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Robert Terwilliger Guide • Frederick, Colorado
Robert Terwilliger Guide • Frederick, Colorado

Colorado Archery Elk Season

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Hunting archery elk in Colorado means covering miles each day at high elevations (i.e. 9000 ft to over 11,000 ft) in tough terrain and with a backpack. Having the right gear to deal with weather changes (yes, it can snow even in early September!), big temperature swings, and hiking in tough terrain is critical to your success and safety too! I've been hunting elk in Colorado for 30 years including just finishing my 14-year guiding. Below, please find my recommended gear list that will ensure you are prepared for your hunt!
May contain sponsored links*

Optics

Binos

RAZOR® HD 12x50
Vortex Optics
For optics, I recommend getting a minimal of 10x50's, I use 12x50's. Buy the best you can afford as your optics are your best friend for helping you locate game. Bulk and weight are also a factor!

Bino Harness

BINO XR
Badlands
“Awesome bino harness!”

Spotting Scopes

I don't use one during the archery season.

Range Finder

CROSSFIRE™ HD 1400 Laser Rangefinder
Vortex Optics

Other

MAGVIEW PHONE PLATE
MagView
B1 BINOCULAR ADAPTER
MagView

Backpacks & Gear

Backpack/ Pack Frame

KUIU PRO LT Hunting Pack Kit

Knives

Knives Of Alaska SureGrip Jaeger Boning Knife
Knives Of Alaska Featherlight Hunter SureGrip Handle G10 Knife
Havalon Baracuta-Edge

Hydration

Nalgene Sustain Tritan BPA-Free Water Bottle, 32 OZ, Wide Mouth
Squeeze Water Filter System with 3 pouches
Sawyer Products
I carry this in my backpack in the field (but do use the gravity bag feed at remote camps).
1-Gallon Gravity Water Filtration System
Sawyer Products

Headlamp

MH8
Ledlenser USA
Flex7 Powerbank
Ledlenser USA

GPS

Elite Hunt Membership
onX

Satellite Messengers

Garmin inReach Mini 2

Safety/ First Aid

MyFAK Mini Pro | Waterproof
MY MEDIC

Game Bags

Caribou Gear Wapiti Ultralight Game Bags

Other

Single Handle Dandy Saws

Gear Accessories

Success with hunting elk during the archery season can depend on your ability to call with confidence. I've used many calls including diaphragms over the years but nothing beats Phelps Game Calls! Given the manufacturing consistency of their calls, I know each time I open a package for a new diaphragm it will sound as good as the last. I've used others where this is NOT the case!

Calls

Phelps Game Calls Pitch Black 1
Phelps Game Calls Maverick Signature AMP Diaphragm
Phelps Game Calls AMP Grey Elk Diaphragm
Phelps Game Calls Metal Bugle Tube
Phelps Game Calls Phelps Mini X Natural
Phelps Game Calls Young'n Calf Call

Camping Equipment

Staying dry and warm is critical to your backcountry experience as is having gear that is reasonable to pack in terms of bulk and weight!

Tent

Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL - Ultralight Backpacking Tent

Sleeping Bag

Big Agnes Lost Ranger UL 3N1 Sleeping Bag

Sleeping Pad

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm MAX Camping and Backpacking Sleeping Pad

Other

Stryker 100 Isobutane Stove
Camp Chef
LEKI Black Series Carbon Trekking Poles

Food & Nutrition

Carrying the right food and enough of it is critical to your hunt! Archery hunting elk can require covering 6-10 miles per day so you need enough calories and protein to keep going! Staying properly hydrated is also critical!

Supplements

IGNITE
MTN OPS
ENDURO
MTN OPS

Snacks/ Bars

Honey Waffles 16ct Box
Honey Stinger
PERFORMANCE BARS - 10 Pc-Triple Chocolate Mudslide
MTN OPS
Jelly Belly Sport Beans

Freeze Dried Meals

Mountain House Classic Bucket | Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | 24 Servings
Peak Refuel Variety Meal Kit

Other

1-Gallon Gravity Water Filtration System
Sawyer Products

Clothing

As with all gear hunting elk in the Rockies, lightweight, packability and durability are critical features! A layering system is also critical to deal with the big temperature swings. I also choose base layers made of merino wool given they breathe, dry quickly if they get wet and don't retain order. Lastly, I also recommend buying the best rain gear your budget can afford!

Baselayers

KUIU ULTRA Merino 120 LT LS Crew-T
KUIU ULTRA Merino 145 Zip-T Hunting Shirt
KUIU ULTRA Merino 145 Zip-Off Bottom

Insulation/ Midlayers

KUIU Peloton 240 Full Zip Hoodie
KUIU Super Down ULTRA Hooded Jacket

Outerwear/ Jackets

KUIU Guide DCS Jacket

Pants

KUIU Pro Pant
KUIU Attack Pant

Rain Gear

KUIU Chugach TR Rain Gear Set

Footwear

Crispi Altitude GTX
Darn Tough Hunter Boot Cushion Sock

Clothing - Accessories

With clothing accessories, the same critical feature apply including lightweight, packable, durable and insurance these items will keep you warm and dry.

Gloves

KUIU Guide X Glove
KUIU Kenai Packable Glove

Hats/ Beanies

DELTA TRUCKER
MTN OPS

Other

KUIU Kutana Storm Gaiter

Firearms

Archery Equipment

Archery equipment can be a more personalized choice of the shooter so I didn't provide recommendations here.

Robert Terwilliger Guide • Frederick, Colorado
Started hunting and fishing from a young age. Moved to Colorado 29 years ago and been hunting, fishing and riding the ba... Read more
*NOTE: The links to purchase certain products I recommend in this gear list may result in me being paid a small commission. I appreciate your support!