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Late Season Rifle Elk Hunt
The pursuit of an elk in the toughest and most secluded parts of a mountain will require very specific skill sets as well as some great gear to support staying on the mountain. I have found that these items work the best for me in keeping me warm, dry, and comfortable during the late season.
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Bino Harness
Spotting Scope
Range Finder
Backpacks & Gear
Backpack/ Pack Frame
I've found that I like the lighter options of packs during the late season due to some of my clothing having to be a bit heavier for the colder weather. Every ounce counts which is why I use multiple options for different seasons and species of hunts.
Knives
Hydration
One of the other items that I change from warmer seasons to colder seasons will be my hydration. I go from using a bladder to only using a nalgene bottle due to my bladders freezing up, especially in the mouthpiece. Having a nalgene, I can warm water up and put that hot water in my tent to not freeze overnight.
Satellite Messengers
Safety/ First Aid
Gear - Accessories
Managing your scent and utilizing other small accessories have been very important for me on elk hunts. I have found that in the late season, I do not use calls but I do like to stay clean and still manage my scent by playing the wind and paying attention to thermals. This has been the most successful thing to winning the battle of an elks nose. I also enjoy being able to find a spot and glass while being a bit warmer with a small fire. I will make sure the wind is going the opposite way from where I am glassing, round up some wood, and put some fire starter out to enjoy a small little comfort setting as I take my place for a few hours.
Scent Eliminators
Camping Equipment
During the late season, I enjoyed camping much more with a fire, especially at night. Having a nice tent that can have enough room for myself and 1 other individual with a small stove is perfect. Along with that, a solid sleeping bag or quilt and a high R-Value Sleeping pad will make all the difference for me.
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad
Food & Nutrition
In the late season, calories will play a role in managing your caloric needs along with thermoregulation. It is colder and being seated and managing the cold is important to think about. I change from just looking at the nutritional value of calories to also conisdering items that will be warm when I am drinking or eating them. This has helped me with getting calories in and enjoying those little comforts. A good example is wanting to drink a hot tea versus dreading some ice cold water. One of the other items are thoroughly have enjoyed as I am glassing will be a warm cup of bone broth. This is a great way to get more protein in versus carbs and it gives me more warmth during those cold days.
Supplements
Snacks/ Bars
Freeze Dried Meals
Other
Clothing
As the seasons go futher into the year, I have found that the layers I used will be thicker, have added fleece and the DWR or water repellancy will need to be on the higher end. For this, my gear ends up becoming slightly heavier and I have a few more items added to the mix.
Insulation/ Midlayers
Rain Gear
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Clothing - Accessories
During the late season, one of the adds will be an orange hat and vest. I used to use some cheaper products and get away with the use of the orange. Ultimately, I found out that I could upgrade these items and they would help improve the experience overall. I also prefer having gloves that layer as well instead of just one insulated glove.
Hats/ Beanies
Other
Firearms
Rifle
I will use a lighter rifle during the later seasons as I have more gear that will be heavier in my pack. I have found that from all the rifles in my safe, I keep going back to one of them due to its weight and accuracy and you might be surprised which one it is.
Ammunition
Rifle Scope
