[thumbtack]

I am going Elk hunt in less then a month and I will be in the mountains for a week and a half and I have a couple questions that I could use some help with.

1. Can anyone recommend a good odorless gun oil?

2. What are some signs of CWD? If I see an Elk with CWD should I shoot it? I am going primarily to get meat.

3. Would a snub .357 be a good side arm incase a bear or mountain lion decide to challenge my top of the food chain status?

This will be my first Elk hunt and I want it to be as successful as possible so if you have any recommendation about gear or whatever please post them. This will be my longest hunting trip I have ever taken, so I am afraid that I may forget a key piece of gear or something.

[Greybeard]

At the ranges that most elk are seen/shot during Colo. rifle season, I doubt much cause for concern over smell of a little gun oil ... But, if up there just now during bow season, maybe a different story ...

Colorado's web site is likely the best place to get the straight scoop on CWD ...

.357 snub would not be my first choice of sidearm in Colorado, but could certainly beat chunking rocks at 'em if rifle not available. Ruger's .45 Long Colt/,45 ACP "convertible" is on my "want list" for such before going again.
Last time there, I packed Glock 36 and felt semi-comfortable while hiking - only because the 3 bear we saw were always shagging it in the opposite direction.

FWIW, Chaz (ScoutSniper here at THR) will be doing a special class at DCSA on October 11. "Survival - Colorado and Beyond". Details at www.dentoncountysports.com.

[Redlg155]

Take a peek here...http://wildlife.state.co.us/CWD/index.asp

The website above is from the Colorodo Division of Wildlife. It contains an abundance of information on CWD.



If I see an Elk with CWD should I shoot it?

• Do not shoot, handle or consume any animal that appears sick; contact the Division of Wildlife in Fort Collins at (970) 472-4300 if you see or harvest an animal that appears sick.



3. Would a snub .357 be a good side arm incase a bear or mountain lion decide to challenge my top of the food chain status?

I'd suggest a good .44 magnum, but if all you have is a .357, it will work until you can get to your rifle.

Good Shooting
Red

[Art Eatman]

I wouldn't worry about the smell of gun oil. If the wind is wrong, the elk will worry more about your odor than that of gun oil...

Art

[H&Hhunter]

What Art said....

Gun oil sent is the least of your worries.

Redleg has the good stuff on CWD read that.

I've killed several Black Bear with a .357 they work OK but I carry a .44 Mountain Gun or a Glock 20 in 10MM now days. If I'm hunting late season I don't worry about it as the bears will be sleeping by then.

[Dr.Rob]

You can carry an unconcealed pistol in Colorado for self defense, HOWEVER to be big game legal your pistol should be in the 41/44 mag category. The 357 mag is NOT a legal pistol to even "finish off" a wounded, downed animal. (though I've never heard of a game warden writing anyone up for applying a coup de grace with a .357)

Wipe all the excess oil/grease OFF your firearm before you get to the woods. Give it a light rub of CLP a few days before coming up. CLP leaves a dry flim lubicant and doesn't bind up the way grease can in extreme temps.

READ UP on CWD. If an animal looks sick do NOT shoot it. Even if its a 6x6 Bull, your trpophy will likely spend a long time in the hands of the DOW.