Bringing an elk down is possible only with the best elk hunting equipment
While hunting elk can be a wonderful experience, your hunt will be successful and safe only if you are equipped with the best equipment that your money can buy or rent. Bringing an elk down is possible only with the best in elk hunting equipment and you might need advice from experts if you want to end up with an ideal bow, arrow or rifle, among other equipment in your hands.
An elk is not only large at around 350 to 1000 pounds but is also quite fast when it is nervous or angry. You will need hunting equipment including a rifle or bow that can bring a big bull down with a single bullet or arrow. While elk hunting equipment does involve an excellent rifle with long-range sights or a bow with an excellent rest and sights, it also involves other equipment that can help stalk a herd of elk or beckon it towards you. You will require a matching sling to keep your .300 or .338 or any other type of rifle snug across your body. You will also need powerful binoculars to spot a grazing or moving herd.
If you plan to use a bow or a crossbow then you will need matching sights and rest so that your arrow flies accurately towards the intended target, i.e. the lungs of a bull elk. Your archery equipment will also involve carbon or aluminum arrows and a quiver that does not swing around when you stalk or run towards a moving elk. Your elk hunting equipment should involve tents and sleeping bags that are matched to the surrounding temperature as you will have to bed in high up in the mountains, usually at around 7500 feet above sea level. If your excited children are accompanying you then adequate equipment including their food and water filters to convert river or stream water into drinkable water will also be required.
Acclimatization is also important when you move higher into the mountains. You will need to stay put for a day at a particular height so that your body gets used to the lack of oxygen at that height. A first aid kit should form an integral part of your elk hunting equipment with enough medications, splints and bandages to take care of any untoward incident. Sturdy and high leather boots should also form part of your equipment to avoid spraining your foot when stalking elk. You will also need a heating stove to heat up water and even cook food when you are on your hunting expedition. All the equipment needs to be sturdy but at the same time should also be light in weight since it will either be you or your horse that will end up lugging it up those mountains. Your rifle, bow or crossbow needs to be the best that your money can buy since ultimately it is the accuracy and dependability of these products that will help you to down a fleeing elk or one attracted by bugling or cow calls.
While hunting elk can be a lot of fun mixed with adventure for you and your children, it is your elk hunting equipment that will ultimately keep you safe on those mountains and ensure that your shot downs an elk in the intended manner. You should conduct a checklist of all your equipment before and after each elk hunt.