Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: Huntergal on October 14, 2013, 12:21:51 PM

Title: Lesson learned- Got stuck
Post by: Huntergal on October 14, 2013, 12:21:51 PM: Well have an exciting day yesterday. The Fire Fighter breakfast was a hit. I left early about 10am. Went deer hunting and not a sole around. Did not see one truck. I went in a road I have not been on in 2 years. There was allot of logging on this side so I explored for hours. Al lot on foot. Not a deer to be found. I found a road I have never been on. As I was driving down the road that was going down hill for miles. :bash: ((mind you I drive a Dodge Ram 1500 2 wheel drive)). I had warning bells going off in my head but I did not heed it. Finally got to the bottom of the hill and it was a sloppy mess of other peoples trucks turning around. Well I got stuck down there. Not a sole around. Thinking of what I can do. I dug, used sticks and rocks but not happening. Finally I gave up and (at least I had cell coverage) called My fire fighter friend that also does search and rescue. About that time some people drove down this road and it happen to be 2 of the guys I would see and talk with for for years of hunting there. But they did not have a way to help me but they kept tabs on me while my friend was on his way to help. I am so embarrassed. I have NEVER gotten stuff before. Will hear this for a very long time at the fire hall. Anyway my friend came and got me out and made sure I made it up the hill and home. Lesson learned....Bring a tow chain and shove. I was set if I had to camp there. Had sleeping bag, food, water, guns, stove. But never thought I would get stuck.
My friend asked why I hunt alone? He also told me I am lucky no pervs came down that road. I have no one around that likes to hunt. Most people around here road hunt. I do not. And from now on I am going to pack hubby's 38. You can't stop me from hunting, yes hubby is worried about me all the time but I just can't stop.
What else should I bring for the truck for elk hunting??? I have tire chains.
Title: Re: Lesson learned- Got stuck
Post by: Bob33 on October 14, 2013, 12:26:00 PM: "Lesson learned....Bring a tow chain and shove."

I'm not sure I could shove a truck up a hill. :chuckle:

I once got stuck 21 miles off of highway 101. I hiked / jogged out.
Title: Re: Lesson learned- Got stuck
Post by: jackmaster on October 14, 2013, 12:28:33 PM: i would throw a come along in there, it will get you out most of the time, it might be slow but it works great and easy for one person, just make sure you throw a jacket on the cable somewhere towards the middle incase it snaps when its piss tight, good luck i am glad all worked out, how come your hubby doesnt hunt with you, i would love it if my wife got into huntn :tup:
Title: Re: Lesson learned- Got stuck
Post by: Curly on October 14, 2013, 12:56:32 PM: Quote from: Huntergal on October 14, 2013, 12:21:51 PM
What else should I bring for the truck for elk hunting??? I have tire chains.

1. come-along
2. chain saw (or at least a good hand saw)
3. your husband
Title: Re: Lesson learned- Got stuck
Post by: ELKBURGER on October 14, 2013, 12:57:20 PM: You could consider a winch on your truck. A comealong for sure. I would also consider a higher capacity pistol.
Keep at it! Love hearing about women hunting. Wish my wife enjoyed getting out.
Title: Re: Lesson learned- Got stuck
Post by: boneaddict on October 14, 2013, 01:11:51 PM: Pretty much everything recommended so far and possibly a highlift jack. I use a comealong and a log chain. Need to be able to reach that big fir.
Title: Re: Lesson learned- Got stuck
Post by: Mike450r on October 14, 2013, 01:15:12 PM: I will add to everything recommended a 4 wheel drive truck. Your come along and tow chains won't get used as much but rather they will just be added sense of security.
Title: Re: Lesson learned- Got stuck
Post by: Easy-E on October 14, 2013, 01:57:25 PM: If you don't get a 4 wheel drive then at least consider putting a limited slip rear differential. I've seen trucks do amazing things locked up: they went places in 2 wheel drive that I could not go in 4 wheel drive.
Title: Re: Lesson learned- Got stuck
Post by: Southpole on October 14, 2013, 02:03:36 PM: I'm glad everything turned out okay, but you definitely need to get better geared up to get yourself out of a predicament like getting stuck. I'm guilty of leaving the house with nothing to pull myself out as well, so I really shouldn't preach. The only thing saving me is I'm usually driving a rig with 4 wheel drive. Like Huntergal, I too hunt alone. Yes, the hubby worries, but it's not like I'm a 6 year old child out alone in the woods, I'm a grown up that has experience and some common sense being out by myself (also armed). Also, a lot of the time he can't come along because he's stuck at work. If I waited on him to come with me I would never get to go hunting. :'( ...just make sure you tell someone where and when you go. ;)
Title: Re: Lesson learned- Got stuck
Post by: Goldeneye on October 14, 2013, 02:04:15 PM: Quote from: Huntergal on October 14, 2013, 12:21:51 PM

What else should I bring for the truck for elk hunting??? I have tire chains.

