Hike Vs Bike

[getcervid]

I have two options to get to a glassing knob/hunt location. I will be pursuing Mule Deer.

Bike: It’s a closed FS road that looks very bikable (I am a novice mountain biker and would be borrowing a generic MTB, not the likes of which I think most bike hunters on here use)


Or Hike: It’s a mix of unnamed trails and off-trail hiking through really tame sage brush habitat. But not as quick as a maintained hiking trail.



How much faster might biking in be each morning? Is it doable with a daypack and rifle hanging off my back?

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[antaresproper]

Are you able to attempt one or both of them prior to hunting? Or at least try riding with your pack and gun, as well as simulating carrying a quartered deer on your bike. Might be easier to push than ride at that point.

I’ve biked in by headlamp on many turkey hunts and carted duck decoys and gear around duck refuges. You can only ride so slow before you fall over and getting your gear balanced takes some time

 

[twall13]

I mountain bike and hike quite a bit. Looking at those two options for a mule deer hunt I'd hike it personally. I don't really care for biking with a large pack on and could do that hike in less than 45 minutes, it would likely be faster than biking it to be honest. 7.7 miles with nearly 2k elevation isn't going to be a 20-30 minute zip up the hill. I'd guess a novice mountain biker on a borrowed bike with a pack and rifle would be over an hour for that trip. The way back down could be nice on the bike but I still think I'd opt for the hike. If you can test them that would be ideal but I suspect you'll come to the same conclusion.


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[wildwilderness]

I would ride an E-bike. If you don’t bike though it would be better for you to walk.

 

[rclouse79]

I would hike if I couldn’t get my hands on an ebike or dirt bike. I have mountain biked before and it wasn’t much fun with all my hunting gear.

 

[brancher147]

I would ride an E-bike. If you don’t bike though it would be better for you to walk.

E-bikes are illegal behind Forest Service gates where I am. Better check regs

Having ridden a bike with gear and a gun, I would not go that route unless it saved you a very considerable amount of time. Wear a helmet and know those Forest Service roads get real slick once leaves start to fall especially when wet….don’t ask how I know lol

 

[bradmacmt]

“Now shall I walk or shall I ride?
'Ride,' Pleasure said;
'Walk,' Joy replied.”

W.H. Davies