Spike Camp?

[Bmcox86]

So I'm new to the hike in hunting and will be doing my first trips this year, one for bear and one for deer and think that a spike camp will be the best choice for me.  How does everyone decide how far to go in, is 5-10 miles the average to set up camp. How do you select the best spot to setup camp where it won't disturbe your hunt, how far from camp do you usually range.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[washelkhunter]

Stop when you start seeing game and sign.

[7mag.]

Look for likely spots on topo maps and Google Earth, then definitely do a couple of summer scouting trips. Scouting trips also help you iron out gear issues before your hunt.

[shootnrun]

There is no exact distance. I've gone in 2 miles and seen a heap of deer along with a heap if people. I've gone 6 miles and found myself in the thickest, nastiest brush I'd ever seen without a critter in sight. That is where pre season scoutibg comes into play. As stated before, google earth and topo maps will shoot you the right direction. Your fitness and gear will determine how far you can go and high you can climb. The basin I hunt is about 7 miles from the rig...

[romaknows]

There can be some great hunting between the trailhead and where outfitters start setting up camps.
It can also pressure game towards you.

[bmccalister]

Once I decide on an area I would like to hunt I like to check out google earth and maps first. Then I make several scouting trips. Usually my first is to see if there is sign of game and what the area looks like from the ground. The further away from any hiking trails the better. All my other scouting trips are to locate and identify what game animals are in the area and where they like to bed and feed. As for distance I have gone one mile up to six miles to find areas I like. I would recommend having a backup plan just incase you cannot hunt the area you would like due to a fire or logging etc. 

[hike2hunt]

Remember to be patient on your Scouting trips, ensure you are scouting at the times you want to hunt, let the day play out, if you have fresh sign, that is a good thing. Try to scout as close to the opener as possible. My buddies trip last year was blow buy some backcountry huckleberry hunters. That camped near the main elk trail.