Heyall,
New to the forum (but been a lurker for a bit). Been in SouthWest NC now for 2 years, still learning my way around the public land hunting out here. Originally from the coast so it's a big change.
I'm an "adult-onset" hunter and have taken a few deer with a rifle, but picked up...
After a lot of research, I just bit the bullet and bought my first ever $600 ($700 after tax) pack system. I went with a Kifaru frame and Stryker XL. It's light enough and mobile enough that I can do my saddle hunting deep in Appalachian public land and have the ability to pack meat out, as well...