Solo hunts

[Rizzy]

My only constraint on how far I go is time. Typically you can get up to 10 miles deep in the first day. This will result in a 2 day pack out or more with elk. If it's hot out and/or you only have a 3 day weekend then it's not wise to go that far and harvest something. Stick to the 3-4 mile and under range this way you can get your meat out in reasonable time and hike back to the truck for gear issues if they arise.

 

[LightFoot]

I'm new to hunting and I plan on going solo because most of the people that I know are sissies and won't want to go where I would like to. I was wondering how many of you guys hunt alone how far you go from nearest roads and what do you pack and for how long any advice would be awesome thanks

Thanks for starting this thread. I am about to embark on a solo spring bear hunt and I appreciate reading the posts, too.

Good luck to you.

 

[todd kelly]

what food do you bring or how do you prep it to last a few days

There is lots of great info all over about food as there is really no limit on what people are willing to bring. Aron gives some great info on this GB podcast on food. There are also a bunch of other GB podcasts with Aron worth watching.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKxIoHhfMUY

 

[Bowmandrew]

Yea I have been watching a lot of there pod casts and have seen the food one I'm the type of person that will listen to as many people as I can take in all the info so if I forget something one person said then I have the knowledge to say well this other guy said this as well and try that to but I do agree Aron is a very knowledgeable person and I enjoy there pod casts

 

[deepinthewoods]

There's a lot of good advice for the OP in this thread, the only thing I might add is to learn how to break down an animal properly. It can be a big job and if you don't do it right a lot of good table fair could be lost.

Agreed! Great advice.

 

[LiquidGib]

Great discussion. I'm in a similar boat in that I want to get to the point of being able to fill my freezer each year from hunting. New to the whole thing but taking it one step at a time. I got a pack on order, gathering supplies and information with the short term goal of backpacking and camping in some crown land. Parallel to that, I'm working to get licenses, permits etc so that next year I can apply for a tag. I'm in Canada and we are not allowed to carry around handguns (maybe a few exceptions) so one thing I am concerned with is safety from bears when out there solo.

 

[W.D. Crawford]

Aron Snyder has a great article on this site about what to bring and what not to bring, I think its called Don't listen to the gear fairy. Well worth the read.

 

[Bonedalien]

primarily a solo hunter also. as stated before a backcountry beacon is a great investment for you. I use a SPOT but there are others to consider.
It basicly is a 911 button in your pack and can greatly ease your state of mind. they work where there is no cell service and there are a few in depth threads on them.

 

[camping1601]

It's ok to talk to yourself if no one sees you.

PLB or Inreach does wonders for your peace of mind.
Something about a having a gun eases my mind even when I know I don't need it.
Fire at night while waiting for dinner to hydrate.

Really great info in this thread.

 

[Bowmandrew]

Thanks guys for all the feed back so happy to have found a site that really helps out hopefully soon enough I can start writing about my experience and my equipment reviews

 

[rayporter]

i do recommend going when you can. partner or not.

take baby steps, learn by doing it multiple times on short trips. i believe this is important.

just about 60 years ago i was turned loose, solo, with a 22 rifle. there were lots of baby steps in the intervening years. jumping into the deep end as a new hunter will certainly be sink or swim. it will help your confidence to chase a bunch of squirrels and small game while camping before a long, deep trip.

the new hunters taking up the torch are a good sign [ and necessary] but as a new hunter it will take a while to glean important knowledge that just cant be found here.

good luck.

 

[xziang]

Unsure on your experience but if you are an experience backpacker and camper go for it. If you haven't been in the woods and you are new to hunting I would highly suggest that you just do a 'camping' scouting trip first and stay CLOSE to a main trail. Just my .02

Learn map and gps tool and may also want to consider 'spot' or one of the delorme inreach locator items as earlier mentioned. Good luck but be safe first and foremost.

 

[KHNC]

I hope you are good at land nav, since you stated you are new to hunting. Hopefully you aren't new to spending time alone in the backcountry. Its not a place for rookies. Some good advice on this thread. I would take a compass(and know how to use it), a paper map, a gps and a smartphone with a topo app downloaded that will work with no service. In addition to a trial bp trip or two before season.

 

[zman]

I'm new to hunting and I plan on going solo because most of the people that I know are sissies and won't want to go where I would like to. I was wondering how many of you guys hunt alone how far you go from nearest roads and what do you pack and for how long any advice would be awesome thanks

I don't mind being solo for a few days. That said, I do get a little homesick after a few days out by myself. Head to town, call the kids, get a burger. Gets you recharged quick. Not sure where you plan of hunting but most of the lower 48 is only a day or two hike from a trailhead. In CO, it's hard to get more than five or six miles from a road.
Get a emergency beacon and you are covered in case of disaster. I recommend some backcountry "training" prehunt if you havent spent much time out there. Bring a fly rod. Gives you a chance to try out your backpack, sleep system, food choices, everything. And catch some fish. Lot of times elk and trout are in the same general vicinity. Can combine scouting and fishing. Now thats a good trip.

 

[Bowmandrew]

Yea I will probably just go for fri sat sun for the first bit

 

[Bowmandrew]

Any one ever encounter a predatory animal solo if so what did you do

 

[tipsntails7]

Any one ever encounter a predatory animal solo if so what did you do

Took photos and watched it for a hour or 2. I don't know where your located but unless your in a spot thick with grizz I wouldn't worry about it. I have zero experience with grizzly so guys who do may view them just like I do cats and blackies.

There are 2 instances where I become concerned and try to get out of the area. Mom with cubs. And if they see me, know I'm there and are coming directly towards me anyway.

 

[Bowmandrew]

Ok thanks