Here you go Stoney. This will get you started.

Lets keep this thread rolling. Need more info on backcountry backpacking for elk!!!

Great information everyone, especially the detailed lists. I will be doing my first backcountry elk hunt this year as well in Idaho and have a question about food handling. How do you guys handle your food at night, I know the rules about hanging your pack, not cooking in the same clothes you are going sleep in etc, but talking to some of the folks at REI or other camping stores they swore by the bear cannisters (http://www.rei.com/product/709075) these seemed to be easier to manage than trying to hang your pack everynight however they add weight and bulk to the pack obviously. I was curious if anyone had thoughts/tips in this regard.

For reference I will be hunting on the Idaho/Montana border where black bears are the issue not brown/grizzly.

I think those bears are less of an issue than human habituated bears in National parks that most of the REI crowd frequents. Some NF here in CA require Bear cans but most folks won't take them unless required because of the weight and bulk. A 50 ft line to hang your pack is lighter and smaller.

Also a bear TAG is the best bear repellant around.

KEEPING THIS TOPIC UP TOP. GOT SOME BUDDIES THAT NEED TO LOOK OVER IT!!