Jun
25
What’s everything I need to hunt in Colorado?
By
Hatchetman asked:
I'm new to hunting going with friends, they say we will see elk maybe bulls. I'm thinking of buying a 30-06 savage, but don't have much cash looking 4 one around $400. Just got a buck knife w/ gut hook. What brand of winter clothes do u reccomend? What kind of boots? Sleeping bag? What else? I'm on a budget so what's best for my money? Maybe a checklist or websites. Thanks 4 the help
I'm new to hunting going with friends, they say we will see elk maybe bulls. I'm thinking of buying a 30-06 savage, but don't have much cash looking 4 one around $400. Just got a buck knife w/ gut hook. What brand of winter clothes do u reccomend? What kind of boots? Sleeping bag? What else? I'm on a budget so what's best for my money? Maybe a checklist or websites. Thanks 4 the help
4 Comments
June 28th, 2009 at 1:50 am
You will need layers of clothing underwear (your choice) Smaller the better. Polypro or non cotton thermal underwear. Your over wear ie jeans, shirts. A BLAZE ORANGE coat and that is it. Clothes are clothes just make sure you get decent socks and boots and you’ll be good. Have and old wind breaker pair of pants to put over the jeans if the going gets a bit wet.
Sleeping bag surplus sleeping bags will do the trick. They are warm and cheap. A sleeping mat will finish the jib and keep you dry.
You will need a day pack, I use an old kelty that I had from high school.
Compass and map and have a general idea how to use them. Orienteering is an art, but the basics of are simple.
You might also want to get a cleaning kit so you can keep your rifle in top operating condition
A cartridge wallet is great to keep track of your bullets in your pockets cabelas makes a good one.
June 29th, 2009 at 3:43 am
Savage is a good choice. Top it with a Nikon Pro Staff 3×9 40mm scope and use 165 or 180 grain BONDED bullets and you will be good for elk,deer and bear.
Boots are your own preference but Rocky and Hermans make decent economical boots. Try to get waterproof and Thinsulate, because nothing worse that cold wet feet! Get two sets of thermal underwear, thin poly and thicker polar weight poly. Notice that biggest thing is keeping dry, so don’t use cotton, it gets wet and will not hold heat and won’t dry quickly.
I don’t remember if Colorado is Hunter Orange, but I would find an Orange/Black cammo jacket on sale right now in a clearance rack.
Pants are same as for the rest, find something that is at least water resistant and NOT COTTON. Wool or plush poly work well.
I always have a few foil packet hand warmers with me when ever I’m in the field. They are cheap and last 8-10 hours, just find a poly undershirt with a ****** pocket to put it in and you will be toasty all day.
We could go on for a checklist , but have two knives, a small one for close work besides the Buck, and a way to sharpen them. A good ‘Boonie”hat will provide eye shade and keep your neck drier if it rains; if its real cold you can put a watch cap on under it. Couple pair of different weight gloves to deal with the weather changes possible, again, waterproof.
June 29th, 2009 at 5:10 am
The 30-06 Savage is a great choice if you’re on a budget. As far as what to hunt…the Elk and Deer seasons coincide here. A Mule Deer permit will be cheaper than Elk, but that may change by hunting season. We’ve got an overpopulation of Elk…even the NFS & DOW are thinning the herds.
Gear? Best site to find good gear is . You’ll find Camo and blaze orange in a variety of styles.
Sleeping bags?…Kelty* makes some awesome subzero bags
Boots? Sorrel…and don’t forget to buy some Gators…
Clothing? Your choice on outerwear (Carhart* makes some really good bodysuits and Goretex* also has 2 piece outerwear) I’d recommend polypropylene or silk long johns or a union suit for undergarments.
Socks: Wool or polypropylene (several pair)
General supplies: Matches, Water, Granola bars and chocolate, Mirror, Small tarp or tent, Survival saw/knife combo, Compass, Map
Depending on when ya’ll head up the hills…the weather may be great and you won’t have to worry about too much snow. However, we do get some heavy snow in September from time to time…so, a weather radio and/or GPS would be a good idea…
Also, wouldn’t be a bad idea to buy a fishing license and a pole just in case ya get stranded or lost. Most of the creeks and lakes are still active during hunting season. So, if ya get in a pinch, ya can always go fishin’.
Lemme know if I can help some more.
June 30th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
you will get sick of sweet candy & granola bars- pack a bag of no-pepper beef jerky. take extra socks and i like tennis shoes around camp as my boots dry. 100 feet of paracute cord always helps. put a small 2 blade folding knife in your pocket. a wrist watch & notebook to monitor hunters: elk move in front of and away from hunters so watch other hunters habits and let them move elk to you. i see more elk shot in evening than early because exhausted hunters returning to camp move elk and the stationary hunter takes advantage of the noise.