Solo hunts

[Bowmandrew]

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

 

[W.D. Crawford]

You have found the best spot on the interweb for that kind of information. Just do some searching around the various threads. Kick back and enjoy!!!

 

[ColoradoBackpackHunter]

I'll just chime in by saying make a plan for your hunt and give it to someone so if something should happen they know where to start looking.

 

[elkguide]

Planning. Maps. Gps.
Most important of all, get in shape.

 

[Muledeerfanatic]

I do it all the time. Learned a long time ago that relying on others to make a hunt happen wasted a lot of hunting time. I enjoy hunting by myself but I have a few friends and my father that I have fun hunting with. I am more successful by myself though. I do several solo scouting trips for deer every summer and at least 2 solo backpack hunts.

 

[weaver]

While I enjoy hunting with a few good friends theres nothing quite like backpacking in and hunting solo. I dont really limit myself on distance and sometimes that means renting horses to pack out an elk.

 

[todd kelly]

I'm in the same boat as you, 99% of my hunting is done solo. Species hunted and terrain will have a huge factor on how far a guy is able to go in solo. I have worked for a guy where 90 pounds on his back was nothing and could hike for weeks on end traveling huge distances and others that were only physically able to go a mile or two before being in too deep. So physical fitness is a huge part.

Gear and fitness aside, the largest part of solo hunting is the mental factor of being alone and being able to stay motivated. A couple days stuck in a rain storm or not seeing animals days on end can get to a guy pretty quick and I have heard of more than a few that have bailed out early because of the mental game of solo hunting.

 

[Bowmandrew]

Awesome guys thanks for all the positive feedback I'm not against hunting with others just don't think any of my buddy's are willing to go out and backpack they would develop a negative attitude in a day or 2 and I don't want that what food do you bring or how do you prep it to last a few days

 

[Muledeerfanatic]

I think the main thing is getting out there and figuring out the gear you need and want as you go. And as was said the mental part is huge. Being alone for several days and staying motivated can be tough. Especially when you aren't seeing much, days can be long and you start questioning yourself and what to do next.

 

[7mag.]

I highly recommend going on as many backpacking trips as possible before doing a backpack hunt. Not only will it really help get your gear dialed in and reduce your pack weight, but it will help you figure out the mental side of backpacking solo.

 

[Arrowslinger]

I Prefer to hunt with others, but I also have limited time and hunt when I can, often solo. Killed a deer on a solo backcountry trip last year and a month later took a bear with no one to help pack it out. Loved every bit of it! Go and have fun!

 

[mallacootasmoothie]

I mostly hunt alone, best part is I'm the only one that can let me down. Yes it's harder, but the reward that comes with a successful solo hunt can't be beat.

I will say though that a plb is a wise investment.

 

[mfolch]

I highly recommend going on as many backpacking trips as possible before doing a backpack hunt. Not only will it really help get your gear dialed in and reduce your pack weight, but it will help you figure out the mental side of backpacking solo.

+1

A emergency beacon is something else to consider.

 

[Bowmandrew]

Wow really appreciate the advice guys thanks a lot

 

[wasatchcomm]

I highly recommend going on as many backpacking trips as possible before doing a backpack hunt. Not only will it really help get your gear dialed in and reduce your pack weight, but it will help you figure out the mental side of backpacking solo.

++++2

some people are happy by themselves, some need attention,company,
i have been more productive when hunting by myself.
I'm learning though, solo backpack trips and hikes into unknown areas is the best way to strengthen your mind, if your mind believes you can do it, your body will respond. i think physical training is a must as well, but their is many many different levels of this. mentally, you either have it or you don't, when the time comes...

 

[badkneesbro]

Im 51 years old & just started backpacking & bp hunting 7 years ago. Getting my first bow this week. There was a couple of times I almost busted out crying like a 260 lb. baby Id get so lonely & my head would "f" with me. Then one day a couple of hours before my second kill, I looked around & realized I was in one of the most beautiful places Id ever seen, & I didn't want to be anywhere else. Its nearly impossible to get me to go with anyone now. You probably wont get too much advice on this thread because everything you need to know has been covered many times all over this forum. Well that's my .02 tell yer sissy lala friends I said "hey"!

 

[Kevin Dill]

I suspect 95% of all my hunting has been solo since I began hunting 50 years ago. I have hunted with many partners but it still seems like I end up alone out there. Being alone isn't new at all to me. I went solo to eastern Alaska last year and had a great experience aside from the worst weather I've ever been through on a hunt. I'm scheduled for a solo moose hunt up there this fall. There is no better way to get to know a guy than to spend many days alone with him. That includes yourself.

 

[elkguide]

A loner here too. My only real hunting partner is my son but he has young twins so he has gotten less interested in long away from home hunting trips so back to hunting alone. Getting experience is very important and doing it in the summer before the pressure of a hunt and questionable weather come in to play, is a must do. Learning all of your gear and what to do in the worst case scenario is also must do. Being in shape makes everything smoother but most of all get your head in the game and have fun!

 

[2ski]

I highly recommend going on as many backpacking trips as possible before doing a backpack hunt. Not only will it really help get your gear dialed in and reduce your pack weight, but it will help you figure out the mental side of backpacking solo.

This.

You don't want your first time hunting and backpacking to take place at the same time. You would be trying to learn your gear and learn the craft at the same time. Make sure you get out over the summer. You might think about doing some non-backpacking solo hunts your first season. Drive your rig around and go for a few hikes for a mile or two, in a few different places over a day or weekend. But whatever you do, make sure to be proficient in your tools(your weapon, your gear, and as much as possible, your mind)

 

[Mad Mountain Mike]

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.