The tire chains will help for traction in the mud. If you get in that situation ever again an option is to put the chains on. I'm not saying they will get you out, but they give you a little more chance to grab some traction in the slop.
Title: Re: Lesson learned- Got stuck
Post by: LndShrk on October 14, 2013, 02:05:33 PM: Consider writing up a trip plan and leaving it with someone. Inform them of your time of depart and return and the "allowable" absence time. Then you must stick to that. :tup:
It is good that you had coverage but what if you didn't?
I would consider a SPOT satellite messenger or a PLB device.
Title: Re: Lesson learned- Got stuck
Post by: runamuk on October 14, 2013, 02:31:50 PM: I hunted alone pretty much always for the first 2 years. I got my truck stuck a couple times managed to get it unstuck but a winch or come along would have made it easier. I learned to keep blankets and extra water and some sort of snacks at my truck after the hypothermia incident. I appear a bit of a wimp to the average person but I am determined and push myself way past where I should when out there, I know this so just roll with it. Even this weekend I went out with others but mostly hunted off by myself other than the other pumpkins. I never count on cell service and always have a plan for what to do if I got stuck out there for real.

I understand hunting alone and that was some of the best experiences I had when I did hunt with now ex I hated it he made too much noise his gun was always ending up pointed at me and I basically did not feel the freedom to chase a game trail and then find a new way back where I started. Hunting alone you can where you want for as long as you want and don't have to stop chasing down something interesting to meet back at a truck.

I am single basically so dont have to report to anyone I dont choose to, so none of the spousal unit worries even apply any more.
Title: Re: Lesson learned- Got stuck
Post by: PlateauNDN on October 14, 2013, 02:37:27 PM: 4wd with a winch and chains. A plan and possibly a hunting partner?
Title: Re: Lesson learned- Got stuck
Post by: RadSav on October 14, 2013, 02:40:39 PM: I've got 4 wheel drive and still always have chains with me from early archery season till seasons are over. Just never know. I love hunting by myself so I can't say anything bad about that - sounds great!

Had the same thing happen to me before getting the 4X4 and before cell phones. I made chains out of blackberry briars. They worked pretty well! I've also used chain from a dog leash more than once. Small price to pay to get some alone time in the woods. Sounds like you were prepared for everything, but what happened. Not a lot of folks would have been that well prepared.

Life is pretty boring when all goes as planned. It's those little mishaps and the stories that go with them you remember. And they make us better prepared for our future adventures :tup: As long as nobody gets hurt it's all good.
Title: Re: Lesson learned- Got stuck
Post by: DoubleJ on October 14, 2013, 02:49:41 PM: Quote from: RadSav on October 14, 2013, 02:40:39 PM

Life is pretty boring when all goes as planned. It's those little mishaps and the stories that go with them you remember. And they make us better prepared for our future adventures :tup: As long as nobody gets hurt it's all good.

Next time you cuss about something, I'm gonna remind you of this quote :chuckle:
Title: Re: Lesson learned- Got stuck
Post by: RadSav on October 14, 2013, 02:54:30 PM: Quote from: DoubleJ on October 14, 2013, 02:49:41 PM
Quote from: RadSav on October 14, 2013, 02:40:39 PM

Life is pretty boring when all goes as planned. It's those little mishaps and the stories that go with them you remember. And they make us better prepared for our future adventures :tup: As long as nobody gets hurt it's all good.

