I live in Idaho, I'm 62 years old and am new to hunting. This will be my second year Elk hunting. It was a bust last year, I'm basically learning on my own so your videos have given me a lot of useful info. I don't have access to horses or mules so I just drive in make a camp and hike for the day. I probably wont hunt at the altitudes you just talked about but things like hydration and proper diet still make a lot of sense. Thanks.
This problem happens to me. I finally just decided to go up a couple days early and acclimate by just resting. Made all the difference. It also helped to try to fit in a couple weekend trips at altitude, again, just to relax and acclimate. This guy is right about everything.
Great advice Cliff. When I lived in Colorado and Montana I had friends from Michigan out a lot. I always cautioned them about altitude sickness. They all experienced it to some degree. Very good advice for anyone not used to altitude.
I live at an altitude of 4000' and hunt at an average altitude of 7500'. I'm 67 years of age and not in the best of shape. I just keep reminding myself that I'm no longer a young pup and I take it real slow. My 32-year-old son is quite supportive of my age/slowness. I did pack out a half of elk for a 1/2 of a mile this year. Take it slow you old guys and those that live at lower altitudes. Don't let your guide push you beyond your limits. Remember, you pay them. Good video.
After thirty years of elk hunting have experienced most scenarios discussed. The worst was soon after 9/11. Flights delayed and other situations put us, then our equipment another day late getting to southern Co. Drove straight up to a trailhead with elevation of 11,600’ north of Durango. Threw tents up, 11:00 pm and then up at 4:00 to get going. Brother in-law was feeling rough,cold and nauseous , kind me gave him a coke, my sleeping bag, and said “ I’ll check by around lunchtime. Opening morning, my birthday, I’m gonna go get a elk!” And took off. (Wives still give me crap over it, deservedly) Never had or even considered altitude sickness. Found fresh sign, glassed some elk and went back to get him up and going. Was in bad shape. Vision issues, severe nausea massive headache. Needless to say we quickly loaded up and at 10,000’ symptoms started easing off. Now we Always start with three days at around 7 to 8 thousand feet with daily excursions up for short periods. Use Diomox, if we’re over 10,000’ and also drink nettle tea, opens capillaries and take a iron supplement, And hydrate like sh!t It Helps tremendously! We’re both over sixty, and have learned patience, elk are also lower, and hunt edges. That’s the safety zones of the “ edges of public and private property’s “ where elk use. Usually lower and the long hikes are easier on us old farts! Good luck to all of you out there! We’re now appreciating every moment given in those beautiful spots.
Thank Cliff all good advice. We hunt fairly close to you and I have been able to get in to our cabin at 9000 feet a few days early in between 2nd and 3rd season. Do a couple hikes and camp chores while there and drink lotsa water before we start our daily ride up. Sure makes you appreciate the horses and how hard they work going up and down daily. They're not quite as sparky after the first day!! Going to share this a couple newbies that will be coming g with us this year
Good advice Cliff. My family has also had good results from using mountain ops solitude high altitude performance. We drive overnight setup camp at 10000 feet and hunt the next day coming from the Midwest. We don’t have time to get acclimated so this is a way around it that’s worked out well
Spot on info, altitude and other preventable factors got me on a hunt twenty years ago. Had to be LifeFlight off a mountain. Hard lesson to learn and also very expensive!
Hey Cliff, I found your channel a few weeks ago and have to say, you are thorough, down-to-earth, great detailed advice, and very practical with no BS on elk hunting. I live in the Midwest but have been to CO hunting elk for many years now. So this one on more tips for altitude sickness help/prevention is always good for a low-lander like me. I still am learning elk hunting as they say, and your videos provide that. I watch others on the Tube, but you get to the point on things, and I can put the information/tips I see to use right away. Past videos on the “how-tos” are fantastic. Like the one on the ~ three cow elk you spotted on a hillside, and you went through steps on how you would hunt/approach to get a shot. Wind, topography, strategy, etc. All step by step, great info! Keep up the great content!!! Take care.
