TWP, I am NOT a western hunter... yet. I spent about 3 months comparing packs and saving money to get my Exo. I use it every day and have used it with heavy loads and a day hunting pack for pigs where my walk in is 1 mile and some change. That's all the experience I have with it. Before that I used a cheap hiking backpack for tucking, which was stupid. Had back problems almost immediately. Thankfully the nicer frame pack solves that issue!
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The Elk Thread
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You can’t go wrong with EXO or Kifaru. I’ve Used both duplex and K2. 99% of people won’t see a big difference. If you are really tall(with long torso) you might prefer Kifaru because they offer a 26” frame. I haven’t tried the MR new frames but until they sell packs and frames separately they aren’t an option in my opinion. Other option is Stone glacier.
Dallas Safari club will most likely be the closest place in Texas where you can maybe find all of them to try on.
Boots wise... everyone is different. Just trial and error.
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Three sleeps and then I’m gone! Shot great out to 80 this morning with broadheads. I’m kind of pivoting on areas though, going to be hot. Was going to focus on some way off areas that the biologist recommended, but going solo I’m afraid four trips in that weather may cause some spoilage. Going to the dark stuff and find cooler temps in the pines. We’ll see what happens.
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Originally posted by TWP View PostThree sleeps and then I’m gone! Shot great out to 80 this morning with broadheads. I’m kind of pivoting on areas though, going to be hot. Was going to focus on some way off areas that the biologist recommended, but going solo I’m afraid four trips in that weather may cause some spoilage. Going to the dark stuff and find cooler temps in the pines. We’ll see what happens.
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Originally posted by TWP View PostThree sleeps and then I’m gone! Shot great out to 80 this morning with broadheads. I’m kind of pivoting on areas though, going to be hot. Was going to focus on some way off areas that the biologist recommended, but going solo I’m afraid four trips in that weather may cause some spoilage. Going to the dark stuff and find cooler temps in the pines. We’ll see what happens.
It's been warmer than it normally is suppose to be right now. I'm seeing anywhere between 20-100 elk a day since Friday. Mostly moving first and last light.
Got on a bull that is still bugling pretty good, but he's with about 60 cows and other little bulls. He's a 5x6 280"ish middle aged bull. Literally had 50 elk in bow range this am, but he stayed out at 100 yds. Only bull I've heard bugle. Had opps at a few little guys, but have been trying to hold out for something bigger. Water has been key if you can find somewhere that's secluded. I only brought 1 trailcam, wish I had brought more to get down their pattern. Pic is of a smaller bull in the herd.
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Big boys should be by themselves by now right? Just seeing big herds? Now I’m really messed up!!! First 5x5 gets into range is gonna get a carbon meat seeker sent it’s way.
QUOTE=Chris Martin;12926223]
It's been warmer than it normally is suppose to be right now. I'm seeing anywhere between 20-100 elk a day since Friday. Mostly moving first and last light.
Got on a bull that is still bugling pretty good, but he's with about 60 cows and other little bulls. He's a 5x6 280"ish middle aged bull. Literally had 50 elk in bow range this am, but he stayed out at 100 yds. Only bull I've heard bugle. Had opps at a few little guys, but have been trying to hold out for something bigger. Water has been key if you can find somewhere that's secluded. I only brought 1 trailcam, wish I had brought more to get down their pattern. Pic is of a smaller bull in the herd.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk[/QUOTE]
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Well, I didn't get it done in AZ. Found some big elk, a couple the biggest I've ever seen on the hoof. But the closest I got was 149 yards before the brush and everything got too thick and loud for me to get any closer. Saw a ton of coues deer and got to do a lot of talking to God being solo for a week. Spoke with some locals and scouting and sitting waterholes seems to be the ticket. How awesome is it to be able to prowl around thousands upon thousands of acres of public land hunting elk on your own?!?!?!
Anyway, next year looks good for a WY tag and a Colorado draw tag, so not all hope is lost.
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Originally posted by TWP View PostWell, I didn't get it done in AZ. Found some big elk, a couple the biggest I've ever seen on the hoof. But the closest I got was 149 yards before the brush and everything got too thick and loud for me to get any closer. Saw a ton of coues deer and got to do a lot of talking to God being solo for a week. Spoke with some locals and scouting and sitting waterholes seems to be the ticket. How awesome is it to be able to prowl around thousands upon thousands of acres of public land hunting elk on your own?!?!?!
Anyway, next year looks good for a WY tag and a Colorado draw tag, so not all hope is lost.
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Im starting to do some research for a backpack archery elk hunt next year with a buddy. I've read a good amount of info on this thread but had a question im not sure if i saw the answer to.
I found some overlays for google earth that show elk summer/winter ranges, concentrations, migration patterns etc. but when im looking at this what patterns should I generally plan around for archery elk? Will they still be in their summer ranges during archery season or will they have started to move some towards their winter range areas? Any other advice would be greatly appreciated as we are very early on in the planning process. Havent narrowed down a unit or anything yet but we are thinking its going to wind up being an OTC Colorado Archery tag.
From reading this thread we are also leaning towards a wilderness area so that it is a little easier to get away from the crowds and people with atv's, unless a better option for us comes along.
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Originally posted by Gclyde28 View PostIm starting to do some research for a backpack archery elk hunt next year with a buddy. I've read a good amount of info on this thread but had a question im not sure if i saw the answer to.
I found some overlays for google earth that show elk summer/winter ranges, concentrations, migration patterns etc. but when im looking at this what patterns should I generally plan around for archery elk? Will they still be in their summer ranges during archery season or will they have started to move some towards their winter range areas? Any other advice would be greatly appreciated as we are very early on in the planning process. Havent narrowed down a unit or anything yet but we are thinking its going to wind up being an OTC Colorado Archery tag.
From reading this thread we are also leaning towards a wilderness area so that it is a little easier to get away from the crowds and people with atv's, unless a better option for us comes along.
10 years ago it use to be deeper was best, hell now it seems the goal is to out hike the elk. Never seen so many people deep in the backcountry.
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Following
Originally posted by traffic View PostThis is giong to be one to follow because I have always wanted to go elk hunting and have not been able to get any of my buddies interested. Thanks for all the tips that have come and or coming in the future.
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Originally posted by Texans42 View PostFor CO just toss a dart. Don’t over think it. Elk are always where you find them.
10 years ago it use to be deeper was best, hell now it seems the goal is to out hike the elk. Never seen so many people deep in the backcountry.
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