Next time you cuss about something, I'm gonna remind you of this quote :chuckle:

Does not apply to paying taxes and getting harassed by the Department of Commerce because I donated to the Republican ;)
Title: Re: Lesson learned- Got stuck
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on October 14, 2013, 03:40:29 PM: I hunted for 4 years in a 2wd Ranger. Nothing wrong with hunting with 2wd. You just need to know your limitations and be prepared in the event you get stuck. I hunt alone about 80% of the time but I always let some one know where I am and when I will be back home.
Title: Re: Lesson learned- Got stuck
Post by: Huntergal on October 14, 2013, 04:03:06 PM: Thanks for your input. I will get a tow chain, shovel and a come along. Limited slip rear differential I will have to look into this (have no clue what this is). I am always packed just in case I decide to stay out or if I get a deer to late or am too tried to drive.
Well, I can't afford a 4x4. Funds are tight as I can't work. Hubby was never into hunting and really hates too sit around while I hunt. Tried that long ago. Been married 25 years.
I like hunting with guys and have hunted with some guys a very long time ago( that hubby has met). I just have not found anyone I can trust with my safety and personal space . So I hunt alone not because I wish it but because there is no other way. I do let hubby know where I will be.
I hope to meet some people during elk season at Winston ...Maybe someone will take me under their wings as this will be my 1st elk season alone. Maybe I can find a hunting partner. If not.... I will be there with a big smile on my face doing what I love and have dreamed of doing. I would love to get my 1st bull, if I don't I will have the experience of just being there and make the best of it.
Title: Re: Lesson learned- Got stuck
Post by: ELKBURGER on October 15, 2013, 08:54:12 AM: I think we can all agree when you have a passion for something you do your best with what you got. Keep up the great attitude!
Title: Re: Lesson learned- Got stuck
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on October 15, 2013, 09:18:28 AM: "I had warning bells going off in my head but I did not heed it." :chuckle:.... Trust me this is a surefire and cheap method of staying out of trouble. :tup: Lotsa good advice on here. The only thing I would add, is the tools are only as effective as the operator. Knowledge of operation and capability is important, some of them can be downright dangerous if not used correctly, come-alongs, and highlift jacks come to mind.
Title: Re: Lesson learned- Got stuck
Post by: KFhunter on October 15, 2013, 09:21:44 AM: I used to hunt with a 2wd - got stuck 100's of times it seems like in that rig :chuckle:

No one mentioned putting weight in the back of the truck, that'll help a bunch and it's free!
Stack the weight all the way back to the tailgate, it'll transfer weight off the front wheels and load that back axle.
Sand bags work very well. For icy winter driving move the weight just forward of the rear axle - very important.

The best thing you can do is probably stick a winch on the back bumper.
99% of the time when I got stuck it was from a situation where I needed to back up, not go forward.
Title: Re: Lesson learned- Got stuck
Post by: boneaddict on October 15, 2013, 09:42:27 AM: 4 wd just means you get stuck deeper. :chuckle:

I am glad life situations haven't deterred you away from your passion.
Title: Re: Lesson learned- Got stuck
Post by: 12Gauge on October 15, 2013, 09:49:10 AM: Been there done that and got the T-shirt.

Now I am more prepared, 4x4, with a winch, shovel, axe, 20' chains x2. Next to purchase are a couple of snatch blocks.

But more importantly know your vehicles limitations.
Title: Re: Lesson learned- Got stuck
Post by: jackmaster on October 15, 2013, 09:54:19 AM: i think there are a few other women on here that are in the same boat as you when it comes to huntn partner wise, you might be able to hook up with one of them and presto you have a huntn partner and your hubby doesnt have to worry about you being alone or huntn with a male partner. you definatly have the right attitude for huntn thats for sure, when your elk huntn in the winston there will be plenty of people around thats for sure, it gets hit pretty hard so if you whack one help will most likely be available i would imagine, hell all you would have to do is post up in here that you need help and it will happen, seen many times on this fine huntn site :tup:
Title: Re: Lesson learned- Got stuck
Post by: runamuk on October 15, 2013, 10:02:59 AM: I am not sure if Jenny is deer hunting this fall or just duck hunting but she is in the Lakewood area so might be someone to PM and hook up with. There was another gal who was that direction and I cannot think of her handle on here at the moment but I know she was also looking for a partner. I am in Eburg but used to hunt that area(mason/grays harbor/thurston counties from around lake cushman to westport, public and timber company lands....I lived in the Capital forest when I started out...and I mean I owned a house on land basically surrounded by the forest so had lots of daily access now I have to drive a bit to get to my grounds and all the wetsiders fill my normally quiet forests dont feel real alone out there.
Title: Re: Lesson learned- Got stuck
Post by: snowpack on October 16, 2013, 05:10:45 PM: air compressor, when you are sinking in that kind of mud you can lower the air pressure to drive out. Then air back up when out of the mud hole.