Post by: Hectocotylus on August 17, 2015, 11:04:15 PM
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Post by: JimmyHoffa on August 17, 2015, 11:12:02 PM
Post by: HUNTaHOLIC5 on August 17, 2015, 11:36:03 PM
Post by: Bean Counter on August 18, 2015, 12:12:48 AM
Post by: Firedogg on August 18, 2015, 12:27:22 AM
Post by: Special T on August 18, 2015, 12:38:34 AM
Post by: RadSav on August 18, 2015, 02:34:50 AM
As far as creatures in the dark? I only get nervous when I'm getting close to the truck. That's where I'm most likely to run into those creepy two legged night dwellers. I don't care much for them! Had a few cougars track me through the woods, but that's about it. I never worry about bear down here.
Post by: huntnnw on August 18, 2015, 02:51:26 AM
Post by: IBspoiled on August 18, 2015, 03:19:52 AM
Post by: IBspoiled on August 18, 2015, 03:37:13 AM
Post by: boneaddict on August 18, 2015, 04:55:24 AM
Post by: JJB11B on August 18, 2015, 05:15:49 AM
Post by: rasbo on August 18, 2015, 05:21:16 AM
Post by: jasnt on August 18, 2015, 05:59:01 AM
Post by: RadSav on August 18, 2015, 06:17:22 AM
Not gonna lie here, I am a little uneasy in the dark when I am not armed to the teeth
I didn't start carrying a flashlight until I got married. I absolutely love walking in the dark. Cool, peaceful, seems quieter and I seem to be able to walk further and faster if on trail. If course with getting older comes loss of low light vision. So I can't do it like I did when I was young.
I miss those days! I'd walk right up on deer, elk and bear. They wouldn't know what I was until I was practically on top of them. One bear I jumped in the same spot, same ditch same time three nights in a row. Like having a 300# grouse come out from under your feet. Great fun if you just relax and enjoy it.
The cats do freak me out a little. As do those darn owls that nock your hat off. They can hit you rather hard sometimes! Glad they never sunk any talons into my scalp. The worst was almost stepping on a skunk on a really dark evening. I never did see him, but he sure gave my pant leg a dosing :o
Post by: RadSav on August 18, 2015, 06:24:12 AM
I have been in some country that once it gets dark you better be to a trail or know exactly where you are to get out. Areas with lots of drop offs,slides and cliffs its not smart to be finding your way out in that stuff best to sleep there.
Had a friend in NY walk off a cliff trying to get in on some turkeys before light. That's pretty darn dark!! Spent two weeks in the hospital. He said that Christmas he got about a dozen flashlights with red lenses :chuckle:
Post by: D-Rock425 on August 18, 2015, 06:27:15 AM
Post by: boneaddict on August 18, 2015, 07:29:24 AM
Post by: blindluck on August 18, 2015, 10:11:36 AM
Post by: Bob33 on August 18, 2015, 10:14:16 AM
Post by: Bean Counter on August 18, 2015, 10:21:49 AM
I always carry a 22 for protection from bears and cougars, If one is going to attack shoot your buddy in the leg then run.
:lol4:
Just spit my coffee out!
Post by: quadrafire on August 18, 2015, 10:27:22 AM
I used them tacks to mark my way in and out that glow when light hits them,caution don't put them side by side with a 3 inch gap,holy moly batman,I about freaked when them two beady eyes were staring at me,,lol when not using them keep the light from messing with your eyes and use the gpsRasbo that is Hilarious :chuckle:
Post by: 7mmfan on August 18, 2015, 10:28:23 AM
More importantly, time spent in the woods, in the area you're hunting, learning and remembering landmarks and way points is critical. If you don't know your way around, having 100 lights in your pack is no help. Don't program yourself to rely on lights and a gps to find your way out, because all electronics fail at some point.
