Montana Elk/Deer Combo Rifle Hunts

CLOTHING – Remember layers are crucial. We are

hunting in the mountains where terrain and weather can vary greatly throughout the day.  It is important to be able to remove layers when we are hiking or when the sun comes out, but it’s even more important to be able to layer up if weather blows in or if we are sitting and glassing. Once you get cold it’s hard to warm back up. Build your foundation with a good base layer. It will be well worth the money. The old school cotton long johns just can’t keep you warm the way that the modern synthetic materials can. Polyester blends or smart wool type thermals are a great option. Grandpa wore wool for a reason.

When it comes to gloves you need something you can shoot in, but that won’t always be enough during cold late season hunts. Its a good idea to carry an extra heavy set to put on when your hands are getting cold or when we are sitting and glassing. Another good option is a light base layer type glove that will still allow for dexterity and can be slipped inside of a warmer outer glove to keep your hands warm.

Camouflage is good, but being able to stay warm is better. This will become noticeable when we are sitting still glassing or trying to set up for a shot. Don’t be as concerned about the perfect camouflage pattern as

much as the ability of your layers to keep you warm, dry, and quiet. We recommend having midweight layers to wear over your base layers, and then a heavy outer shell to top it off. The ability to shed layers while hiking and to layer back up when we are stationary is crucial during the later season rifle hunts.

Think about waterproofing your backpack and the gear inside. Having wet warming layers is not only miserable, but it can become dangerous in inclement weather.

BOOTS – This may be the most important thing that you can invest your money in. There is a high potential for us to do a lot of hiking over rough terrain in rough country. Having your feet get sore is the fastest way to put an end to a good hunt. We recommend that you have well broken in boots that you have hiked in a lot before you arrive. Depending on the time of year that you are hunting, the amount of insulation you need in your boots can vary. Obviously, archery hunts are in warmer weather, however if you are coming for a rifle hunt, late season temperatures can be very cold, and the snow can be deep. If you are using leather boots like Crispis or Kenetreks think about using a good conditioner to help waterproof and preserve them.

To go along with good boots, good socks are a great investment. Wool/ Smart Wool type socks are a great option. When it comes to socks you get what you pay for. This is a good place to not cut corners.

Recommended Packing List   

Thermal Base Layer    

Mid Layer Top   

Mid Layer Pants

Insulation layer      

Shell (top and bottom)     

Beanie/ warm hat      

Gloves      

Boots that you can hike in     

Good Socks      

Leg Gaiters 

Rain jacket     

Rain pants  

Hunter orange – 400 square inches of fluorescent orange above the waist required while rifle hunting      

Binoculars

Bino harness     

Scope Cover for your rifle     

Weapon & ammunition 

Tags, licenses, and identification   

Headlamp with extra batteries      

Skinning knife      

Water bottles or water bladder for your pack

Trekking poles

Backpack - Large enough to pack your gear in and carry meat out if we cant get pack animals to the game

Butt pad or small sitting pad – especially useful when sitting and glassing in the snow     

Rainfly for backpack

Toilet paper

Small First aid kit  

Hand warmers