• A December elk hunting checklist is critical to your safety and success.elk in moraine park image by Don Lewis from Fotolia.com
  
  Elk seasons throughout the West typically take place from September through December. Every month during the season provides a challenge, but the late-season hunts in December after the migration, require specialized hunting techniques. With the potential for severe weather, elk hunters will pack an extensive equipment checklist for safety and to improve the odds for success.
  
  

Clothing

• Wearing multiple layers of clothing is crucial during a December elk hunt, as it gives you the versatility to adapt to the changing weather conditions. Start with a base layer--referred to as long underwear--that fits tight to the body and is worn underneath the insulating layers and outerwear. Pack an insulating layer such as a fleece or wool pullover jacket. Outerwear should be waterproof, windproof and breathable to protect you from the elements. Insulating, waterproof gloves and wool socks are also required. Most states will require a blaze orange vest and cap if you are hunting during a firearms season.
  
  

Optics

• Quality optics are used to locate and identify elk from a distance in the wide-open mountainous terrain. Binoculars are the most important piece of optics followed by a rangefinder--used to calculate the exact distance to an elk during a shot opportunity. If you have space and can carry the extra weight, spotting scopes provide additional magnification, but spotting scopes also require a tripod.
  
  

Camping

• December elk hunts in a base camp require four-season camping equipment designed to withstand wind and snow. Basic camp equipment includes a wall tent, camp stove, cots, sleeping bags, lanterns, food, cooking utensils and water. Tools used to setup camp and during the hunt include a hammer or mallet, axe, multi-tool and knife. Camp equipment can be personalized based on the geographical location, sophistication of the campsite and duration of the hunt.
  
  

Hunting Equipment

• Equipment used during the hunt, such as the weapon, is the most important for a successful hunt. Along with the weapon, you'll need ammunition and a gun case. Always pack the required licenses, permits and stamps needed to hunt in that particular area. After successfully shooting an elk, you will need gear to pack the cape, meat and antlers back to camp. A caping or skinning knife will effectively cape and quarter the elk while mesh game bags help to cool the meat and keep flies and dirt from contaminating the meat. Use a backpack to organize your gear during the hunt.
  
  

Survival

• With the unexpected weather patterns, survival is one of your number one concerns for December elk hunting. Basic survival equipment includes a first aid kit consisting of bandages, personal medications, gauze pads and pain relievers. Other areas of survival equipment include fire starting, emergency shelters and signaling equipment. Fire starters can consist of high-altitude lighters, waterproof matches or a flint and steel. Emergency shelters include additional clothing in your backpack, trash bags, ponchos or space blanket. Signaling and navigational equipment includes a flashlight, mirror, whistle, compass, handheld GPS and satellite phone.