As always, solid advice. As with many eastern states hunters, I live at 600' asl. We drive 2500 miles to get to our backpacking spot in MT. We take our time and take two solid days to drive, spending two nights as we travel, one being in Rock Springs WY. Although it's only 7000', that night sleep at even that altitude absolutely helps. By the time we strap on the weighted packs at the trailhead, we feel pretty good and rested.
Very good advice. I have to drive to either Wyoming or Idaho from my home in Kansas. I always leave 3 1/2 to 4 days before the hunt. It takes a day to drive to Wyoming and a day and a few hours to drive to Idaho, I don’t drive it in one shot, it’s better to drive to say SLC and sleep in the back of my truck and finish driving in the morning. Once I get to the general area where I hunt I ease into setting up base camp. I have a completely outfitted enclosed trailer dedicated to western big game hunting and it’s where I store and transport all my gear. Arriving a few days early allows me to ease into setting up base camp all the while acclimatizing you the altitude. By the following afternoon base camp is set up and I’m acclimatized enough to do some scouting on the 4-wheeler. Most people don’t know what a heart attack is like…I’ve had 2, the second was opening day of controlled elk hunt and I had to be flown off the mountain. The stress of 24 years of military service can do a number on your circulatory system. I’ve never had a private with altitude primarily because I ease into acclimatization. Thanks @Cliff For this video and to all out there pay heed to the recommendations.
Cliff, I love the format of your videos where you are just chilling in the mountains. I really makes me feel like I am there and great content as usual. As far as hydration, do you ever use a hydration bladder? I use a bladder when scouting but love Nalgenes for water, liquid foods (eggs, oatmeal, etc.), and my MTN OPS Ignite during the hunts. Two cages on my fatbike and one in my pack.
Thanks for the comment. I actually rarely use a bladder, almost always nalgenes. Bladder on summer scouting trips… our guiding temps, camping temps at night, etc… would freeze up hoses on bladders and just the durability in our conditions was an issue… the valves and such would get beat up. It was also kind of a hygiene issue around the horses/mules. The exposed hoses would get animal sweat and hair on them… haha not to good.
@@CliffGray I am going to start shooting more of my videos using your down on the ground style. Take it as flattery =-) A few of my friends are checking out your channel since I put it as a suggested CHANNEL. FATBIKEHUNTER RUclips
Me and my wife never had problems with A.S we always climatize at base camp. But last year in Colorado at 10.000 ft momma got sick . Had to pull the plug😕. Great video 👊🏻
First tip is gold. I figure it takes 2 days to get ur legs under you. I do not hunt above 12k but do ski above 12 and it always kills me, 10k I am just fine.
@@CliffGray lol is the pot calling the kettle black? I might be notorious for going on death marches an hour after i arrive in the mountains. kidding aside, everything you are saying is spot on. i remember my first time elk hunting 20 years ago i left southern Illinois and arrived in gunnison Co. hiked 12 hours at nearly 10,000-11,000ft got altitude sickness, i literally had to crawl back to camp. fun story i crawled slow enough that i actually crawled thru a herd of elk they just looked at me from 20 yards away. tried to shoot at 5x6 in full velvet at 10 yards and missed him by about 3 feet lol. needless to say i spend the first couple days at camp now.
Have you ever seen people get diarrhea with the altitude sickness. I was hunting 2 years ago and it had been about 2 years since I hunted but went from 2500 feet to camping at 7500ft and then hunting each day around 9000ft. I did do some of the wrong things as you listed. First day not a hunting day I went for a hike and completely blew my self out since I was not in very good shape. Not much sleep that night and the next day by noon I had bad diarrhea. Screwed up the rest of the hunt and I went home after 3 days. 3.5 days of getting dehydrated sucked. Once I got back home or at elevation of 2500ft it stopped. You ever seen this happen to hunters?
