Man this thread is great. Cool to see some wily backcountry vets helping out, that's what makes Rokslide so awesome.
I moved to Washington from Wisconsin back in 2015 specifically to start hunting and fishing the West, and these guys are all hitting the nail on the head.
Read up on some gear lists and watch some YouTube videos, get in the best shape you've ever been in (that still won't be enough though haha), upgrade your clothing system, get comfy with your rifle out to 4-500 yards and you will be light years ahead of most guys. BUT, there is something that you really can't prepare for until you get out here...and that's the mental side of things:
If you haven't been in the mountains before, you are going to be in over your head for a while simply due to the novelty of everything. I cannot overstate that. Like seriously, prepared to be completely out of your element when you see the backcountry for the first time. The scenery, the weather, the elevation...everything is just WWAAYYY more intense out here and you can't help but feel a little nervous your first time out.
When I first moved here, I remember just sleeping in my truck at the trailhead and freaking out lol. Now I can sleep like a baby with just a tarp on the side of a cliff 10 miles back haha...just takes time getting comfortable and developing your system.
My advice is to think of it as a long term game. Every single time you set foot in the mountains out here you are going to learn a lot, like definition of information overload. Every single time out you will become a better hunter and a more skilled mountain man. It's a process and if you embrace it, you will get better FAST. Take time to reflect at the end of each day and think about what went well and what you could improve. Sounds lame but I'm dead serious, it helps.
And most importantly, look forward to the mental and physical challenges that you are sure to face and meet them with a smile on your face and I guarantee that you will have a kickass time and be hooked for life. Keep us posted on how you do back there, be safe and good luck!
I moved to Washington from Wisconsin back in 2015 specifically to start hunting and fishing the West, and these guys are all hitting the nail on the head.
Read up on some gear lists and watch some YouTube videos, get in the best shape you've ever been in (that still won't be enough though haha), upgrade your clothing system, get comfy with your rifle out to 4-500 yards and you will be light years ahead of most guys. BUT, there is something that you really can't prepare for until you get out here...and that's the mental side of things:
If you haven't been in the mountains before, you are going to be in over your head for a while simply due to the novelty of everything. I cannot overstate that. Like seriously, prepared to be completely out of your element when you see the backcountry for the first time. The scenery, the weather, the elevation...everything is just WWAAYYY more intense out here and you can't help but feel a little nervous your first time out.
When I first moved here, I remember just sleeping in my truck at the trailhead and freaking out lol. Now I can sleep like a baby with just a tarp on the side of a cliff 10 miles back haha...just takes time getting comfortable and developing your system.
My advice is to think of it as a long term game. Every single time you set foot in the mountains out here you are going to learn a lot, like definition of information overload. Every single time out you will become a better hunter and a more skilled mountain man. It's a process and if you embrace it, you will get better FAST. Take time to reflect at the end of each day and think about what went well and what you could improve. Sounds lame but I'm dead serious, it helps.
And most importantly, look forward to the mental and physical challenges that you are sure to face and meet them with a smile on your face and I guarantee that you will have a kickass time and be hooked for life. Keep us posted on how you do back there, be safe and good luck!