ElkBros Gear List:

This gear list is more geared towards truck/tent camping with a base camp.  Backpacking in is a whole different consideration. This is a total list of “possible equipment” for your elk hunt. What we consider as “Mandatory” equipment is in BOLD italics.

Also, understand that this list is a guide of possible gear and equipment. You DO NOT need everything on this list to hunt elk. Sure, it helps to make things easier and somewhat more comfortable, but you can hunt elk in running shoes, your college backpack, jeans and a T-shirt, sleeping in your vehicle and eating bologna sandwiches. DO NOT let the lack of gear keep you from hunting elk. As long as you have a solid weapon, your calls, a pack for your water, food, knives, flashlight, rain poncho and you are legally licensed….you CAN elk hunt.

Camping Gear

If using a tent:

  • Tent plus 2 tarps / xtra tent poles for tarp (one for ground cover & one for over shelter)
  • shovel / hammer / Folding Saw
  • Bungees / 100’ non-stretch rope / Rachet tie-downs / extra tent stakes. Note: bungees are better to use when securing a tarp to stakes. More forgiving in wind. 

Without Tent

  • Cooler(s)
  • Propane stove
  • Paper plates and bowls
  • Paper towels
  • Propane canisters X 6
  • Propane lantern in case and extra mantels
  • Propane Shower & Shower tent
  • Disposable camp lighters
  • Camp chair
  • Can opener
  • Coffee & Drinking cup
  • Dish soap
  • Cookware
  • Spices & Cooking oil
  • Utensils
  • Small wash tub, pot scrubber & Dish Towell
  • Small white cutting board and camp knife
  • Toilet paper
  • 3 x 5 Gal Water Containers
  • Gallon & Quart Ziplocs
  • Heavy Duty Garbage bags
  • Power converter  & rechargeable power bank
  • Parachute cord
  • EZ-up shelter

Personal Sleep system

  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Sleeping cot
  • Pillow
  • Earplugs

Weapon

Archery

  • Bow
  • Arrows
  • Broadheads
  • Release or Glove (and an extra for backup)
  • Hard Bow case for traveling with ATV/UTV
  • Repair parts for rest/peep/D-loop/String wax/Allen wrenches…

Firearm

  • Rifle or Muzzle Loader (with sling)
  • Scope cover
  • Case
  • Repair/Maintenance items
  • Shells
  • Shooting sticks

Day Pack

  • License & tags
  • Elk calls & grunt tube
  • Wind indicator
  • Toilet paper in a ziploc
  • Hydration system or water bottle
  • Cell Phone (Serves as GPS (OnX), Camera, communication, spare light, Alarm clock)
  • Cell phone external battery/charger
  • Rangefinder with a fresh battery
  • If rifle – Binos not really necessary for Archery.
  • Compass, Map
  • Sat Communication device…We use Zoleos
  • Headlamp and small flashlight/extra batteries in ziploc
  • Bic lighter and fast fire starter
  • First aid kit (Check this great First Aide article by OnX… Click Here)
  • Kill Kit (Knives/Latex gloves & Shoulder length glove kit/hand wipes/paper towels/ziplocs/game bags)
  • Rain Poncho
  • Leatherman
  • Marking Tape
  • Paracord
  • Walkie Talkie (if with a group)
  • Lightweight hikers hammock
  • Extra set of socks (use each to hold ziplocs of granola/snacks inside to keep tight and quiet)
  • Stocking cap 

Personal Items

  • Towel and washcloth
  • Toothbrush and baking soda paste
  • No-Scent soap
  • No-Scent spray
  • No-Scent deoderant
  • Wet Wipes- scent free
  • Scent killing towelettes 
  • Glasses & hearing aide batteries
  • Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Aspirin, Eye drops, Antacid, Allergy meds, prescriptions

Clothing (May have to adapt for Cold weather/snow)

  • Underwear for each day (If hiking you can get by with Merino wool for 2- 3 days rinse and wear)
  • Hiking socks (3 pairs for every 2 days)
  • Biking waterproof socks x 3 pair
  • Lightweight Merino wool long sleeve top x 2 (Can replace with polypropylene)
  • Lightweight Merino wool long underwear x 2 (Can replace with polypropylene)
  • Hunting shirts long sleeve
  • Hunting shirts short sleeve
  • Hunting jacket 
  • Hunting jacket lightweight
  • Hunting pants
  • Belt x 2
  • Footwear ( I use old running shoes and waterproof biking socks most of the time and boots in bad conditions)
  • Camp clothes – shorts, t-shirts, camp pants
  • Camp shoes / flops 
  • Dirty clothes sack
  • Gaiters
  • Thin Camo Gloves
  • Neck gaiter to help cover the face or Spandoflage head net  (my preference over face paint)
  • Thick gloves for traveling
  • Camo Hat x 2
  • Stocking Cap (in pack)
  • Rain Poncho (in pack)

Game Processing

  • Freighter frame pack
  • Knives & sharpener 
  • Small tarp
  • Bone saw
  • 2 x 120-160 quart coolers filled with ice. The ice can be used with food coolers. An entire small elk, boned out may fit in one cooler. If not boned out or a large animal, 2 coolers may be needed.