Mastering The Hunt: The Must-Have Elk Hunting Gear For Any Hunter In 2023
Elk hunting is a challenging and rewarding experience, but it’s essential to have the right gear. High-quality elk hunting gear is not only important for the success of your hunt, but it also contributes to the overall hunting experience. Having the right equipment can make the difference between a successful hunt and a frustrating one. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best elk hunting gear, including rifles, optics, clothing, footwear, and accessories.
Having high-quality elk hunting gear is essential for the success of your hunt. A good rifle is essential for taking accurate shots at a distance. Durable and waterproof clothing and footwear can help you to stay comfortable and dry in any weather. While a good backpack can help you to carry all your hunting gear. High-quality accessories such as a reliable GPS and a sharp knife can also make a big difference in the field.
Having the right elk hunting gear also helps to enhance the overall hunting experience. A comfortable and breathable pair of pants and boots can make a big difference when you’re hiking in the wilderness. A good backpack can help you carry all your gear without feeling weighed down. A good scope can help you to spot and track elk from a distance. High-quality optics and a rangefinder can also help you to make accurate shots.
With the right gear, you can make the most of your elk hunting experience and have a successful hunt. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the best gear for elk hunting, including rifles, optics, clothing, footwear, and accessories that can help you to have the best hunting experience possible.
Elk Hunting Rifles
First, let’s talk about the rifles. When it comes to elk hunting, you’ll want a rifle that’s powerful, accurate, and reliable. The .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, and .300 Winchester Magnum are all excellent choices, each with its own strengths and benefits.
.270 Winchester
The .270 Winchester is a great all-around choice that’s perfect for both long-range and close-range shooting. It’s a lightweight and versatile cartridge that’s known for its accuracy and flat trajectory. The 270 Winchester is a great choice for hunters looking for a rifle that’s easy to carry and handle, making it perfect for hiking through rugged terrain.
.30-06 Springfield
The .30-06 Springfield is a classic, tried-and-true cartridge that’s been used for decades by hunters around the world. It’s a powerful cartridge that’s known for its long-range capabilities and excellent accuracy. The .30-06 Springfield is a great choice for hunters looking for a rifle that’s powerful enough to take down an elk at a long distance, making it ideal for hunting in open country.
.300 Winchester Magnum
The .300 Winchester Magnum is a powerful option for long-range shots. This makes it perfect for those who are comfortable with a more significant recoil. The 300 Win Mag is a popular cartridge among big game hunters and long-range shooters due to its high velocity, flat trajectory, and heavy bullet weight. This cartridge is perfect for hunting in areas with long shots, such as mountainous regions.
Ultimately, the best rifle for elk hunting is one that you are comfortable with and that fits your hunting style. The above mentioned rifles are great options and it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and hunting needs.
Best Hunting Optics
Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12*40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope
Next, let’s take a look at the optics. The Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12*40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope is an excellent choice for elk hunting. It’s a durable and reliable scope that’s built to withstand the rigors of hunting. It features a rugged construction and a shockproof, fog proof, and waterproof design. This scope is designed to withstand the harsh conditions that come with hunting, it can stand up to recoil, impacts, and extreme temperatures.
It offers a wide field of view and a variety of reticle options, making it perfect for any hunting situation. The second focal plane reticle allows the reticle size to remain constant as magnification is increased or decreased, ensuring that the reticle stays in proportion to the target, which is ideal for elk hunting. With this scope, you’ll be able to make accurate shots with ease, even in low light conditions.
Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 10×42 Binoculars
The Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 10×42 binoculars and Vortex Optics Crossfire HD 1400 Rangefinder are also great choices for elk hunting. The Diamondback HD binoculars offer a high-quality, fully multi-coated lens that provides bright and clear images, making it easy to spot and track elk in any terrain. The 10x magnification is ideal for elk hunting, providing a wide field of view and enough magnification to spot and track elk from a distance.
Vortex Optics Crossfire HD 1400 Rangefinder
The Crossfire HD 1400 Rangefinder offers a long-range and high-precision distance measurement, allowing you to make accurate shots with confidence. This rangefinder is also lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry on the field. With these optics, you’ll be able to spot and track elk from a distance with ease, giving you a significant advantage while hunting. Being able to spot an elk from a distance can make all the difference in terms of getting a clean shot, and with the Diamondback HD binoculars, you’ll be able to spot an elk from a distance and have a clear view of it.
The wide field of view and high magnification provided by these binoculars make it easy to track an elk as it moves through the terrain. Together, these optics provide excellent features that will help you to spot and track elk in any terrain, making your hunting experience more enjoyable and successful.
This piece of elk hunting gear is also a great addition to your hunting gear. It provides a long-range and high-precision distance measurement, which is crucial for making accurate shots. This rangefinder is also lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry on the field, and it’s easy to use interface makes it easy for you to take quick measurements. With this rangefinder, you’ll be able to measure the distance to your target with precision and make accurate shots with ease.