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on August 18, 2015, 10:32:36 AM
I have been in some country that once it gets dark you better be to a trail or know exactly where you are to get out. Areas with lots of drop offs,slides and cliffs its not smart to be finding your way out in that stuff best to sleep there. I carry my head lamp plus a small flashlight and have my iphone in caseMy favorite places to hunt usually involve threading between rimrocks and canyons to get into a roadless canyon. I GPS my track in during daylight, and follow it back out; if I lost my GPS, I would have to spend the night out, but otherwise I just use the backtrack feature. Headlamp, mini maglight, GPS and spare batteries for all is a must. It is 1lb well worth the weight - but not a substitute for being prepared to spend a night out (wool hat and gloves, space blanket or throw-away plastic painter's tarp, extra fleece layer, fire starter)
Post by: bearpaw on August 18, 2015, 10:32:53 AM
When out on nights with no moon it can be very dark, I know that I can't see anything on those types of nights especially if it's cloudy and in heavy cover when star light is mostly non-existent. I've learned a few things about these nights the hard way. Carry a headlamp and extra batteries in your pack instead of a flashlight so you don't have to carry a flashlight with one hand. If for some reason you don't have a light find yourself a good walking stick about 6 or 7 feet long and use it just like a blind person uses their walking stick. Let the stick be your eyes so you don't walk off a drop off, stumble over a big rock or log, or walk into a standing tree. I've done all those things and it's not fun, thankfully I never fallen too far or hit my head too hard.
Another major consideration is protecting your eyes, especially if you don't have a light. Twice I've had to see a doctor and get medication and an eye patch due to brush scratching my eyes badly while walking out in the darkness. If riding horses I've learned to hold one arm in front of my eyes when riding through brush and I've found that the same thing works well when walking through heavy brush in the dark. Just hold an arm in front of your eyes and go for it. Since aging I've had to start wearing glasses, they are a hassle to wear but a real benefit for protecting your eyes in the brush.
Animals
As a rule you get much closer to animals with less care required at night. I don't really understand why animals feel safer at night, that's when most predators are at their highest activity level. For the most part these predators are afraid of humans, especially in areas where they get hunted. But there are exceptions to every rule it seems. Black bear and cougar are less likely to be fearful of humans in parks or wilderness areas where they have not experienced hunting pressure. If confronted by a predator raise your arms and holler loudly, do not run or act in fear, my experience (so far) is that wild animals will turn tail and run.
Wolf Country
Wolves are said to prey test, I know this happens with cattle, horses, and even humans. Wolves will sit and watch or flank you while you walk, eventually they may approach closer and closer as if only interested in watching you. But in reality at least part of the time they must be wondering what would happen if they try to eat you because there are documented wolf attacks and in many cases these attacks have occurred after it was noted that the wolves had watched their prey prior to attacking. Wolf interactions have not happened to me yet, but have happened to my son several times in Idaho prior to when wolves were hunted and to other hunters I know, especially hound hunters at night. The wolves will flank you at 50 to 100 yards, you get glimpses of them and often they will howl or bark at you. When people get flanked by wolves at night it can change their opinion of wolves. I think it's important to note that since wolves have been hunted in Idaho my son has not been flanked by wolves and I have not heard of it happening to other hunters as often.
Hirshey had a close call while deer hunting in north central WA a couple years ago and my neighbor had a close call while elk hunting in Stevens County last fall, both during the daylight. My neighbor had wolves flanking him and one wolf charged from behind, he heard it approaching, turned fast and made a quick shot wounding the wolf as it leaped at him, it ran off, but the other wolves flanked him all they way off the mountain. He told me the story himself, it scared the heck out of him. He took F&W to the spot, they did find blood and a piece of wolf flesh, but no dead wolf, it's all documented, it happened, it's not heresay.
Grizzly Country
This will be an increasing problem in Washington, it's already a major concern in parts of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. These are big predators and do not always fear man, especially in the lower 48 where they are not hunted. I have friends who have a cabin near Glacier Park, they see grizzly tracks and the bears often. They avoid them and they do not wander around at night in that country. They always carry a gun or pepper spray.
My advice: "Do not go into known wolf or grizzly country unarmed without a gun or pepper spray any time of day or night!"
If you carry a GPS always mark the location of your vehicle before you head up the mountain! :tup:
If you don't carry a GPS there are apps for phones such as "Trimble" that work nearly as good as a GPS.
I learned to find my way by keeping track of mountains, landmark features, and using the sun/moon, I sort of have a natural built in compass, I'm not sure all these electronics are good for developing one self into a real self reliant woodsman? :dunno:
I almost forgot to mention, always carry a lighter or waterproof matches and some type of fire starter, and a small first aid kit! We are required by law to carry a compact first aid kit while guiding. I usually add extra band aids, neosporin, and pain reliever, I've had to use my first aid kit on numerous occasions. I've also used the lighter and firestarter on numerous occasions to warm up in cold conditions. Remember, old rotten trees and stumps are good places to get easy dry wood. Once the fire is going good you can add wet wood.
