High country for first mule deer hunt?

[tdcour]

Oh and find a butt pad. Something light weight. I used a cheap kneeling pad I found at Walmart for gardening. One of the best things I brought. There are not many comfortable spots to sit on a mountain when you are not moving and glassing all day.

This is key!! I brought a glassing pad last year on my first trip and my buddy didn't. Sitting without one is bearable, but he was really fidgety and couldn't sit behind the glass as long as I could. One of the best items I brought for sure... that and rain gear and good boots.

 

[Slugz]

A lot of good advice. I'm going to make a folder and write everything down, to study and help get me ready. I know that nothing gets your body ready for the altitude, but would cardio with a training mask help with the mental aspect of less oxygen? I talked to my wife and we are going to plan on a scouting trip in July. It looks like 2 full days of scouting is what I'll be able to do.

1) Masks work in your training regime...if you got the cash....... get one.
2) As previously discussed do exercise that use the glutes/hams in a way walking level doesn't ie steps/incline treadmill
3) If able step up to altitude ie...I bring flatlanders to the Front Range first 6k/24 hours then NW CO at 8k/24 hours then up to camp at 10,000+......I do that for my Dad who lives back east and is older and anyone else who is worried about it regardless of age. If able try that on your July scouting trip

 

[wy-tex]

Don't be afraid to take a rest day in camp. Sometimes a single day of rest and camp duties will recharge your body more than you think. Don't overlook the area around your campsite too, many animals are taken right from camp if you get into the right area. Work on strengthening your quads and hams and glutes, they take you up the mountains.

 

[ivorytip]

I'm excited to see how this turns out, looking forward to pictures. every one should do at least 1 extended solo hunt. you will learn a lot about yourself during those 8 days. keep a journal while you are up there, you will be glad you did. don't skimp on the pictures either, take lots of them. ive done several extended solo hunts and they don't get easier but more bearable. bring pics of loved ones, wife and kids or dad ect.... when you get to that point of missing them, and you will, tell your self you cant wait to tell them about your adventure and that you need to keep at it to make it one hell of an adventure worth telling. I like what wy-tex said... don't overlook area around camp.... this is key! or can be! good luck! keep in mind that if so and so canyon or ridge has no sign at all, it doesn't mean the one directly across from it is dead too. I cant imagine you wont be able to find a spring of some sort. but preparedness is key as was said.