How far do you pack in when SOLO?

[armyjoe]

Well long story short - my other Army buddy got stuck on another deployment rotation. SOOO, I will be going it alone this season. We usually go in 4-5 miles into our three basin ridge. Just thinking if I drop one again this year, solo might be handle full. How far do you guys go in solo and feel comfortable packing out. I know the elevation and terrain are a factor but still seeing what your guys thoughts are.

 

[RosinBag]

The furthest I have gone is about 16 miles for deer and about 8 for elk....I always figure I will worry about the pack out when my tag is punched...If more than one trip is needed. I will "leap frog" the meat back about 3 miles or so at a time depending on time of day, temperature and available water.

 

[dotman]

Solo I won't go further then 5 miles because of the meat, for me it is a waste to waste and 3-5 miles is what i'm comfortable with for elk, add a few miles for deer.

 

[6t4nova]

I'll be going 5 miles in this year. Not too worried about the pack out as I have a guy from work that will help if needed.

 

[larryschwartz]

Another option is to carry a sat phone, or a cell phone if you have signal there, and call a friend when you get one down. Then, when you get back with the first load he could be there for the subsequent trip(s). Or, arrange for a packer to meet you there for the rest of the meat.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

For me its just a matter of getting away from people and into game. No distance is really too far as long as the time is there to get everything packed out. The farther in the longer the pack out.

 

[Beastmode]

So far 12 miles is as far as I have gone. I was glad I didn't kill anything though. I was being very picky. In hot steep country that's a long way with meat all by myself. Not sure if I would do it again..... Yeah I probably will. Gotta love this addiction!!!

 

[huntingbigsky]

11 miles for me..

 

[sk1]

5 to 8 miles this year for elk....I think this is also somewhat of a personal question for each individual though. ..how hard are you willing to work, are you in shape enough to do 2 to 3 16 mile round trips to get one out, what's the weather like and water availability to help cool meat if necessary.

I don't think there is a cut and dry answer across the board by any means. With where I'm going I have no concerns about being 8 miles in and am looking forward to the challenge if I can put one down

 

[Rick Seymour]

I went in this past weekend took numerous coordinates and plotted all on my computer mapping program. Thought I was MUCH farther in (5 miles) as I have seen 1 (one) other archer in 3 years back there. I was 3.1 miles back and that got me away from almost everybody. In my Unit that is far enough going in solo I guess.

 

[whuppinstick]

I killed a bull 13 miles in last year. It took four days and four trips to get everything out (it was in Oct, so meat was fine). I would do it again this year, but only because enough time has passed that I'm not remembering all the misery I put myself through.

 

[MattEastman]

I killed a bull 13 miles in last year. It took four days and four trips to get everything out (it was in Oct, so meat was fine). I would do it again this year, but only because enough time has passed that I'm not remembering all the misery I put myself through.

My knees are in pain just thinking about your hunt

 

[Slim Jim]

I am going in 8.5 miles to camp above a basin that i scouted last weekend and hopefully there are not a lot of hunters. I will go another mile or so into the next basins if needed.

 

[HockeyDad]

3 miles for me. Only saw 1 pair of boot tracks (on the main trail) close to me - Plenty of Elk.

 

[Tookeymonster]

What month would it be, Archery?