Post by: addicted2hunting on December 05, 2012, 03:16:24 PM
Post by: boneaddict on December 05, 2012, 03:17:53 PM
Post by: boneaddict on December 05, 2012, 03:19:24 PM
Post by: brocka on December 05, 2012, 03:19:47 PM
Post by: addicted2hunting on December 05, 2012, 03:21:03 PM
Solo, but you can get into trouble very fast.
Yeah, im sure it can be very unforgiving. is weather the most dangerous aspect would you say?
Post by: addicted2hunting on December 05, 2012, 03:25:39 PM
Post by: boneaddict on December 05, 2012, 03:30:18 PM
Post by: kentrek on December 05, 2012, 03:35:51 PM
Post by: bobcat on December 05, 2012, 03:39:00 PM
Post by: boneaddict on December 05, 2012, 03:39:29 PM
I killed a buck and was packing it out and it had been freezing rain. I rolled off the mountain with my buck on my back and twisted my back really bad once. I crawled to the trail and another pair of folks happen to hunt by. He carried my pack out for me as I limped along behind.
I rolled a log I was straddled one time. Killed my camera but I was fine.
Was standing next to a creek and the next thing I knew I was face first in it. Bank gave way. It was about a 10 foot drop. I had a 100 pound pack on. That was more than just refreshing.
Those are just a few examples, and no, I wouldn't really consider myself a clutze. I suppose the country I hunt I am just one step from disaster at all times.
Post by: Jingles on December 05, 2012, 03:41:54 PM
Post by: Holg3107 on December 05, 2012, 03:47:21 PM
Think about one of these as insurance. They aren't cheap but for a solo high hunt in the wilderness it may not be a bad idea. I haven't hunted the high hunt yet, but do hunt solo on multi-day backpacking trips and have had similar occurrences as Bone. Slipped off a log and had a sharp branch go through the sole of my boot and into my foot. Was 3 miles in on day one of five and was able to get back out relatively unscathed since I had a good med kit with me but it wouldn't have taken much for it to end worse. (also changed my footware after that)
Post by: boneaddict on December 05, 2012, 03:51:46 PM
Post by: addicted2hunting on December 05, 2012, 03:59:38 PM
Post by: Holg3107 on December 05, 2012, 04:04:56 PM
Post by: LittleJohn on December 05, 2012, 04:05:29 PM
Post by: PlateauNDN on December 05, 2012, 04:07:14 PM
wow, some pretty close calls. I guess i really never thought about slips and falls. It doesnt take much to keep you stuck and injured. have any of you went on trips with guys from here? It is tough to find someone with the same goals and desires to hunt the backcountry with. I only have one of my hunting buddies that is a bowhunter.
Met and hunted with some guys from here and they're some stand-up gentlemen. Making plans for another trip but, longer next year in hopes of filling their tag once they draw it. :tup: Also, hoping to meet up with others as well on here that share the same interest in hunting next year as well. You'll find somebody and a lot of my hunts whether day trip or multi-day trips are solo, though I love it when I get to be a pack horse, guide and share experiences with a buddy. :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: addicted2hunting on December 05, 2012, 04:32:23 PM
wow, some pretty close calls. I guess i really never thought about slips and falls. It doesnt take much to keep you stuck and injured. have any of you went on trips with guys from here? It is tough to find someone with the same goals and desires to hunt the backcountry with. I only have one of my hunting buddies that is a bowhunter.
Met and hunted with some guys from here and they're some stand-up gentlemen. Making plans for another trip but, longer next year in hopes of filling their tag once they draw it. :tup: Also, hoping to meet up with others as well on here that share the same interest in hunting next year as well. You'll find somebody and a lot of my hunts whether day trip or multi-day trips are solo, though I love it when I get to be a pack horse, guide and share experiences with a buddy. :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
seems like there are stand up guys here. ive hunted solo or with family. but now ive gone archery im mostly solo... :chuckle:
Post by: fillthefreezer on December 05, 2012, 04:40:49 PM
Post by: netcoyote on December 05, 2012, 05:49:27 PM
Traveling with a partner always seems to raise the PITA factor beyond my comfort zone. I've had to compromise my plans too many times and I really like the freedom of just going by myself. It seems to sharpen my awareness. I need to think about everything I do and temper it with a "what-if?" But I really find it exhilarating...to a point. Traveling alone has a way of messing with your head. After three or four days I start to get a little batty and long to get back to civilization. The older I get the less I like solo travel but I still get out for a day or two on my own. My longest recent solo trip was a 4 day elk hunt trip last year.
For you guys that mentioned emergency beacons...I think they are a good idea. I had a SPOT beacon for awhile and they are a POS. Avoid them at all costs. A bad beacon is worse than no beacon. Better to travel as if there will be no help available than rely on a false hope that your beacon will bring help. There are other better beacons on the market...I'll probably get one one of these days.
