New Member from Michigan - planning for my first "long" range hunt

Hey all,
New here from Michigan. This is my second season deer hunting, got into shooting bolt actions about 4 years ago now, and even more time spent with ARs and handguns previously.

Looking to get started on the information and possibly the equipment I need for an Elk hunt. Would love to do this next year. Looking forward to learning from all of you!

Welcome from NW Oregon.

You have about $50-100k to spend? That will be a decent start...

lancetkenyon said:

You have about $50-100k to spend? That will be a decent start...

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I do, just not for one hunt, ideally

Welcome and greetings from North of the dfw texas area glad to have you on board this is an awesome forum you'll love it too

AleksanderSuave said:

I do, just not for one hunt, ideally

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That money will get you set up for years to come. But it will get you set up VERY well.

Welcome to Long range hunting, from the Piedmont of North East Georgia. Great to have you on board.

Welcome Friend and enjoy our great forum,

Welcome from Utah. Here is my suggestion on hunting elk
Out west. You don't need to spend 10,000 dollars unless you plan on a guided hunt.
As far as rifle goes the same rifle you use to hunt deer with is going to work on elk.
Spend your money on points or purchase a landowner tag and work on cardio, running, hiking up hill ECT. Most of my shots at elk are inside 400 yards and my bull elk this year was inside 200 yards standing shot so practice in every position you can not just prone with a bipod. You can spend a lot of money on equipment that in the end really isn't necessary if you already hunt and are comfortable in the woods you probably already have the equipment and skill to hunt elk. Just remember that once you get one on the ground you have to deal with a 600lb + animal and that's where the real work starts. Have a really good pack and game bags to hang meat out over night and think situations over before you get in over your head. As Clint Eastwood said a man has got to know his limitations.

Well, I think you need to pick a state and where you will be hunting first. Might help to get some good glass and a capable pack first. Then go out where you think you want to hunt and walk around just before deer/elk season the first year. IME, getting to know the hunting land is the biggest obstacle. A guide can help as can experience. Experience is possibly cheaper.

Glass is another buy decent or used glass until you really know what apex type glass you thing you need. Others will have glass they brag about, but I've seen a lot of big animals killed by guys using basic glass. It is how you use it as much as anything.

Packs can be similar. Most are good. A few are great.

Also, in the area you want to hunt, there are local guide contacts to be made that are much more affordable often. They will likely booked up for that year, but do a meet & greet.

Last, don't go rifle crazy until you are driven to an ultra fancy rifle. Something like a Browning X bolt, Bergara B14 or Tikka T3X is more than capable until you are. Be careful of the featherweight rifle. You are often trading weight for capability. Also, be wary of the magnums. A 6.5 Creedmoor you are really good with is better than a 338 win mag with a flinch.

….and Hornady makes some good stuff…bullets, ammo, dies

Same with camo. I probably wouldn't buy all the Gucci clothes until something drove me to it. Honestly, I wear a basic W/B shell of some basic camo 100% of the time and vary my under layers mostly. I think that is an ok place to start. These 2pc shells start around $150. Long underwear is expensive but worth it.

Boots are similar. To me, Danner makes great boots. I think I have $200ish into mine. You know what my boots are?? Light and supportive.

I guess my point is getting outdoors and finding your flaws and gear flaws is the best teacher.

Flamesuit on!!!

Welcome from Colorado, enjoy

Welcome! Elk hunting is by far the biggest rabbit hole you will ever encounter! DIY? Drop camps? Guided?

The ONLY elk hunting recommendation I can give that really isn't a black hole is to arrive at your high altitude destination at least 3 days prior to hunt. Your body will thank you thousand times over!!!

Otherwise:

Rotten said:

Welcome from Utah. Here is my suggestion on hunting elk
Out west. You don't need to spend 10,000 dollars unless you plan on a guided hunt.
As far as rifle goes the same rifle you use to hunt deer with is going to work on elk.
Spend your money on points or purchase a landowner tag and work on cardio, running, hiking up hill ECT. Most of my shots at elk are inside 400 yards and my bull elk this year was inside 200 yards standing shot so practice in every position you can not just prone with a bipod. You can spend a lot of money on equipment that in the end really isn't necessary if you already hunt and are comfortable in the woods you probably already have the equipment and skill to hunt elk. Just remember that once you get one on the ground you have to deal with a 600lb + animal and that's where the real work starts. Have a really good pack and game bags to hang meat out over night and think situations over before you get in over your head. As Clint Eastwood said a man has got to know his limitations.

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This is the best advice you will get .^
Welcome , I'm from Flint Mi , now in Florida . The only thing I would add is just go do it , go out there and see it , then you have a base to build off .
If you are young , being in great shape is the key to covering ground , a must , IMO . Other than that a range finder and know your rifles capability .

Oh , and DO NOT make want to buy add's in classifieds , any classifieds . Theres a lot of scamming going on everywhere , be careful .

Where at in Michigan?
Several of us here are from west Michigan. Including muddy and myself.