[dropcap]I[/dropcap]f you are an avid hunter, the coming of elk hunting season is a time you always look forward to. In fact, the best hunters plan for months to ensure they are set to go. There are many benefits of elk hunting, among the main ones being conservation.
Hunting has increased in popularity as more people learn about its benefits to the society. Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) says there are over 13.7 million hunters. At the turn of the century, the elk population stood at only 40,000 due to lack of management. Today, conservation programs funded by hunters have boosted the elk population to over 1 million.
Importance of the Your Elk Hunting Boots
Whatever the motivation behind your hunt is, it is important to have the right gear for your safety and also to enjoy the experience. The right hunting gear and equipment also protects the environment. While your shooting skills are crucial in elk hunting, you should also appreciate the role your gear plays in enhancing your hunting experience. One of the most important items in your gear is the elk hunting boots.
The right elk hunting boots will protect your feet against the weather elements. Whether it’s too cold or too hot, your feet will always stay comfortable. Suffering blisters while on a hunting ground is the worst thing that can ever happen to you. Indeed, the right pair of hunting boots comes right after your choice of firearm or bow. The fact that you spend the entire day wearing your boots makes it very important to make the right choice.
Choosing the Best Elk Hunting Boots
Are you struggling to select a pair of elk hunting boots? You are not alone. Going through hunting forums, you will find many hunters, especially beginners, who have suffered after the wrong choice of hunting boots.
Your choice of hunting location will determine the choice of hunting boots; for instance, when hunting in the rainy Oregon, waterproofed boots are the best. To make the right choice, consider the following:
- Waterproofing – Go for waterproofed materials to protect your feet from water and snow.
- Insulation – Hunting in snowy Colorado or any other cold area requires the best insulation in your boots.
- Lightweight boots – You will need to run up and down for the best shot location. Heavy boots will slow you down, hence the need for a lightweight material with all the functionalities.
- Height – Consider a height of not less than 7 or 8 inches for protection and also to provide good ankle support.
- Perfect fit – Make sure you test the boots before hitting the hunting grounds.
- Breathable materials – Make sure you buy breathable boots to allow for comfort. Such a pair will protect your feet and avoid damage due to heat.
There are so many good elk hunting brands to choose from. The ones you can use as a yardstick include Lowa Tibet GTX, Irish Setter 860, and Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 400 among others. When shopping for elk hunting boots, choose a pair made of a sturdy waterproof material. It should also have the best insulation for keeping your feet warm in snowy areas, good height for ankle support, aggressive and rugged soles and breathable lining.
Go on and enjoy the best hunting experience with the right elk hunting boots.