I believe this would be a better world if more people would take the time to spend a few days in the wild on their own. Nothing like it.
Post by: kentrek on December 05, 2012, 05:56:38 PM
For you guys that mentioned emergency beacons...I think they are a good idea. I had a SPOT beacon for awhile and they are a POS. Avoid them at all costs. A bad beacon is worse than no beacon. There are other better beacons on the market...I'll probably get one one of these days.
why do you say there junk ?? did you test it ?? which ones are better ??
Post by: Alan K on December 05, 2012, 05:59:45 PM
Post by: Salmo on December 05, 2012, 06:09:25 PM
Solo is tough, mentally & physically. But unless you can find a hunting partner that shares the same goals & motivation solo is the way to go.
Yep. A son or brother would be best or a daughter or the likes. I thought I had picked a great partner with the same goals. It started as 180" or bust. Then the internet chest thumping started. And now 7 yrs later its all about the meat. Very disapointing to say the least. Yes we had sucess but its been a headache. And now its about the meat. Meat never was or will be my goal. 180" or bust! I'll gladly eat a tag and enjoy the experience along the way. I have a new partner. My son! :)
Post by: netcoyote on December 05, 2012, 06:54:45 PM
For you guys that mentioned emergency beacons...I think they are a good idea. I had a SPOT beacon for awhile and they are a POS. Avoid them at all costs. A bad beacon is worse than no beacon. There are other better beacons on the market...I'll probably get one one of these days.
why do you say there junk ?? did you test it ?? which ones are better ??
I actually bought two of them, one for me and one for my wife who rides her horse solo a lot of times. I used and tested mine before she used hers and I decided to take the one back. I tested mine in the field for a whole season so I gave it a fair shake. They have a very weak transmitter and just cannot get a signal out unless they have a totally unobstructed view of the sky. No trees anywhere near. That ruled out about 90% of my travel. The version that I had did not have a way to verify that a signal was sent, not very reassuring. Probably the worst feature of the SPOT is their terrible customer service. I won't go into details but if you don't believe me just read some of the customer reviews on the websites that sell them. Why anyone buys these anymore is beyond me.
I have planned to buy a better beacon but just haven't pulled the trigger yet. The research I have done led me to probably settle on this:
http://www.406link.com/ (http://www.406link.com/)
http://www.rei.com/webservices/rei/DisplayStyle/798479?source=19113&cm_mmc=aff_cj-_-datafeed-_-product-_-na&mr:trackingCode=0758F68E-26B8-DE11-93DB-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA&siteId=cjIsd2x-it3792&URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2FOM%2Fstyle%2F798479%3Fcm_mmc%3Daff_cj-_-datafeed-_-product-_-na%26mr%3AtrackingCode%3D0758F68E-26B8-DE11-93DB-0019B9C043EB%26mr%3AreferralID%3DNA&PID=2640533&AID=10456937&cm_mmc=CJ-_-Aff-_-2640533-_-10456937 (http://www.rei.com/webservices/rei/DisplayStyle/798479?source=19113&cm_mmc=aff_cj-_-datafeed-_-product-_-na&mr:trackingCode=0758F68E-26B8-DE11-93DB-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA&siteId=cjIsd2x-it3792&URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2FOM%2Fstyle%2F798479%3Fcm_mmc%3Daff_cj-_-datafeed-_-product-_-na%26mr%3AtrackingCode%3D0758F68E-26B8-DE11-93DB-0019B9C043EB%26mr%3AreferralID%3DNA&PID=2640533&AID=10456937&cm_mmc=CJ-_-Aff-_-2640533-_-10456937)
Post by: kentrek on December 05, 2012, 06:59:20 PM
For you guys that mentioned emergency beacons...I think they are a good idea. I had a SPOT beacon for awhile and they are a POS. Avoid them at all costs. A bad beacon is worse than no beacon. There are other better beacons on the market...I'll probably get one one of these days.
why do you say there junk ?? did you test it ?? which ones are better ??
I actually bought two of them, one for me and one for my wife who rides her horse solo a lot of times. I used and tested mine before she used hers and I decided to take the one back. I tested mine in the field for a whole season so I gave it a fair shake. They have a very weak transmitter and just cannot get a signal out unless they have a totally unobstructed view of the sky. No trees anywhere near. That ruled out about 90% of my travel. The version that I had did not have a way to verify that a signal was sent, not very reassuring. Probably the worst feature of the SPOT is their terrible customer service. I won't go into details but if you don't believe me just read some of the customer reviews on the websites that sell them. Why anyone buys these anymore is beyond me.
