Western Big Game General Gear List

Optics

Swarovski 12x42 NL Pure Binoculars

When looking at optics I think I've heard the saying "buy once, cry once" and I stand by that. Binos is preference and type of hunt. I have both 10's and 12's and lately the 10's sit in the truck as extras as I'm able to hand hold the 12's without much shaking.

Alaska Guide Creations Classic HBS with MAX Pocket Bino Pack

The Bino harness I get grief from because it is like a little front backpack, but when it comes time for the final stalk I haven't found a better option. Rifle or Archery hunt alike you need the following on the final approach: Bino's, Rangefinder (in the center pouch), wind checker (In the right zipper pouch), headlamp, (left zipper pouch), phone (for onx and photos hopefully in the top elastic straps), Lighter, Bino/tripod adapter and glass cleaner (in under zipper) usually have my inreach mini clipped on my strap as well just in case. Rest assured I'll take the little grief I get when I'm prepared for my stalk.

Swarovski ATX/STX 85mm Modular Objective Lens

Swarovski ATX Modular Spotting Scope Angled Eyepiece

Spotting scopes is a debatable one. I carry mine everywhere, but for most guys that are just trying to find critters; a spotting scope will not help. Spotting scope for me is strictly to photograph/ video and field judging size and maturity.

SLIK PRO 634CF-SVH Carbon Fiber Tripod

When it comes to tripods I need lightweight, mobility, and stability. As important is the head you put on.

OUTDOORSMANS PISTOL GRIP HEAD

I've come to really like the pistol grip head especially when on a side hill glassing. With the outdoorsman's setup on a ball I don't have to be perfectly level and can tilt the head to fit what is comfortable to me when glassing.

Gunwerks Revic BR4 Ballistic Rangefinder

I prefer this rangefinder for rifle hunts.

Leupold RX-FullDraw 5 Rangefinder

I prefer this rangefinder for archery hunts.

Universal 'Lollipop' Phone Case

Swarovski ATX/STX Optic Adapter C3-023-A

OLLIN MAGCASE and ADAPTER

Past years I've used the Phone skope for a photo/video option, but the latest design with the new Iphone's is a little bit of a pain and bulky with an adapter, so this year I tried the Ollin and so far its been outstanding. It has 2 pieces one for your spotting scope eye piece and a phone case that magnets right to the eye piece and is rock solid. Really liking this new addition this year.

Backpacks & Gear

EXO MTN GEAR K3 4800 PACK SYSTEM

The Exo Mountain Pack is the most comfortable, well rounded, most durable pack I've ever had. I had a dad that would buy a new pack yearly trying different brands and we would always end up with last years pack that didn't fit right or was uncomfortable, or would squeak. I think he's used an Exo for going on 6 years now. No more searching for the next best.

LEATHERMAN, Original Wave Multitool

I bring a Leatherman of some sort with just in case, as it has different tools, pry bars, picks, pliers, et that sometimes are needed on a hunt.

RazorBone™

For animal down I use the outdoor edge to get me out of the field. With this single knife I can skin, quarter, or gut a critter when it's down.

Havalon Piranta-Edge

If you're going to Cape out for a mount I prefer a smaller knife, like the Havalon Piranta to get in the tighter areas around the base of the horns and eye sockets. The Havalon also works just fine for skinning and quartering, but doesn't have the steel backbone of the Outdoor edge and I've had blades breakoff.

KUIU Platypus 3L Hoser

I do bring at least 2-3 bags- one for clean water, one for dirty, and then an extra in case of a blowout. They are not fancy just a thick plastic bag with a standard thread cap but they work.

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System

Water filtration can be a big deal and the Sawyer system is so simple, lightweight, and effective.

Black Diamond Storm 500-R Headlamp

I usually have 2 headlamps with me. One primary and one backup. If you have battery headlamps its best to make sure they both take the same batteries so you can pack extra. I had a headlamp fail (wiring) in the middle a hunt and therefore a second more weight and cost conscientious one is there for just in case.

Petzl Tikka Headlamp

I pack this headlamp for a backup.

Elite Hunt Membership

When onX first came out it was a game changer for those of us out there all the time. Now its like you can't not have it. It's simple and has never failed me.

Garmin inReach Mini

Sportsman 200 Medical First-Aid Kit

I still have the first aid kit from when I began. Since then I've added to it. Things like Tylenol PM, last resort fire starter, extra wet proof matches, gauze, duct tape, mole skin, etc. It's one of the least used items in my bag (thankfully) but I still open it up every year to make sure I have the baseline covered.

KUIU Quarter Game Bag

mophie Powerstation XXL Power Bank

One thing to be aware of using our phone as much as we do for everything is to bring along an extra charger. I have a 20,000 mAh Portable Charger and it will charge my phone a few times, long enough to use my phone on a 7 day hunt.

Accessories

SCENT-A-WAY MAX ANTIPERSPIRANT

FUSION X Cellular

I don't use cameras like I used to with states cracking down on their usage, but I used Stealthcams a couple years back and although I don't think I've ever killed anything I've captured on Camera, but it can give a level of confidence during the hunt to keep grinding it out.

