First lite/Sitka/kuiu base layer, then good pair of boots (ex: cabela's meindl) and pants/shirts can be pieced together. Don't skimp on boots or base layer though. There's just so much good stuff that has came out (or hit mainstream) over the past few years that you have a lot of options to work with. I'd be glued to camofire looking for deals though.

I like Danner Pronghorns. Whatever boots you get, you should've gotten them several months ago and spent lots of time breaking them in. I would buy them ASAP and get to walking.

Get some good socks like Thorlo or Darn Tough. And what the other guys said.

I wear either darn tough or first lite every day.

Firstlite has an orange strip up the back. I wear a suit and tie every day.. Makes for some interesting conversations some times.

I think sometimes we try to make it more complicated than it has to be. Most important thing about being in the mountains is 1) Get in shape to be there 2) have layers of clothing to keep you protected if sudden storms come up 3)make sure you clothing/boots are comfortable to you

I personally have not found a baselayer system that I can use. I have tried about every brand you can think of too. I like to have very light weight pants/top to start with. I also have low hikers that are not waterproof and much more breathable than ones that are. In my pack are waterproof mid hikers, top and bottom layering system for when it gets cold in evenings (also great to sleep in if stuck for the night), and a protective shell (top and bottom). The shell is usually gortex, water proof and packable.

Couple things for people that have never been to the mountains. 1) it does cool down drastically every night (can go from 80 to 35, or 60 to 20) 2) Storms can come out of now where and catch you off guard. I have had them hit when I was 2 miles from the truck and wasn't able to get there in time. 3) after these storms, it can make the same way you came in, unpassable the way the out

So, to answer the OP question:

Boots- low hiker non insulated or waterproof and waterproof backup
Clothing- light layer to hike in with lightly insulated mid layer for warmth and outer shell made of tough waterproof material
Socks- what ever is comfortable to you everyday

I will say that if you were going sheep hunting in the rocks, this list would change a bit (mostly boots)

I am going to New Mexico for an elk hunt in October. I have never hunted out of state and especially never in mountains. I haven't been in mountains since I was in the Marine Corps 10 years ago. We will be staying in a cabin and covering some ground in a jeep but will be doing a lot of walking too from what I have heard about this place. Any tips on clothing or gear are welcome.

A little off topic but maybe helpful...

I hike a lot and love the telescopic trekking poles, especially when it gets steep or if I'm carrying much. I use just one but some folks use two.

If you are actually packing around spare waterproof boots, another option is to pack a pair of gore-tex waterproof socks instead. Will save about 3+ pounds.