Hello from a newb! Advice appreciated!

[Hercload]

Hello All,
I am new to the forum and to western hunting. I have grown up hunting white tails in the Midwest. I love whitetails, but a buddy and I are wanting to go west and hunt the back country. We are planning an archery elk hunt in CO (2020) and a combo whitetail/mule deer hunt in western KS next year. Needless to say, I don’t have much gear for this type of hunting. I’m looking for advice from some of the “seasoned” hunters on this page as some practical tips to get started accumulating the necessities. I have a rifle, bow, bino’s and a bunch of whitetail gear. Would need a pack, tent, bag, boots, etc. I would also appreciate just some general advice for a novice back country hunter.

Thanks in advance!

 

[El Jason]

1. Use the search function, lots of previous posts here on gear
2. Go backpacking prior to going hunting. More than once if possible.
3. Look for used gear on Rokslide.
4. Use gear review sites like Outdoor Gear Lab for things like bags, pads, etc.

 

[Rancho Loco]

Buy boots for the pack out, not in.
Start hunting the minute you park your truck.
Learn to glass. It's harder than it sounds.

 

[dirtclod Az.]

Backcountry hunting is a thing of the past."Outwest"hunting is hundreds of people in one place chasing few Deer.Scout and Backpack first.
Notice all the roads,Trails and camping spots.Hunting season starts and they will all be full of #@*#@!...Even the draws and creekbeds are racing lanes for ATVs and 4X4s.Good planning is the way to go.Good Luck.

 

[Brian in Montana]

Someone else already said it, but start with your footwear. If your boots are rubbing the hide off your feet you will have a miserable time no matter what other gear you have. You'll be distracted and hindered quite a little bit. You got some time, sounds like, but don't skimp. Make sure they fit right and in the months leading up to the hunt wear them on the treadmill, I'm not kidding.

 

[Addicting]

Welcome to the Forum. 2020 is a long ways away. Practice on a cheaper tag in the area your considering in 2019. No reason to wait or spend the big money on a bull tag just to get the steep learning curve over. You can kill an antelope, mule deer doe, or cow with a 4 wheel drive and blue jeans. See the lay of the land and then plan 2020.