Backcountry Pressure and Etiquite

[knob221]

You've spent summer weekends, PTO, hundreds on hundreds in fuel, sweat, and boot leather to scout an area for your backcountry hunt. Season comes around, you get into your spot, and there is a hunting camp set up already. What do you do?

[GOcougsHunter]

Good scenario to discuss, same would go for duck hunting spots and similar.  Depending on the size of your group and their group, you could introduce yourself and offer to join forces.  A little crowding in an area can be helpful and helps stir up the critters.  There is a fine line...  I also know that I have to always have a plan B or plan C when my plan A is public land.  You never know what you will get or who will be there.  Putting all your hunting plans into a single spot is a really good way to set yourself up for disappointment. 

[BigredRusch]

Hopefully transition to plan B or plan C. Putting all your eggs in one basket will lead to disappointment.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Skyvalhunter]

Ask them very politely to leave and if there any meat left from your harvest You will consider giving them some. 

[pickardjw]

We showed up to about a dozen people in the spot we wanted to hunt last year. Ended up being 16+ people up there when the weekend came. Everyone was cordial when passing each other on the ridgelines and around camps. We even set up camp next to some guys that said it was cool. Not that many safe places due to standing dead timber.

Still got a buck, and a few others did as well. One guy shot a bear off my buck's carcass. I think communication is key. As long as everyone is cordial and no one is intentionally blowing up your hunt it can actually be nice to chat with people and see how their hunts are going. Though I would obviously prefer to be alone.

[Karl Blanchard]

I'd move on to another spot

[Westside88]

I think the same question applies to land behind gates. I prefer to have a conversation about what is planned and let them have first choice if they got to the gate first, but I don’t think it’s reasonable to expect to claim an entire area. If it’s an area that can only reasonably provide a hint for one or two people I’ll move on

[hunter399]

Respectful communication goes along way.

[pickardjw]

Yeah I always try to coordinate. Only had one guy be a jerk about it. He slept at the trailhead, we pulled up and were ready to hike in before him and he acted like since he slept there we should leave. He didn't want to say where he was going, so I showed him our plan and turned out he was going the opposite way. No reason to be a jerk in the first place.

Every other time I either offer to change my plan or they offer. I've even talked to guys that were glassing the same basin and we weren't aware of each other. But we put a stalk on that failed and he said he watched us the whole time haha.

[mcrawfordaf]

I went out this weekend to a walk in area. We arrived Friday afternoon and went out for a glassing session on the ridge that evening. When we came back to the trail head where camp was made there was another hunter setting up. We went right up to him and introduced ourselves and our intentions for the morning/day and he shared his. Turned out he was archery deer hunting while we were bear hunting. He was cutting out in a completely different direction then we in the AM so no conflict of interest. We had a nice chat and shared any information on each other's respective target species for the area. I know this may not always be the case in chasing different animals but I would say communication and respectfulness is paramount.

As a new hunter though the showing up to a large swathe of public land behind a gate to find others there is something I'm not entirely sure how to navigate. Is there a general "acre to person" ratio one could use? In general any gate I've come across over the last two seasons with a truck in front of it I just move on.

[pickardjw]

I hunted timber land down by Chehalis where there were 4-10 trucks at the gate at any point in the day. Plenty of land behind it for everyone. I wouldn't shy away from a trailhead because a truck is there unless it was a very small piece of land. Like, one that you are guaranteed to run into the guy.

I am more vigilant about looking for the person or people that might be back there in the interest of not blowing up their spot.

[GOcougsHunter]

I went out this weekend to a walk in area. We arrived Friday afternoon and went out for a glassing session on the ridge that evening. When we came back to the trail head where camp was made there was another hunter setting up. We went right up to him and introduced ourselves and our intentions for the morning/day and he shared his. Turned out he was archery deer hunting while we were bear hunting. He was cutting out in a completely different direction then we in the AM so no conflict of interest. We had a nice chat and shared any information on each other's respective target species for the area. I know this may not always be the case in chasing different animals but I would say communication and respectfulness is paramount.

As a new hunter though the showing up to a large swathe of public land behind a gate to find others there is something I'm not entirely sure how to navigate. Is there a general "acre to person" ratio one could use? In general any gate I've come across over the last two seasons with a truck in front of it I just move on.

Depending on the size of the swath of land, I would welcome another hunter or two in the area I was hunting.  If another hunter bumps deer or elk, there is a greater chance the animals will work their way towards me.  Now, if there is a small bowl or a small clearcut, I would say the rule is one party for those areas.  No reason for everyone to have a crappy hunt.  Communication will always be key, but as others have said on this string, be polite and creative.  One of my closest hunting buddies today is a guy I met at a trailhead with the same cow permit as me.  We ended up harvesting both of our elk at the exact same time during that hunt and have been close ever since.

[jrebel]

I'd move on to another spot

 

Isn't the purpose of the high hunt to eliminate 90% of the hunters that are not unwilling to go that far to kill a deer.  I wouldn't want to be around others if I could help it and would find another drainage / ridge / etc., further up the trail or ridge.  The high country is a vast area.....I can't imagine it would be to hard to get away from other hunting parties. 