I have planned to buy a better beacon but just haven't pulled the trigger yet. The research I have done led me to probably settle on this:
http://www.406link.com/ (http://www.406link.com/)
http://www.rei.com/webservices/rei/DisplayStyle/798479?source=19113&cm_mmc=aff_cj-_-datafeed-_-product-_-na&mr:trackingCode=0758F68E-26B8-DE11-93DB-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA&siteId=cjIsd2x-it3792&URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2FOM%2Fstyle%2F798479%3Fcm_mmc%3Daff_cj-_-datafeed-_-product-_-na%26mr%3AtrackingCode%3D0758F68E-26B8-DE11-93DB-0019B9C043EB%26mr%3AreferralID%3DNA&PID=2640533&AID=10456937&cm_mmc=CJ-_-Aff-_-2640533-_-10456937 (http://www.rei.com/webservices/rei/DisplayStyle/798479?source=19113&cm_mmc=aff_cj-_-datafeed-_-product-_-na&mr:trackingCode=0758F68E-26B8-DE11-93DB-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA&siteId=cjIsd2x-it3792&URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2FOM%2Fstyle%2F798479%3Fcm_mmc%3Daff_cj-_-datafeed-_-product-_-na%26mr%3AtrackingCode%3D0758F68E-26B8-DE11-93DB-0019B9C043EB%26mr%3AreferralID%3DNA&PID=2640533&AID=10456937&cm_mmc=CJ-_-Aff-_-2640533-_-10456937)
ive had one for two years now....dont like hearing these types of comments toward a product that is only used when life is on the line..il have to dig into it more
Post by: boneaddict on December 05, 2012, 07:06:17 PM
Post by: 300rum on December 05, 2012, 07:55:29 PM
It is hard to find someone who won't complain. Complaining and tempers really bother me. When they fall in a creek and soak everything on them and in their pack, will they want to go home or tough it out? When they shoot an animal early in the hunt and you want to hold out, will they get up every morning and try to help you find/get your animal? Will they do everything thing they can to try to get home early?
If you have a lot of woods sense and some experience solo is ok. If you can find that person who is an animal like you are, a tandem team can be real fun too!
Post by: LittleJohn on December 05, 2012, 11:27:34 PM
Post by: kentrek on December 06, 2012, 01:04:10 AM
my Spot has never failed to transmit, EVER, I guide in the wilderness and use it twice a day a lot of the times.. It does take up to 20 minutes to verify transmission in thick cover, but I'm good with that. Amazing product as far as I am concerned.
:tup:
Post by: netcoyote on December 06, 2012, 05:58:42 AM
my Spot has never failed to transmit, EVER, I guide in the wilderness and use it twice a day a lot of the times.. It does take up to 20 minutes to verify transmission in thick cover, but I'm good with that. Amazing product as far as I am concerned.
I had the first version of their product. Hopefully (and sounds like it) they have improved their transmitter. Still, 20 minutes to transmit seems like a long time.
I just checked Amazon reviews for them and they show 77 reviews with 4-5 stars and 49 ratings with 1-2 stars. That would signal a red flag for me. Obviously some people like them.
http://www.amazon.com/SPOT-Inc-SPOT-1-Personal-Tracker/dp/B000YTZV74 (http://www.amazon.com/SPOT-Inc-SPOT-1-Personal-Tracker/dp/B000YTZV74)
One problem I had with them unrelated to the unit itself was canceling their contract. They have enough weasel-words in the contract that you almost have to cancel your credit card to get out of it. That was after giving them 6 month notice of cancellation. Shouldn't have to be that hard.
Post by: 7mag. on December 06, 2012, 08:23:46 AM
Post by: addicted2hunting on December 06, 2012, 06:44:02 PM
Post by: Vek on December 07, 2012, 01:24:34 PM
Had a few close calls - rock rolled out while crossing a creek that cut into the lateral moraine up in AK - ended up face down in the water having taken a pretty good shot to the head. Sprained thumb pretty bad, but they sprain easy from old football days. Later that year on a different hunt, while lining my raft upstream, I lost balance on a washed out beaver dam and stepped off into the rushing glacial water at the breach in the dam. The water closed over my head like a clap of doom. I shot out like a trident missile, but had my pack harness or raft towlines hung on something, I might still be there. Makes my skin crawl thinking about it.
My spot locator works like a champ - always has. I've used it now for three seasons and six hunts (three solo).
