I'm also from Michigan and just starting out on acquiring points, all though a little older than you, so good for you for getting started this early! For Elk and Mule deer I'm generally focusing on building points in Colorado, Montana, and possibly going to add Utah. For sheep, as mentioned...
My family and I did a road trip around Alaska for a week out of Anchorage when I was in middle school, and we were able to at least do Denali and Wrangell-St Elias within that time frame, along with a bunch of other non-national park stuff. However, "do" is a relative term because you can only...
The 5.3Ls from around 2014-present suck, unless you tune out the cylinder shut-off. They get lifter problems real bad. My friend had a 2015 Silverado 1500 that was in basically perfect condition, but it started ticking at like 150k miles. He's a mechanic and could have fixed it but sold it...
I like my Bark River Gunny Scandi, I have no doubts that it can survive through more than I probably can or complete any task I ask of it. Plus they are made in Michigan so that is just a bonus for me being able to support local companies. They are expensive though, so probably not the knife for...
I like duck and turkey hunting, but that's partially because I don't have a dog for upland. It's doable without a dog, but you'll be a lot more successful with a dog. And hunting with a dog is a big part of the fun in my opinion
Not sure what your budget is, but it is worth spending a little more to get better glass. I'd probably consider something like a Leupold VX3 or VX5. If you're willing to save up some more, Nightforce would be an excellent choice. I'm not super familiar with all of the Vortex Viper line, but...
I did some very rough modeling based off a Mystery Ranch 80L pack and got about 1.2 yards, so maybe that will get you in the ball park🤷♂️ I'd obviously lean towards getting a little extra
I don't have that specific boot, but I run Quest 4D GTX's in the warmer weather and love them. I think they are a pretty similar boot. Only concern I've heard is of them not standing up to really rough terrain very well but I don't imagine you'll have too much of that on this hunt
I'm looking to build my first nice, custom rifle and am wondering if any of you have experience with any gunsmiths in, or around, Michigan? Just think it would be cool to support local guys if there are any, otherwise I will probably try to go with Kampfield Custom or one of the other guys I see...