Austin Decker Guide • Springer, New Mexico

New Mexico Elk And Deer Early-Mid Season

Western big game hunting can be a huge commitment and having the right gear can make or break a hunt. I was born and raised in Northern New Mexico and have been hunting everything this part of the country has to offer my entire life. I guide hunters for all of New Mexico's big game species but specialize in elk hunting because it has always been my favorite. This is my recommended list of gear I look for things that are functional and that will last season after season.

- Austin Decker

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Optics

Optics in my opinion is the most important tool in your tool. You can't hunt what you haven't seen. I recommend all of the following in full confidence.

Backpacks & Gear

Most of the hunting we do consist of day hunts but I always hunt in a frame pack for the weight distribution and the ability to pack out without wasting a trip.

Backpack/ Pack Frame

STONE GLACIER SOLO

STONE GLACIER XCURVE FRAME

Knives

Paracord Knife

Havalon Piranta-Edge

Hydration

Nalgene Tritan

Headlamp

HM65R Rechargeable Headlamp

MH5

GPS/ Safety

My first aid kit is personalized and stored in a small, dry bag.

Elite Hunt Membership

Garmin inReach Mini

Game Bags

Argali Large Game M.O.B. Pack

Accessories

Phelps AMP Elk Calling Kit

GMAX32

MONTANA DECOY Miss September

Camping Equipment

I tend to hunt a more run-and-gun style. I like the ability to pack and unpack camp quickly. Keep it simple.

Canvas Cutter Dominator 2.0

STONE GLACIER CHILKOOT 15°

Insulated Static V - Realtree Edge Camo

Jetboil Flash Stove Cooking System

Food & Nutrition

Keeping your body fueled is essential. Nothing is more mentally draining than feeling like you can't pursue your game because you feel tired and sluggish. That starts with what you are putting into your body.

Wilderness Athlete - Hydrate & Recover

Fiber One Soft Baked Bars

Apple Pie Breakfast (Single Pack)

Grass-Fed Bison Chili (Single Pack)

Clothing

There are a ton of companies making high-quality clothing. In my opinion, worry less about the name on the front and more about the materials listed on the tag. You want light moisture-wicking material that will keep you warm but won't rip on every tree you brush up against.

Baselayers

KUIU Gila LS Hoodie

Kaibab Merino Top

KUIU ULTRA Merino 145 Zip-Off Bottom

Insulation/ Midlayers

SITKA Kelvin Aerolite Insulated Vest

Outerwear/ Jackets

KUIU Guide DCS Jacket

SITKA Kelvin Lite Down Jacket

Pants

KUIU Attack Pant

Rain Gear

SITKA Dew Point Waterproof Lightweight Jacket

SITKA Dew Point Waterproof Lightweight Pant

Footwear

Depending on what type of hunt you are on if you don't take care of your feet they can't take you where you need to go. Your feet will thank you for a quality pair of sock and good insoles.

CRISPI Guide Non-Insulated GTX

SHEEP FEET Custom Insoles

Darn Tough Coolmax Micro Crew Cushion Socks

Gloves

Deadfall Gloves

Firearms

Archery Equipment

Spot Hogg Fast Eddie Sight

I recommend a 5pin or a 3 pin hybrid slider sight I have seen electronic sights fail and batteries die.

T.R.U. BALL TruBall Short-N-Sweet' Release

Bee Stinger Sport Hunter Xtreme Stabilizer

G5 Outdoors Montec Broadhead

125g. I prefer a fixed blade broadhead.

AAE Max Stealth Vane

Delta McKenzie Baby Daddy 3D Target

Rifle Equipment

Bergara B-14 Wilderness HMR .300 PRC

300 PRC 212 gr ELD-X® Precision Hunter®

Maven RS.3- 5-30X50mm

Trigger Stick Gen3 Tall Bipod Shooting Stick