solo or with a buddy?

[7mag.]

I, personally, like to share my experience with a partner, but I have a hard time finding some one that is willing to put in the work to backpack where I want to go, so I end up going solo most of the time. The first night is the worst for me, then it gets easier. It is very peaceful and a big sense of accomplishment to make a back country trip, solo.

[addicted2hunting]

Lots of stuff to think about. I like the perspective of both points. I look forward to the challenge. Thanks for all the input. I am sure I will be asking more questions.... thanks guys!

[Vek]

Longest solo trip was 10 days.  I'm trying to think of a solo backpack hunt that I've done in the past where I haven't come out with an animal - and I can't.  In my experience, you see more game.  Reasons are many - you make WAY less noise, you're moving at your own pace and are paying more attention to surroundings, and you are way more flexible in choosing camps.  Did I mention that you make way less noise? 

Had a few close calls - rock rolled out while crossing a creek that cut into the lateral moraine up in AK - ended up face down in the water having taken a pretty good shot to the head.  Sprained thumb pretty bad, but they sprain easy from old football days.  Later that year on a different hunt, while lining my raft upstream, I lost balance on a washed out beaver dam and stepped off into the rushing glacial water at the breach in the dam.  The water closed over my head like a clap of doom.  I shot out like a trident missile, but had my pack harness or raft towlines hung on something, I might still be there.  Makes my skin crawl thinking about it. 

My spot locator works like a champ - always has.  I've used it now for three seasons and six hunts (three solo). 

[jstone]

I have a spot up the chelan that i have been wanting to do for a few years. I will have my buddy drop me off and get me in a week or so. Only 1 friend of mine i know that i would even want to bring with me. I would get one of the SPOT locators when i go.

[et1702]

Getting injured in backcountry while you are on your own is the biggest danger.  Heck, this year while I was hunting elk at the Valles Caldera in New Mexico, I was on my own.  Buddies couldn't make it.  But, I took a tumble at 11,000' elevation on a very steep slope after stepping on a boulder that gave way.  Started falling backwards but was able to turn in mid-air and fall on my side (while also trying to save my bow from smashing into the ground too).  Fractured two ribs.  Didn't really know it till next day when I separated one of the fractured ribs loading up the bull I shot.  Yes, it was very painful for the next couple weeks.  But, bottom line is that it could have been much worse than a couple broken ribs, and nobody would have come looking for me until after dark (i.e., when I didn't check out at the hunt headquarters).  If rib had separated during fall, it could have punctured a lung.  In backcountry, someone might not come looking for you for a week or more, depending on you plans.  I'll still do one to two day solo trips.  But, anything more I won't do unless I have someone w/me.

ET

[jstone]

My area i am looking at would have to be droped off by boat. No roads even close. One problem the elevation gain might be the killer.

[et1702]

My area i am looking at would have to be droped off by boat. No roads even close. One problem the elevation gain might be the killer.

Yeah, sounds like hunting Entiat or Swakane and starting out down at the Columbia 

[Wanttohuntmore]

I love hunting solo, but a partner is nice as well.  I purchased a Spot when they first came out and am still using it.  I have used it to send a ok message while down in a hole, it sent a text to my dad, who then showed up 2hrs later to help pack, by following the coordinates he received.  That was cool.  I prob send about 6 signals/year with it and no problems.  It is slow at sending though, but good for peace of mind.

[DBHAWTHORNE]

Carrying some kind of beacon or satellite phone would definitely be best practice when going solo. 

[Ridgerunner]

Prefer a buddy, something more special about sharing a backcountry camp than being alone although I see the upside to hunting solo.

[couesbitten]

   That's why I love hunting with my 17 year old son, great memories.

[wilsongideon]

Prefer a buddy and have always done the high hunt with one. Most of the summer hiking I do alone but have only done a few overnights by myself. I have always had good luck with the people I take with me, they are supportive and rarely slowed my down. I am always a little more careful when I am alone, But figure when Its my time to go, what better place could I be then out searching for mule deer in the mountains. I might be dead but thatd really be living.

[Skyvalhunter]

My area i am looking at would have to be droped off by boat. No roads even close. One problem the elevation gain might be the killer.

  Yea that climb up from Lake Chelan can be a killer. But then there are alot of people that do it.

[addicted2hunting]

Prefer a buddy and have always done the high hunt with one. Most of the summer hiking I do alone but have only done a few overnights by myself. I have always had good luck with the people I take with me, they are supportive and rarely slowed my down. I am always a little more careful when I am alone, But figure when Its my time to go, what better place could I be then out searching for mule deer in the mountains. I might be dead but thatd really be living.

very good  point!

[Houndhunter]

I've done a few, I love it but its nice to have someone to meet up with back at camp. I always hunt solo, but usually there is some one hiking in with me. I've never had any close calls, but once got stung by a bee. I've had allergic reactions all my life, but not that time