[pickardjw]

Depending on the size of the swath of land, I would welcome another hunter or two in the area I was hunting.  If another hunter bumps deer or elk, there is a greater chance the animals will work their way towards me.  Now, if there is a small bowl or a small clearcut, I would say the rule is one party for those areas.  No reason for everyone to have a crappy hunt.  Communication will always be key, but as others have said on this string, be polite and creative.  One of my closest hunting buddies today is a guy I met at a trailhead with the same cow permit as me.  We ended up harvesting both of our elk at the exact same time during that hunt and have been close ever since.

That's an awesome story! I have a 554 late cow muzzy tag this year and the prime huntable area is pretty small, limited to about four locations after my discussion with a bio. Wondering if I'm going to meet one of the other three tag holders.

[hunter399]

At gates roads ,on a few occasions.
Somebody will beat me there,or they are camping or sleeping at the gate.
But anyway a few times,I talk to them,yada yada.
Then I would give them about a 30min headstart.

I would just sit there,drinking coffee, smoking cigs,waiting.
Then I would take off,take the high ground at all cost . Climb to the top ,side hill ,whatever.

Then pretty much have the best advantage on glassing,watching them walk the long switch backs of the main road.
All the while ,I'm just up top waiting for them to push something my way.

I've also just gave them there 30minutes ,end up going the same direction. Then have them come back by later in the day.
I'll wait an hour or more,before I walk out.
Shot a few bucks that way too.
Sometimes animals will think everybody is gone,and come out.
Boom , gotcha.

[Mtnwalker]

I'd move on to another spot

 

Isn't the purpose of the high hunt to eliminate 90% of the hunters that are not unwilling to go that far to kill a deer.  I wouldn't want to be around others if I could help it and would find another drainage / ridge / etc., further up the trail or ridge.  The high country is a vast area.....I can't imagine it would be to hard to get away from other hunting parties.

When's the last time you did the high hunt? 

[hunter399]

I'd move on to another spot

 

Isn't the purpose of the high hunt to eliminate 90% of the hunters that are not unwilling to go that far to kill a deer.  I wouldn't want to be around others if I could help it and would find another drainage / ridge / etc., further up the trail or ridge.  The high country is a vast area.....I can't imagine it would be to hard to get away from other hunting parties.

When's the last time you did the high hunt? 

With Washington seasons ,really bad for deer.
There isn't another spot.
I'll just drive to the next gate or trailhead to find another hunter.
I do agree with most,and onx these days,pretty easy to look and see if there is enough land to squeeze in .

[jrebel]

I'd move on to another spot

 

Isn't the purpose of the high hunt to eliminate 90% of the hunters that are not unwilling to go that far to kill a deer.  I wouldn't want to be around others if I could help it and would find another drainage / ridge / etc., further up the trail or ridge.  The high country is a vast area.....I can't imagine it would be to hard to get away from other hunting parties.

When's the last time you did the high hunt? 

I've been in the backcountry of Idaho (20 ish miles in on horseback) and it was easy to get away from other camps.  I've also hunted public land here in WA and find that if you get a mile off the beaten path, you can get away from 90% of other hunters.  I imagine if you read enough internet post and decide your gonna be the only hunter in spider meadows.....you will be sorely disappointed.  I can tell you that I have seen trailheads with trucks stacked in like cordwood and most hunters walking past prime hunting spots.  I have to imagine, if you get off the main trail / ridge....you can find good places to hunt our high country.  Maybe I'm wrong.....I've heard it has gotten exponentially worse (more crowded) over the years. 

[2MANY]

The High Hunt has become super popular since legalization.

[Mtnwalker]

I'd move on to another spot

 

Isn't the purpose of the high hunt to eliminate 90% of the hunters that are not unwilling to go that far to kill a deer.  I wouldn't want to be around others if I could help it and would find another drainage / ridge / etc., further up the trail or ridge.  The high country is a vast area.....I can't imagine it would be to hard to get away from other hunting parties.

When's the last time you did the high hunt? 

I've been in the backcountry of Idaho (20 ish miles in on horseback) and it was easy to get away from other camps.  I've also hunted public land here in WA and find that if you get a mile off the beaten path, you can get away from 90% of other hunters.  I imagine if you read enough internet post and decide your gonna be the only hunter in spider meadows.....you will be sorely disappointed.  I can tell you that I have seen trailheads with trucks stacked in like cordwood and most hunters walking past prime hunting spots.  I have to imagine, if you get off the main trail / ridge....you can find good places to hunt our high country.  Maybe I'm wrong.....I've heard it has gotten exponentially worse (more crowded) over the years.

