EP 473: Tracking Elk and Late Season Gear with Josh Boyd

This week I’m joined on the podcast by fellow Montanan Josh Boyd. Josh consistently gets it done year in and year out. Josh also is a big contributor to the Rokslide forum and is constantly testing new gear. In this podcast we end up talking a lot about rifle hunting elk and the challenges that come with a tough hunt. We also dive into gear recommendations for that mid season October time frame and many of the things Josh has found to make him a successful hunter.

Show Notes: 

Intro – Josh Boyd, Overview – 03:35

Tracking Tactics & Scenarios – 13:03

When to Glass vs Tracking – 26:29

Mid & Late Season Shelters – 32:24

Gear Priorities & Options – 38:16

Josh’s Upcoming Season – 49:23

This podcast also brought to you by goHUNT.com and their insider membership. Not only have goHUNT’s Insider helped me get more tags than I have time to hunt, but when you become a goHUNT Insider you get access to the gear shop which is thee best place to buy backcountry hunting gear. The goHUNT gear shop has put together the best of the best when it comes to western big game hunting equipment. On top of having the best gear and the best prices when you shop at the goHUNT Gear Shop you receive points back with every purchase. Lets say you need a new pair of boots. If you buy them from the Gear Shop you not only get them at the same price but you also get anywhere from 25-50 points, aka dollars credited toward your account for more stuff. Its a sweet deal and all in all I think goHUNT’s insider program is well worth the $150 membership. Not to mention when you sign up with the TRO code you get 50 points automatically credited to your account to use at the gear shop.

Todays podcast is brought to you by On X maps. On X is a big supporter of the podcast which is good because I us my On X app constantly. Today I want to share a quick pro tip with you on how I use the app in the field. When I am hunting a new area one thing I like to do is track out elk trails using the tracker feature. The tracker basically creates a line wherever you walk. Now I don’t use this all the time because it burns to much battery but say I am working through a timber patch and come across a heavily used elk trail. If it is going the direction I want to go I may follow that elk trail or at least off to the side of it to map out the elk travel corridor. Often times this gives me a big picture view of elk behavior. This coupled with dropping way points every time I see or hear elk gives me a great overview of what the elk are doing in that area. Hope this helps this season and be sure to download your maps with all your layers before heading to the field.