High Hunt Tips

[FishEKat]

So I am going to try the high hunt for the 1st time this year. I plan on going hiking/scouting soon. Can any experienced high hunters give out some tips to help the newb? In reading some of the other posts, it seems that some experienced hunters get frustrated with new hunters coming though and messing things up. I don't want to be that guy. Books, techniques, stories, anything else you can think of that would lesson the learning curve? Thanks.

[romaknows]

what area are you planing on going???

[MAVsled]

at home, start with your pack empty. have everything out you may need, depending on lenght of hunt. Pack smart, keep pack weight down but have your essential needs covered.
you don't want to forget a critical piece of equipment when going backcountry.

I  keep a check list and do this prior to all backcountry pack in hunts. And I don't do this the night before!
preparation is key not only for good chance at success but for safe return too.

[NW-GSP]

Start working out now, the better shape you are in will make a huge difference in how far you will be able to get in, some guys can only hike ten miles in one day I have a friend that can do twenty plus miles depending on terrain. Go scout even if you do not see any animals your still getting a work out and figuring out what you do not need in your pack.
I am also hoping to hunt the high hunt this year,

[JimmyHoffa]

Take the best optics (clarity and magnification) that you can, do most of your moving concealed by the pockets of brush or folds in the land, move while it is dark out (if possible), be adaptable for whatever the weather gives you (one year cloud level was around 4,000 feet and up, and and I was at 6,000 ft with about 70 yds visibility). 

[FishEKat]

I am going up to the Alpine Wilderness this year. In order to get in shape, I've been doing the Insanity work out. I've lost 15 pounds so far (only 5 more to go) and feel like I'm in great shape. I'll probably start hiking up there to do some scouting in a couple weeks once the snow melts. My plan is to start with a couple of days trips and do a couple overnighters after that. The cloud situation is something I didn't think of. Thanks for the input so far.

[colockumelk]

Scout, scout scout. Start doing weekend camping/scouting trips every weekend you can. Not only will this help get you in shape, it will also allow you to figure out where the deer are and help you learn your area. It is also a very needed chance to test out your gear and help you figure out what works and what you do and don't need.

[X-Force]

Know your gear. Test everything before it goes out. Put your tent up in the rain. etc.

[Karl Blanchard]

If you are hunting the alpine than maybe go do some acupuncture sessions that way come opening day you will be ready for the mosquito's!!!!!!!

[grade-creek-rd]

two keys to success: 1. get in serious shape (it makes it fun and a much "easier" hunt) and 2. get an awesome sleeping bag/pad combo (getting warm and a good nights rest makes all the difference in mindset...knowing your heading back to a warm nights sleep keeps the mind at ease).

G-C-R

[AKBowman]

Commit at least 5 full days of hunting. No sense in getting in shape, purchasing the gear and spending time and money scouting then only hunting three days. Success rates go up dramatically the longer you hunt. Probably best to plan on a solid week but 5 days min for a hunt like that. I think that is one of the most important things.

[fillthefreezer]

Commit at least 5 full days of hunting. No sense in getting in shape, purchasing the gear and spending time and money scouting then only hunting three days. Success rates go up dramatically the longer you hunt. Probably best to plan on a solid week but 5 days min for a hunt like that. I think that is one of the most important things.

better re-emphasize being in shape if your talking 5 days worth of gear to be carried and living in the mountains that long

[Shawn Ryan]

Review the gear lists on the thread on this Forum topic or try the gear list topics at 24hourcampfire's backpack hunting topic.  Lots of knowledge on 24hour's forum topic that fits your question.  For books, Cameron Haines wrote a good book, Backcountry Hunting, about backpack hunting.  The book is mostly about his solo trips in the Eagle Caps.  Cameron has become a hot commodity and does a lot of promoting these days; the book was written prior to his endorsement days.

I've rarely experienced a newbie messing up a hunt, but it happens.  Probably depends on how remote you get.  Figure out your comfort level in distance from the truck/trail/people and how many days you can stay out.  IMO, the longer and farther, the better.

You can review other's lists and read posts and books, but you will develop your own style and "needs" only by having done it. So go do it as much as possible prior to your hunt and realize that you would do next year's hunt different and better after having actually hunted from a camp you packed in.

[merlo105]

start scouting in the summer months. Get in shape and get your gear ready not a day before but weeks and even months. Spend time up there learning the area and the deer. Get good with your glasses spend alot of time on them scouting. So buy the best you can afford. All in all you just need to be up there and being in shape is a big factor on easy hunting. Dont wanna kill your-self packing a deer out so be in tip top shape. Spend time at the national parks with your bino's and spotting scope if you have one. lots of fun and great practise finding deer and other critters great practise. Well good luck and safe hunting

[Bearmtn]

alot of good ideas already said here but heres one that helped me, about 3 weeks before your hunt pack up your pack, get your weight measured and load another 10-20 pounds into it and do some walking, not just flat walking walk hills, climb stairs do anything, the more the better!