What Makes an Elk Camp?

[Swede]

Whether you bivouac, live in a cabin or tent, or go with a large travel trailer, there are certain things you like and don\'t like. I am the same in all of that. What are your preferences and dislikes? What makes for a great elk camp?
Personally I like a good wall tent with wood stove and a fly out side for cooking under. Because my wife will spend some time with me, it is better to have a good 21 foot trailer. The trailer is a great compromise for us. I avoid dusty/dirty areas and cold camp spots. Potable water near camp is an asset, but not critical. I like some privacy, but a neighbor or so is fine. I avoid campgrounds. I can camp alone or with someone. If the person is a good fit, having them around. especially in the evening is great.

 

[cohunter14]

What makes an elk camp? For me, it is the company and the camaraderie. I could hunt alone, but I choose to hunt with a group because it is more enjoyable in my eyes. Having a bad time when you have good company is difficult

As far as tent, trailer, etc, all I can say is that I have tried them all. While a cabin was great to come back to for heat, electricity, and a warm shower, any of them will work. The majority of the time it is a wall tent, and I am just fine with that. To me, it is part of the experience to be out camping and have the wood stove going. Although that warm shower sounds pretty nice after a few chilly days in the elk woods!

 

[cnelk]

I\'m a wall tent guy.
A fire in the evening outside with everyone hanging around is great.
I can have daily electricity and a shower 50 other weeks of the year.
That is part of elk camp!

 

[Zpd307]

being in the mountains where the elk live....... with a bow in hand.

 

[cohunter14]

I can have daily electricity and a shower 50 other weeks of the year.
That is part of elk camp!

Touche Brad...I like that

 

[Deertick]

A fire is a must. We\'re not going to have the discussion of whether a fire is a good thing or not in my camp.

Any camp -- elk camp or just summer camping -- requires privacy. I don\'t go to the expense of hauling all my stuff up in the mountains just to hear your generator start up in the camp \"next door\". Seriously, why go camping at all if you\'re just trading one neighbor for another?

Oh, I break my rules sometimes. I do camp in larger groups sometimes in the summer. But ideally, it\'s just me alone, or me with my wife, or me with some friends, sitting around a fire reliving the day, planning tomorrow, and remembering old camps in faraway places.

I\'ll have a drink in elk camp. Or not. Food doesn\'t really matter, either.

I enjoy having animals in camp ... a dog sleeping by the fire ... horses tied to a high-line. Or not.

Elk camp is what all camping should be -- a temporary divorce from \"civilization\" and a chance to unwind, with or without company.

 

[otcWill]

being in the mountains where the elk live....... with a bow in hand.

Well said. Really that\'s it. That\'s all I need. Camp is rarely comfortable and 0 decisions are made based on comfort. All I need from camp is elk within a mile or two. It\'d be nice to have all the amenities of home but there\'s always deer hunting to provide that

 

[elkmtngear]

being in the mountains where the elk live....... with a bow in hand.

Well said. Really that\'s it. That\'s all I need. Camp is rarely comfortable and 0 decisions are made based on comfort. All I need from camp is elk within a mile or two. It\'d be nice to have all the amenities of home but there\'s always deer hunting to provide that

X3 :upthumb:

 

[Wake26]

I have done them all from little 2 man tents to cabins. To me elk camp is more then just the hunt it\'s the people you get to share it with. Don\'t get me wrong I love being in the woods chasing elk but I also like a good camp fire with good friends to share stories of the hunts past and present.

 

[WW]

Hate to bring you all back to the real world, but for me it\'s getting up early and hunt. Then at the end of the day it\'s a hot shower, a warm meal prepared by my wife, and a good nights sleep in my own bed at home.

I tell ya, \" Life is rough living in elk country\" !

 

[bowhunter]

Hate to bring you all back to the real world, but for me it\'s getting up early and hunt. Then at the end of the day it\'s a hot shower, a warm meal prepared by my wife, and a good nights sleep in my own bed at home.

I tell ya, \" Life is rough living in elk country\" !

:roll: Thats not elk camp. :crazy:

 

[Scot320]

Pack string headed in.
Unbelievable scenery.
Creaking saddles.
The smell of old canvas.
Smoke rising from the stove pipe.
A warm sleeping bag.
Bugles in the night.
The smell of fresh brewed coffee.
Horses welcoming you home.
The smell of wood smoke.
Ice cold water from a mountain stream.
Fresh caught trout for supper.
Laughter.
Sharing with friends and family.
A little Makers Mark to ease the aches.
Elk antlers tied to the back of a horse.

 

[Swede]

I am so glad I started this thread. Your comments bring me back, in my mind to camps from long ago, and to the more recent ones. If I am not out hunting, I am thinking about it. I have never horse camped, but the thought of creaking saddles on the way into camp, the scenery and even the smell of smoke, is like a fix for me. Truly all of you have understood the essence of what is elk camp. Even WW, though he gets his fix just chasing elk, and can do without the pine cone under a sleeping bag problem.