Death by a Thousand Cuts

[KHNC]

I thought by the title "Death by a Thousand Cuts" the OP had been blood trailing deer in one our 5-7 yr old cut downs with 10' high briars. Shows you can't judge a book by the cover.

Pretty sure i know where that is LOL

 

[kaboku68]

There is a saying that better you are at doing without the better you can do in the field. Skill and condition can take the place of a lot of gear. The sheep hunters of yore used to go without tents, stoves, or dehydrated food. They did fine with 10 lb rifles and old scopes. Boot leather and conditioning can make up for a lot of technology. Those old timers were fearless and crafty.

However, this fall I went sheep hunting with a fella who was using 80s gear. (external camptrails packframe with bag, 10lb rifle, 8 lb sleeping bag) After 15 miles through alders and he was cut to ribbons and his pack was broken; and I was just getting started. I actually had 55lbs of gear and food. I was carrying the tent, food, spotter, tripod, coms, 2 pairs of binos and first aid kit. I had no problems at all because I had most modern gear. Not cheap gear but the best. It allows you to do more than others.

I have started liking old stuff that has style and go to favorites that can be fixed and updated. I am going to hunt with a stutzen MS 1950 30/06 carbine. It weighs 7 lbs all up and I would put it against anything modern. I like my BD Eldorado that I have had a zipper replaced. My FL distance BD treking poles fell apart. I am going back to the regular trails. Not as fancy but they work. I am still buying stuff but I buy high quality and sometimes I change things like trading two guns for a very nice gun. I also still don't have a 4 wheeler, a boat or an airplane. I do have enough stuff for the rest of my life. I also really like the best gear. However, I soon will retire from my regular job and will have to do with less. That is ok. I will have more time to use the gear that I have.

 

[Hunt41]

I’ve never been into collecting the latest and greatest gear. But... looking into elk hunting out west and realize I need a lot of stuff!