Timberstalker
Veteran member
Going solo isn't all that bad. I went solo on my sheep hunt a few years back, it was tough but it was the most rewarding hunt of my life.
You can still have an awesome time. My first step was researching the entire area to familiarize myself with the parts of the unit I want to focus on. Download Backcountry Navigator and buy the BLM overlay. It's an app for your phone that allows screenshots incase you lose service. Bring a backpack with plenty of warm gear, change of socks, high protein snacks, and make it a well researched trip to remember.With 1 week left to go my partner told me he wasn't going. I'm feeling really anxious about the trip now. It's my 1st camping trip longer than 3 days. 1st elk hunt. No cell service but wasn't worried with a partner. He was supposed to supply part of our gear. Shower, camp stove, extra coolers etc. I was getting really excited until now. This sucks!
He can easily be replaced with a couple packages of wipes, a JetBoil, couple Mountain Houses, and a trip to the sporting goods store for a cooler.He was supposed to supply part of our gear. Shower, camp stove, extra coolers etc. I was getting really excited until now.
That's a heck of an offer JEandAsguide. Probably going to go through Meridian, MS then Shreveport, LA etc via I-20. I'll get the gear together. I just don't like doing it last minute but I'll manage. I really appreciate the offer though. Thanks everyone for the encouragement and offers of help.
I have 33 guys that work with me, 5 deer hunt, only 2 have any interest in elk but won't commit time or vacation. 2 close friends that hunt and would love to go: They just can't because of work/family obligations (not enough vacation time). I know about 5 other people that say they want to go but when it comes time to apply they have a change of heart. It's really hard to convince someone to use 7-10 days of vacation to go on a hunt. It's 18 hours one way minimum for me to get from here to elk country (except Kentucky or Pennsylvania which I'll never draw). Most won't commit the money or time. You should see the looks I get at work when I tell them I'm going solo after my partner backed out THEY THINK I"M CRAZY LOL!
I wasn't going to post this, but since no one knows who I'm talking about, here we go: after months of planning, my buddy just stopped answering my calls last week then texted me Tuesday saying "I'm not going to be able to go" that's it! I tried calling him right after the text and no answer. I'm usually not one to hold a grudge but this one is tough to swallow.