^^^^^^This!!
My BIL told me late last summer he wanted to come out and hunt elk with me. I sent him a packing list and a link to the CPW website for tag costs (let alone fuel for his Jeep on 35s) and he was kind of in shock. There is a HUGE difference in equipment needed to hunt in the intermountain west versus whitetails in the eastern half of the country. I always ask this question of people wanting to do an elk/mule deer western hunt ..."Do you plan on doing this as a regular thing or just once in a lifetime?" If it is a one time thing you are probably better going with an outfitter for the cost vs return.
If you still have that list, would you mind posting it?
Let's try it this way....it is more cumbersome but you get the idea
Items you should bring:
Woobie
Foam pad
Sleeping bag
cot
Boots waterproof, comfortable, supportive insulated 200-600gm (think Kennetrek, Meindl etc).
Extra pair of Boots o-
factor
Gaiters
Gloves 2 pair, waterproof or wool, I bring both gloves and moose hide choppers with wool inserts
Beenie preferably orange
Ear covers the new muffs, the ones that wrap around and velcro
Baklava either of these 3 would be great I bring all 3
Hand/Foot warmers trust me on this one
Personnal hygiene stuff-
Finger/toe nail clippers
Body wipe/baby wipes scent free, to wash your butt with and your body, walmart $3 a box for the hunting ones, get the big ones and small baby wipes
Towel
Hat If you are going to wear it hunting it has to be orange, anything covering the head has to be orange
Sunglasses
Small back pack day pack for snacks, extra pair of socks, knives, rope, sharpener, etc. Can use your other pack if small enough....I use my MR Cabinet
survival pack with fire starter- ALWAYS when you leave camp
Tags(put in ziplok baggie)
knives and diamond stick/sharpener
Flashlight w/extra batteries
Head lamp w/extra batteries
Pen to sign tag after kill
Phone/Camera
Scent wafers Walmart Hunters cow elk urine scent wafers.....good cover scent
shooting sticks/bipod etc
Lens cleaner cloth
Bino's & Rangefinder if you currently do not have do not go out and buy a pair, not necessary but nice
batteries for all
Rifle
Ammo Patitions, TTSX, TSX's, GMX, SST's, something that will expand and not punch holes
Gun Cleaning Kit
Scope cover or bikinni covers
Frame pack w/extra orange if you have one to haul quarters with
Rope I recommend climbing rope for size to strength
Elk/Deer quarter bags- I use Caribou brand synth bags and they are awesome
Camp- chair
Camp shoes Crocs, sneakers, something to run to the outhouse in
Beer or soda or favorite beverage
schnaaps
Water 1 case should do
coolers Both to bring food and take meat home
food
wood shims
chainsaw w/gas
hatchet
propane
Do not put your clothes in a plastic bag/garbage bag, instead put them in a para bag or locker or something and put a scent wafer in with them or some fresh pine needles to take on the smell
ORANGE VEST/JACKET/SHIRT If your jacket or coat is not orange you will need an orange vest, walmart $6, something that is quite burbur or fleece not plastic to loud
Socks 5-7 days worth, wool is best, do not go out of control
Socks bottom layer, thin, dress 5-7 pairs
Underwear 7-10 days
Base layers 5 sets
Pants 3+ pants appropriate for the season you hunt
Long Sleeve shirts Layers
Coat Waterproof/DWR and insulated-fleece is my choice (a puffy is good to have to )with a vest to go under if needed
Jacket something in between the coat and long sleeve shirts, fleece pullovers work great
Change of cloths to drive home or ride in
Waterproof pants gortex or pair of rain pants, something to keep you dry while sitting if it really pours
Let me know if you have questions about anything