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on August 18, 2015, 10:43:06 AM
Trails: Know where the USFS, cut outfitter trails, and pronounced game trails are in the area you hunt. If you used them to get in to where you hunt, use them to get out. Sometimes this takes a bit of navigation to get back to these little mountain roads after Barney Bull has dragged you into the netherlands but well worth the time as opposed to busting brush straight to camp or where you parked your truck. Do the breadcrumb thing if the trail(s) you came in on are not marked on your GPS so you know where they are. Can't stress this enough. It is no fun heading "due south" to the road, camp, etc. and crawling through a 1/4 mile wall of 10' high alder brush. A straight line out is not often the shortest way to where you wish to go in the elk woods.
Compass: I'm a huge map and compass fan. A compass in your pocket, tied to a beltloop, is your best friend when doing much of your woodsy navigation. I use my GPS to mark trails, wallows, meadows, kill sites, trails, water points, bigfoot scat, etc., etc., but mostly use my compass to get from here to there.
Headlamp w/xtra batteries: Yep and yep.
Make noise: You're not hunting when you are getting out after dark so feel free to make a bit of noise. I'm not talking singing Lady Gaga's Pu-Pu-Pu-Pu-Pu-Pu-Pu-Pu Poker Face at the top of your lungs, but a bit of talking and smacking the brush around a bit with a walking stick lets the critters around the corner know you're coming.
Caution: Yah, you're tired and want to get back to the camp/truck for the evening meal but take your time. Moving too quickly in the dark when you're beat down can result in a mis-step, a trip, fall, etc. and a twisted ankle or much worse. Take your time and get out safe.
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on August 18, 2015, 10:48:14 AM
My advice: "Do not go into known wolf or grizzly country unarmed without a gun or pepper spray any time of day or night!"
If you carry a GPS always mark the location of your vehicle before you head up the mountain! :tup:
If you don't carry a GPS there are apps for phones such as "Trimble" that work nearly as good as a GPS.
I learned to find my way by keeping track of mountains, landmark features, and using the sun/moon, I sort of have a natural built in compass, I'm not sure all these electronics are good for developing one self into a real self reliant woodsman? :dunno:
Two good points there. When we sheep hunted outside Yellowstone in Wyoming, we were never alone in the field - two minimum (e.g., final stalks), otherwise 3. The permittee's rifle is for sheep, the companion's gun is for protection, and everyone carries bear spray. Packing out a ram, the permittee carries head, cape and a firearm, the other two split the meat load. Again, all three carry pepper spray all the time.
I agree that it is a mistake to depend on electronics. They are a good tool, but not a crutch, and not a substitute for woodsmanship. I also carry a map and compass, because that's how I hunted for 20 years before I ever carried a phone, GPS, or flashlight.
Post by: Jonathan_S on August 18, 2015, 11:03:44 AM
One really nice thing about a GPS is when I am scouting and crunched for time, I like to dive into the woods and not have to look at anything but the ground for sign. Of course I still have a map, compass, batteries and a general understanding of roads/rivers/mountains
Post by: Stein on August 18, 2015, 11:04:03 AM
Last year, I shot an antelope about 10 minutes before legal close of the day. Got it dressed, quartered and loaded on the game cart and took off in the direction I knew the truck to be. Every few minutes hit the horizon with my flashlight expecting to see the truck reflectors.
Then, I pulled my compass out of my pocket and was headed 180 degrees from the truck. I stood there trying to make the needle go the right direction before I remembered the "trust your compass" rule. Yep, 180 in the wrong direction and I was convinced the compass was wrong until I saw the truck.
Post by: JimmyHoffa on August 18, 2015, 11:09:22 AM
Post by: bearpaw on August 18, 2015, 11:10:34 AM
Check you compass early and often.
Last year, I shot an antelope about 10 minutes before legal close of the day. Got it dressed, quartered and loaded on the game cart and took off in the direction I knew the truck to be. Every few minutes hit the horizon with my flashlight expecting to see the truck reflectors.
Then, I pulled my compass out of my pocket and was headed 180 degrees from the truck. I stood there trying to make the needle go the right direction before I remembered the "trust your compass" rule. Yep, 180 in the wrong direction and I was convinced the compass was wrong until I saw the truck.
Nice thing about a compass, the batteries never go dead! :chuckle:
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on August 18, 2015, 11:11:25 AM
Good thread folks!
Post by: Hectocotylus on August 18, 2015, 11:13:22 AM
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Post by: Jonathan_S on August 18, 2015, 11:16:36 AM
Wow thanks for all the stories guys, guess just pack a headlamp and flashlight and man up!
