From flat land to Mountains how to prepair?

[midwesthunter]

In 2011 I will be heading out west for a long range Cow elk hunt. I will be doing a archery bull hunt in ID on way back stopping in CO to pop a cow. My question is how do I prepair for the ALT/Angle shots? I live in Low IN 800 something is my elevation. How do I prepair a drop chart for 6000+ ALT? Do I just trust my ballistic calculator? On that note I am using Ballistic FTE on my iphone for now.

 

[rdsii64]

In 2011 I will be heading out west for a long range Cow elk hunt. I will be doing a archery bull hunt in ID on way back stopping in CO to pop a cow. My question is how do I prepair for the ALT/Angle shots? I live in Low IN 800 something is my elevation. How do I prepair a drop chart for 6000+ ALT? Do I just trust my ballistic calculator? On that note I am using Ballistic FTE on my iphone for now.

I use the same calculator on my Iphone. I live in California. So far it has done well for me. On paper it is suppose to account for elevation, temp, pressure, spin drift, and all that sniper joe stuff. As far as angle shooting. Some of your range finders at the upper end of the pricing spectrum have angle compensation built in to them. That might be something to look at.

 

[Broz]

Walk, walk and walk to get in shape... Drink lots of water ahead of time and be well hydrated.

I always do a 3 , 5 and 800 yards shot on a target when I get there at the average elevation I will be shooting to see I am on track with my program. The amimal deserves this. Then make an adjustment if needed.

If you are in decent health and shape you will be fine. I simply rest often and glass while resting.

Jeff

 

[midwesthunter]

Walk, walk and walk to get in shape... Drink lots of water ahead of time and be well hydrated.

I always do a 3 , 5 and 800 yards shot on a target when I get there at the average elevation I will be shooting to see I am on track with my program. The amimal deserves this. Then make an adjustment if needed.

If you are in decent health and shape you will be fine. I simply rest often and glass while resting.

Jeff

I was thinking about shooting when I get there. I'm in great shape so thats not an issue. I have been out west before Utah archery hunting. Been all over yellowstone sight seeing. So I know what to expect from that aspect.

 

[Southpaw]

As far as up and down hill shooting and getting your adjusted ranges try one of these or a similar product.

Defensive Edge Products

The other thing is practice, practice, practice.


Good Luck

Southpaw

 

[royinidaho]

The shooting and physical condition recommendations given are good.

If its your first time out west in the big mountains the shear size of the area may well be mind boggling.

Be careful of drainages. Heaven forbid you switch drainages coming down a ridge.

Topos, compass, google earth with gps capability help with confidence.

Been there, done that and am too embarrassed to wear the tee shirt.

 

[retiredcpo]

what unit/area in Idaho will you be hunting in.
I hunt in unit 18/riggins area.
I would deffinently shoot when you get there.

 

[boomhand]

I'm not an real experienced rifle hunter but I have gone hunting in central Idaho from living and shooting at sea level. I've taken 5 mule deer in 5 years and noticed I always shoot high. I'm hunting at 7000 to 9000 ft. and all my shots were under 200 yards. Most shots were not at a severe angle so I assume the elevation has something to do with it. You might have to adjust down when you get out there.

 

[midwesthunter]

Thanks guys I will be hunting Unit 70, or 71 not sure yet. I will definatly shoot when I get there. I'm thinking if my 300 yard zero is 2" high everything else would be also right?

 

[royinidaho]

I'm thinking if my 300 yard zero is 2" high everything else would be also right?

Pick Unit 71 and shoot something with horns on it unless you have a controlled hunt permit for 70.

Hopefully you have someone to show you around. 71 is big country. If 70 wear lots of orange and watch out for the crazies....... Also be aware of the Rez boundaries. The Indian don't like you shooting their deer.

Prepare for a long shot but expect the short shot.

Distances will appear very different than what you are used to. A range finder would be handy for general familiarity. Don't rely on ranging reticles.

I seem to remember from somewhere that 1000 feet in elevation is good for about 0.10 MOA. Those units aren't very high. Do the google earth thing to get an idea.

Don't change the way you sight your rifle just because you're headed west. Stick to what you're used to.

Other than that have a great hunt and sneak over to Blackfoot and eat lunch @ Rupe's. Best burgers in west of the Miss.

 

[midwesthunter]

Pick Unit 71 and shoot something with horns on it unless you have a controlled hunt permit for 70.

Hopefully you have someone to show you around. 71 is big country. If 70 wear lots of orange and watch out for the crazies....... Also be aware of the Rez boundaries. The Indian don't like you shooting their deer.

Prepare for a long shot but expect the short shot.

Distances will appear very different than what you are used to. A range finder would be handy for general familiarity. Don't rely on ranging reticles.

I seem to remember from somewhere that 1000 feet in elevation is good for about 0.10 MOA. Those units aren't very high. Do the google earth thing to get an idea.

Don't change the way you sight your rifle just because you're headed west. Stick to what you're used to.

Other than that have a great hunt and sneak over to Blackfoot and eat lunch @ Rupe's. Best burgers in west of the Miss.

Thanks I will acually be bow hunting ID, rifle for a cow in CO

 

[davkrat]

CARDIO!!!! I live in California and can easily go from sea level to 10,000 feet in a few hours. That altitude change is brutal. I've been working out like crazy lately and am in the best shape of my life. I live at 35' and was working at 6,000' yesterday. I ran about 100 yards up a hill to my truck and just about died. There is nothing you can do except spend time in altitude to let your body acclimate.

For shooting just take a few shots when you get out west and you should easily be able to see how little most slight angles effect you. Just print out a card for the conditions you'll be in and practice a bit. You shouldn't have much trouble getting close enough to a cow that incline won't matter.

 

[elkstalker300]

70-71 in colorado, thats my playground love it have taken alot of elk and acouple of 300 plusw bulls, I live in cortez 71 and 711 are just a few minutes away if you have any questions let me know as for 71 plan on hunting 1st or 2nd season as the snows usually drive the elk dwn into 711 during the 3rd and 4th seasons 711 offers sum awesum long range shooting