Here is a gear guide highlighting what Harrigan Land Company is using during the 2025 archery elk season. From boots to optics, every piece of gear has been selected to give hunters the best chance of success in the backcountry. As top ranch real estate brokers in the Mountain West, we don’t just use this gear during hunting season, we rely on it year-round when spending time on our hunting ranches for sale. Each item on this list has been tested hard and carries our stamp of approval.
Bows – Hoyt & Mathews
The foundation of any archery setup is the bow itself. We use booth Hoyt and Mathews and both brands have earned reputations for reliability, accuracy, and performance in demanding elk country.
• Hoyt: Known for rugged durability and smooth draw cycles, Hoyt bows excel in harsh mountain environments where reliability is non-negotiable.
• Mathews: Famous for their quiet shot and minimal vibration, Mathews bows deliver excellent consistency and accuracy when it counts most.
• Tip: Pair either bow with a properly tuned rest, sight, and stabilizer system, then spend time dialing in your draw weight and practice distances out to 60+ yards for elk hunting.
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Boots – Salomon Quest Tracker
Elk country demands durable, quiet, lightweight boots with strong traction.
• Recommended: Salomon boots provide stability on steep, rocky terrain while keeping weight down for long days in the backcountry and a soft sole for stalking. Their waterproofing ensures comfort through stream crossings and unexpected storms.
• Pro Tip: Train in them before the season and wear quality merino socks to keep your feet blister-free.
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Camo & Clothing – Sitka Gear (Optifade)
Bowhunting requires getting close, and concealment is key.
• Recommended: Sitka Optifade camo, designed using animal vision science to break up human outlines.
• Best Patterns:
• Subalpine – for timbered and brushy terrain
• Open Country – for wide, alpine landscapes
• Layering System:
• Moisture-wicking base
• Insulating mid-layer
• Windproof/waterproof shell
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Arrows – Easton Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
Heavy arrows create the momentum you need for elk-sized game.
• Recommended: Easton FMJs blend carbon cores with aluminum jackets, delivering toughness and accuracy with excellent penetration.
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Broadheads – GrizzlyStik Maasai (Single-Bevel)
The broadhead is one of the most important items in your setup.
• Recommended: GrizzlyStik Maasai single-bevel broadheads. Designed for devastating penetration, bone-splitting performance, and lethal wound channels. Pair them with FMJs for maximum effectiveness.
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Optics
Good glass saves energy and puts you on elk faster.
• Binoculars: Swarovski EL Range 10×42 – premium clarity plus integrated rangefinding for precise shot distances. The size of and weight of this binocular is perfect for the mobility required while archery elk hunting.
• Spotting Scope: Vortex Razor HD 65mm – lightweight, compact, and excellent for picking apart distant ridges without weighing you down.
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Backpack – KUIU Pro 1850
Your pack should be comfortable for all-day hunts yet capable of hauling meat.
• Recommended: KUIU Pro 1850. A modular day-hunting pack built on KUIU’s carbon fiber frame, offering comfort under load and the ability to expand for packing quarters when needed.
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Communication & Connectivity
Safety and awareness in the backcountry are non-negotiable.
• Garmin inReach: Provides two-way satellite texting, SOS emergency functions, and GPS navigation when you’re off the grid.
• Starlink Mini: Brings reliable satellite internet to base camp, ideal for pulling weather updates, syncing maps, or staying connected during multi-day hunts.
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Final Notes
September is a special time of year. We love sharing our passion for archery elk hunting with others. Good luck this year!
