The official 2025 Wyoming elk hunt for Dave N thread.

[Dave N]

I didn't wish I had the sticks until the pack was full last year for the downhill stuff. Just food for thought.

Yeah, I'm an Illinois deer hunter that drags things out whole. Carrying something out on my back is foreign to me. Losing my balance probably wouldn't be good.

 

[Nick87]

Yeah, I'm an Illinois deer hunter that drags things out whole. Carrying something out on my back is foreign to me. Losing my balance probably wouldn't be good.

I'm not gonna lie I slipped and crashed on the last 1/8 mile. Take the sticks lol

 

[LCH]

Ok, pack taken care of. Never used hiking sticks before but have an idea that they could help me with my balance. My knee is doing good and I'm not normally thinking ahead about watching my step anymore. I'll keep working it over the summer and I have a feeling that I will be able to get a little further into the rougher stuff than I thought earlier. I know that is fairly important. Hell, I suppose I could find a couple dead sticks laying around to help if needed. No worries if something happens to one!

This might sound silly, but practice hiking with the sticks a bit. I recently began using some, and it took a little time to get my rhythm figured out. It does making covering ground quickly feel much easier though.

 

[Wildabeest]

Never used hiking sticks before but have an idea that they could help me with my balance.

They help a lot when you have a heavy pack. Especially in steep or uneven terrain. Your body will thank you for using them in those situations, as it takes some stress off almost every other part of your body.

 

[SFC B]

I am another HUGE fan of walking sticks. Saved me from probably breaking a hip the first year I had them and I won't go without them again. Plus, I have these which work even better than I expected. Big recommendation from me..... https://www.wiserprecision.com/products/quick-stix

 

[Sytes]

Simple to pack collapsed. Great tool. Often use a single while hunting. Insta rifle rest stick in a pinch and third point of contact routing around.

 

[elkduds]

Trekking poles are easily adjustable. Shorter for climbing up, longer for descending. They even can accommodate sidehilling. When convenient put palms of hands on tops of poles instead of just gripping with all fingers (steep descents). They let you use your arms like another set of legs. With a heavy pack, poles offer much more stability in all terrain.

 

[bowhuntmontana]

Ok, pack taken care of. Never used hiking sticks before but have an idea that they could help me with my balance. My knee is doing good and I'm not normally thinking ahead about watching my step anymore. I'll keep working it over the summer and I have a feeling that I will be able to get a little further into the rougher stuff than I thought earlier. I know that is fairly important. Hell, I suppose I could find a couple dead sticks laying around to help if needed. No worries if something happens to one!

I started using hiking sticks 14 years ago. Never thought I needed something like that, but from the moment I started using them I was sold. Not sure how I even successfully navigate stairs without those things.

 

[Caseknife]

Definitely second the thought about practicing with trekking poles. Lots easier to use on a trail, but very beneficial off trail. Sometimes I find myself relying too much on them though at times and when they catch in brush behind me, it gets interesting in a hurry.

Trekking poles work real well as a very adjustable forward rifle support. I hold them crossed in my hand and rest the rifle stock and wrap a finger around the top of the barrel. Works for kneeling or sitting.

 

[Wildabeest]

Definitely second the thought about practicing with trekking poles. Lots easier to use on a trail, but very beneficial off trail. Sometimes I find myself relying too much on them though at times and when they catch in brush behind me, it gets interesting in a hurry.

Trekking poles work real well as a very adjustable forward rifle support. I hold them crossed in my hand and rest the rifle stock and wrap a finger around the top of the barrel. Works for kneeling or sitting.

Additional benefit of practicing with them is building up some tough skin / callouses at places on your hands that don’t normally see much friction. Unless you’re alone at night a lot .

 

[Caseknife]

And if you are really using them up hill, arm muscles get a bit sore for us older guys

 

[Dave N]

Guess I'll pick up an inexpensive pair when I get a chance! No advice needed on best brands or anything! I don't really see myself using them much after this hunt so I'm going cheap!

 

[TheGreek]

Guess I'll pick up an inexpensive pair when I get a chance! No advice needed on best brands or anything! I don't really see myself using them much after this hunt so I'm going cheap!

I’ve been using the cheap Costco brand ones for years now.

 

[duckhunt]

This might sound silly, but practice hiking with the sticks a bit. I recently began using some, and it took a little time to get my rhythm figured out. It does making covering ground quickly feel much easier though.

I agree, it took me a little practice.

 

[duckhunt]

Guess I'll pick up an inexpensive pair when I get a chance! No advice needed on best brands or anything! I don't really see myself using them much after this hunt so I'm going cheap!

If I remember right I paid about 65 or 70 bucks for a set from cabelas.

 

[williaada]

I have been using hiking poles for the last years. Get your hands used to the poles prior to going on the trail or bring a set of leather gloves. I found a used set on Facebook.

 

[Benfromalbuquerque]

I have been using hiking poles for the last years. Get your hands used to the poles prior to going on the trail or bring a set of leather gloves. I found a used set on Facebook.

I’ve actually never bought hiking poles. Been gifted two and found three.

 

[Dave N]

I’ve actually never bought hiking poles. Been gifted two and found three.

Come to elk camp and I'll gift you the pair I have coming! No use for them here at home and I doubt I'll be hitting the mountains after this.

 

[Bill Zent]

I wish I had been using walking sticks when elk hunting in timber with lots of dead fall and lava rocks. I blame the lava rocks for meeting my head, an excuse for being goofy in the head since.

So use those sticks Dave!

 

[Dave N]

Trekking poles are here. Now to get some practice time and get used to using them.

Broke out the bike and put in a few miles. Been a long winter. Wasn't feeling bad until I climbed the steps into the house. Ugh. Have to work back into it.