Equipments Lists
Rifle Hunting - Suggested Gear List
Some of these items can be substituted or changed for your personal needs.
- rifle - 270. caliber or above recommended - (we furnish scabbards for regular size scopes)
- 2 boxes shells
- binoculars - (are a must)
- knife
- small day pack - fanny pack that fits around waist or small shoulder pack
- rain gear - (optional)
- small canteen -plastic container that fits in pocket, belt, or pack
- waterproof matches
- camera and film
- sleeping bag - (we furnish pillows)
- chapstick
- good flashlight - extra batteries
- hunting license
- rangefinder - (optional)
- personal kit, soap, shampoo
- wash cloth
- towel
- underclothes
- warm long underwear
- 2 wool shirts
- 2 light shirts
- 1 wool pants
- 2 light pants
- 2 pair heavy socks
- 4 pair light socks
- 1 pair warm snowpacks
- 1 pair waterproof hiking boots
- warm hat and gloves/or mittens
- 1 light coat, sweatshirt, and vest
- 1 warm coat and/or coveralls
- 1 fluorescent orange vest
Montana requires everyone to wear a minimum of 400 square inches of fluorescent orange in a place easily seen. A light vest works well.
Our weather can change very quickly. Try and prepare for most situations, and temperatures from 40 degrees F to minus 20 degrees F.
Know where your gun shoots at ranges from 30 yards to 300 yards. We ask everyone to be able to shoot a 6" group centered on the target at 300 yards with a rest.
The surest killing shot on an elk is the lung area directly behind the foreleg. This area presents a target about the size of a pie plate, and is best hit when the animal is standing broadside or stands slightly quartering away. Remember, if you are shooting a large caliber rifle with maximum penetration bullets, you must pick up the shoulder blades to get any expansion.
Bow Hunting - Suggested Gear List
Some of these items can be substituted or changed for your personal needs.
- Bow - 55 lb. draw weight or above recommended
- 2 dozen arrows - There are broadhead practice targets at camp
- range finder - optional, but helpful
- binoculars - (are a must)
- knife
- small day pack - fanny pack that fits around waist or small shoulder pack
- rain gear - optional
- small canteen - plastic container that fits in belt or pack
- waterproof matches
- camera and film
- sleeping bag (we furnish pillows)
- chapstick
- good flashlight - extra batteries
- White (or snow camouflage) coveralls or shirt and pants are a must
- Camouflage tops and bottoms - preferably light colored greens, tans and yellows
- personal kit, soap, shampoo
- wash cloth
- towel
- underclothes
- warm long underwear
- 2 wool shirts
- 2 light shirts
- 1 wool pants
- 2 light pants
- 2 pair heavy socks
- 4 pair light socks
- 1 pair light snow packs (optional)
- 1 pair waterproof hiking boots
- 1 light coat, sweatshirt and vest
- 1 warm coat and/or coveralls
- warm hat and gloves/ or mittens
- hunting license
- camouflage makeup or head net
Montana law does not require fluorescent orange for bowhunting, so full camouflage can be worn at all times. Quietness is one of the most important factors in bowhunting for elk, so please dress accordingly.
Our weather can change very quickly. Try and prepare for most situations, temperatures vary from 65 to 10 degrees F.
Shoot well under all conditions and angles. We have many shots missed because of leaning around trees and brush to shoot. Also practice angles from 20 to 60 degrees - both uphill and downhill. Be sure to practice while wearing all hunting clothes. Make sure no articles are in the way, or the bow is being held different because of heavy clothes and thick sleeves.
We ask everyone to be able to keep at least a 6" group centered on the target at 30 yards. The kill area on a bull is the size of a paper plate, so be very sharp when you arrive. The lung area, directly behind the foreleg, is the only sure killing shot on an animal with this kind of strength and stamina. An elk must be standing directly broadside or slightly quartered away to offer you a good shot into the lungs.
Our camp offers enjoyment, relaxation, modern facilities, good cooking, professional services, references, magnificent scenery and great hunting.
We are booking the 2023/2024 season at this time.
Please give us a call to ask about the dates that interest you.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Doug and Zita Caltrider
Avalanche Basin Outfitters
P.O. Box 17 • White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645 • (406) 547-3962