Are you a backpack hunter?

[grizzly]

Make sure that THelms sees your best pics!

I'm not sure what THelms is?

 

[Ikeepitcold]

I'm not sure what THelms is?

Todd Helms, he's a editor. Send him a PM with you photos so he can have a look.

 

[ScottR]

After years of finding plenty of good animals within a day's walk of roads, I've gotten used to only dayhiking in and going back to camp each night. This probably has a lot to do with the fact that I often hunt alone, and have safety concerns with packing out big animals from far in. If I hunted with others, I would have no issue whatsoever backpacking hunting. After all, I backpack for fun in the summer. Now after reading some responses, I might need to branch out a bit, at least for deer hunts.

One valuable piece of info I learned from a friend of mine who is a retired game warden, is that big animals can very easily be found close to the road where nobody thinks to look for them. He kept track of radio collared trophy bucks who would often bed right next to the road, and each year would survive the hunting seasons. Armed with that knowledge, I have made a point not to discount those unsuspecting areas that are rather easy to access.

Some of the biggest deer I have ever found, or know of that were killed were less than 3 miles from a major trailhead. However, the ability to sit on one for several days waiting for a mistake is what makes staying in his kitchen worth it to me.

 

[Rob P]

I used to backpack hunt a lot more than now. The last few years I have changed up to letting my glass do the walking and I'm seeing more bucks. But I do miss living on the mountain with the people I love to hunt with.

 

[JEandAsGuide]

I have done a couple antelope/deer combo hunts where I had a base camp and hiked in to the areas I wanted to hunt each day. These were a lot of fun. I have also done a few backpack hunts, one where I was dropped off 10 miles from the trailhead by horses. Backpacking was one of the main things that attracted me to hunting Western big game. I love it! Plan on upgrading some gear this off season.

 

[Matthoek21]

I love to backpack hunt. To some it's miserable but I enjoy sleeping on the ground, drinking fresh mountain water(with iodine), and exploring new country. Having the right gear makes it more fun, as I learned from past experiences. I like getting away from people to. It's my peace from the everyday. No phone calls or emails where I go.

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[ScottR]

I love to backpack hunt. To some it's miserable but I enjoy sleeping on the ground, drinking fresh mountain water(with iodine), and exploring new country. Having the right gear makes it more fun, as I learned from past experiences. I like getting away from people to. It's my peace from the everyday. No phone calls or emails where I go.

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Gear makes a huge difference.

 

[Matthoek21]

Gear makes a huge difference.

Yes...yes it does! The little things matter in the backcountry.

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[ScottR]

Yes...yes it does! The little things matter in the backcountry.

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Boots, Packs, shelters/sleeping gear all light weight and tough makes it an enjoyable experience.

 

[JEandAsGuide]

Boots, Packs, shelters/sleeping gear all light weight and tough makes it an enjoyable experience.

This is why I am going to be spending more than I really want this off-season. Looking to drop close to 10lbs with my upgrades.

 

[ScottR]

This is why I am going to be spending more than I really want this off-season. Looking to drop close to 10lbs with my upgrades.

Depending on what you cut that is very doable. Message me your number and If i have experience with some of the gear you are looking into will offer what I know.

 

[Bonecollector]

This is why I am going to be spending more than I really want this off-season. Looking to drop close to 10lbs with my upgrades.

You don't always have to buy top-end names to achieve this. I've been able to do this with a mix of gear. But I spent time reaching and using hands on before hunt. Returned if not what I wanted. But it is costly regardless, but not as bad as you may be thinking. Buying used helps as well. There will be a lot of used gear for sale in December/January from the guys who believe you must buy the latest and greatest every year. I like those guys!

You also have to be aware of those who have an opinion on gear who have truly never used it as they were in the field 2-3 days in great weather or with an outfitter. lol

 

[JEandAsGuide]

You don't always have to buy top-end names to achieve this. I've been able to do this with a mix of gear. But I spent time reaching and using hands on before hunt. Returned if not what I wanted. But it is costly regardless, but not as bad as you may be thinking. Buying used helps as well. There will be a lot of used gear for sale in December/January from the guys who believe you must buy the latest and greatest every year. I like those guys!

Yea my brother is famous for this. He just sold a 50mm vortex razor on eBay that he used on 1 hunt. I told him to call me first before he sells anything else. Haha

 

[JEandAsGuide]

Depending on what you cut that is very doable. Message me your number and If i have experience with some of the gear you are looking into will offer what I know.

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[ScottR]

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Story of my life.

 

[ScottR]

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[Maxhunter]

I usually have a base camp then backpack spike camp. Being spike camped gets me right on top of the animals especially for morning hunts. Also it saves a lot of time and energy. I think it helps so you don't get burned out so quick on your hunt. Been doing it for the last 20yrs.

 

[Never in Doubt]

Hunting in a poorly managed state like California is difficult. I used to day hunt from a road or trailhead, but since I got into backpack hunting I've not only seen animals more consistently but I'm more successful.

Now I prefer backpack hunting, usually alone. I enjoy the peaceful solitude.

I know some states it makes sense to drive the roads for a few days right off to learn the area and where the deer are. It doesn't work like that here. You won't see crap, especially in otc units. You could drive for 2 days and not even see a doe.

 

[Middle Country]

I got a taste of it. Have ok gear just afraid of ruining a hunt with inadequate shelter etc. My bow and rifle need attention before the rest of it. I certainly see the attraction as I love backpacking and would enjoy a trip, successful or not.

 

[Maxhunter]

I got a taste of it. Have ok gear just afraid of ruining a hunt with inadequate shelter etc. My bow and rifle need attention before the rest of it. I certainly see the attraction as I love backpacking and would enjoy a trip, successful or not.

Just buy a few things at a time when you have extra money and in no time you'll have what you need. There are a lot of greats deals to be had on the Internet. I've bought a few things already this week on sale. It can be a never ending proces.