I was mostly kidding, haven't been up there in years myself. Part of the problem in some areas is just number of access points, about the time you out-hike the other hunters, you start running into guys from the next trailhead over. We also don't have a problem finding solitude in Idaho, probably why we still go there and don't do the high hunt anymore 

[Karl Blanchard]

The High Hunt has become super popular since legalization.

and I'm dead🤣🤣🤣

[huntnnw]

I’m with Karl I’m moving elsewhere, somehow the last few rifle tags I’ve had in WA I’ve never had a problem finding places to hunt with nobody around

[zwickeyman]

I'd move on to another spot

 

You should also scout different basins just for that reason. Cant have all your eggs in 1 basket, you need a back up plan

[highcountry_hunter]

Well, I’d probably ask them what they plan on drinking since I know damn well from experience that you’ve gotta drop waaaaaayyyyyyy down from where my camp is for water.
While they’re struggling to come up with an answer I’d be loading up the 10 1 gallon jugs I packed in with my horse the weekend before and stashed a hundred yards away lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[LDennis24]

Make sure you remember your tags!

[bmc02]

I think history should have an influence on how you would approach an unexpected camp in "your" spot. if you talk to the camp and turns out they have been in that spot for years, well that's a bummer for you but you should move on.

What if roles were reversed? you're an eager beaver and got into a new spot you found scouting over the summer a couple days before season opener. Then a group shows up and says they've been camping here for years (or decades), maybe they are locals... If they politely (emphasis on politely) explain the history of this camp spot I would understand and move on. not to say that it means you have to concede and leave, this is public land after all, but seems like the proper thing to do. My elk group has a camp spot with a really long history, I could imagine the grief if someone beat us to it...

whatever the case civility should be standard.

[ctwiggs1]

Move on.  They did the same thing you did but got there sooner.  It happens.   

[vandeman17]

Count me in on moving to another area. If I am packing in any distance, half the reason is just to be away from people. I will gladly give up a little in the "quality" of hunting if it adds to the "quality" of the hunting experience, i.e not see other hunters on every ridge. 

[ducks4days]

Go find another drainage.

Or, chat with them and see what their plan is. Come up with a plan that makes the most of both groups being in the area, divide up drainages and ridges and whatnot.  Ive run into camps and found out that the camp was actually a bunch of backpackers that were moving on in the morning.

[2MANY]

Refer to The Sportsman's Code Manual, 7th version, Chapter 71, Page 432, Paragraph 2.5

[Colville]

It's not first come first served on state land, back or front country.  On the high hunt I've never seen hunters become aware I'm in an area and just "move along" to another drainage.  Many destinations kind of leave you pot committed.  They are also typically larger than a couple guys can really hold.  If it was some pocket basin and really can't support another guy, if I'm second I'll move along.  Otherwise, I'd give a camp space, make one where I can and continue to hunt it the way I intend.  I'd be all too happy to have a convo with others about those plans, I don't want to get up at 3AM just to park on a spot "first".  But I'm sure as hell not leaving country I'm committed to just because another citizen has the same idea.  We'll have to co-exist, best of luck to them and to me.  That said, if I really expected to be at point A at daylight, I'd probably be heading there to bivy out now instead of camp and climb.

[hunter399]

Just give them the full moon.
From a mile away,when they are looking at you through the glass.
Be done with it.
Freaking getter done,public land for everyone.

[cjjcb]

That sucks…
BUT, it’s public land and you were beat to the punch…
Time for Plan B…
I’ve also been first to a spot and have others come through at first light… even though I’m ticked I found it beneficial to talk with them and see what their plans are, where they’re going for the day, and that sort of thing…Several times they’re just passing through so I’ll still work the area.
At the end of the day they’re looking for a quality hunt as well and don’t want to run into other folks either, so it’s all about working together on public space….
Good luck!

[highcountry_hunter]

That sucks…
BUT, it’s public land and you were beat to the punch…
Time for Plan B…
I’ve also been first to a spot and have others come through at first light… even though I’m ticked I found it beneficial to talk with them and see what their plans are, where they’re going for the day, and that sort of thing…Several times they’re just passing through so I’ll still work the area.
At the end of the day they’re looking for a quality hunt as well and don’t want to run into other folks either, so it’s all about working together on public space….
Good luck!

There it is. Just talking to people to figure out what their plan is and then adjusting accordingly. 99% of people out there are super friendly and more that willing to work with other hunters so that everyone is happy.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bushcraft]

First, try and have an amicable conversation and explore possible ways to divvy things up and not trample upon each others' time and treasure.  It's public land after all.  Most people are super cool.  Some may not know that a far flung place on the map has been haunted (not a mis-spelling) by a group of guys for decades.

Failing that...burn their tents to the frickin' ground, take a dump in the remnants of their charred sleeping bags, spread their food cache to the four winds, and calmly shoot the buck of their dreams out of spite from a 1,200 yards away juuuust as they are getting ready to set up and make a shot.  Maybe they won't make the same mistake of going in there next year and being loud, inconsiderate dumb@sses that blow out entire basins.

Just kidding.  Mostly.   
 

[Skyvalhunter]

That kind of stuff only happens in the LG area.