Lesson learned- Got stuck

[RadSav]

Life is pretty boring when all goes as planned.  It's those little mishaps and the stories that go with them you remember.  And they make us better prepared for our future adventures   As long as nobody gets hurt it's all good.

Next time you cuss about something, I'm gonna remind you of this quote

Does not apply to paying taxes and getting harassed by the Department of Commerce because I donated to the Republican

[Michelle_Nelson]

I hunted for 4 years in a 2wd Ranger.  Nothing wrong with hunting with 2wd.  You just need to know your limitations and be prepared in the event you get stuck.  I hunt alone about 80% of the time but I always let some one know where I am and when I will be back home. 

[Huntergal]

Thanks for your input. I will get a tow chain, shovel and a come along.  Limited slip rear differential I will have to look into this (have no clue what this is). I am always packed just in case I decide to stay out or if I get a deer to late or am too tried to drive.
Well, I can't afford a 4x4. Funds are tight as I can't work. Hubby was never into hunting and really hates too sit around while I hunt. Tried that long ago. Been married 25 years.
I like hunting with guys and have hunted with some guys a very long time ago( that hubby has met). I just have not found anyone I can trust with my safety and personal space . So I hunt alone not because I wish it but because there is no other way. I do let hubby know where I will be.
I hope to meet some people during elk season at Winston ...Maybe someone will take me under their wings as this will be my 1st elk season alone. Maybe I can find a hunting partner. If not.... I will be there with a big smile on my face doing what I love and have dreamed of doing. I would love to get my 1st bull, if I don't I will have the experience of just being there and make the best of it.

[ELKBURGER]

I think we can all agree when you have a passion for something you do your best with what you got. Keep up the great attitude!

[blackveltbowhunter]

  "I had warning bells going off in my head but I did not heed it."  .... Trust me this is a surefire and cheap method of staying out of trouble.    Lotsa good advice on here. The only thing I would add, is the tools are only as effective as the operator. Knowledge of operation and capability is important,  some of them can be downright dangerous if not used correctly, come-alongs, and highlift jacks come to mind.

[KFhunter]

I used to hunt with a 2wd - got stuck 100's of times it seems like in that rig   

No one mentioned putting weight in the back of the truck, that'll help a bunch and it's free! 
Stack the weight all the way back to the tailgate, it'll transfer weight off the front wheels and load that back axle.
Sand bags work very well.   For icy winter driving move the weight just forward of the rear axle - very important.



The best thing you can do is probably stick a winch on the back bumper. 
99% of the time when I got stuck it was from a situation where I needed to back up, not go forward.

[boneaddict]

4 wd just means you get stuck deeper.

I am glad life situations haven't deterred you away from your passion.

[12Gauge]

Been there done that and got the T-shirt. 

Now I am more prepared, 4x4, with a winch, shovel, axe, 20' chains x2.  Next to purchase are a couple of snatch blocks.

But more importantly know your vehicles limitations. 

[jackmaster]

i think there are a few other women on here that are in the same boat as you when it comes to huntn partner wise, you might be able to hook up with one of them and presto you have a huntn partner and your hubby doesnt have to worry about you being alone or huntn with a male partner. you definatly have the right attitude for huntn thats for sure, when your elk huntn in the winston there will be plenty of people around thats for sure, it gets hit pretty hard so if you whack one help will most likely be available i would imagine, hell all you would have to do is post up in here that you need help and it will happen, seen many times on this fine huntn site 

[runamuk]

I am not sure if Jenny is deer hunting this fall or just duck hunting but she is in the Lakewood area so might be someone to PM and hook up with. There was another gal who was that direction and I cannot think of her handle on here at the moment but I know she was also looking for a partner.  I am in Eburg but used to hunt that area(mason/grays harbor/thurston counties from around lake cushman to westport, public and timber company lands....I lived in the Capital forest when I started out...and I mean I owned a house on land basically surrounded by the forest so had lots of daily access now I have to drive a bit to get to my grounds and all the wetsiders fill my normally quiet forests dont feel real alone out there.

[snowpack]

air compressor, when you are sinking in that kind of mud you can lower the air pressure to drive out.  Then air back up when out of the mud hole.