Advise for first time in the backcountry

[Shrek]

Good luck ! I did my first solo trip last fall and if you have really studied here and taken the advice to heart your biggest challenge will be the solitude. The advice about breaking it up into 3 to 4 day trips is solid advice. Without anyone there to bolster your spirits and bounce your thoughts off of your mind can really turn in on its self. By day 4 or 5 your mind will have forgotten about half of its good hunting sense and focus will be gone. I'm sure as you do it more you can get past it but the first trip is overwhelming. I'm going again solo this year but I'm way ahead of my mind this time and I will be breaking it up intentionally this time instead of loosing my way and scattering my plans into the wind. Be safe !

 

[IdyllwildArcher]

This goes along with the advice to gaurding against discouragement:

Resist the temptation to sleep in.

After being out in the wilderness for several days, the long days and lack of a comfortable bed make the alarm clock an unpleasant sound.

You have the entire off season to hit the snooze button. Early bird gets the worm.

IMO, if you're not hunting a primo unit, you need to be leaving camp well before shooting light to have the best shot of getting an elk. That gets harder from a tent somewhere between day 3 and 6.

You have a partner so just agree on it before you leave. It's easier to sleep in if you're by yourself or if you have a willing companion.