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Recently, a friend of mine described an elk hunter who travels out west each year with their group.
This particular hunter has earned the nickname "Cabela's." If there is a new gadget, a new style of hunting coat, a new brand of boot, or some other commercial offering, 'Ol Cabela's shows up wearing it or toting it.
Before you lay down more hard-earned cash than you can afford, take a minute to
assess what you really need to be successful. Dwight Shuh, for example, demonstrates game stalking in one of his videos in plain blue jeans. As many hunters know, it is smell, movement, and sound that alert elk. This is not to say that camo-clothing and gear doesn't help. Certainly, anything that can give the elk hunter an advantage is welcome, and if sporting all the latest gear makes
you more confident, the result might end up making you hunt better.
But, rest assured, a hunter less outfitted but better schooled in elk and elk hunting, well out-hunt the richest guy in the woods. Guaranteed.
Clothes-
Expensive, sophisticated hunting clothing is available for those who can afford it.
Price tags of $250 to $400 and up for special outfits are not uncommon. If you can swing it, great.
However, I wear a pair of thick, rugged, Swiss-made wool army pants I bought for under $25. I wear
a like-new military surplus wool shirt I found for under $20.
I wear an old army parka that cost me $29. I carry a $12 poncho to stop the snow and wind. (I put my money into the best socks, hats, long underwear, and gloves I can buy – the extremities need ultimate protection).
Boots-
Personally, I prefer pac-type boots.
The boots I war are rated to minus 75 degrees, and they cost me about $150. However, since buying these boots, I've never had cold feet again. Even if my feet sweat and get drenched, amazingly, they stay toasty warm. When I'm asked what I consider to be the most vital piece of hunting wear, I always say, "good boots." Don't skimp here! $20 pac boots can get your feet frost bitten.
The Armed Forces Know Best
When I enter the elk woods each year, I look about as unlike 'Ol Cabela's as
you could imagine. I would have no trouble purchasing the fancy outfits available if I wanted too, but why?
Could be, I'm cheap. However, I've found that the U.S. Government spares no expense in fully outfitting and protecting the finest armed forces in the world. Military clothing is made to extraordinary tough government standards, lasts a lifetime, and can be had for pennies on the dollar.
When it comes to cold weather, military clothing must protect soldiers from arctic-like condition at
locations around the world. No expense is spared in the manufacture of these winter garments.
So, if you can afford the high-priced stuff, great. But if you can't, or if you're like me and
always look for the best bargain, check out your local military surplus stores. Personally, I dress for elk hunting, not to impress other elk hunters.
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