First Timer

[Sleepy]

Hello,I'm new to the post here from what I've seen so far everybody is friendly unlike other post I have been on. I have a some questions if anybody is willing to answer. My buddys and I are planning a trip to Colorado for a Elk bow hunt on our own in September 05. I would like to know what we can expect for weather that time of year and equipment I would need to survive for the 10 days. This will be my first time on a pack in trip.

 

[RACKMASTER]

LAST EDITED ON Jul-10-05 AT 11:12PM (MST)[p]You are planning a 10 DAY bow hunting pack in trip huh?
And 1st time? And your not sure what the weather is typicaly like and gear needed to "survive"? Think REI.COM AND BOUT $1600.00.
AND YOU SAY THE OTHER FORUMS ARE NOT AS FRIENDLY!
BUD..YOU NEED TO BE ON THE OTHER FORUM SO YOU GET A WAKE UP CALL FOR THE GUYS AND GALS!
Some need the ribbing your gonna get,however you will still gain a ton of advice from these who do packing!(I never here of 10 days in a packing unless stock is used. except to get to an ole cabin or hunting camp thats been set up prior to the hunt).
Jack

 

[Lien2]

Geez Rack, kind of harsh aren't you?
Sleepy is probably looking for a little advice from more experienced hunters and looked to MM for help. How is he gonna learn if he deosn't ask? He has to start some place and now you've probably scared him away and put a bad image out AGAIN of some of the people around here.
Sleepy, keep asking questions, read as much as you can about elk hunting, and buy the best equipment you can afford.
Good luck.

Lien2

 

[outtabreath]

I'm laughing about the REI/$1600 comment. Thats pretty true. I don't think its harsh, just right to the point. Read alot. There is alot of good info on this site. I was a first timer last year. Asked alot of questions and got very helpful answers. Went unguided on public land and got a bull on the second day. Hauled him out solo. I'm hooked forever. I didn't hike in though. We had a cushy camp set up a couple of miles away. Have you ever hiked in for ten days? That is alot to carry. How far will you end up being from a road after hiking in? You have to think about getting that critter out of there. And, if you are even four miles in, thats alot of miles when you think about going back and forth hauling everything out. And what about terrain? If you're in the mountains ( you will be) there aren't alot of flat places. Hiking can get pretty slow when you're bushwhacking and climbing 2000 feet with a full pack. As far as weather goes, elevation will be the major factor in September. You can probably expect to roast during the day and freeze your butt of at night. one word..."layers".Good luck and keep asking questions.

 

[FamilyMan]

You can figure on it being hot and very dry. You will need LOTS of water on hot days at high elevation to stay hydrated. You will drink several times more water per day than you need at home. Not likely you can pack this much water in, so invest in a very good filtration system - something that can move a lot of water and still filter out all the nasty stuff (geardia (sp?) to name but one).

Mark

 

[Chef]

LAST EDITED ON Jul-14-05 AT 12:57PM (MST)[p]Ten days is a lot. Especially for hiking food, water, and carrying out a kill. Especially if you are a first timer.

I suggest setting up a base camp early. Set up spike camps from there. Set up base where there is somewhat of an easy access either with a quad or on horseback.

That's what I would do. Then you could spike camp around the area chasing the herds. They will be easy to find around that time if you are anywhere near elk country.

What unit in CO? What elevation do you plan on being at?

Chef
"I Love Animals...They're Delicious!"

**want to add**
Make sure you and your buds are in tip-top shape! No smokers! That thin air sure keeps your lungs burning when packin up a steep canyon. Sure restricts the amount of oxygen your muscles are recieving.