Yes. I’ve seen it cause all sorts of gastrointestinal issues for people. Mixed with a lack of appetite due to altitude and a change in diet… it’s pretty common. Bummer to hear it messed up your hunting!
I was surveying in the sierras for cell towers along 395. We had been hiking hard carrying a lot of equipment. I got up over 11000' and my body just shut down and my head was splitting open. I had no idea what was going on. I had seen a sheep camp 1500' below us with coals still burning. I descended to the fire and fell asleep immediately. When I woke up 4 hours later I was okay. I did not know about altitude sickness or the fact I could have died going up 8-9000 feet in elevation one day strenuously. I'm a man's man. I fought it, I'm okay type shit. It is no joke guys.
I was thinking the same thing!! I never realized you had to think about taking a shit. Either you have to shit or you don’t. I’ve never thought “ I need to take a shit” and it magically happened 😂😂😂
I live in Idaho, I'm 62 years old and am new to hunting. This will be my second year Elk hunting. It was a bust last year, I'm basically learning on my own so your videos have given me a lot of useful info. I don't have access to horses or mules so I just drive in make a camp and hike for the day. I probably wont hunt at the altitudes you just talked about but things like hydration and proper diet still make a lot of sense. Thanks.
This problem happens to me. I finally just decided to go up a couple days early and acclimate by just resting. Made all the difference. It also helped to try to fit in a couple weekend trips at altitude, again, just to relax and acclimate. This guy is right about everything.
👍glad to hear you got it solved!
Great advice Cliff. When I lived in Colorado and Montana I had friends from Michigan out a lot. I always cautioned them about altitude sickness. They all experienced it to some degree. Very good advice for anyone not used to altitude.
thanks Roger
I live at an altitude of 4000' and hunt at an average altitude of 7500'. I'm 67 years of age and not in the best of shape. I just keep reminding myself that I'm no longer a young pup and I take it real slow. My 32-year-old son is quite supportive of my age/slowness. I did pack out a half of elk for a 1/2 of a mile this year. Take it slow you old guys and those that live at lower altitudes. Don't let your guide push you beyond your limits. Remember, you pay them. Good video.
+ 1 Diamox; game changer when I used to live at sea level and come up to elevation. Excellent advice Cliff!
After thirty years of elk hunting have experienced most scenarios discussed. The worst was soon after 9/11. Flights delayed and other situations put us, then our equipment another day late getting to southern Co. Drove straight up to a trailhead with elevation of 11,600’ north of Durango. Threw tents up, 11:00 pm and then up at 4:00 to get going. Brother in-law was feeling rough,cold and nauseous , kind me gave him a coke, my sleeping bag, and said “ I’ll check by around lunchtime. Opening morning, my birthday, I’m gonna go get a elk!” And took off. (Wives still give me crap over it, deservedly) Never had or even considered altitude sickness. Found fresh sign, glassed some elk and went back to get him up and going. Was in bad shape. Vision issues, severe nausea massive headache. Needless to say we quickly loaded up and at 10,000’ symptoms started easing off. Now we Always start with three days at around 7 to 8 thousand feet with daily excursions up for short periods. Use Diomox, if we’re over 10,000’ and also drink nettle tea, opens capillaries and take a iron supplement, And hydrate like sh!t It Helps tremendously! We’re both over sixty, and have learned patience, elk are also lower, and hunt edges. That’s the safety zones of the “ edges of public and private property’s “ where elk use. Usually lower and the long hikes are easier on us old farts! Good luck to all of you out there! We’re now appreciating every moment given in those beautiful spots.
Thanks for the comment, story and additional tips! Great stuff
Hey , hey, let's not let that secret out of the bag..... Lol.
