Elk Hunting Gear
Elk Hunting Gear: Essential Equipment for a Successful Hunt
Elk hunting is a thrilling and challenging experience that requires proper preparation and the right gear. Whether you are a seasoned hunter or a beginner, having the right equipment can significantly improve your chances of a successful hunt. In this blog post, we will explore the essential elk hunting gear that every hunter should consider.
As an Elk hunting guide in Montana and with my own experience on public and private hunts, this is the list you will want for your elk hunting gear list! When I decided to create this after man hunts and many conversations it is amazing you can ask 10 people and get 10 different answers. I use what I use because I need the best gear possible.
Expert Tips
- Watch out for what can eat you in your areas.
- Don’t go by yourself have someone with you.
- Carry an inReach to let people know where you are.
- Plan for the worst-case scenario you might have to stay the night in the backcountry.
- What to wear elk hunting: Keep yourself dry – Have the proper gear on. In the case where you get wet, shed your clothes and change as soon as possible.
Elk Hunting Gear List
For my top recommendations, click on the blue links below to see exactly which products I recommend.
| Product (Click below) | Description | Weight | Price (At the time of publishing) |
| Sitka Gore Optifade | Cold Weather Beanie- I Like this when glassing or on cold days. | 3.5 Oz | $59.00 |
| Sitka Heavyweight base layer | Cold weather Base layer bottoms I like these on cold days. | 9.15 Oz | $99.00 |
| Sitka Half Zip Long Sleeve | Base layer top for cold weather. | 9.15 Oz | $99.00 |
| Sitka Mid layer top | Sitka GORE OPTIFADE Concealment Subalpine Series Core Lightweight Long-Sleeve Hoodie for Men. Great Mid layer! | 6.81 Oz | $129.00 |
| Sitka Gore Pants | Sitka GORE OPTIFADE Concealment Subalpine Series Traverse Pants for Men. | 26.2 Oz | $149.00 |
| Merino wool socks | Heat Holders LITE Merino Wool Socks for Men. I wear these socks every day of the season. 1 per day 1 extra in pack. | 6.2 Oz | $19.99 |
| Sitka Jacket | Sitka GORE OPTIFADE Concealment Subalpine Series Jetstream GORE-TEX INFINIUM WINDSTOPPER Jacket for Men. Great for the Mountains this is my new jacket for 2023 Season. | 25.43 Oz | $349.00 |
| Hunting boots | Zamberlan 981 Wasatch GTX RR Hunting Boots for Men. I wear these in Montana and Alaska. | 63.36 Oz | $489.99 |
| Camp Shoes | Good old Crocs for camp. | 10 Oz | $54.99 |
| Hunting pack | Eberlestock 75L Mirage pack. I use this pack because I love the scabbard. | 120 Oz | $349.99 |
| Meat Pack | Get a good meat pack for hauling out the game! | 100 Oz | $119.99 |
| Bino Harness | Alaska Guide Creations Ravus Bino Harness. It’s my go to. | 10 Oz | $131.99 |
| Binoculars | 10x42MM Swarovski EL Range TA Binoculars | 32.6 Oz | $3,999.00 |
| Spotting Scope | Stealth 25x63x80 | 34.2 Oz | $2,700.00 |
| Spotting scope Mount | Spotting scope window mount I use this for glassing out of my side-by-side. I also put it on my Bogg tripod when I’m in the backcountry. | 10 Oz | $79.99 |
| Tripod | BOG DeathGrip Infinite Carbon Fiber Shooting Tripod. Get this one the one with the clamps sucks. | 97.6 Oz | $399.99 |
| Lighter gloves | Sitka GORE OPTIFADE Concealment Subalpine Series Traverse Gloves for Men | 6 Oz | $40.00 |
| Heavy Gloves | Sitka GORE OPTIFADE Concealment Elevated II Stratus GORE-TEX INFINIUM WINDSTOPPER Gloves for Men | 8 Oz | $129.00 |
| Neck Gaiter | itka GORE OPTIFADE Concealment Subalpine Neck Gaiter for Men | 8 Oz | $49.00 |
