meat out for at least 3-6 hours depending on where you kill it. The hunting is hard but if you do it right you will make memories you will never forget. The sights, alone are worth the trip.

Everyone is telling you the truth son and I hunted Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico for about ten years my last hunt I was 65. I worked my tail off each year cut three acres with a 21 inch push mower 19 1/2 miles, ran the local high school stadium with 35 pound pack every other day and 1 1/2 hours at the gym on the other days. 10 and 12 thousand feet will work on you. My last hunt I told my son that I just wasn’t willing to put in a year getting ready.
Had a blast the scenery is absolutely beautiful and the time my son and I had together was priceless. Get in shape and enjoy your hunt.

We just did WY this past October. Make sure you start running or walking at least. We hiked 68 miles in 6 days and the terraine is crazy in places. I’ll be honest, I packed light just taking Binos, knife, shooting sticks, GPS (must on public land), good boots, good socks to keep feet dry and plenty of dang snacks. Didn’t really take anything that I wouldn’t use here. I ate more crap out there in 6 days than I eat in a year at home.

Yeah, I've put a list together for a buddy, let me dig it up. I think it's on my work computer though,might take me a few hours.

I have been wanting to do the same thing after watching Born and Raised Outdoors and Hushin on YouTube.

Everyone's saying "get in shape'.... while that's true, ya need to pace yourself making the climbs. We had a guy pushing 70 hunt with us in Kodiak. Montana native, he went everywhere we did, just arrived a little later than us and he was a flat out goat.

An item that helps the knees/legs are trekking poles. especially on steep terrain. If not for my poles, I'd have taken more than my one spill packing my deer out this year.

Someone mentioned OnXmaps. Good to have but if navigating, I'm taking a GPS.

If ya don't want to spend a ton of cash, grab a good backpack and just strap it onto a $50-60 frame. Not the most comfy loaded but, it'll work.


The 3 biggies would to handle are
Water
Food
First aid

Save up and do a guided trip. I won't go on a DIY trip again.