Hunting Clothing and Footwear Gear
Skre Gear’s Elk Bundle
When it comes to clothing and footwear, Skre Gear’s Elk Bundle and Kenetrek Mountain Guide Insulated Hunting Boot are both excellent choices. Skre Gear’s elk bundle is a great choice for elk hunting for several reasons. First, the clothing is made from high-quality, durable materials that can withstand the rugged terrain of elk hunting. It is made from tough, abrasion-resistant fabrics that are designed to resist tearing, which is important when moving through rough terrain. Additionally, the bundle is designed to provide weather protection, including waterproof and breathable fabrics that will keep you dry and comfortable in wet weather, as well as insulation to keep you warm in cold conditions. Finally, the bundle includes a camouflage pattern that will help you blend into your surroundings and remain undetected by the elk, increasing your chances of getting close enough to take a shot. All of these features make Skre Gear’s elk bundle a reliable and effective option for elk hunting.
Kenetrek Mountain Guide Insulated Hunting Boot
The Kenetrek Mountain Guide Insulated Hunting Boot is another excellent choice for elk hunting. It’s made from a combination of leather and nylon, making it both durable and lightweight. The boot is designed to keep your feet warm, dry, and comfortable during those cold hunting trips. It’s waterproof and breathable, making it perfect for hunting in wet conditions. The boot also features a sturdy Vibram sole for excellent traction, which is vital when hunting in rugged terrain. The Kenetrek Mountain Guide Insolated Hunting Boot also comes with 400 grams of Thinsulate insulation that provides added warmth, making it perfect for those cold hunting trips.
Having the right clothing and footwear is essential for a comfortable and successful elk hunting experience. The Skre Gear’s Elk Bundle and Kenetrek Mountain Guide Insulated Hunting Boot are both excellent choices that provide durability, breathability, and comfort. With these clothing and footwear options, you can stay comfortable and focused on your hunt, even in the toughest of conditions.
Elk Hunting Gear Packs
Badlands Superday Pack
Having an extensive list of elk hunting gear can be a lot to carry. That’s why we recommend the Badlands Superday Pack and Eberlestock X2 Pack. These are both excellent choices. The Badlands Superday Pack is a versatile and durable backpack that’s perfect for carrying all your elk hunting gear. It’s made from a tough and waterproof material that’s perfect for hunting in any weather. The pack features a variety of pockets and compartments that provide ample storage space for all your hunting essentials. The pack also features a built-in hydration system. The pack’s straps and back panel are designed for comfort. This makes carrying all your gear for hours on end less of a hassle.
Ederlestock X2 Pack
The Eberlestock X2 Pack is a more heavy-duty option that can handle more weight, which is perfect for long hunts that require carrying heavy gear. Although it is meant more for heavy-duty, it still has all the same features as the Badlands Superday PackThis pack features a durable, waterproof, and breathable fabric that can withstand the rigors of hunting.
Both packs are excellent choices for carrying all your hunting gear. The Badlands Superday Pack is a versatile and durable backpack that’s perfect for carrying all your hunting gear. The Eberlestock X2 Pack is a more heavy-duty option that can handle more weight, which is perfect for long hunts that require carrying heavy gear. With these two packs, you’ll be able to carry all your gear comfortably and efficiently. This makes your hunting experience more enjoyable and successful.
Other Essential Elk Hunting Gear
Other essential pieces of gear for elk hunting include the Havalon Piranta-Edge 2-Blade Folding Fillet Knife, Garmin eTrex 20x Handheld GPS, Hunter Safety System X-1 Treestand Safety Harness, Safety Whistle, and a First Aid Kit. These items may not be as crucial as a rifle or a pair of boots, but they are still important for ensuring a safe and successful hunting experience.
Havalon Piranta-Edge 2-Blade Folding Fillet Knife
The Havalon Piranta-Edge 2-Blade Folding Fillet Knife is a durable and sharp knife that’s perfect for field dressing and processing your elk. This knife features a 2.75-inch blade that is made of stainless steel, which is strong and durable. The blade is also replaceable, which is useful when you need to sharpen it or replace it. The knife also features a comfortable and ergonomic handle that provides a secure grip even in wet conditions. The Havalon Piranta-Edge 2-Blade Folding Fillet Knife is a must-have tool for any elk hunter.
Garmin eTrex 20x Handheld GPS
The Garmin eTrex 20x Handheld GPS is a reliable and easy-to-use GPS that’s perfect for navigating in the wilderness. It features a high-sensitivity receiver that provides accurate and reliable navigation in any terrain. The eTrex 20x also has a built-in memory that can hold up to 2.5 million acres of topo maps, which makes it easy to navigate even in remote areas. Additionally, it has a long battery life and is waterproof, making it perfect for hunting in any weather conditions. With this GPS, you’ll be able to keep track of your location and plan your route, which can be essential for finding your way back to camp or to your vehicle after a long day of hunting.