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It's okay to have a pucker factor now and again. Makes you that much happier for shooting hours :chuckle:
A few years back while hiking to a spot during an elk archery hunt...it was about 0300 I heard a cat yowl up on the side of a ridge maybe 150 yards away. I was hiking by the starlight. I think I peed a little but I never confirmed that.
Post by: Bob33 on August 18, 2015, 11:18:03 AM
So…do you use a sundial rather than a watch? Do you tow an extra vehicle in case your truck dies 10 miles from the highway? Do you not take a flashlight?
Can batteries die? Solution: carry an extra set.
Can a GPS break? Yes. I’ve never had it happen, but it can. If I’m going into a life and death situation, I’ll probably take two. They weigh 7 ounces each.
I take a compass, and know how to use it. But compasses can fail, break, and get lost also.
I think most people don’t like GPS units because they don’t know how to use them.
Post by: Jonathan_S on August 18, 2015, 11:20:01 AM
The mantra “it’s electronic – it can fail” gets a little overdone. I have friends who won’t use a GPS because “they’re electronic and can fail”.
So…do you use a sundial rather than a watch? Do you tow an extra vehicle in case your truck dies 10 miles from the highway? Do you not take a flashlight?
Can batteries die? Solution: carry an extra set.
Can a GPS break? Yes. I’ve never had it happen, but it can. If I’m going into a life and death situation, I’ll probably take two. They weigh 7 ounces each.
I take a compass, and know how to use it. But compasses can fail, break, and get lost also.
I think most people don’t like GPS units because they don’t know how to use them.
:yeah: my compass is a lot more fragile than my GPS
Post by: bobcat on August 18, 2015, 11:28:49 AM
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on August 18, 2015, 11:36:47 AM
Post by: fisheral87 on August 18, 2015, 12:11:06 PM
So if you are being trailed/flanked by wolves, what is the play? Stand and resist the prey test?
I like the Lady Gaga idea, everything within ear shot would head for the next canyon over.
Al
Post by: Jonathan_S on August 18, 2015, 12:19:09 PM
So if you are being trailed/flanked by wolves, what is the play? Stand and resist the prey test?
I'd also be curious to know that...
I like the Lady Gaga idea, everything within ear shot would head for the next canyon over.
Might attract some unwanted attention...Lady Gaga has a similar fan base to Cher doesn't she? :yike:
Post by: Bob33 on August 18, 2015, 12:31:02 PM
Post by: bearpaw on August 18, 2015, 12:40:40 PM
I've never tried it, but I've heard that if you wear a WDFW badge and tell the wolves you're there to count them, they will silently disappear.
good one :chuckle: :chuckle:
I think knowing the ground is paramount. I don't have a gps, map and compass though.
So if you are being trailed/flanked by wolves, what is the play? Stand and resist the prey test?
I like the Lady Gaga idea, everything within ear shot would head for the next canyon over.
Al
I'm not specifically sure, ask Liam Neeson what works best! :chuckle:
On a more serious note, I would holler at them if they got close, I certainly wouldn't run. One friend got in a tree when he was surrounded by wolves, they hung around a few hours but eventually left.
I know people who shot in the air or ground and that seemed to discourage wolves from coming closer. Not sure how that would work when bowhunting? :chuckle:
Post by: boneaddict on August 18, 2015, 12:43:37 PM
Post by: boneaddict on August 18, 2015, 12:45:57 PM
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on August 18, 2015, 12:57:43 PM
Post by: ghosthunter on August 18, 2015, 12:58:48 PM
The mantra “it’s electronic – it can fail” gets a little overdone. I have friends who won’t use a GPS because “they’re electronic and can fail”.
So…do you use a sundial rather than a watch? Do you tow an extra vehicle in case your truck dies 10 miles from the highway? Do you not take a flashlight?
Can batteries die? Solution: carry an extra set.
Can a GPS break? Yes. I’ve never had it happen, but it can. If I’m going into a life and death situation, I’ll probably take two. They weigh 7 ounces each.
I take a compass, and know how to use it. But compasses can fail, break, and get lost also.
I think most people don’t like GPS units because they don’t know how to use them.
:yeah:
I spend lots of hours during hunting season in the dark on the mountains.
I think the biggest risk is a fall. You can get hurt bad by just tripling over something.
A walking stick is a big help.
I our camp we do not turn off our radios until the last hunter is back in camp.
