Q for backcountry bivy bowhunters

[MLHSN]

This will be my first year hunting and I'm planning on bivy hunting in a wilderness area.  I picked up a Cabelas Alaskan external frame to use in conjunction with my ultralight backpack I've been using for about 5 years now backpacking.

First Question: What kind of setup do you guys use to carry your bow?  I really don't want reviews of high-end packs with built in bow carriers.  I'm especially curious if any of you have a DIY project.  My Pack is a pretty basic 4400 cu. in ultralight pack.  It weighs about 1.7 lbs.  I'm lashing it onto the cabelas frame which weighs about 3.5 pounds.  I'm just trying to get a rig setup for carrying the bow also.  I don't really want to spend a $100 on a carrier so I'm curious what you guys are rigging up.  I don't want to carry it in my hands the whole way.  I like to keep my trekking poles in use or a free hand for balance on most of the terrain I backpack in.

Second Question: For those that carry all their gear with them, at one point do you drop your pack?  I can't imagine trying to shoot with a pack on.  On the other hand, I could picture being in the situation where you drop your gear to try and get closer for a shot and then end up a mile or two away with a deer/elk down and having to go find your gear and come back.  I'm just looking for some advice on the logistics of it.

Where I want to hunt, I've ran into Elk and sign in different drainages.  I want to retain the ability to jump from drainage to drainage without having to return back to a basecamp every night.  I figure if, or I should say when, I get something down I was planning on setting up my tent and throwing all my gear in it so I can use my packframe to start relaying the meat between creeks and camps.  Now I just need to figure out a prefered method of hauling my bow and get it on the trail to try out. Suggestions?

[jackelope]

Get some web straps and lash it to your pack with those. You can get the pre-made ones at REI or by the material and clips and DIY your own. They work fine with my bow and pack.

I think I remember seeing someone on here put themselves together a home-brewed bow bucket attached to their pack.

[MLHSN]

Get some web straps and lash it to your pack with those. You can get the pre-made ones at REI or by the material and clips and DIY your own. They work fine with my bow and pack.

I think I remember seeing someone on here put themselves together a home-brewed bow bucket attached to their pack.

So you don't feel the need to cover up any part of the bow?  I'm just curious if a run-in with a branch might cause a derailment or other problem that might end a hunt. I noticed a lot of the bow carriers have pads around the cam and wheel.  Thanks for the input.  I do have a ton of straps already so I'm covered on that part. 

[300rum]

I have done the exact same thing that you are looking at doing, although I changed in the last couple of years.  For one, you can cut the frame down to the "second" cross member, the one right at shoulder height.  This will get rid of some weight and the pack won't catch on brush that slips over your shoulder.

As far as attaching the bow, I just criss cross bungy straps. "X", then across the bottom.  A coat or a shirt between the load shelf and the bow and then wrapped around the sight protects the bow and keeps it quiet.  The Bungies come handy when you have to load up the animal.

   

[300rum]

Forgot to mention that I put a strap on the load shelf with a piece of material that held the cam. 

[MLHSN]

Good stuff Rum, thanks.  Any tips on getting the harness from the pack frame a little quieter?  I know it will loosen up a bit over time and not rub as much.  I've put duct tape in a few places and put a bit of vaseline between were some of the straps rub on the metal frame to quiet it a bit.

[300rum]

Should have mentioned it.  I cut off all the metal and thread everything with high quality leather boot laces, I mean the expensive ones for Whites boots.  If I remember correctly, I had to drill out some holes so that I could double up the leather.  They will last for a long, long time and I always keep a little on hand if I need a repair but have never needed it. 

I also wrap all the metal with electrical tape.  The tape deadens any sounds and can be used for other things in a pinch.  Don't be afraid to take a hack saw to it, you can trim some weight on that thing!   

Good stuff Rum, thanks.  Any tips on getting the harness from the pack frame a little quieter?  I know it will loosen up a bit over time and not rub as much.  I've put duct tape in a few places and put a bit of vaseline between were some of the straps rub on the metal frame to quiet it a bit.

[deerslyr]

You can rig up a way to use the kifaru grab it. Thats what I plan on doing with my pack frame. Not sure how I am going to go about it but I will figure something out.

[Smossy]

Get a primo shoulder strap for your bow, you can just throw it over your back like a gun with a strap. I have one and it works great.
For everything else I have no idea.


You can pick them up for about $20 bucks at any hunting store.

and from what Ive read on the "dropping the pack thing". When you set your bag down. Tie a few bright pink/orange trail marker tapes around the area, preferably the ones with reflective material that way you can find them at night. Even pick up some reflective white thumbtacks that they sell for trail marking. Those work fairly decent at night.
Keep in mind, Im have almost no experience in doing this myself. So just an idea.

[BenC567]

I always carry my bow in my hand... The one time it was one my back I wish it was in my hand.

[nocklehead]

       ...and practice shooting with your backpack on!

[Shawn Ryan]

On your second question, my answer is:  it varies all the time. I've hunted all day with my pack and stalked elk with a full pack because I don't want to chase down the pack later.  I've been tempted to drop it for the stalk, but my range finder and binoculars are strapped to the pack--you don't have to do that, though. 