| Hand Warmer | HeatMax HotHands Self-Activating Hand Warmer Value Pack | 12 Oz | $7.99 |
| Skinning Knife | Outdoor Edge RazorGuide Pak Knife Combo Pack. Get the replacement blades carry two extra packs of blades. | 14 Oz | $99.00 |
| Game Bags | Koola Buck Antimicrobial Game-Quarter Bags | 24 Oz | $34.99 |
| Rubber gloves | Field dressing gloves. | 3 OZ | $5.99 |
| Rope | Bass Pro Shops Multi-Purpose Camo Rope â…œ 100′ | 10 Oz | $14.99 |
| Leatherman | Leatherman Sidekick! Just get one! | 7 Oz | $69.99 |
| Wyoming Saw | Great breakdown saw to get trees out of the way or split animals. | 24 Oz | $65.99 |
| Tent | Cabela’s Alaskan Guide Model Geodesic 6-Person Tent. We use these are great for 3 people go with the 8 man for more. | 528 Oz | $499.99 |
| Cooler Yeti | I use the Yeti 75 for back country. | 544 Oz | $450.00 |
| Jet Boil | Great for Making coffee and meals. | 24 Oz | $124.99 |
| Coleman Stove | I use this a lot on back country. | 160 Oz | $169.99 |
| Lighter for pack | Black Beard kit is a great tool in your hunting pack | 15 Oz | $62.95 |
| Camp Axe | I use this Gerber and like it! | 32.6 Oz | $59.99 |
| First Aid Kit | Adventure Medical Kits Sportsman 100 Medical First-Aid Kit | 14 Oz | $34.99 |
| Sleeping bag | Browning Denali -30°F Oversized Mummy Sleeping Bag | 144 Oz | $179.99 |
| Pillow | Alps Mountaineering Versa Inflatable Camp Pillow | 8 OZ | $24.99 |
| Tent Cot | Alps Mountaineering Escalade Cot | 184 Oz | $129.99 |
| Flashlight | Streamlight ProTac 2L X Dual Fuel Tactical Flashlight | 15 Oz | $54.99 |
| Batteries | Get AA and AAA | 5 Oz | $18.99 |
| Headlamp | Ledlenser MH10 Rechargeable Headlamp | 12 Oz | $89.99 |
| Lens wipes | Keep these in your bino harness and pack. | 5 Oz | $4.99 |
| Clean wipes | Buy these and skip the shower. Also great after-field dressing! | 50 Oz | $70.00 |
| Orange Vest | Orange vest consider getting a cheap one or orange tape for your pack. | 12 Oz | $49.99 |
| Gun Scabbard | Back Country especially if you are on a UTV or ATV. | 48 OZ | $179.95 |
| Rifle | Call Wade Brown Get a 300 PRC 225 ELD ammo (720)318-9705 He’s the man! | 144 Oz | TBD |
| Ear Protection | Walker’s Game Ear Ultimate Power Muffs | 12 Oz | $99.99 |
| Gun Cleaning Kit | RangeMaxx 30-Caliber Gun Cleaning Kit | 15 Oz | $12.99 |
| Freeze dried food | Mountain House Freeze-Dried get enough for camp and your pack. | 5 Oz | $10.99 |
| Camp Table | Alps Mountaineering Sidekick Camp Table | 48 Oz | $29.99 |
| In-Reach Mini 2 | Do not go out without this, It will save your life! | 12 Oz | $399.99 |
| Water Bottle | 24 Oz water bottle you will need this in the high country. | 24 Oz | $99.95 |
| Camping pot | GSI Outdoors Halulite Boiler Backpacking Pot | 30 OZ | $39.99 |
| Camping pan | Ascend 8” Non-Stick Aluminum Fry Pan | 15 Oz | $19.99 |
| Water Jug | Reliance Aqua Tainer Water Jug | 18 Oz | $24.99 |
Elk Hunting Equipment Breakdown
1: Hunting Rifle
A reliable and accurate rifle is the backbone of any successful elk hunt. When choosing a rifle, consider the caliber, weight, and overall performance. Popular calibers for elk hunting include 7MM,300 PRC, and .300 Winchester Magnum. Opt for a rifle that you are comfortable with and can handle in various weather conditions. You will get confused listening to everyone stick to a higher caliber and practice a lot. You need to be comfortable shooting 300-500 yards in some areas. I use a Best of the West 300 PRC with a Huskemaw scope. I shoot Hornady 225 ELD M rounds. It is a great rifle with tremendous accuracy. Also have a great shooting stick the Bogg I use although heavier is a vice for stability!
