How far into backcountry?

[Graham_Hunter]

I'm getting everything in order to head into the back country for the general season.  I'm trying to decide how far in I should plan to go to set up a base camp.  Will I get the benefits of a back country hunt only going 3-4 miles in and then going on day hunts from there?  If I'm on the NE slopes of the Cascades does 4500 - 6000 feet seem like an appropriate elevation to target? Any insight would be appreciated.  THANKS.

[RightPlace-RightTime]

Sent you a PM

[huntnnw]

Yup or right at trailhead..I have watched all to many times everyone and their dog thinking they need to be 5+ miles in..Ive seen 10mi in more crowded than hunting right around the trailhead

[Skyvalhunter]

Lot of variables to consider. Like hunting pressure, how far you are willing to pack an animal out, even if there are animals further back. Some hunters work the other hunter pressure to their advantage. Have you scouted the area to know where the deer are? You will probably get a different answer for every hunter you ask.

[windygorge]

your going general??  let me hear this right.  you are actually going to open your truck door to hunt?  i like you!!   
do whats comfortable.  don't push yourself beyond your limits.  huntnnw is right.  i have been in 8 miles and found it more crowded than closer in.  sounds like you haven't scouted at all.  good luck

[coyote_out]

3-4 miles in is 3-4 miles you don't have to walk everry morning and every night if you go at the trail head.  Its also that much more rest you can get where you would otherwise be hiking.  I think there are too many variable to give you a straight yes or no.  It depends on how far you want to go, how far you want to pack out, are you going to spike out from base camp, etc etc.  Just what ever is comfortable and makes sense for the geographic location you are planning on hunting. 

[Cuda]

My spot is about a 4 mile hike with a pretty significant elevation gain. I have base camped there and also hiked in every day and can tell you both have +/- sides. Hiking in the moonlight is cool, but a sweaty start on a cold morning isn't. The nice thing is you don't have to pack a heavy set of gear in for a base camp then pack it and a deer out. Again I like both and tend to alternate back and forth so good luck trying to pick which way to go!

[fillthefreezer]

i enjoy rolling out of the tent and hunting vs a long morning hike to try to be in a good spot. your counditioning and scoutig where the animals are should dictate how far in..

[vfilbert]

i would go high, its nice rolling out of the fart sack and being in your deer spot.

[kentrek]

in my mind ive always thought i saved ALOT more time/energy bivy hunting than hiken in everyday..if done right anyhow..

hunt smarter not harder 

[300rum]

This is very true.  It is a great way to hunt. 

in my mind ive always thought i saved ALOT more time/energy bivy hunting than hiken in everyday..if done right anyhow..

hunt smarter not harder 

[dad98684]

we are set up about 3 miles back, sure is nice to roll out and be there ready to hunt. we could have group of hunter pushing to us first thing every morning. 

[Graham_Hunter]

Thanks for the insight.  I'm planing to head out Friday morning and go about 4 miles in and set up a base camp.  When I locked this plan in a couple weeks ago the forecast was dry dry dry.  Now it is looking like rain to 5000ft and snow up above.  It will probably make the hiking / camping a little wet but hopefully it gets the bucks moving.  Good Luck Everyone! 

[kalamasasquatch]

for modern deer its probably not as big a concern as early archery, but consider if you can get the meat out before it goes bad.