MAXI-DEET Low Odor Formula Spray - 4 oz pump spray

Depending on your destination, I think bug spray can be a make or break. Those mosquitos in early fall can be a nightmare.

Game Calls

When it comes to calls (pertaining to elk) I like to have a variety. I use them all in no particular order. The Phelps mouth reeds seemed to fit my mouth the best and are comfortable to me and my calling. The different calls are just because you never know what the elk are going to react to.

Cow Girl Elk Call

Native by Carlton - Open Reed Elk Call

Hyper LIP, Single w/Converter Elk Call

Phelps Game Calls "Unleashed Elk Bugle Tube

Phelps Game Calls AMP Grey Elk Diaphragm

Phelps Game Calls Phelps E-Z-Estrus Elk Call

Camping Equipment

When it comes to sleeping, I have to get a good nights sleep in order to be prepared for the following day. I don't take this lightly and therefore have a few options. You should know what you're getting into. Packing in, sleeping in a camper/truck, on foot, on horseback. Typical weather for the area your hunting in. I have and use each one of these bags, pads, etc depending on the hunt style I'm going into. In the past say 4-5 years (upgrades happen) each one of these items has accompanied me on a hunt.

Kuiu Storm Star 2 Person Tent

Seek Outside Cimarron Pyramid Tent

Big Agnes Anvil Horn 15˚

Cabela's Mountain Trapper 0 Sleeping Bag

Western Mountaineering Lynx Gore Windstopper Sub Zero Degree Down Sleeping Bag

Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra Sleeping Pad

Cabela's All-Season Campbed XL Sleeping Pad

Accessories

Seek Outside Titanium Stove

NOMAD 20

SISSY STIX - Backcountry ELITE

Jetboil MiniMo Stove Cooking System

Sea to Summit Alpha Light Long Spork

Food & Nutrition

Feels like yearly there is new things to try when it comes to food. A couple things I've found are regulars now are the KUJU coffee pour overs and MTN OPS ignite packets. They are a goto on any hunt. The Peak Refuel meals are the best I've ever had. Packed with protein and actually really good. Sometimes better than my everyday dinner (sad to say)

IGNITE

Peak Refuel Beef Stroganoff

All are amazing!

Kuju Coffee Premium Single-Serve Pour Over Coffee

Clothing

If you've ever tried a Kuiu Product you know why so many professionals use it and continue to get the latest and greatest every year. I can explain in 3 simple words- comfortable, durability, and reliability. I stand by every product I've ever got and recommend it to anyone looking to get solid gear.

The same goes for any Crispi boot I've ever worn. They are solid and if they say waterproof best believe they are going to hold out the water. Now wear and tear is going to come as with anything. I'm not positive, but I bet you could make it to the moon before you were ready for a new pair. ok joking aside I mostly loved the break-in period. It's minimal and comfortable from the get-go.

Baselayers

Kuiu ULTRA Merino 145 Zip-T Hunting Shirt

Kuiu Pro Merino 200 Zip-Off Bottom

Insulation/ Midlayers

Kuiu Pro Merino 200 Zip-T Hoodie

Kuiu Guide DCS Vest

Outerwear/ Jackets

Kuiu Super Down ULTRA Hooded Jacket

Kuiu Kutana Gale Force Hooded Jacket

Pants

Kuiu Attack Pant

Rain Gear

Kuiu Chugach TR Rain Jacket

Kuiu Yukon Rain Pant

Footwear

Crispi Wild Rock GTX

Crispi Valdres Plus GTX

Kuiu Yukon HD Hunting Boot Gaiter

Darn Tough Vermont Hunter Midweight with Cushion

Accessories

Kuiu ULTRA Merino 210 Glove

Kuiu Yukon PRO Glove

Kuiu Northstar Glomitt

Kuiu Peloton 240 Beanie

Kuiu ULTRA Merino 145 Neck Gaiter

Firearms

Archery

I'm one that learns how to do it and does it myself. I've been building my own arrows and rebuilding my bow for several years and I personally enjoy it. I'm not very artistic or crafty, but this helps fill that void. I even still do my brothers and dads arrows/ archery set ups so I know what I do works along with the equipment used. In the last 4 years my dads been lucky enough to connect on 2 over 395".

PSE Carbon Hunting Bows

Black Gold Ascent Verdict Sight 3 Pin

Spot Hogg Wiseguy Release

Kudu Contour 125 gn.

GlenDel Buck-w/4-sided insert

Plano All Weather Series Bow Case

Arrow Accessories

Black Eagle 300 Spline .001-Inch Arrows

Bohning Blazer Vane

Bohning Platinum Fletch

Bohning 1308 Ferry-L-Tite Cool Flex

Rifle

When it comes to rifles practice makes perfect. I've killed Deer and Elk with this set up. I have other set up's that I use as well that work just as well, this is just one of my go to's.

Tikka T3x Lite- 6.5 Creedmoor

Hornady6.5 Creedmoor 143 gr ELD-X® Precision Hunter

Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x44mm