Post by: jstone on December 07, 2012, 01:42:13 PM
Post by: et1702 on December 07, 2012, 02:22:27 PM
Getting injured in backcountry while you are on your own is the biggest danger. Heck, this year while I was hunting elk at the Valles Caldera in New Mexico, I was on my own. Buddies couldn't make it. But, I took a tumble at 11,000' elevation on a very steep slope after stepping on a boulder that gave way. Started falling backwards but was able to turn in mid-air and fall on my side (while also trying to save my bow from smashing into the ground too). Fractured two ribs. Didn't really know it till next day when I separated one of the fractured ribs loading up the bull I shot. Yes, it was very painful for the next couple weeks. But, bottom line is that it could have been much worse than a couple broken ribs, and nobody would have come looking for me until after dark (i.e., when I didn't check out at the hunt headquarters). If rib had separated during fall, it could have punctured a lung. In backcountry, someone might not come looking for you for a week or more, depending on you plans. I'll still do one to two day solo trips. But, anything more I won't do unless I have someone w/me.
ET
Post by: jstone on December 07, 2012, 02:36:12 PM
Post by: et1702 on December 07, 2012, 02:39:44 PM
My area i am looking at would have to be droped off by boat. No roads even close. One problem the elevation gain might be the killer.
Yeah, sounds like hunting Entiat or Swakane and starting out down at the Columbia :chuckle:
Post by: Wanttohuntmore on December 07, 2012, 08:50:59 PM
Post by: DBHAWTHORNE on December 07, 2012, 09:05:04 PM
Post by: Ridgerunner on December 07, 2012, 09:05:22 PM
Post by: couesbitten on December 08, 2012, 09:13:39 AM
Post by: wilsongideon on December 08, 2012, 04:56:35 PM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on December 08, 2012, 05:00:13 PM
My area i am looking at would have to be droped off by boat. No roads even close. One problem the elevation gain might be the killer.Yea that climb up from Lake Chelan can be a killer. But then there are alot of people that do it.
Post by: addicted2hunting on December 08, 2012, 05:08:54 PM
Prefer a buddy and have always done the high hunt with one. Most of the summer hiking I do alone but have only done a few overnights by myself. I have always had good luck with the people I take with me, they are supportive and rarely slowed my down. I am always a little more careful when I am alone, But figure when Its my time to go, what better place could I be then out searching for mule deer in the mountains. I might be dead but thatd really be living.
very good point!
Post by: Houndhunter on December 08, 2012, 05:38:49 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on December 09, 2012, 10:26:03 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on December 09, 2012, 10:28:52 AM
Post by: fishngamereaper on December 09, 2012, 03:02:03 PM
one more thing about solo hunting........if you find yourself having conversations with yourself, its ok your not crazy! At least thats what I told myself last time I went up solo :chuckle: :iamwithstupid:
How about conversations with mice and other animals :o.......I used to hunt high country solo all the time. Average trip was 5-6 days, longest was 13. I love the secluded part of it. Makes a guy feel free. The biggest hurdle is the lonley mental part. Escpecially at night when bears and other animals come sniffing around camp. Like others have said, start small, 1-2 days and go from there.
Falling is the biggest fear. Im not worried about weather, etc. But if you fall and break something you are FUBAR..Most of my solo trips where done before cell phones where popular, Ive heard good and bad about SPOT. I would consider a SAT phone as well.
I have friends now that are willing to follow me back in to the high country. Back then most friends would go scouting with me but would never go back in for the hunt.
One thing to remeber, if you do go with a friend make sure they KNOW FIRST AID..not just basic stuff but tactical/combat style FIRST AID. They need to know how to deal with gunshot wounds, compound fractures etc....
And one more thing....Have fun :tup:
Post by: pd on December 09, 2012, 03:36:28 PM
This is a really good thread.
I have climbed and backpacked solo for a couple of decades now, and, to be really honest, I hate it. Like others have said, yes you can move at your own pace, and you are much quieter alone (no need to talk, look back, wait around, etc.). The physical part is never an issue, and so far the medical issues have always been very minor.
What do I dislike about it? Loneliness. The first thing I miss is my family, and that usually occurs within a hour or two of setting out. I think about them the whole time, and this is why I always get out alive and on time, is because I want to be back with my family.
So why do I go? Because I love to be in the mountains, whether climbing, fishing, hunting, whatever. And why do I go alone? Because I don't have a dependable fishing/hunting/climbing partner.
I have had good partners over the years, and I still go out with partners even now. But the fact of the matter is this: My schedule is not your schedule, and my objectives are not yours. It is just so hard to find a good balance.
I am repeating others on this, but you will find that the backpacking/camping/cooking part is not that hard when done solo. It is really REALLY hard when you get an animal!
My advice? Hybrid solution. Find a bow hunter who is basically willing to hunt alone. Invite him/her to join you at your hunt camp. Share the camp (including duties), but solo hunt. Best of both worlds. He can take the bogs, you take the ridges. He can hunt just the morning, you can go out dawn to dusk. You can even set up a bivouac site for a night or two.
