Where to invest to improve success?

[willfrye027]

Can you use that money to fund a quick scouting trip? Like airline tickets so you can fly in/rent a truck, scout for even 2-3 days, and fly back home?

Can you put it into a money market fund and let it grow, plan to use it for more time off next year?

If not then some 15s on a tripod would probably we where I spent that money.

With western hunting the key is gaining experience which takes a ton of time. Maximize the time you spend in the field learning and experiencing. You can’t really buy your way into more success unless you are not glassing off a tripod in which case..

 

[WstrnCP]

I'm in the camp of the guys saying to invest in You......

doing things that will improve your skillset as a hunter.

Maybe the first time Rokslide has saved me money…

 

[WstrnCP]

Can you use that money to fund a quick scouting trip? Like airline tickets so you can fly in/rent a truck, scout for even 2-3 days, and fly back home?

Can you put it into a money market fund and let it grow, plan to use it for more time off next year?

If not then some 15s on a tripod would probably we where I spent that money.

With western hunting the key is gaining experience which takes a ton of time. Maximize the time you spend in the field learning and experiencing. You can’t really buy your way into more success unless you are not glassing off a tripod in which case..

15s or even 18s is something else I’ve considered as well.

 

[willfrye027]

15s or even 18s is something else I’ve considered as well.

Depending on what terrain you hunt it would probably be the best bang for your buck. I rocked the $20 frog toggs for years and still rarely use my expensive rain gear.

15s or 18s on a tripod and you will find more game

 

[Lawnboi]

Time in the field creates success.

My favorite time to be out is the day a storm breaks when everyone else ran for the hotel/home 2 days ago. Gear or something to keep you in the mindset of hunting, and not being miserable will make a difference.

 

[mtnbound]

Last few years have been hunting western Oregon and high Cascades Washington. Planning on Idaho and maybe Montana this year, which I’ve hunted before.
Typical shot distance could be a huge spread. I feel confident to about 400 now based on conditions. Since picking up a 223 I’m shooting a lot more, planning on around 500 rds/month in 2026.
Generally will spend 4-7 days backpacking.

Good job picking up a 223 trainer. That by itself is a great way to get better.
Obviously you need rain gear for the west side so if you don’t have a set of high quality get some.
IS binos are really nice but I find more value in RF binos but I use them for archery, rifle and muzzle loader.
I have 2 Rokstocks and while they are my choice for replacing the factory Tikka stock, they have not increased my shooting ability compared to other aftermarket stocks.
Physical fitness is obviously an area where one can improve on that pays dividends everyday.
I would spend money on the things that you will be using the most or are essential like your shelter, sleep system, pack, footwear etc.

 

[highcountrymuley]

I like the idea of a plane ticket and 2 to 3 days scouting. I am blessed to live in mule deer and elk country and I have benefitted greatly from observing animals while I am NOT hunting. The focus and stress of getting the animal is great when u have a tag and limited time. Physical fitness is almost free, can never be too fit !

I am not a gear hound. I use Vortex diamondbacks in 10x42, $100 Halo rangefinder that is12 yrs old. Nikon scope. Ruger American .30 06 with Cor Lokts. Muzzleloader is CVA Accura. Used Athlon spotter on Slik tripod.
I splurge on boots -zamberlins, but used/sale Big Agnes Copper spur ul1 person tent. Slumberjack frame pack. No hunting/camo clothes except a hooded Kuiu puffy I got as birthday present.

So what I'm saying is after a certain point gear won't lead to more success. Physical and mental fitness that comes from experience is the key. Good luck

 

[Jon Boy]

Outside of a ton of scouting..
trail cams. Lots of trail cams
Lots of ammo and shoot a shit load.

You seem pretty setup with gear as far as that goes. Getting into nicer and more tricked out gear is a lot more fun when you get good at killing shit. Nothing worse than looking at a pile of expensive gear after a dismal hunting trip.. not sure how half the guys live with themselves that have all the latest and greatest and come home with a forked horned mule deer

 

[Ross]

Gear will only get you so far. In your location solid rain gear will go along ways for comfort and ability to stay out longer. Time afield, in the right locations is often the biggest determining factor to success. As the decades click by, you will never regret more days out, but may look back and ask, why did I not hunt more! As others have noted, more tags is a great consideration once your gear is adequate.

 

[HilltopHitman]

From a younger guy in Idaho with up to date gear…

Use the money for more time first.
Second, training and fitness. Pay for some training that will push you beyond how far you will push yourself. Turn yourself into a mountain goat, so you won’t question going one more ridge.

I will be doing the second.

 

[BishBeCool]

Time + skill(s) development > $

 

[ddd-shooter]

Gadgets cannot buy you what time on the mountain will.
Get a spring bear tag or a turkey tag and learn about the area you’re trying to hunt.

 

[elsb0048]

I almost feel like "if you have to ask for advice, you don't need/want anything that bad"

My gear philosophy has evolved now that I'm at a solid 'baseline' for Backcountry gear. I keep a list of things I'm interested in. I then hunt for a season. I have a couple rules of thumb
- in case of no success (empty tag) I won't buy new gear unless I can identify an opportunity that I missed because my gear was inadequate.
- In case of success: I treat myself to buy one thing I just want, because I'm interested, or would like to try it out.

Since you asked: top of my current 'wants' are some 15x binos for alpine muley hunting, because I just want to try it. I'm not *as* excited about image stabilization yet but maybe that'll change

 

[loganwayne]

If it was me id invest it in time to scout pre hunting season. You know what tags you have usually early summer. That gives you several months to get out and scout and see what's out there. If legal id buy some cell cameras and put them up in areas you want to hunt. They dont tell you the whole story but its better than nothing.

 

[WstrnCP]

I almost feel like "if you have to ask for advice, you don't need/want anything that bad"

My gear philosophy has evolved now that I'm at a solid 'baseline' for Backcountry gear. I keep a list of things I'm interested in. I then hunt for a season. I have a couple rules of thumb
- in case of no success (empty tag) I won't buy new gear unless I can identify an opportunity that I missed because my gear was inadequate.
- In case of success: I treat myself to buy one thing I just want, because I'm interested, or would like to try it out.

Since you asked: top of my current 'wants' are some 15x binos for alpine muley hunting, because I just want to try it. I'm not *as* excited about image stabilization yet but maybe that'll change

That is a real good way to frame the question of do I really need this

 

[Marble]

Rain gear that works is a must. You can use it for rain or wind. It's a necessity IMO.

The image stabilizing binos... I'll pass. I would rather a tripod.

Time in the field is your best investment. Learning what animals do during weather, pressure, tones of day etc is invaluable.

I've been very successful in low success zones, including the western cascades, over the years because I know the area and my experience guides me to where I need to be in order to be successful.

So spend your money on time/travel. Keep notes and set way points as you learn your area.

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