Anyone out there looking for a high hunt partner this fall?

[uncoolperson]

I know, 6 months away.

I'm thinking I'm going to set aside a week or so of vacation time, and figured now is a good time to start thinking about some planning for fishing trips (which could second as I wonder what lives where trips).

So far my planning is, walk around in the mountains... that needs a little work narrowing it down (great excuse to make a bunch of fishin trips), now is as good a time as any to start reading up, and was thinking solo might limit how far I might want to go (or rather, am allowed to go). I know my wife would be a lot happier if I wasn't going it alone.


I'm a smoker, though I'm giving the e-cigarette thing a shot... should limit smellyness when out in the woods... but my lungs are still not awesome.
I can handle myself okay outside, not much of a risk taker so you're not going to need to drag me out or direct a rescue chopper. I think I've got just about all of the gear I could need, and then some extras.
Most people I've been out with generally like all the cool toys, or nice things I bring (my first morning hike in camping usually means bacon breakfast, the first night requires steak, and fishing always requires 18+ y/o single malt).
I'm still not an experienced hunter, 4 years no deer.


Even if you haven't already started thinking about it, or don't wanna join. Any pointers to kick start my planning?

[Skyvalhunter]

I remember there were a few people looking for hunting partners last year so you might do a search and contact them. You said the high hunt which will put you in the wilderness areas. Do some summer hikes into these areas and look at some maps where it might look good. Want to get away from the main trails.

[Atroxus]

Depending on when/where you are planning to hunt I may be interested. I am a new hunter(this year will be my first), I am also not in super athletic shape. I don't have any nifty gadgets but it sounds like you got that covered. I have been doing myhomework though, and am very determined. I am going to start scouting a few areas starting this month in the hopes of finding an area with deer by deer season. Shoot me a PM if you want to discuss it further.

[Shootmoore]

Do ya'll mind a little banjo playin in the evenin around the ol' camp fire     


 





Sorry could not help myself

Shootmoore

[lokidog]

I've been thinking about the high hunt, but haven't decided what tag to get yet... come on multi.  I don't think I will have much time to get over there and scout though, that is my big sticking point. 

[Phunky Munky]

I'm not so new to hunting, but it's been a few years. I might be interested depending on the area. Perhaps we could get a few of us going?

Eddie

[high country]

I am no stranger to the high hunts and have spent beyond a lot of money to lose gear weight. the mere thought of hauling a steak let alone a flask of scotch up any of those passes you wil need to summit to get to deer country hurts my back. I would advise taking chocolate covered espresso beans and moleskin.

[Phunky Munky]

Yeah, hiking in, you really don't need or want the extra weight heh. However, I am still game. Don't matter if it's driving in and parking in a good spot for camp, weekend trips, or hiking in. As for hunting high country, I haven't done alot of that, mostly low lands and heavy brush!

[colockumelk]

I am no stranger to the high hunts and have spent beyond a lot of money to lose gear weight. the mere thought of hauling a steak let alone a flask of scotch up any of those passes you wil need to summit to get to deer country hurts my back. I would advise taking chocolate covered espresso beans and moleskin.

That's exactly what I was thinking. 

uncoolperson you'll want to read some DIY Highcountry books.  I recommend this one by Camron Hanes.  It has become my backcountry bible.  Even though he writes about bowhunting its still very applicable to rifle or muzzle loader.  As for food.  Leave the steaks and scotch at home.  Bring High Country Meals, MRE's and mixed nuts.  Oh and a water purifier or tablets. 

"Backcountry Bowhunting.  A guide to the Wild Side."  By Cameron Hanes
http://www.cameronhanes.com/?page_id=7

[Kowsrule30]

I hiked in a 30 pack of Coors Light one time on a High Hunt along with all my gear and some mutual items for my friend and I... It was gone that night.... What a waste of killing myself.....     So now we bring a bottle or two of 100 proof SoCo... A lot lighter and far more potent.... The water purifying essentials are a must....

[uncoolperson]

I've got my pack pretty light, spin/fly fishin, 6 pack of beer, a few things I don't need (no where near "roughin it") and she's coming in probably just under 20lbs. I'm sure I could make that lighter before I started adding hunting stuff.

I'll read that book, thanks.

[colockumelk]

I've got my pack pretty light, spin/fly fishin, 6 pack of beer, a few things I don't need (no where near "roughin it") and she's coming in probably just under 20lbs. I'm sure I could make that lighter before I started adding hunting stuff.

I'll read that book, thanks.

If you plan on doing a 5-7 day hunt your gonna be looking at 65lbs with the latest and greatest gear.  And that's just the necessary stuff.  I highly recommend that book.  It will save you alot of time, money and heartache.  Its bowhunting focused but if you take everyhting he says and apply that to your rifle you'll be golden. 

[colockumelk]

One more thing.  High Country hunting is extremely tiring, heartwrenching, boring, painfull and miserable things you will ever experience.  However its also one of THE most addicting things you'll ever do.  Once you go high you'll never go back. 

[uncoolperson]

Thanks, from the description of that book, a few high lake fishing trips this summer and some consulting with my brother (ultra-light PCT hiker, base weight of about 10 lbs). I'm guessing I should be pretty golden... atleast for the getting out in the woods part.

Doing a simple multi night trip with the wife last year in the high lakes area I'm convinced I created a small stream with all the beer I poured out on the way up.... that sucked.

[Phunky Munky]

I am no stranger to the high hunts and have spent beyond a lot of money to lose gear weight. the mere thought of hauling a steak let alone a flask of scotch up any of those passes you wil need to summit to get to deer country hurts my back. I would advise taking chocolate covered espresso beans and moleskin.

That's exactly what I was thinking. 

uncoolperson you'll want to read some DIY Highcountry books.  I recommend this one by Camron Hanes.  It has become my backcountry bible.  Even though he writes about bowhunting its still very applicable to rifle or muzzle loader.  As for food.  Leave the steaks and scotch at home.  Bring High Country Meals, MRE's and mixed nuts.  Oh and a water purifier or tablets. 

"Backcountry Bowhunting.  A guide to the Wild Side."  By Cameron Hanes
http://www.cameronhanes.com/?page_id=7

Honestly, Just about everything that applies to bowhunting is excelent for modern firearm and muzzleloading. From stalking techniques to just about everything else you do. My dad and I started out bowhunting (My dad introduced me to it I ought to say) and I believe it made me a much more complete hunter. To me, the only difference between hunting with a rifle and hunting with the bow is the range potential. Well, that and the ammount of noise the shot makes.....