There is the very important issue of scouting, which requires days and days throughout the year to learn a new area. Any hunting partner that you select must be willing to put in as much effort as you do, so choose your partner well!!
Somebody else mentioned this earlier, but climbing is too risky to go out alone. In my opinion, hunting is less risky than climbing, so solo adventures are possible. But having a camp buddy could be the ticket for you (...and for me, too).
Hope this is helpful.
Post by: jstone on December 09, 2012, 05:26:34 PM
Post by: furiouzgeorge on December 09, 2012, 07:15:14 PM
Post by: ICEMAN on December 09, 2012, 07:45:42 PM
Solo hiking/camping I bet we have all solo hiked into a particular area fully expecting to come across other hikers. Sleeping in a tent this way, I never felt really alone, as I expected there were other people around, either ahead of me on a trail, or behind me.
Solo hunting for me seemed to be almost something of a spiritual thing. The planning even seemed different. Arriving at a remote spot to lock my vehicle and walk away into the wild. It just feels odd.
Guilt. I often have felt guilty when out on a solo hunt. Guilty of something, probably that my wife had to endure extra issues while I was away recharging my soul.
Loneliness. I never solo hunted long enough to desire talking with another human.
Fright or Flight. I have been spooked while in the woods. Things sound so different if you are alone, laying motionless and listening to the earth. Your imagination goes crazy sometimes it seems. The only thing which has ever made me get up, and do something about it are freaking mice. Mice have ruined many a good nights rest for me. I hate those little buggers...
Spirituality. It is something completely different than to brew some water for a bowl of oatmeal and a coffee on a solo hunt, than it is to whip up breakfast on a combined hunt. I remember looking into the meal, being thankful for it.
Soul. I feel that even a couple nights spent alone in the back country does recharge my soul. Not sure how really as I come back very physically tired, a bit lack of sleep, both some mental and physical exhaustion. But I did feel satisfied. ( I have never scored a big game animal from a solo back country hunt.
Post by: NumaJohn on December 09, 2012, 08:05:50 PM
John
Post by: RadSav on December 09, 2012, 08:13:36 PM
If I am real serious about taking a trophy animal then I am equally serious about doing it on my own. My success is much, much greater if by myself. However, if having an enjoyable adventure is more in tune with what I'm after a good back country hunt with a good/tough friend (no sissy whiners) really adds to the enjoyment factor. Just not as good a chance that I will be as successful as when hunting on my own.
Biggest problem with solo back country hunting is getting your camp and your trophy off the mountain. Years ago in the Eagle Caps I took a nice bull on a solo hunt. Took me most of three days to get everything off the mountain. Followed by about 3 days of sleep.
It's one heck of a lot safer than hunting from a treestand without a harness. Looks like plenty of guys on H-W do that without a second thought.
Post by: deerslyr on December 09, 2012, 08:23:24 PM
The Physical aspect of backcountry hunting is the easy part, what is hard to overcome (for me anyways) was the mental part. Fear and loneliness were my issues. I recommend overnight summer scouting/fishing trips to "test the waters". Whether you love it or hate it, it will tell you a lot about yourself. I stuck with it and overcame my mental shortcomings but I will say one thing to the contrary, sharing an experience as special as the backcountry with someone else is always much more fun than alone. Even with a partner there is still plenty of alone time to take in everything.
I still havent gotten past the one night mark on my solo back pack hunts. I get bored, anxious and some times down right freaked out. None of this has been an issue when Ive had a partner. I find it so much more enjoyable that way any how. Im always worried about getting hurt or something happening even though I know its highly unlikely. I really enjoy being able to share my experiences with some one as well. Ill still continue doing solo trips in hope of breaking the one night mark.
Post by: actionshooter on December 09, 2012, 08:31:26 PM
At the same time, I start missing my family and feel guilty for leaving them.
For me a good partner is really the way to go. I agree solo is probably more productive, but I'm just as happy when my buddy whacks a good critter.
I will say 2 guys max, I have tried to go with 3 before and that turns into a zoo. :twocents:
Post by: addicted2hunting on December 10, 2012, 05:34:48 PM
The Physical aspect of backcountry hunting is the easy part, what is hard to overcome (for me anyways) was the mental part. Fear and loneliness were my issues. I recommend overnight summer scouting/fishing trips to "test the waters". Whether you love it or hate it, it will tell you a lot about yourself. I stuck with it and overcame my mental shortcomings but I will say one thing to the contrary, sharing an experience as special as the backcountry with someone else is always much more fun than alone. Even with a partner there is still plenty of alone time to take in everything.
Thats the aspect I too would struggle with.
