Q for backcountry bivy bowhunters

[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