Thank Cliff all good advice. We hunt fairly close to you and I have been able to get in to our cabin at 9000 feet a few days early in between 2nd and 3rd season. Do a couple hikes and camp chores while there and drink lotsa water before we start our daily ride up. Sure makes you appreciate the horses and how hard they work going up and down daily. They're not quite as sparky after the first day!! Going to share this a couple newbies that will be coming g with us this year
Good advice Cliff. My family has also had good results from using mountain ops solitude high altitude performance. We drive overnight setup camp at 10000 feet and hunt the next day coming from the Midwest. We don’t have time to get acclimated so this is a way around it that’s worked out well
I have a feeling this one I'll appreciate the most. Usually hit a trail balls to the wall and would be sick the entire time
Spot on info, altitude and other preventable factors got me on a hunt twenty years ago. Had to be LifeFlight off a mountain. Hard lesson to learn and also very expensive!
yikes!
Keep up the great work Clif! I love your videos.
Thanks man!!!
Hey Cliff,
I found your channel a few weeks ago and have to say, you are thorough, down-to-earth, great detailed advice, and very practical with no BS on elk hunting. I live in the Midwest but have been to CO hunting elk for many years now. So this one on more tips for altitude sickness help/prevention is always good for a low-lander like me. I still am learning elk hunting as they say, and your videos provide that. I watch others on the Tube, but you get to the point on things, and I can put the information/tips I see to use right away. Past videos on the “how-tos” are fantastic. Like the one on the ~ three cow elk you spotted on a hillside, and you went through steps on how you would hunt/approach to get a shot. Wind, topography, strategy, etc. All step by step, great info! Keep up the great content!!! Take care.
Mark, really appreciate the comment. So glad the videos are useful to you!
As always, solid advice.
As with many eastern states hunters, I live at 600' asl. We drive 2500 miles to get to our backpacking spot in MT. We take our time and take two solid days to drive, spending two nights as we travel, one being in Rock Springs WY. Although it's only 7000', that night sleep at even that altitude absolutely helps. By the time we strap on the weighted packs at the trailhead, we feel pretty good and rested.
Thanks for the comment Danny! Sounds like you guys have a good approach.
Awesome video. Thank you. Stay safe.
Never had trouble sleeping in Elk Camp. the 3 am wake up call is the tough one..
Excellent video Cliff! Right on point!
Very good advice. I have to drive to either Wyoming or Idaho from my home in Kansas. I always leave 3 1/2 to 4 days before the hunt. It takes a day to drive to Wyoming and a day and a few hours to drive to Idaho, I don’t drive it in one shot, it’s better to drive to say SLC and sleep in the back of my truck and finish driving in the morning. Once I get to the general area where I hunt I ease into setting up base camp. I have a completely outfitted enclosed trailer dedicated to western big game hunting and it’s where I store and transport all my gear. Arriving a few days early allows me to ease into setting up base camp all the while acclimatizing you the altitude. By the following afternoon base camp is set up and I’m acclimatized enough to do some scouting on the 4-wheeler. Most people don’t know what a heart attack is like…I’ve had 2, the second was opening day of controlled elk hunt and I had to be flown off the mountain. The stress of 24 years of military service can do a number on your circulatory system. I’ve never had a private with altitude primarily because I ease into acclimatization. Thanks @Cliff For this video and to all out there pay heed to the recommendations.
Thanks Richard! Really appreciate you letting people know how you approach it. Sounds like you have a good set of logistics to avoid any issues. 👍
@@CliffGray Let’s just say years of experience teaches you what works and what don’t.
Great advice, thank you!
As always great info in a great setting!
Thank you soo much for this video
Very informative 👍
Great information 👍
Thanks!
Cliff, I love the format of your videos where you are just chilling in the mountains. I really makes me feel like I am there and great content as usual. As far as hydration, do you ever use a hydration bladder? I use a bladder when scouting but love Nalgenes for water, liquid foods (eggs, oatmeal, etc.), and my MTN OPS Ignite during the hunts. Two cages on my fatbike and one in my pack.