2:Optics
Elk hunting often involves long-range shots, so a good pair of binoculars and a quality spotting scope are essential for spotting and evaluating elk from a distance. Look for binoculars with a magnification between 8x and 10x, and a spotting scope with a magnification of at least 20x to 60x. Optics with good light transmission and image clarity are crucial for scouting and tracking elk. I have Swarovski listed below but I started with Vortex Fury HD Binos. On your spotting scope just remember you will be using it a lot so eye strain is real!
3: Clothing and Footwear
Elk hunting takes place in rugged terrain and diverse weather conditions, so investing in high-quality clothing and footwear is crucial. Layering is key to regulate body temperature in changing weather. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, followed by insulating layers, and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer layer. Choose clothing in earth-tone colors to blend in with your surroundings. Durable and waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support are essential for navigating through rough terrains. I created this elk hunting gear list to provide comfort in hard situations. I have killed many elk in jeans and a flannel shirt. Todays high-quality gear will give you an advantage!
4:Backpack
A good backpack is essential for carrying all your gear during the hunt. Look for a backpack with multiple compartments and external attachment points for carrying rifles, or spotting scopes. It should have a comfortable harness system to distribute weight evenly, as well as a waterproof cover to protect your gear from rain or snow. The Scabbard on my pack saves me from dragging a rifle around in a sling.
5:Field Dressing Kit
Field Dressing Kit: After a successful hunt, having a field dressing kit is essential for efficiently processing the meat. A good kit should include a sharp knife (See my list), bone saw, game bags for meat storage, latex gloves, and a set of game shears for cutting through bones and joints. It is important to practice proper field dressing techniques to ensure the meat’s quality and safety. Another knife I use that is not on the list is a Knives of Alaska combo kit which is my favorite knife to carry as a guide.
6: Navigation Tools
Elk hunting often takes place in vast and unfamiliar territories, making navigation tools indispensable. A handheld GPS(Inreach Mini 2 device or a smartphone with a reliable GPS app can help you mark hunting spots, track your movements, and find your way back to camp. Additionally, a compass and topographic maps of the hunting area are essential backup tools in case of technology failures. Download OnX on your phone and get familiar with it!
7: Survival Gear
When venturing into the wilderness, it is always wise to carry essential survival gear. This may include a first aid kit, emergency shelter, fire-starting tools, extra food and water, a headlamp, and a multi-tool. Being prepared for unexpected situations can make a significant difference in your safety and well-being. Even packing a few pieces of gum will calm your nerves in a bad situation. Be safe and understand in certain areas you will have dangerous predators around a side arm isn’t a bad idea! I pack a Glock gen 5 10MM
Take this list and apply it to your situation for your elk hunting gear list. I put together an elk hunting clothing list that can be modified easily based on weather conditions. This is a must have elk hunting gear!
If you are looking for an Elk hunt reach out to me at [email protected] I’m always glad to help!
Doing your homework on the area you plan to hunt is a great way to make your odds better on harvesting a bull elk. Planning the trip in detail will save headaches. Get the right elk hunting gear and you bull elk hunt will go down in the history books with comfort in the storm!
Awesome post, Matt! Heck of a dude for helping new western hunters like you do!