Solo mental prep

[williamson88]

Thanks I got a weekend planned out for the mountains to shed hunt to put toes in water on it

 

[Flying Squirrel]

I spent 5 seasons in Glacier NP and the Bob Marshall Wilderness doing griz research. Most was alone and I usually spent 8 days at a time in the field between May and late October. I did a lot of thinking about the same things - over and over. I'd talk to myself a bit, but not in a conversation sense. When it came to bears - I took all the right precautions - good food hang, no scraps, no food in the tent, etc... and only carried bear spray. When I crawled in my tent, I'd often throw in ear plugs because at that point it wasn't up to me. If a bear wanted to attack, nothing I could do about it. I once crawled in my bag literally a couple of minutes after a big boar grizzly walked not 80 yards from my camp. I called out to him and said hello and then went to sleep. Beyond bears, I'd say focus and be deliberate. If you're using a knife, focus. Focus your mind and efforts. Stay in the moment as much as possible and be aware of your surroundings. Lastly, and for me, this was the biggest issue - creek and river crossings. Getting to the other side is never worth drowning. If you must cross, find a wide stretch, use a heavy stout stick and take your time, making sure to establish one foot before moving the next. My two cents.

 

[williamson88]

Thank you good advice on the crossings

 

[dotman]

For me the biggest issue at first we're all the mind tricks you play on yourself at night. Once you get past that it is easy. You'll think every squirrel is a bear

 

[hodgeman]

The worst part of going solo is the noise in your own head.

If you've got an active imagination it can get the better of you after a night or two. The other thing (which I actually enjoy) about solo trips is that you must be very deliberate in how you do things...always think ahead, go slow, stop often. It can be a great experience but it is far different than going with a partner.

 

[Beendare]

I do those solo hunts a fair amount- usually no longer than 5 days though. I get a lot out of them.

Its a hunt man, so the only time you really have to think about it is right before your midday nap....and right before you conk out at night- which isn't long for me.

 

[Eric Bailey]

There is nothing I love more than backpacking alone. I'd be surprised if you don't feel the same after a trip or two.

I use a fillet glove when quartering game because havalon blades are scary sharp and I don't want to slice off a finger w/o anyone around to help.

I started using trekking poles which make a huge difference for river crossings and going down the steep stuff with a heavy pack.

Somebody already said it, but a titanium stove is great for drying out and morale. I'm entertained by it. It is way easier for me to fall asleep warm and easier to get out of the sleeping bag before sunrise when it would otherwise be cold as hell.

I bring my iPhone and a usb battery to replenish it. I load a couple movies on there and either watch them or play civilization until I'm drowsy in the evening. Doesn't take long after a day of hunting. Tunes are also great for keeping your mind off the pain when packing out heavy.

Used to bring a satellite phone, but I found that calling home sucks. I don't want to be thinking about home when I'm in the wilderness. In fact I usually spend a lot of time daydreaming about the end of civilization and wishing I could stay out forever. I'll be getting an inreach instead so I can still contact a packer if I get a bull and re-assure the wife and kids I'm ok.

Enjoy!