Well 2020 has rolled around I am possibly on the verge of my first ever solo archery elk hunting experience....for other solo hunters - What is the one tip, strategy, suggestion you wished someone would have told you prior experiencing your hunt? What was the most surprising thing you just never thought of during the hunt? Whether it was mentally, physically or that one make or break piece of equipment. Just trying to prepare myself with as much knowledge as I can.
I do 90% of my hunting solo, I like it better, i'll go with friends after I kill one, but until then i'm solo.
the only thing that really stands out to me is staying within your means, be realistic on the spots you choose, because it can be warm in Sept, and solo packing a bull isn't easy, especially when you had just hunted hard for a week straight, so don't hunt places you can't get one out of in a timely fashion, and also do some research on meat care.
if you have your stuff together, you can take a couple days to pack an elk out if needed.
what I like is hunting at my pace, making the decisions I want to, and hunt however I want. half the noise, half the scent, half the movement…. that's a benefit. I tend to do a lot of stalking and ambushing, i'm not one to have to call in every bull I kill, I assess each situation, and find out the easiest way to kill the elk I find, and go from there.
calling solo can be very effective, but don't make it your only strategy, take advantage of being alone and sneaky. another nice thing about hunting solo is the patience you can have without worrying about your hunting partner. it seems most times i'm hunting with others, i'm not as patient....
don't look at it as a handicap, because to me it's the opposite. I hunt alone because it's more effective to me. some people want/need company, but i'm not one of them, I love solitude, and as well as being effective, it's really enjoying hanging out in the woods alone.
