Going solo

[MoldedbyNature]

Ok, ive been on a few hunts out west but ive always had my buddy go with me. This year, he’s not able to make it so im heading out solo. I cant imagine its not that different other than the mental aspect but if anyones got any tips for going solo fire them at me. Also, ive always hunted in September but my hunt this year will be mid August to September, other than being a little warmer, what should i expect?

 

[bowhuntercoop]

I did it last year for 7 Days. It’s isolating, but in a good way. Make sure to have an Inreach. Be extra careful with a knife, on the cliffs, hiking in general. You get hurt you’re on your own.

I would do it again in a heart beat, hunt ur style, on your time. Enjoy it.

 

[Blacktail_]

Make sure you have a GOOD satcom and tell people where you are!

 

[ADKHTR]

You mite be surprised and prefer it moving forward, I hunt my best solo, I carry a PLB.

 

[go_deep]

Most rewarding thing you can do, mentally and physically

 

[pingpong7]

Being warmer, grab yourself a lightweight hammock. Best sleep you ever had. I prefer to only hunt solo 4 days at a time.

 

[street]

I do it every year. It's rewarding.

The best advice is do not quit early. Do whatever it takes to make that not happen. Good luck

 

[BBob]

what should i expect?

A more efficient and productive hunt. It’s all you. You decide when and where. No wasted time discussing things. More sleep comes from that efficiency as well. The only time it really hurts is after you kill. That’s all on you too! Many of my best days came from solo hunts whether I killed or not. Enjoy!!!

 

[S.Clancy]

A more efficient and productive hunt. It’s all you. You decide when and where. No wasted time discussing things. More sleep comes from that efficiency as well. The only time it really hurts is after you kill. That’s all on you too! Many of my best days came from solo hunts whether I killed or not. Enjoy!!!

This is my experience. I was solo for like 25 days last year over several hunts. The only time it sucks is pack out.

 

[BuckshotB]

Good or bad, all decisions are yours to make. It’s not my norm but I like it.

 

[Ramem7mm]

I was just talking to my wife about this Saturday. Others I have heard say the same thing but you dont have to worry about anyone else but yourself while your there and whatever you want to do the choice is yours.

If you haven't already done a trip by yourself practice before season. The more you do it the easier the mental part gets about being by yourself and a long ways from the truck or trailhead.

 

[MoldedbyNature]

Being warmer, grab yourself a lightweight hammock. Best sleep you ever had. I prefer to only hunt solo 4 days at a time.

2000 mile drive so im going to make the most of my time. Ive got 14 days that I’ll be out there.

 

[Mike1187]

I agree with others, I prefer it because it allows you to hunt at your own pace without someone trying to talk you out of going over the next ridge because they’re dying.

Bring a small speaker…makes it nice to sit by a fire after a long day to some tunes. Also, download some podcasts, those help break the silence at camp.

 

[Mike1187]

I do it every year. It's rewarding.

The best advice is do not quit early. Do whatever it takes to make that not happen. Good luck

This is great advice! Stick to your plan, even if you need to take a mental day to refresh and get back into the hunt. On long solo trips (8-10days), I sometimes take a day to fish or go into town for a fresh meal.

 

[MoldedbyNature]

Being warmer, grab yourself a lightweight hammock. Best sleep you ever had. I prefer to only hunt solo 4 days at a time.

2000 mile drive so im going to make the most of my time. Ive got 14 days that I’ll be out there.

I agree with others, I prefer it because it allows you to hunt at your own pace without someone trying to talk you out of going over the next ridge because they’re dying.

Bring a small speaker…makes it nice to sit by a fire after a long day to some tunes. Also, download some podcasts, those help break the silence at camp.

This right here is the one thing that im looking forward too. In the past ive occasionally felt that ive not pushed hard enough because I always felt like i have to talk others into doing something that looks overly difficult.

 

[WCB]

Get comfortable with yourself...I prefer hunting by myself or at most sharing a camp but hunting by myself.

Do your own thing, your own decisions, your own timeline. You don't have to cater to someone else or worry about them wrecking the experience. I honestly don't understand the need to have others around and the mental aspect of being alone causing issues. Just go hunt...it is not that hard.

 

[7millie]

I always hunt alone. Mostly due to lining up my points/my schedule with friends. I like being able to do what I want, when I want. I carry a PLB and good first aid kit. I never do anything I’d consider stupid. If I were to have someone else with me I’d be a little braver but I go into it with the mindset that no animal is worth risking my life over.