2016 Archery Elk Hunt Preparation
In just 5 short (but they feel so long) days, I'll be headed back to New Mexico to chase another bull elk with Trophy Ridge Outfitters. As I prepare for this unreal experience, I'm realizing many small (and some bigger) changes that I've made in my packing list and training. It just proves how much we continue to learn from our experiences. I hope this helps a fellow hunter on their next archery elk hunt!
Please note that this list is an extension of my previous blog from last year. You can read it here.
TRAINING
1. StairMaster!!!! In Texas we don't exactly have mountains in our backyard. Also, packing out meat isn't the norm when I'm hunting. I typically can get a vehicle close enough to load the harvest and clean/quarter back at camp. Last year in New Mexico I harvested an elk close to camp and they were able to get a truck in there to load my bull up. I highly doubt that's the norm when hunting in the Gila Mountains. For that reason, I've added a weighted backpack to my StairMaster sessions. The weight ranges from 25-45lbs, depending on whether I'm only doing StairMaster (high weight) or adding it to the end of a workout as a "finisher" (lower weight).
2. Low Light Practice - I cannot stress this enough! I passed up a 350+ bull last year because I could barely see my pins and I lacked the confidence. He was at 50 yards. In preparing for my 2016 hunt, I've made a point to shoot the last 1.5 hours before dark.
3. Increased Bow Weight - I wasn't able to shoot past 40 yards last year at a target, unless I used my bubble as a 50 yard "pin," which isn't the smartest decision. With my arrows being heavier and pulling 50 lbs, it didn't allow the range that I desired. This year, I've invested in a new bow and increased my draw weight with slightly lighter arrows, which allowed me to practice out to 70 yards. That does NOT mean I'm ready to shoot an elk at 70 yards, which brings me to the next point....(see #4).
4. Practice Longer Distances - I don't want to shoot past 50 yards at an elk, but I know that I COULD because I'm able to hit a whitetail target with my broadhead at 70 yards. Notice that I just mentioned a 20 yard difference between practicing and hunting. Think about it - practicing longer distances makes up close seem so simple. It's really important to know your comfort zone for an ethical shot. With bowhunting being a mental challenge, confidence is everything. It's helped me tremendously to shoot much longer ranges than I plan to shoot in the field.
5. Drop Back Draw Weight - Last year I barely got my bow pulled back on my bull due to the adrenaline. For this reason, I decided to train at a higher draw weight throughout the summer then drop back right before season. When I left for New Mexico last year, 50 pounds was so easy for me. My bow was maxed out, otherwise I'm certain I would've increased it. This year, I trained at 58 pounds then dropped back to 54 just a few weeks ago to get my bow sighted in perfectly. Most of the time adrenaline makes me feel like the Hulk; however, after experiencing the complete opposite, I decided to adjust.
ITEMS
1. CamelBak Bladder - I filled my basic 100oz. bladder every day last year on the mountain. I ordered a different one this year (see here). I wanted something tougher and more protected to prevent a punctured bladder and also because my dog chewed last year's bladder up (insert eye roll). Either way, I needed one. I just upgraded for more durability on the mountain!
2. Lighter Gear - I don't hike much. I never knew how quickly my body would heat up while climbing. I was not prepared with enough of the right gear. I'm sure my 2015 guides thought I never bathed, but really I just wore the same shirt throughout the week. This year I have a few lightweight shirts and I also invested in UA Tactical Pants (brown & green) to hike in. They're not super quiet, but since we're hunting during the rut I feel like I can get away with it. My pants last year were thin, but they were lined, and I would start sweating immediately. We are hunting later in the season this year so it'll be colder, but I can always add layers underneath if needed. The key is to have options!
3. Multi-pin sight ---> Single pin sight - There are a LOT of opinions surrounding this decision. It's a risk I took because my accuracy increased tremendously with a single pin. I can shoot tighter groups and much longer distances. It was a tough call for this particular hunt because if a bull comes running in toward you, then changes direction after you've drawn your bow, that leaves you guessing where to place that single pin on his body. In a perfect situation, I will have time to adjust my yardage on the wheel, but that's probably not going to happen. So what's my plan? To know my equipment. I know how much my broadhead will drop if my sight is on 20 but the bull is at 30, or vice versa. I plan to keep my pin on 30 at all times just in case I don't have time to change it. I wanted the ability to shoot further and more accurate, so I kept the single pin for this trip.
4. Cameras - I am so unbelievably blessed to have my husband come on this trip with me and film the experience. Last year I only took a handful of pictures the entire week on my cell phone. I didn't even have a good camera to take pictures of my 322" bull, which I shot in the evening, leaving me with night time pictures on an iPhone. I'm not suggesting that you go out and buy the nicest camera on the market, but if nothing else, rent one! There are great deals for renting camera equipment and I highly suggest that you do. It's one of my biggest regrets.
5. Sunscreen - I don't know if I ever mentioned that I got so sunburned on the mountain that I looked purple. And I felt green. In other words, I felt so sick and it was awful. I'm extremely fair skinned and know better, but I got lazy and paid for it. I highly suggest a sunscreen stick so that it's not all over your hands. Also, fragrance free if you can find some! Bulls don't particularly like the smell!
6. Hardy Facepaint - not everybody uses facepaint on the mountain but it's part of my routine and I used it last year. However, I will be using a different kind. It's truly the only kind that any hunter, athlete, child, etc should ever put on their face. They have multiple colors for better coverage.
7. Backpack - I took my husband's Badland's pack last year which is a GREAT quality item, however, it swallowed me. I invested in the Badland's Kali pack which is made to fit a woman's frame and still allows me to carry my CamelBak for hydration. I love it!!
8. MtnOps Product - I started using MtnOps products at the beginning of this year and I'm a huge fan. I have a protein shake every morning, so I plan to bring my powder with me in a ziploc bag. I also have a new order of Yeti (preworkout) and Enduro (Cardio Enhancement) trail packs, as well as Blaze (Energy shots) to take on the mountain with me. The only new thing I've added is Ascent, which is great to start taking 3-5 days before hunting higher elevations.
9. Bowsnatcher - Last year I often carried my bow in my hand instead of using my bow sling because I was afraid I'd miss an opportunity. This year I plan to use a hands free device that attaches to my backpack. It allows me to take my bow off within seconds. Check it out!
I think I covered everything, but I will add items if I think of more, and I appreciate any input that you have! Please comment below with tips/suggestions!