Post by: addicted2hunting on December 10, 2012, 05:47:56 PM
Post by: actionshooter on December 10, 2012, 07:30:11 PM
wow, good thoughts guys. I think I am liking the sounds of both solo and with a buddy. I guess they both have a place. I like the Idea of camping with a buddy but hunting seperate. best of both worlds. plus its hard to hold all the cool stories until you get home! :tup:
Thats exactly how we do it...... we go our seperate ways and meet back up at night.
Post by: Skyvalhunter on December 10, 2012, 07:38:37 PM
Post by: CAMPMEAT on December 10, 2012, 07:46:31 PM
Post by: Ridgeratt on December 10, 2012, 07:52:02 PM
Buy a PLB, personal locator beacon, if you hunt alone. I hunt alone all the time and I decided I need one.
Ferry County locator?
Post by: CAMPMEAT on December 11, 2012, 06:44:24 AM
Buy a PLB, personal locator beacon, if you hunt alone. I hunt alone all the time and I decided I need one.
Ferry County locator?
That's baiting and that's illegal................. :chuckle:
Post by: throttlejocky20 on December 12, 2012, 11:50:48 AM
Post by: Hunter mike on December 14, 2012, 08:31:31 PM
As soon as I told my wife about personal locator beacons, she pretty much said you're getting one! We discussed it and decided the PLB was the way to go over the SPOT. Due to reviews I had read with SPOT, I didn't want her to be waiting for me to send a message and not be able to get one out. I really didn't like the "check-in" aspect of it. It felt like I'd be out there checking my Facebook or something and that's what I'm getting away from.
I love solo or with a buddy but they're different trips for me!
Post by: Skyvalhunter on December 15, 2012, 04:49:55 PM
Post by: Wanttohuntmore on December 16, 2012, 08:03:37 AM
Oh, my dad says he has a picture of the elk, he returned today from the hunt, so I'll get a copy and post it. He said it didn't turn out well do to being awful wet, but I'm sure it'll look better on a computer.
Post by: actionshooter on December 16, 2012, 08:25:50 AM
It will show the senders exact location on a google map via e-mail, and the person you send the message to can respond.
Looks like one step below a Sat. phone.
My buddy was in Kodiak a couple of weeks ago hunting blacktails and he was giving me a play by play via e-mail.
http://www.inreachdelorme.com/ (http://www.inreachdelorme.com/)
anyone try this yet?
Post by: actionshooter on December 16, 2012, 08:26:56 AM
Post by: jstone on December 16, 2012, 04:52:17 PM
Post by: sneakyjake on December 19, 2012, 12:40:03 PM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on December 19, 2012, 01:08:33 PM
-Steve
Post by: throttlejocky20 on December 19, 2012, 03:04:49 PM
Post by: ICEMAN on December 19, 2012, 06:44:22 PM
I hunted with my dad and guys his age for a long time. I always knew I wanted to go further into the wilderness, but the camp kind of prevented me from doing this. As they got older I finally made it happen. I hunted with a group of friends and had fun. I kept pushing to hunt further and that eventually cut a few of them out. Soon it was just two of us. Those hunts are great, but he is not always available to go so I started my solo hunts. You become aware of your weaknesses very quickly. Together we were able to make our decisions very efficiently, alone you have to recognize those areas and concentrate on making the best decisions possible. Like any relationship, you take that time alone and better yourself, bringing more experience back to the whole. It is easy to fall into roles when hunting with a partner not allowing personal growth as a woodsman. I have always enjoyed reflecting on my mistakes and their outcomes and trying to improve upon them on my next outing. I look forward to both hunts. I think they both offer me a different experience that I need in my life. Everyone here makes excellent points that I would support. I did a solo hunt that tested my ability this fall. I made some bad choices. I just hope that if presented with the same circumstances I will have grown as a hunter and make smarter decisions with better outcomes.
Excellent point sneakyjake. Something to definitely consider...
Post by: Sitka_Blacktail on December 20, 2012, 12:19:32 AM
Maybe just me but the way I would look at it is if you have a family that depends on you, then I wouldn't risk going solo. All kinds of things can go wrong. Having a partner could be the difference between coming out alive or not.
On the other hand, there's no better feeling of being alive than putting it all on the line without a safety net. Your senses become more sharp, you pay attention to things you wouldn't notice normally, you really weigh the cost/benefit factor, and you choose your routes judiciously.
I love sharing a good hunt with a friend or two, but I've probably spent over half my time in the woods hunting solo, here in Washington and over 30 years in Alaska. Much of it very remote. No radios, or cell phones or even telling anyone where I was going, because most of the time, I didn't know until I got there. You'd be surprised what you learn about yourself on a remote solo hunt.