I've also dropped the camping part of my pack, day hunted, and found my way back to the "camp" in the dark or just before. When I drop the camping part, I do it in a place that I am likely to hunt back to. Otherwise I keep it with me so I can sleep where ever the night finds me.  I've never dropped my pack/camp where I didn't know I could find it in the dark. If I did, I'd enter its location in my GPS.

My pack doesn't change my shooting very much whether its full of camp stuff or in day-pack mode.  My energy level changes if I've been carrying the full camp around all day and that limits my speed mostly.  Try shooting with your full pack. You say you can't imagine it; you can overcome that my doing it.

After you've bivy hunted a few times, you might be surprised at what you are willing and able to do. Its a great way to see more of everything.

[MLHSN]

After you've bivy hunted a few times, you might be surprised at what you are willing and able to do. Its a great way to see more of everything.

I've done quite a bit of backpacking while carrying all my gear going through difficult terrain.  Often times I'll bushwack between small unnamed lakes so I know what it's like travelling all day with a full pack.  Albeit, my 20-25 pack while fishing will be about 10-15 lbs heavier while hunting.

I'll give shooting with my pack a try.  The external frame I have curves around my back quite a bit so I question whether my back can open all the way up to the draw if you get what I mean.  I suppose I could let off my shoulder straps a bit so the pack moves backwards enough to open up.

Thanks for the tips.

[300rum]

I am real hesitant to drop my pack, it can be a recipe for disaster, especially if you are alone.  I don't like to do anything in the woods without what I need to spend 3 days or so out there, it just isn't worth it. 

One thing I do, I shoot a bow that is set about 64lbs, it is real easy to pull straight back.  Sure, I can pull 70lbs easy right now but when it is 10 degrees, blowing snow in your face and you have been sitting still for an hour (cold muscles) waiting for a shot (with your pack on), that is when it counts.

Try turning your bow down a bit and practice with your gear on when you can, the bull won't notice it.   

[boneaddict]

I may be weird, but I carry mine in my hand.  Even when I am going in deep.   I practice shooting with my pack on, but normally am not hunting with it fully loaded.    I generally spike and then have enough gear with me to spike again so to speak.  Survive, not creature comforts.

[MLHSN]

I may be weird, but I carry mine in my hand.  Even when I am going in deep.   I practice shooting with my pack on, but normally am not hunting with it fully loaded.    I generally spike and then have enough gear with me to spike again so to speak.  Survive, not creature comforts.

Interesting.  So you set up a main camp and kind of do short satellite camps around it?  That could be an interesting concept.  I've basically got 4 mountain sides I'm considering hunting.  I don't have enough time to hunt each drainage on all four so I'm planning on narrowing it down a bit more during scouting trips.  It's about a 7-8 mile distance between farthest points in that area.  If I narrow it down a bit, say a 4 mile radius, then I might be able to do a main camp like that in the center and then head from there with enough stuff for a night.

I can't afford a guided drop camp.  But I half considered making a trip or two the weekend before with my pack frame and 5 gallon buckets full of gear.  Maybe bury it or cover it in rocks off trail and out of sight.  I don't know the legality of this in a Wilderness area.  I would definitely bring it out the following weekend.

I don't think that I can carry my bow in hand at all times.  I know there is a really slim chance of seeing elk/deer on the main access trails while getting in.  That means I ditch the trekking poles for the first 6-8 miles.  My joints need the relief on the ups and downs.  I think it was in one of Eastman's books when he said he's never jumped an elk while packing in.  I'm sure you have more experience with that then I do though.  Also, where I want to hunt is an old burned area so there will be some log hopping.  I'm not sure I want bow in hand at the time.

[300rum]

I have a little v-notch that I can hang my bow on from the waist belt of my pack.  I don't know what to call it other then that, it is a little clip that is "v" shaped (you can find in in the archery section at Sportsman's), the string balances on it and I don't have to hold it.  I have one on both sides of my pack  this way, my hands are free for my binocs. 

Setting up a spike camp and doing day hunts from that point is a great idea if you know the genereal location of game.  Sometimes it is nice to carry the whole load though if you decide to jump drainages or if you see an animal at closing time and want to stay close. 

I usually set up a camp and hunt from there because water is so scarce.  Carrying a 60lb pack while hunting just plain stinks, especaily in an old burn. 

As far as a cache goes, it is a no-no.  But, I like to just throw a rope in a tree and hang whatever in garbage bag or two.  Just use a tree with a tight canopy, something small that a bear won't get into or will have a hard time.  A jar of peanut butter or a can of Spam sure taste's good until you can get some fresh protein!     

[fillthefreezer]

I think it was in one of Eastman's books when he said he's never jumped an elk while packing in.

ive read that as well, but its not the case, ive bumped lots of critters packing in, maybe he talks alot?

[MLHSN]

I think it was in one of Eastman's books when he said he's never jumped an elk while packing in.

ive read that as well, but its not the case, ive bumped lots of critters packing in, maybe he talks alot?

You could be right.  I guess I've never seen them on main trails while backpacking, only on steep hillsides and game trails.

Maybe I talk a lot also on main trails, lol.

Could be a self-fulfilling prophecy