Hunter Safety System X-1 Treestand Safety Harness
The Hunter Safety System X-1 Treestand Safety Harness is a must-have for any hunter who plans on hunting from a treestand. While hunting from a height, this harness keeps you safe and secure. It features a full-body design that provides maximum coverage and protection. It’s very easy to use, which is essential in case of an emergency. This harness also has a built-in suspension relief system that reduces pressure on your body in case of a fall, which can prevent injury. With this safety harness, you can hunt from a treestand with peace of mind, knowing that you are protected in case of an accident.
First Aid Kit & Safety Whistle
When it comes to elk hunting gear, a first aid kit and a safety whistle are often overlooked but they are essential items that every hunter should bring on their hunt. Elk hunting can take place in remote wilderness areas, and accidents or injuries can happen at any time. A first aid kit is an important tool to have on hand in case of emergencies. It should include basic items such as band-aids, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. It’s also a good idea to include any personal medical items such as an EpiPen or inhaler if you have any allergies or medical conditions.
A safety whistle is another essential item that every hunter should bring on their elk hunt. It is small and lightweight, but it can make a loud noise that can be heard from a distance. It can be used to signal for help in case of an emergency or to alert other hunters of your presence. A safety whistle can also be used to scare off wild animals if you come across one unexpectedly. It’s a small item that can provide peace of mind knowing that you have a way to signal for help if needed.
In summary, a first aid kit and a safety whistle are both important pieces of elk hunting gear that should not be overlooked. A first aid kit can provide the necessary supplies to handle emergencies and injuries. While a safety whistle can be used to signal for help or alert other hunters of your presence.
The Best Elk Hunting Gear
In conclusion, elk hunting is challenging and having the right gear is essential to make the most of it. The gear mentioned in this blog post, including the 270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, and .300 Winchester Magnum rifles, Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12*40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope, Badlands Superday Pack, Kuiu Verde 2.0, Kenetrek Mountain Guide Insulated Hunting Boot, Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 10×42 binoculars, Vortex Optics Crossfire HD 1400 Rangefinder, Havalon Piranta-Edge 2-Blade Folding Fillet Knife, Eberlestock X2 Pack, Garmin eTrex 20x Handheld GPS, and Hunter Safety System X-1 Treestand Safety Harness are all high-quality and reliable options.
Whether you’re a seasoned elk hunter or new to the sport, investing in the right gear can make a significant difference in your hunting experience. It’s important to choose gear that fits your hunting style and preferences, and that’s comfortable and easy to use. You’ll be better prepared to handle any situation that arises while hunting by having the right elk hunting gear. You’ll be able to focus on the task at hand. This allows you to take down elk without worrying about your equipment failing or not being suitable for the conditions.
In summary, the gear listed in this blog post is the best elk hunting gear. It’s all optimized for a safe and successful hunting experience. By investing in high-quality gear, you’ll be able to make the most of your successful elk hunting experience. With the right gear, you’ll be ready for anything that comes your way and be able to focus on hunting.
Elk Hunting Gear Checklist
- Hunting Rifle chambered for a cartridge that can deliver a heavy bullet with a high ballistic coefficient (e.g. .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, .300 Winchester Magnum)
- Rifle Scope: high magnification and wide field of view (e.g. Vortex Optics Diamondback 4-12*40 Second Focal Plane Riflescope)
- Hunting Backpack: spacious, durable, with good ventilation, hydration system, and built-in rifle scabbard (e.g. Badlands Superday Pack)
- Hunting Clothing: durable, breathable, scent-free, camouflage (e.g. Skre Gear’s Elk Bundle)
- Hunting Boots: waterproof, durable, insulated, good traction (e.g. Kenetrek Mountain Guide Insulated Hunting Boot)
- Binoculars: for spotting elk from a distance (e.g. Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 10×42 binoculars)
- Rangefinder: for determining the distance to your target (e.g. Vortex Optics Crossfire HD 1400 Rangefinder)
- Hunting Knife: for field dressing (e.g. Havalon Piranta-Edge 2-Blade Folding Fillet Knife)
- Hunting Daypack: for carrying food, water, and other essentials (e.g. Eberlestock X2 Pack)
- GPS device: for navigation and marking hunting spots (e.g. Garmin eTrex 20x Handheld GPS)
- Safety harness: for staying connected to a tree while hunting and maximizing safety (e.g Hunter Safety System X-1 Treestand Safety Harness)
- First Aid Kit
- Extra ammunition
- Flashlight
- Scent elimination products
- Game calls
- Safety whistle
- Personal hygiene essentials (wet wipes, hand sanitizer)
- Water purification tablets or filter
- Emergency shelter or bivy bag
- Matches/fire starter
- Knife sharpener
- Maps and compass
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Additional batteries or charger
- Comfortable seat and a sturdy platform to rest your rifle on (e.g. Summit Treestands Summit Viper SD Climbing Treestand)
- Blind or tree stand
Great post, the Garmin eTrex works really well