Post by: Jloether13 on June 11, 2013, 08:44:13 PM
I plan on taking a day pack, gun, water, compass etc. any "must haves" to carry in the woods round these parts or advice for the new guy?
Post by: lostbackpacker on June 11, 2013, 08:57:51 PM
Post by: cvandervort on June 11, 2013, 09:03:38 PM
Post by: Jloether13 on June 11, 2013, 09:06:52 PM
Post by: Skillet on June 11, 2013, 09:16:44 PM
Post by: Jloether13 on June 12, 2013, 06:23:26 AM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on June 12, 2013, 06:31:56 AM
I'm from PA, I've hunted there and MO. Those states are remarkably similar once you step into the wood line. Major diffrences between there and here are..... Oh I don't know.... just the flora and the fauna. the animals and their habitat. but im persistant, ill figure it out. I'll check out the green trail maps. Thanks
I major difference is the weather, out here it can snow in any month with the right weather pattern and elevation. I have been snowed on before in the summer, and if you are packing light for warm temps you can be hypothermic really fast.
I use NOAA weather to keep myself honest about theses things. Link below for DuPont, Wa. It's easy to select other areas.
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=47.0967638&lon=-122.63123910000002&site=all&smap=1&searchresult=DuPont%2C%20WA%2C%20USA#.Ubh4DMu9KSM (http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=47.0967638&lon=-122.63123910000002&site=all&smap=1&searchresult=DuPont%2C%20WA%2C%20USA#.Ubh4DMu9KSM)
Post by: Jloether13 on June 13, 2013, 06:19:40 AM
Post by: ICEMAN on June 13, 2013, 06:43:17 AM
When in new territory to me, I take my altimeter, compass and good map. Old school.
Also, take extra firestarting tinder etc...the Olympics are a pretty damp mossy place and getting a fire started if you need can be a horrible experience.
Good luck, stay safe, let some responsible adult know your plan and route.
EDIT: Jloether13, regarding survival fire starting in the PNW, here is a link to an article I wrote in 2004 on this exact subject, check it out: http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,16151.msg182619.html#msg182619 (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,16151.msg182619.html#msg182619)
Post by: jackmaster on June 13, 2013, 06:48:31 AM
Post by: bmccalister on June 13, 2013, 03:47:42 PM
Post by: Jloether13 on June 14, 2013, 07:52:23 PM
Super psyche to ge out in the woods this sat.
Thanks for all the feedback
Post by: Jloether13 on June 16, 2013, 07:16:06 AM
So what did I do right and what did I do wrong?
+ Wel my initiall map recon and staying on corse in the woods was spot on. And that felt like no small feat considering the terrain. Had all the nessasary supplies I could have needed.
- my pack was toooooooo heavy. Al I could think of the whole day was, well besides where are all the deer was how can I make this pack lighter? First of all I could not taken the giant binos. Didn't use them once.
So I did see 2 deer. Not sure what kind. Mule deer I guess? No bone. Kept my eyes open for sheds as well. Is their a particular place to find sheds? Perhaps my hopes were too high after seeing such good shed finds on here.
Also what is the bear threat? I carried my 44 and wasn't worried or scared about the furry critters but I felt like they could be around every turn. I've read on here they are not really an issue. I like to think that's the case. I felt like I was deep in the woods and they could easily have been lurking.
Post by: ICEMAN on June 16, 2013, 07:35:17 AM
Glad you made it back. I have not found many blacktail sheds over the years. Some guys on here are pretty good at finding them.
Bear attack threat is what it is. I feel it is low, but we did have a member on here within the last two weeks take a bear charge as a serious threat (point blank) and get a shot at the bear. He felt he wounded it...the bear bailed. I have always considered the threat low, maybe I walk to noisily....who knows...
Post by: wilsongideon on June 16, 2013, 08:17:52 AM
Post by: Forks on June 16, 2013, 09:21:18 AM
Post by: Hilltop123 on June 16, 2013, 10:31:47 AM
Post by: washelkhunter on June 16, 2013, 11:30:52 AM
Post by: bmccalister on June 16, 2013, 03:43:48 PM
Bears in the wilderness are not that bad as long as you hang your food at night. They like to keep their distance. The bears I have had issues with are the ones that live close to town. They seem to loose some of their fear of people. But like you I carry a side arm just in-case one gets a little too close for comfort.
Good luck with your hunt.
Post by: huntnnw on June 18, 2013, 05:34:04 AM