Key takeaways

• First-time elk hunter seeking guidance for Wyoming hunt with 0 points

• Focus on learning hunting strategies rather than specific locations

• Importance of understanding thermals, timing, and terrain for successful elk hunting

• Value of hybrid approach: glassing from roads then potentially backpacking in

• Need to balance physical preparation with altitude acclimation

Discussed topics

Hunter Background and Experience

• Andrew is a pharmacist planning his first elk hunt

• Has 19 points in Colorado but decided to start hunting Wyoming with 0 points

• New to archery hunting but has been practicing since December

• Has whitetail hunting experience in Texas

Equipment and Gear Setup

• Details

  • Has RAM 2500 Diesel truck and potential access to ATV

  • Owns Kodiak canvas tent and lightweight backpacking tent

  • Using Maven 15x56 binoculars and Vortex 10x fury with rangefinder

  • Needs to acquire bugle tube and calling equipment

• Conclusion

  • Recommended Phelps standard bugle tube

  • Gear setup suitable for both base camping and backpack hunting

Hunting Strategy and Approach

• Details

  • Jaden emphasized importance of morning positioning before daylight

  • Discussion of thermal patterns and their impact on hunting

  • Focus on finding elk through glassing before committing to areas

  • Strategy to use hybrid approach of road access and potential backpacking

• Conclusion

  • Start with lower elevation areas to acclimate

  • Use glassing to locate elk before making moves

  • Consider wallows as potential ambush points

Physical Preparation

• Details

  • Andrew currently doing gym work focusing on lower body and cardio

  • Training with 30-pound pack for 2-mile walks

  • Planning 5 days of pre-hunt hiking with wife for acclimatization

• Conclusion

  • Recommended stair stepper training with weighted pack

  • Emphasis on altitude acclimation before attempting higher elevation hunts

Safety Considerations

• Details

  • Discussion of grizzly bear presence in certain areas

  • Importance of food storage and camp setup in bear country

  • Recommendation to stay south of unit 80s for solo hunting

• Conclusion

  • Need for bear spray, proper food storage, and awareness in bear country

  • Focus on safer areas for first-time solo hunter

Challenges

• Limited elevation training options in Texas

• Need for altitude acclimation

• First-time archery hunter learning curve

• Solo hunting logistics and safety considerations