Archery elk gear budget allocation

[NYyotekiller]

You could save some money by buying only a half dozen arrows instead of ten. I seldom, if ever buy more than a half dozen at a time.

Personally I would go with a 300 spine arrow, especially for Elk. The heavier gpi for the 300’s will help anyway especially if you have a shorter draw length.

 

[7Bartman]

Plenty of options to save money here. IF you are hunting in an area that is mostly public land get an ~$150 smart phone (used or motorola) don't even activate it, but get on wifi and download the google maps for your hunt area. The GPS will work without cell-phone signal. In addition, you can rent a sat phone for ~ $150 or less for a week (what I did two years ago when I was totally solo).
I wouldn't even bother with a range finder. Elk are bigger than deer. I run three pins and I can usually tell the difference between 0-35yds, 35-50, and 50-65.
Definitely don't get ripped off by buying an oxygen mask. These things don't work in increase the oxygen carrying capacity of your blood. Coming from sea-level, just be in the best shape you can and know to take it slow and drink lots of water the first couple of days. I got a pair of aluminum trekking poles from Walmart for ~ $17.
Get a set of some nice binos with the money I just saved you

 

[Scott85]

If you are willing to go a little smaller and a different color you can save about 30 bucks on a dry bag.

 

[Sytes]

I did not know there was such rational consideration to budget archery elk gear...
Actually, my wife's laser eyes keep me somewhat in check, usually to return said, "excess".

 

[jrsrock80]

The oxygen mask does not have any affect on elevation because of pressure but a mask will strengthen your diaphragm making heavy breathing a little easier, so they r not a complete waste but I would not Spend anymore than $30 because even the $50-$60 ones break after a lot of use.

The in reach is a must if going solo, $500 is worth survival, I own one and I know my areas very well but one broken leg and u r not crawling out of the areas I hunt without help. Buy once, cry once on survival and pack out gear for sure, cheap cooler is better way to cut costs.

 

[NEWHunter]

I would say the inReach is well worth it. I bought a 64s to take to WY and borrowed an inReach. The 64s is now for sale and the funds will be rolled in to a new inReach. With your wife on board it’s a no brainer. A good used one might be a good way to go.

 

[Pucky Freak]

I nixed the oxygen mask to spend extra on a rangefinder. I went with Vortex Ranger 1000. I found one in "like new" condition on Ebay for $202. I like the illuminated (red) display, simple operation, and transferable warranty. Tested and am pleased with angle compensation and low-light performance. Does fine with ranging non-reflective surfaces out to about 450 yards.

Planning to get the refurbished Garmin inReach to save $100 so I can spend that elsewhere.