Another high buck hunt gear thread.

[Devenk89]

Got everything packed up today and will definitely be bringing my spotter. Looks like we'll be in for some rain but no snow unfortunately. Just glad its not going to be hot! 6 days till go time.

Also, does my vehicle access pass I got with my hunting license a substitute for a forest pass? I have a discover pass but not a forest pass.

[bobcat]

Your WDFW pass is only for WDFW lands and your Discover pass is only for state land (WDFW, State Parks, and DNR.) The forest pass you need is for federal land (National Forest.)

[JimmyHoffa]

The forest pass is for designated parking areas at trailheads.  I don't think it is required for land access.  Often times you can park just outside of the pay area and walk an extra 20 feet or so.

[Skyvalhunter]

Also, does my vehicle access pass I got with my hunting license a substitute for a forest pass? I have a discover pass but not a forest pass.

What area will you be hunting?

[ljsommer]

Your WDFW pass is only for WDFW lands and your Discover pass is only for state land (WDFW, State Parks, and DNR.) The forest pass you need is for federal land (National Forest.)

This is the secret hidden gem tip in this thread - when I park at those spots, almost nobody has the right pass.

[ljsommer]

I have a wonderful sleeping pad (https://www.rei.com/product/120235/sea-to-summit-comfort-plus-si-sleeping-pad) but it's almost two pounds. Any recommendations for something moderately comfy, light, and packable?

Ideally not-inflatable, I don't want to bother with punctures.

[yakimanoob]

Comfy, light, packable, and puncture-proof doesn't exist (unfortunately). 

I have a S2S ultralight insulated air pad.  It's a good mix of comfy and light and warm, and I've had great luck so far with the durability of S2S pads. 

I've encountered plenty of holes in self-inflating pads, so it's not like you're going to avoid that risk unless you go to closed-cell, which is the opposite of comfy. 

My  , there's no perfect pad on the market yet.  Thermarest NeoAir/Xterm, S2S ultralight pads, Nemo Tensor, and Big Agnes Axl insulated are all great options.  Klymit makes some good ones too. 

[WildBear]

[/quote]

This is the secret hidden gem tip in this thread - when I park at those spots, almost nobody has the right pass.
[/quote]

Found that out with a 5 dollar warning/fine on my scouting trip

[Highhuntin]

Is a 4 pound spotter crazy or worth the weight?? (Not including Tripod) it’s a vortex hd if that helps

[GoldenRing270]

For me it would depend on where and how you are hunting. If you are going to be glassing from mountain to mountain then it likely be worth it. If you will be hunting/glassing only along the same ridge that you are on and not looking for animals that are more than 1000-1500 yards away then I don't think it is worth the weight.

[Highhuntin]

My other option is a 2lb vortex 20-60 non hd trying to figure out if it’s worth the extra 2lbs or if I should just leave it all home and stick with Binos only (glacier peak area)

[Highhuntin]

 I have a hard enough time sitting for long periods anyway so I always feel like the extra weight isn’t worth it

[yakimanoob]

The best advice I can give is to bring both on a scouting trip and see what you can ID with the better scope that you'd can't ID with the lighter one. 

Be sure to try it in different lighting situations, as the lighter scope is likely to perform great in ideal light, but I bet you that 4 pounder will have an edge into the sun and in low light. 

Whatever the difference turns out to be, you're on your own deciding if it's worth 2lbs for you 

[Bill W]

Once you carry a spotting scope on a high hunt and come back whining about your pack weight you may think things about spotting scopes.   I know one time I toted in an old style transistor radio that took 8-12 D batteries as I wanted to listen to the UW-BYU football game.  Later on upon reflection I wasn't happy with how the game went for UW, nor did I ever want to carry a radio again.

If I still went on the high hunt I'd be happy with a pair of good binos and upon spotting a good deer, hiking closer for better evaluation.  Binos will let you know how good a deer is at 800 yards.

[swanny]

Your WDFW pass is only for WDFW lands and your Discover pass is only for state land (WDFW, State Parks, and DNR.) The forest pass you need is for federal land (National Forest.)

This is the secret hidden gem tip in this thread - when I park at those spots, almost nobody has the right pass.

Or for an extra $30 a year you can pony up the money for a forest pass that helps fund the trails and roads that you will be using to access whatever wilderness area you hunt, hike, fish, bike, pick mushrooms, take pretty pictures, etc.