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on December 20, 2012, 04:43:46 PM
or even telling anyone where I was going, because most of the time, I didn't know until I got there. You'd be surprised what you learn about yourself on a remote solo hunt.
Ain't that the truth! Half the time I'll get into somewhere and decide that I didn't want to be there at that time. So I move some ten miles away on a different ridge or valley. I feel so restricted that the wife wants me to mark a map of where I'll be and leave it home for her.
And yes, You do learn a lot about yourself on a remote solo hunt. Not so much on a remote hike on trails, where someone may or may not pass you on the way in or out. But when you start going overland following critter trails, seeing wildlife that are fending for thier lives, then decide to find a good place to bed down... You learn a lot about yourself. Iceman mentioned MICE. I hate the damn things. One of the reasons I tarp/sleep on the ground less and less. I really liked my hammock to get away from the little buggers and hung all my gear from tree branches. So far... I don't have holes chewed in my tent, but my last Paysaten trip the little buggers chewed on my plastic tent stakes all night. I think I'll spray the stakes with bear spray next time out!
I hiked in to Ramsey peak one night. With flashlight in hand I found a nice flat spot to lay out the bivy and bag. No tarp. 3:30 in the morning I was woke up to several deer huffing and stomping all around me. Appearantly I camped right in their feeding trail! They didn't like it much at all. I swore I was going to be trampled. You find out what you're made of in times like that. Sure, I could've just blasted off a round, and maybe that would have been smart. But I know some guys that would crawl in the fetal position and cry like a baby. I don't like getting nuzzled by bear though. They bite. Although.. There's never been an attack from one here, I don't want to be the first. Things go bump in the night. Most animals are noctornal. The more you're out in the back country alone, the more you get used to it. If you can do one night, stay in that same camp the next night. It could be a totally different experience.
SneakyJake touched on making smart decisions. When I'm alone, I'll go farther, but I'll do it smarter without taking risks. I bet I'm more likely (although I haven't), to get hurt when I've got someone with me because I'll cut corners. Not smart! Last year I was on a ridge of shale that was so slick that I almost went down 200' with one of the slides I started. I was 40' from the top and chickened out. If someone was with me, I'm sure I'd have gone for it. :chuckle: Really stupid.
Amen about being exhausted on back country trips. The mountains stand on end, and even though we take all that good food with us, we're often not as well nurished as at home because we're burning calories just waking up in the cold. We kick our own asses, get bruised and dehydrated. If you're gonna get hurt, do it early in the hunt as opposed to later in the week. :chuckle: Your chances of survival are greatly reduced. OK... Exhaustion.... Just because I was there, I hiked a loop of 23 miles one day. If someone would have been with me, I am sure 'we' wouldn't have. Being tired, maybe a little dehydrated, then needing to make dinner back at camp then sleep on a thin pad on the rocky ground with mice chewing on anything they can get to, can't lead to the best nights sleep. If you can't deal with that.. Stay home and be one of the other guys. (the average hunter does not hike more than one mile from his vehicle)
Some have touched on the spiritual feeling when away from society... I've felt the same whether out on the ocean alone or in the mountains. Calm.. You have to be willing to accept what is there, then use what ever the earth presents you to your benefit. If you don't, it can swallow you whole. So accept it, but respect it.
All of us cannot be Boneaddict. Huddled in the snowy dark, Listening to wolves howl below him with nothing more than a pen knife to prove his manhood. Some of us just try to live in his shaddow on a shorter ridge.
-Steve
Post by: PlateauNDN on December 20, 2012, 04:56:24 PM
Post by: pd on December 21, 2012, 09:45:24 PM
Those darn mice. I have had gloves stolen, boots chewed, holes knawed in tents. If only they would chew on the business end of my rifle, and get a buddy to fiddle with the trigger!! (Although the shot would probably scare me to death.)
Post by: jechicdr on December 23, 2012, 08:37:43 PM
I slipped in a slide shoot and lost about a 1,000 feet of altitude at full speed one time. I slowed to a halt right before I hit the boulders at the bottom. I had to climb back up and get my bow though. A broken leg would have been devastating. Let alone anything else that could have happened.
I killed a buck and was packing it out and it had been freezing rain. I rolled off the mountain with my buck on my back and twisted my back really bad once. I crawled to the trail and another pair of folks happen to hunt by. He carried my pack out for me as I limped along behind.
I rolled a log I was straddled one time. Killed my camera but I was fine.
Was standing next to a creek and the next thing I knew I was face first in it. Bank gave way. It was about a 10 foot drop. I had a 100 pound pack on. That was more than just refreshing.
Those are just a few examples, and no, I wouldn't really consider myself a clutze. I suppose the country I hunt I am just one step from disaster at all times.
