backcountry bike and trailer use

[bmc02]

High buck question regarding using a bicycle and trailer (regular bike – NOT e-bike). I know I can’t use these in wilderness areas, they will not cross a wilderness boundary!

For my high buck hunt the first few miles from trailhead is on DNR land. Any issues with using a bike and trailer to cover some easy ground and then leave them stashed in bushes for the week? From the stash point to wilderness boundary is still 2+ miles on rough single track trail.  I’m quite certain I will see park rangers and/or fish and game while on this trip (from last years experience). I’ve searched and been through DNR and NF websites and can’t find anything saying my plan is breaking any rules – but still seems like I’d get hassled when they stop me on a bicycle while obviously headed towards a wilderness area…

Any feedback on my plan would be appreciated!

[follow maggie]

As far as I know you’re fine rules wise, but you’re maybe taking a big risk of not owning them, anymore.

[luvmystang67]

I've done it... hide them well.  I don't see what the issue would be.

[bmc02]

As far as I know you’re fine rules wise, but you’re maybe taking a big risk of not owning them, anymore.

I've done it... hide them well.  I don't see what the issue would be.

yes I will hide them well. I'll use a heavy duty cable and lock the bike and trailer together (through the wheels). That along with camo net/brush to conceal and I should be good. worse case they are stolen and that would suck but I'd get over it. trailer was a few hundred bucks and the mtn bike is an old one i've had for a long time. potentially saving 12 miles of hiking with heavy pack if I needed 2 trips is worth the risk.

[pickardjw]

This is a popular thing at a high buck spot I scouted and my buddy hunted a few years back. Walked past the wilderness boundary sign and there were bikes locked to it and some small dirt bikes in the bushes nearby. We felt like idiots having hiked the 3 miles to the boundary 

[Hectocotylus]

Know the rules and the boundaries, if someone asks then you would be good to go i would think


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[CarbonHunter]

We’ve done it many times. Now we have e-bikes and when we park them we just chain them up through the tire. Most people who are hiked in will not mess with your bikes.

There will always be people who complain and claim you are breaking rules regardless in the backcountry. Heck you are more likely to have hiking seed eaters tell you that hunting is not allowed in wilderness areas than will tell you bikes are not allowed on the trail leading to the wilderness, especially if you are near i90.

[bmc02]

thanks for the feedback! I was certain I couldn't be the only one who wants to do this but I had never personally seen it so just wanted some assurance.

We’ve done it many times. Now we have e-bikes and when we park them we just chain them up through the tire. Most people who are hiked in will not mess with your bikes.

There will always be people who complain and claim you are breaking rules regardless in the backcountry. Heck you are more likely to have hiking seed eaters tell you that hunting is not allowed in wilderness areas than will tell you bikes are not allowed on the trail leading to the wilderness, especially if you are near i90.

last year coming out from high buck there was a hiker (older hippie dude) who was totally dumbfounded that I was in there deer hunting! Had no idea there was a hunting season going on. He was super nice though, I told him to stick to the trails and keep his bright colors on as it was a popular area!

This is a popular thing at a high buck spot I scouted and my buddy hunted a few years back. Walked past the wilderness boundary sign and there were bikes locked to it and some small dirt bikes in the bushes nearby. We felt like idiots having hiked the 3 miles to the boundary 

I've hiked this route twice now between last years hunt and backpacking the same area with my wife this summer. Having done it twice and much more familiar with the area having a bike and trailer for that first/last section will be a huge benefit. if I do it a third time without a bike I would be kicking myself for sure, especially if I needed to take 2 trips!

[bmc02]

update - I used my mountain bike and new trailer (burley cargo with oversize wheel package) for the high hunt. 2.5 miles on dirt road one way. the ride in was steeper then I remember the few times I've hiked it. along with my 50 lb pack now I had a 15 lb trailer and 30+ lb bike to push uphill... overall there was enough flatish sections with a few short down hills that I was probably a touch faster than hiking, but overall probably took more energy.

now the pack out was sweet! covered 2.5 miles in under 20 minutes without having to hardly pedal and no pack on my back!

overall it was a good plan. If I had to take two trips where the second trip in would be empty, then it would definitely be worthwhile. An ebike would be nice too...

[mcrawfordaf]

If you teach em how to ride the bike you don't even need a trailer 

Glad to hear your trailer worked out. I ride up 3-4 miles 1000ft of elevation gain in about 40 mins. takes me 5 mins to get back to the gate. 

[bmc02]

If you teach em how to ride the bike you don't even need a trailer 

Glad to hear your trailer worked out. I ride up 3-4 miles 1000ft of elevation gain in about 40 mins. takes me 5 mins to get back to the gate. 

nice. riding tandem... haha

been shopping ebikes, thinking next year for sure!

[brokentrail]

If you teach em how to ride the bike you don't even need a trailer 

Glad to hear your trailer worked out. I ride up 3-4 miles 1000ft of elevation gain in about 40 mins. takes me 5 mins to get back to the gate. 

I have had quite a few ride my mountain bike out as well, although I have since went to a trailer for most of my hunts.  Regardless of bike, or bike and trailer, it sure beats walking and of course dragging, if successful.