Thanks for the comment. I actually rarely use a bladder, almost always nalgenes. Bladder on summer scouting trips… our guiding temps, camping temps at night, etc… would freeze up hoses on bladders and just the durability in our conditions was an issue… the valves and such would get beat up. It was also kind of a hygiene issue around the horses/mules. The exposed hoses would get animal sweat and hair on them… haha not to good.
@@CliffGray I am going to start shooting more of my videos using your down on the ground style. Take it as flattery =-) A few of my friends are checking out your channel since I put it as a suggested CHANNEL. FATBIKEHUNTER RUclips
👍
Me and my wife never had problems with A.S we always climatize at base camp. But last year in Colorado at 10.000 ft momma got sick . Had to pull the plug😕. Great video 👊🏻
Bummer! It happens and can be rough
You do a outstanding job. Thank you.
Thanks for the support Mick!
First tip is gold. I figure it takes 2 days to get ur legs under you. I do not hunt above 12k but do ski above 12 and it always kills me, 10k I am just fine.
😁😁😁Come on Cliff, I’m too young to go slow!!
Bwhaha yeah i know a lot of guys like you 😜
@@CliffGray lol is the pot calling the kettle black? I might be notorious for going on death marches an hour after i arrive in the mountains. kidding aside, everything you are saying is spot on. i remember my first time elk hunting 20 years ago i left southern Illinois and arrived in gunnison Co. hiked 12 hours at nearly 10,000-11,000ft got altitude sickness, i literally had to crawl back to camp. fun story i crawled slow enough that i actually crawled thru a herd of elk they just looked at me from 20 yards away. tried to shoot at 5x6 in full velvet at 10 yards and missed him by about 3 feet lol. needless to say i spend the first couple days at camp now.
Bwhaha! It happens. Love the story
Have you ever seen people get diarrhea with the altitude sickness. I was hunting 2 years ago and it had been about 2 years since I hunted but went from 2500 feet to camping at 7500ft and then hunting each day around 9000ft. I did do some of the wrong things as you listed. First day not a hunting day I went for a hike and completely blew my self out since I was not in very good shape. Not much sleep that night and the next day by noon I had bad diarrhea. Screwed up the rest of the hunt and I went home after 3 days. 3.5 days of getting dehydrated sucked. Once I got back home or at elevation of 2500ft it stopped. You ever seen this happen to hunters?
Yes.
I’ve seen it cause all sorts of gastrointestinal issues for people. Mixed with a lack of appetite due to altitude and a change in diet… it’s pretty common. Bummer to hear it messed up your hunting!
Altitude or elevation? Asking for a friend... Great video! ✌
Haha! That question got me thinking…. Haha shouldn’t it really be called elevation sickness….😜
@@CliffGray Exactly I always thought the same thing...have a great day bud! 🤣✌
I was surveying in the sierras for cell towers along 395. We had been hiking hard carrying a lot of equipment. I got up over 11000' and my body just shut down and my head was splitting open.
I had no idea what was going on. I had seen a sheep camp 1500' below us with coals still burning. I descended to the fire and fell asleep immediately. When I woke up 4 hours later I was okay. I did not know about altitude sickness or the fact I could have died going up 8-9000 feet in elevation one day strenuously. I'm a man's man. I fought it, I'm okay type shit. It is no joke guys.
Absolutely! Thanks for sharing the story.
I live@ 4500 ft. Elevation. Altitude doesn’t bother me until 1300 ft.
This is kinda off base but were/ are "bigantlergetter" on a hunting forum?
No, not me. I think there was an outfitter over on the Aspen that used that. Younger guy, I believe.
@@CliffGray okay thanks.
Diamox make me unable to urinate. Quite a problem until it wore off.
Good to know that’s another possible side effect! Yikes
11k is no joke
Forgot to shit for 3 days?!!?!
I was thinking the same thing!! I never realized you had to think about taking a shit. Either you have to shit or you don’t. I’ve never thought “ I need to take a shit” and it magically happened 😂😂😂
Finding that on a game trail would scare the Hell out of me.....
@@StevenMalloy-s6n that's probably how big foot myths started