| Jeremy Williams |
Late Season Arizona Elk Hunt - Chapter 2
As a parent, you always strive for the best for your children. This includes the drive I have to ensure Flint's success on his hunts. It's about more than just securing a tag and hoping for the best in the field, although sometimes those unplanned moments create the best memories. This hunt holds a special place for me because Flint has the chance to harvest his first bull elk, reminiscent of his New Mexico Unit 2B mule deer hunt several years ago. If you missed the video of that hunt, I encourage you to watch it: watch now. Our preparation for this elk hunt began nearly six years ago when I decided to start applying him for tags. This year, in his sixth year of applying, Flint was lucky to get a draw, even with five points to his credit. Over these six years, Flint has matured into a young man, and this hunt will be a test of his physical, mental, and shooting skills. He's been shooting for years, from practicing long-range at the Gunwerks course to being part of his school's skeet team. He's adept at making accurate shots. However, this hunt poses a new challenge with steep, downward-angle shots along the rims of deep canyons. In central Georgia, where we live, there's no way to practice for shots at such angles, but we still practice regularly to maintain confidence.
As part of our preparations, Flint and I meticulously go through our gear. We anticipate a lot of walking, and if we're successful, a challenging pack-out up the canyon. Foot protection is crucial; a sprained ankle or blisters could end the hunt prematurely. I can't overstate the importance of good, breathable socks that stay in place.
The weather in Unit 8 during the late season can be unpredictable, ranging from 70 to 20 degrees, sometimes with 2 feet of snow. Being prepared with layering options is essential. I usually wear thermals as my base layer, adding just pants and a thin hoody with a jacket. I also carry a puff jacket for those colder moments while glassing.
A well-fitting, capable pack is also vital. Flint and I carry popular packs designed to haul a significant load. Ideally, if all goes well, we could pack out the bull in just two trips each. A good pack should fit well and have sturdy tie-down loops. I always pack essentials like a spotting scope, drinking water, a kill kit, and a small tool kit.
Lastly, optics are a must for a trip like this. Having grown up on the East Coast and primarily engaged in tree stand hunting, optics weren't at the top of my equipment list. However, when it comes to spotting elk from long distances, good optics are essential to avoid aimlessly traversing the terrain in hopes of finding any bull. Choosing optics is somewhat like buying a new truck, in my opinion. You can opt for a more affordable 4x4 or go for the high-end 'Platinum' version that costs as much as a home mortgage payment. Personally, I prefer the more economical option and avoid spending an exorbitant amount of money on them. In the long run, I find that my investment in tags yields a better payoff.
Great gear is key to a successful hunt, but as our readers at HUNT360 know, I'm a man of faith. We can prepare for the expected conditions to ensure a successful hunt, but ultimately, it's in God's hands. The best preparation is listening to His guidance – that's the true blessing in any hunt.
Magnus Rifle System
Flint has been using the Gunwerks Magnus Rifle System chambered in 6.5 PRC for years now, and his confidence in this rifle is absolute. For hunting elk in the canyon terrains like those in the Sycamore Wilderness, this rifle is the ideal choice. Given its precision and reliability, Flint wouldn’t consider using any other rifle from his arsenal for this hunt.
Mountain Extreme 400
I've been using the Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 400 boots for a few years now and find them to be fantastic. They offer excellent ankle support, and my feet fit well in them, with no movement that could cause blistering. I understand that boots are a frequently debated topic among hunters, but for me, these are currently at the top of my list for this type of hunt.
Glacier Heavyweight Boot Height Sock
Without a doubt, these are the best hunting socks I've ever owned. They keep your feet dry and prevent slipping, which is crucial for avoiding blisters. Importantly, they stay in place and don't slide down the calf, a feature I find essential in the field. These socks are an absolute must-have!
De Havilland Pant
I've opted for the Stone Glacier De Havilland Pants primarily because they are incredibly comfortable and durable. Having used these pants for several years, I've found them to be the best option I've come across. Stone Glacier isn't a brand insider here at HUNT360 yet, and I have personally purchased every item I own from their product line. I've simply found that their gear works well for me, and there's no reason to replace something that's already performing excellently.
De Havilland Jacket
Once again, I've selected Stone Glacier's De Havilland Jacket as my go-to jacket for hunting. It's durable and pairs well with the Helio Hoody. Stone Glacier may not be a HUNT360 Brand Insider yet, but like any other hunter, I have purchased each item myself. These are simply high-quality, durable products that I personally like and find reliable.
High Country II Tripod
FINAL THOUGHTS
As I write this article, I've just finished up our Thanksgiving dinner. My plan is to start my journey to Arizona this Saturday morning for several days of pre-scouting, getting my boots on the ground before Flint and my father arrive in Phoenix on the morning of November 30th. I invite you to continue following our journey into Chapter 3, subtitled 'Boots on the Ground.' In the next chapter, I’ll delve into the conditions of the unit, the elk I'm encountering during pre-scouting, and the gear that's proving most effective for the terrain. I'll also discuss any on-the-fly adjustments that might be necessary. Stay tuned - Chapter 3 promises to be an exciting one!
Continue to Chapter 3
or
Follow our Journey from Chapter 1
|
Sign Up For
|
|
|
What Is HUNT360?
Hunt360 is a community dedicated to providing trustworthy reviews of hunting gear from real people like you. We value your experience - we want to know what gear you've tried, what worked for you, and what didn't. Your reviews matter to other hunters like you and helps us all go out better equipped!
|
|