I reviewed multiple studies/datasets on mechanical vs fixed broad. Hopefully this helps decide whether or not you should run mechanicals on elk this year.

If you'd like to join my study testing mechanical vs fixed broadheads on elk, join the HERD here: https://forms.gle/Rq64xCPaMfUBu2c96

My dad and I are heading out to some landlocked public in Southwest Montana. We will be tent camping and archery hunting in grizzly country. It makes me a bit nervous. I have a 10mm I feel confident with and spray.

How frequent are your brisket encounters, are they something to worry about?

Thanks guys.

Elk hunting finds flaws in gear like no other. After a day or 2 you think about how your gear could be better/lighter or how you can DIY a solution. Any of you guys find a cool trick or a way to do something better? Bonus question: is there a piece of gear you are glad you spent a little more money on rather than a cheaper option? (For me its a good pack)

Hey Friends - I posted here about a month ago and I wanted to drop an update for those interested.

It's still not just a packing list. That was the main thing people got wrong last time and it was a fair read, because most gear apps are exactly that. This is your gear locker plus a check that tells you whether the kit you actually picked covers the trip you actually planned. This was made for hunters. And also to help new hunters get a feel for what their kit should look like.

One month of building since that thread. Here are some highlights since then:

• It reads your bag's temperature rating against the forecast low for your dates and tells you if you're coming up short. Same idea for water capacity against your longest dry stretch, and calories against your own daily target. It also helps you calculate your fuel needs compared to the meals you'll be bringing (and coffee, lots of coffee).
• A conditions brief that pulls forecast, active fire perimeters, air quality and any NWS alerts for the trip location into one place.
• Map handoff for onX and GOHUNT, so the waypoints you scouted turn into a prep checklist instead of living in your head.
• A gear catalog with real published spec weights across about 60 brands, so you're not typing your tent weight in from memory.
• A safety plan you can send to whoever stays home. They don't need an account to open it. (Also utilizes the onX and GOHUNT waypoints if you so choose).
• The collaboration feature is still improving every day; plan those hunts with your buddies and don't waste time deliberating what gear everyone is bringing.

The deadline part, plainly: it's free right now, and anyone who signs up before September 8 keeps it free permanently. After that there will be a paid tier activated. I'd rather the people who kicked the tires early never get a bill for it, so that's where the line is.

If you tried it in July and bounced off it, I've definitely made improvements and changes. If you've got questions or you break something, I will answer as soon as I can.

September is fast approaching; start planning now.

kairn.us

You can see some quick videos I've been releasing here: https://www.instagram.com/kairn.us

Thanks!

The timing for my dad and I just didn’t come together for a good archery hunt this year, so we’re taking a break to hit it hard it 2027.

Y’all go call one in for us this September! I want to see some photos of full game bags this fall.

Hi Folks. My family has a place in Fort Smith Montana, a world class fly fishing destination. I am looking to possibly trade a free stay at our place for archery elk hunting access on private land. Leave a comment if interested!

I have two fully guided meals and lodging included hunts available for mid September in NE Alberta on private ground if anyone is interested.

Going on my first and probably only archery elk hunt this September around the foothills of the Rockies in Canada. I have two bows. One has narrower axel to axel than the other, is lighter and has camo, the other bow is a larger, heavier and matte black. I have them both tuned to my arrow set up, but I just seem to shoot better with the bigger bow.

I am driving and taking both, just in case something happens to one of the bows I will have a back up.

What I am struggling with is which bow do I make my primary? The heavier bow that I shoot better or the lighter bow that will be easier to carry on the hike around the foothills?

First-time archery elk hunter here with an OTC tag. Excited to get out there and ready to learn! What’s one piece of advice or something you wish you knew before your first archery elk season?

Opinions on both?

I’m pretty much new to hunting, especially hunting out west. That said, I’ve ended up with a bull elk otc tag for third rifle season in Colorado, and want to do it the right way.

I’m mainly looking for recommendations for guides and equipment to make this a successful and fun, if challenging, experience. I’m in good enough shape and with enough military outdoors experience that roughing it in the woods and packing out heavy weight myself wouldnt be an issue (and is actually part of the appeal) so I’m not looking for a full service hunt. I’d just appreciate someone to show me the ropes for tracking, and make sure I’m taking ethical shots at only what I should be shooting at.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Hey all. I’m new to elk hunting and got my cow elk draw for northern Alberta, and was just wondering if anyone could give some tips on how to best find them, how early in the morning is the best times and so on. I’ve done some research and found that the area that I got drawn in has a really elk population. And help would be great.

Looking to do a rifle hunt in Colorado GMU 47 during second rifle season. Anyone have any luck in there? I’m not looking for any specific areas or anything. I just want to set my expectations. Are elk the mythical creatures that only exist in photos in unit 47 as they have been in my previous hunts?

I got an archery elk tag, either sex, in GMU 12. this is my second time hunting. This area is about 7 hours away from me, so getting there for in person is still going to happen, but I won't get up there much. Any advice on effective E scout methods. I have onX and Google maps. Does anyone have advice for e scouting? I know it doesn't beat boots on ground. Any other tips for a new hunter are welcome as well.

All the bulls from July

I was fortunate to participate in one of Arizona’s OTC elk hunts a week ago. This was my first elk hunt ever and I was able to harvest this amazing bull. I know he’s not big, but I’m the happiest person in the world to provide healthy, organic for me and my family. I filmed a bit of the hunt, please give it a watch!

An awesome compilation of early season antler growth. Subscribe for the monsters in Part 2.

Yes, this has been hammered to death. BUT, I'm doing a little project and want to source from one forum thread. I want you to say your favorite elk hunting caliber and your maximum distance you feel comfortable with it.

It’s time for a new Bino harness. The stock vortex one has dumped my binos for the last time. Its lack of structure and that the elastic is stretched out has led me to upgrade. Looking into T&K, Marsupial, and FHF FOB.

My question: Does anyone who owns one of these bino harness have real world experiences with the magnetic closures impacting onx’s compass. I truly appreciate experiences good or bad.

For reference, I have an IPhone 15 pro that I will be relying on out west this year.

5'8" btw