Backcountry Camp. Hide or out in the Open?

[FitToHunt]

OK, here's a question for you backcountry folk. Do you like to hide your spike/backpack camp from other hunters, or do you like to keep it out in the open to hopefully detour others from coming to your respective basin, ridge, or wherever?

I'n the past I've liked to keep my camp tucked away out of plain site, but I'm toying with the other due to hunting in a higher pressured area this season.... I'd like to think that anyone who comes accross a camp several miles back in September is a morale person and not looking to steal gear.... But i guess you never know.

 

[packer58]

Personally, i still have a little faith in humanity. I don't hide any of my camps weather it be a full wall tent setup or a pack pack camp, however, i do make it a habit to not leave things laying around that might temp the less than honest folks.

 

[tttoadman]

I put it where I think it is best for the hunt. I don't worry about being visible or not.

 

[Slugz]

Same as Toad man here. I try to pick a spot in this priority.
1) I want to be able to glass from the tent.
2) animals and their daily movement.
3) expected routes of others/pressure
4) water

 

[go_deep]

I put it were I need it.

 

[Never in Doubt]

I hate having someone come into 'my' hunting area because they didn't know anyone was there. Most guys will not come right in on top of you if they know you're there. So I'll put my tent where it can be seen from the most common entrance to the area.

Other places I'll hide my camp just so people don't know there's deer there. It doesn't look like a great spot and I don't want to draw any attention to it.

 

[FitToHunt]

Ya, its a tough call. I'd like to think if someone say your camp, they would turn around and move out of the area. I know I would. Just hate the idea of someone swipping some of my critical gear....

Also, I think you can camp in the best spot for hunting and still hide or not hide your camp. Doesn't seem mutally exclusive to me.

 

[mallardsx2]

I hide my camp for a multitude of reasons.

Having said that I try to camp by water.

 

[Jrod]

Maybe cache some of your smaller more expensive items in a little hiding spot near by your camp and just leave clothes and replaceable items in the tent if it all possible. I think each hunting spot would dictate whether it would be obvious or not. Luckily I don't have any honey holes to worry bout. Wish I had the problem though
Cheers

 

[Apparition]

I hide a trail cam overlooking the camp. 2 years ago, I had a close encounter of the unexpected kind.

 

[SouthForkguy]

How can anyone steal gear from another person's camp, let alone a camp that is in a backcountry location

 

[Apparition]

How can anyone steal gear from another person's camp, let alone a camp that is in a backcountry location

I hear ya! Stealing someone's stuff could in some circumstances lead to a life threatening situation!

 

[buckbull]

I can't say that I've heard or read alot about people stealing stuff from camps. Most of the theft I hear or read about is stealing downed animals or stealing things out of truck or trailer when laying over in a hotel.

 

[FitToHunt]

That's something to consider. My inclination is that 99% of the people you would encounter are not the types to be thiefs. But, I can say that almost all my gear is ultra-light and expensive. So, the possibility of someone taking it is plausable.

And... On a seperate note. We actually have trail "pirates" here in WA. Groups of people that rob hikers way way back on the PCT. Haven't heard of this happening to any hunters, but it has happened to un-suspecting hikers with lots of $$$ REI gear....

I had a friend as a kid that was a cleptomaniac. He would steal anything. Even stuff he didn't want...

 

[Bonecollector]

That's because hunters would give them some lead, not possessions.

 

[Alaskabound2016]

Bonecollector said it best! Haha! But I agree with most, I wouldn't worry about hiding it for that theft reasons. As you said before, guys going way back in there are only looking for one thing.

Good luck!

 

[ScottR]

Good topic, going to bump this one up.

 

[tdcour]

I don't really try to hide it that much. I try to hide it from the animals, but not really other hunters. I'm more concerned about finding a flat(ish) spot to camp that will block the wind if possible.