Don't go hunting with this guy :chuckle:
I have a SPOT messenger as my current buddy. Would not be opposed to a partner, but not many out there that match my philosophies on life in general.
Post by: addicted2hunting on January 05, 2013, 11:27:45 AM
Post by: supagoose on January 17, 2013, 10:46:36 PM
http://elk101.com/2011/08/solo-elk-hunting/ (http://elk101.com/2011/08/solo-elk-hunting/)
i hunt alone because iti either have people who dont have any motivation at all (which is impossible to work with) or they have no skills at all (which i feel like im baby sitting) but they have motivation. ive hunted with people who tell me they are big bad but spend the entire hunt complaining. i cant get them do anything and theyre the first to give up. example we chased a bull elk for a week on the second to last day we see him across the the mountain about 1mile. he's seprated from his cows he's at the bottom and his cows are at the top. i look at my partners i said lets go perfect oppertunity. they look at me and say its too far and we're tired. im like wtf its 8 am and we've only walk 500yds from spike camp. all they want to do is set in camp and ask me why we arent seeing anything. with no skills i find it easier to work with becuase theyll do everthing i tell them but i spend the entire hunt making sure they dotn get themselve or me into trouble and im pretty much hunting for them.
Post by: addicted2hunting on January 18, 2013, 03:11:11 PM
A person learns more about themselves being alone in the mountains than one can imagine. Mental toughness, self confidence, patience, and facing adversity are just some of what traits I learned about myself while hunting alone. - Tony Mudd
http://elk101.com/2011/08/solo-elk-hunting/ (http://elk101.com/2011/08/solo-elk-hunting/)
i hunt alone because iti either have people who dont have any motivation at all (which is impossible to work with) or they have no skills at all (which i feel like im baby sitting) but they have motivation. ive hunted with people who tell me they are big bad but spend the entire hunt complaining. i cant get them do anything and theyre the first to give up. example we chased a bull elk for a week on the second to last day we see him across the the mountain about 1mile. he's seprated from his cows he's at the bottom and his cows are at the top. i look at my partners i said lets go perfect oppertunity. they look at me and say its too far and we're tired. im like wtf its 8 am and we've only walk 500yds from spike camp. all they want to do is set in camp and ask me why we arent seeing anything. with no skills i find it easier to work with becuase theyll do everthing i tell them but i spend the entire hunt making sure they dotn get themselve or me into trouble and im pretty much hunting for them.
Good example.
Post by: Fishhuntmike on January 18, 2013, 07:09:56 PM
I've hunted solo 90% of the time in the last 30 years. An exception to this is when going out of state to share the cost with a friend. I enjoy the personal spiritual experience of hunting and feel this is best accomplished without distractions. Sometimes it's just hard to find a partner that has the same personality and skill mix, which is part of the reason I go solo.
When I do get the right hunting partner I'm pretty happy about it. I've had a few in the past that have ended up inviting others or have taken others without me to the spots I took them.
Mike
Post by: follow maggie on January 19, 2013, 06:17:42 PM
Post by: supagoose on January 19, 2013, 09:15:20 PM
I go it alone always, for a couple a couple reasons: 1- I like it. 2- I don't have friends who hunt. 3- before I ditched my friends who hunted, I was the only one with any gear- tent, camper, whatever- and I got sick of of always having to do all the scouting by myself, getting the gear ready by myself, cleaning the gear afterwards by myself, listening to the complaining about showing up on opening day and not shooting anything, on and on. Going solo is so much better, I've never looked back.
im right there with you i know how you feel. ive had them tell me you could never've done it without me or us.
Post by: RadSav on January 19, 2013, 09:41:47 PM
One day he showed up in camp about two hours after first light of opening day with a big grin on his face. I asked, "What's that big grin on your face?" He told me he had shot a spike on the way in to camp and was finally going to watch me pack out his animal for once. When I told him I had just stuck a big 7X7 his smile disappeared and he softly said, "Well, I guess we have a lot of work to do don't we."
If you can find a hunting partner that thinks the way you do, hunts the way you do and is willing to work as hard as you do there is no better way to experience the back country. But in the 20+ years since Channon and I hunted together I have not found another like him. They are a rare find. I'd rather hunt the back country by myself than not have just the right partner. That doesn't mean I don't have hunting partners I enjoy hunting with. Just that when it comes to the back country I prefer to go solo. Even though these days tagging a big bull is out of the question by myself. The mind wants to, but the body just can not do it anymore. Plus, anymore I expect I'm the one a good back country partner would complain about.
Post by: coyote_out on January 20, 2013, 08:12:03 PM
I really enjoy being solo. I don't really have any lonliness issues and I found that by the third day I was in a groove and felt like I could stay out forever.
:yeah: