Looking for wisdom

[evburt]

First time elk hunter.  I WANT to ask about good areas on the East side (I like in the Tri-Cities), but I've seen how that goes down on this forum...and I'd rather spare the wrath of ya'll.  But, there's a lot to learn from others, so I figured I'd ask what ya'll put in your average day pack.  I just finished a deer trip (didn't get anything, saw about 50 doe up by Devil's Canyon past Kahlotus) and only carried my gun and binoculars with me. I regretted that when I was about 4 miles into some steep ground in the heat of the day.  I'd like to be better prepared for my elk trip, so I'd love to know what others tote around when they're packing in a few miles. Thanks in advance.
-Evan

[gasman]

WATER 

Food or snacks, compass, rope, knife, extra batteries, flashlight and knife to name a few.

[Bigtine96]

Bullets..

[jay.sharkbait]

Something to read (with pictures)

Maybe a radio

[ICEMAN]

evburt, welcome. Lots of guys out hunting right now, you may not get a ton of answers...

Try our search feature.

Use the following search parameters;

Pack list
Daypack list

etc...

Good luck.

[Boss .300 winmag]

Safety minimums!   

[evburt]

Thanks guys, appreciate it.

[bassquatch]

Colockum, Manastash, Little Naches and Cowiche get a ton of attention every elk season! If you are heading out to cover country with the expectation of filling an elk tag by yourself then I would advise at least the following:

A good sturdy pack: Get one that at least holds 1 2liter hydration pack and can handle 75+lbs!

Meat bags: either the heavy white "meat bags" or sew your own out of old sheets! You will more than likely be making multiple pack out trips and will want to the meat you leave behind protected!

A handheld CB radio, NOT a little Motorola walkie talkie! If you're in trouble, they have great range!

A couple small flashlights and extra batteries, knives and sharpener, bone saw (optional), ROPE!, extra ammo, calls if you use them, small quality first aid kit, high calorie snacks to replenish throughout the day, something for cleaning your optics (I don't care who makes them, they will fog!), personal meds, fire starter, pocket knife/multi-tool.

You can go from there...also look at the Backcountry Hunting section as there are some GREAT packing lists on there, those guys really have it dialed in! Good luck and welcome!

[rtspring]

Cant do it this year, but I will teach you all about elk hunting out of yakima. I scout alot! I mean almost every weekend.. I dang sure dont know it all but would share a whole lot with you. It takes time, effort and money..  I live 30 mins from you.   

Rtspring

[evburt]

Thanks again, all!  RT, I will definitely take you up on that. I've got time, effort and money, and I'm eager to learn! Let's talk before the 2014 season.

Evan

[Crunch14]

I have a frame/daypack (Horn Hunter) with a 3 liter water bladder.  Always have compas, Garmin Rhino, an assortment of knives & a sharpener, Mylar spaceblanket, first-aid kit (includes sutcher kit, matches and firestarter), TP, Baby wipes, game bag, a few Cliff bars, extra gloves/hat/socks, extra ammo for signal shots if necessary.

If ya plan to go out all day I recommend making up a bagel sandwich or two.  They tend to not get as mushy as regular bread.

[scout/sniper]

Colockum, Manastash, Little Naches and Cowiche:
Camper, Firewood, Whiskey, Generator, Lounge Chairs, Satelite Dish!

[gunrinwa]

Colockum, Manastash, Little Naches and Cowiche:
Camper, Firewood, Whiskey, Generator, Lounge Chairs, Satelite Dish!

You forgot Cardboard cutouts of Slutty bar chicks and Elvira!   

[Hilltop123]

Colockum, Manastash, Little Naches and Cowiche:
Camper, Firewood, Whiskey, Generator, Lounge Chairs, Satelite Dish!

You forgot Cardboard cutouts of Slutty bar chicks and Elvira!   

Damn I miss that camp, was always good for a chuckle...........plus, who can go wrong with a slutty bar chick........ the original silver bullet....

[scout/sniper]

Colockum, Manastash, Little Naches and Cowiche:
Camper, Firewood, Whiskey, Generator, Lounge Chairs, Satelite Dish!

You forgot Cardboard cutouts of Slutty bar chicks and Elvira!   

Damn I miss that camp, was always good for a chuckle...........plus, who can go wrong with a slutty bar chick........ the original silver bullet....

I love them even more when they jacknife and get stuck on the only road in and block it for six hours.