Free: Contests & Raffles.
Hi guys... I hate to ask this but as someone that usually hunts solo in the NE corner I usually try to get far away from people as I can and have gone on a couple of over nighters by myself but has anyone had any issues with bears (either blacks or griz), wolves or lions or anything else. Or does anyone have good ways to be safe on a solo backwoods overnight hunt? I feel stupid asking and I know its more mind over matter but I would love to hear your thoughts.
Just make sure you leave S&R bread crumbs, like a detailed map of where you'll be. Carry a PLB, sat phone or SPOT type device and a FRS radio. When I go in I leave a map with a route marked in my truck or at home. Usually just a google earth printout with a route and also I leave a note to what channel I'll be on with my radio - I use a Garmin RINO so that would help too if S&R had a RINO with them. Also carry a good sidearm with you. Know a guy who had to plug a cat that had snuck up on him while he was dropping a deuce over a log - 10 feet away and tail swishing back and forth while his britches were down around his knees.
ugg.. I hate doing this...What's C-A-T?
I never take grizzly's for granted. The one's we've been close to seem to be as unpredictable as moose. But I'm not too worried about a moose trying to kill me in my sleeping bag. Shotgun or large bore pistol is about all you can reliably do there. Even with a partner there is always a risk. I am in 100% agreement with ToddID about the dead falls. Nice to be close enough to them to cut some wood if need be. But far enough away you won't find one on your head while you are asleep.Statistically more people are mauled by black bear in a year than grizzlies. But in most (not all) cases that is due to people who do not give them due respect. I never worry about one coming in my tent while I sleep, though I have had more than one steal my leftovers and even had one steal my blood soaked boot during the night Black bear are usually hungry, but not crazy like a griz can be.You are also statistically more likely to be injured by your own hunting or hiking partner than injured while solo. So don't fall into the trap of thinking you need to have a partner. Solo hunting is fantastic IMO. For some reason, to me, that second night is always rough. But, after that I sleep like an old man on Valium! Peace and quiet, no complaining, no honey do, no alarm clock, no phones, no customers, no bills to pay or taxes forms to complete. It's the best thing ever from day three to about day ten. After day ten I want a working toilet!!!While it is also a statistical fact that I am much safer in grizzly country solo than I am driving home from the corner store...I do like having a seat belt on. At home that seat belt is usually made by Ford. In grizzly country it is usually made by Mossberg, Springfield, Smith and Wesson or Ruger!When I pack for any extended hike I always pack an emergency bivy, poncho and first aide kit first. After reading some of the stuff from the H-W Marines I will now be carrying a C-A-T on my arm as well. In 30+ years I have now had three close calls in the back country. Two solo and once with a guide. In each case having been prepared with a well stocked pack has brought me home none the worse for the adventure. A couple REALLY good pain killers and or muscle relaxers can work wonders too