Nothing better than breaking over that ridge and seeing a well lit camp in the bottom after dark.
like many here I started with a compass and moved to GPS. Still carry both.
For guys new to GPs at least on the Rhino 650, if you change the batteries you have to re-calibrate the compass.
I have taught a lot of guys gps and I try to tell them not to use Track back or Go To.
Because most guys forget to Stop Navigation when they get where they want.
I set my GPS for Track up and just point and walk to my waypoints like camp or truck.
I do use the Route function if I am in a area where going in and out the same way is needed.
Post by: pilebuck on August 18, 2015, 01:57:02 PM
Post by: Bob33 on August 18, 2015, 02:00:25 PM
Black power season:yike:
Post by: JJB11B on August 18, 2015, 02:50:28 PM
I don't mind the dark as long as I have at least a pistolNot gonna lie here, I am a little uneasy in the dark when I am not armed to the teeth
I didn't start carrying a flashlight until I got married. I absolutely love walking in the dark. Cool, peaceful, seems quieter and I seem to be able to walk further and faster if on trail. If course with getting older comes loss of low light vision. So I can't do it like I did when I was young.
I miss those days! I'd walk right up on deer, elk and bear. They wouldn't know what I was until I was practically on top of them. One bear I jumped in the same spot, same ditch same time three nights in a row. Like having a 300# grouse come out from under your feet. Great fun if you just relax and enjoy it.
The cats do freak me out a little. As do those darn owls that nock your hat off. They can hit you rather hard sometimes! Glad they never sunk any talons into my scalp. The worst was almost stepping on a skunk on a really dark evening. I never did see him, but he sure gave my pant leg a dosing :o
Post by: Bean Counter on August 18, 2015, 02:57:07 PM
That's been the past six yearsBlack power season:yike:
(https://sp.yimg.com/ib/th?id=JN.PmJt8vs3cdVx4L1fiV%2fpeQ&pid=15.1&P=0&w=300&h=300)
Post by: JJB11B on August 18, 2015, 03:05:18 PM
I think if that happened to me WDFW would be packing up some dead friggen wolves....I've never tried it, but I've heard that if you wear a WDFW badge and tell the wolves you're there to count them, they will silently disappear.
good one :chuckle: :chuckle:I think knowing the ground is paramount. I don't have a gps, map and compass though.
So if you are being trailed/flanked by wolves, what is the play? Stand and resist the prey test?
I like the Lady Gaga idea, everything within ear shot would head for the next canyon over.
Al
I'm not specifically sure, ask Liam Neeson what works best! :chuckle:
On a more serious note, I would holler at them if they got close, I certainly wouldn't run. One friend got in a tree when he was surrounded by wolves, they hung around a few hours but eventually left.
I know people who shot in the air or ground and that seemed to discourage wolves from coming closer. Not sure how that would work when bowhunting? :chuckle:
Post by: jackmaster on August 18, 2015, 03:05:40 PM
Post by: rickomatic on August 18, 2015, 03:14:40 PM
I believe I've read some threads on here about guys being ticketed for hunting after legal hours because some yahoo WDFW guy saw them, checked their gun, and said if it's loaded, you're hunting. Stupid, I know, especially if you're concerned with safety. Is this just a rural myth? Or is it a possibility?
Post by: Bob33 on August 18, 2015, 03:17:25 PM
One other thing to at least think about when it comes to coming out of the woods in the dark.Of course it's a possibility. How could it not be? What if the person really is hunting?
I believe I've read some threads on here about guys being ticketed for hunting after legal hours because some yahoo WDFW guy saw them, checked their gun, and said if it's loaded, you're hunting. Stupid, I know, especially if you're concerned with safety. Is this just a rural myth? Or is it a possibility?
To eliminate any possibility, unload.
Post by: bobcat on August 18, 2015, 03:36:32 PM
Post by: jasnt on August 18, 2015, 03:51:39 PM
I almost never unload my gun until I get back to my vehicle. I don't want to have to use my gun as a club in self defense, if needed. Could run into a bear, a cougar, or a meth head. I take no chances.same here! It's my right to open carry weather it's dark in the woods or not. Guess innocent till prooven guilty is a myth these days. Luckily I've never had a bad encounter with wdfw and it's pretty rare for me to even see an Leo while hunting or in the woods at all for that matter.
Post by: saylean on August 18, 2015, 07:57:55 PM
Post by: JimmyHoffa on August 18, 2015, 08:03:05 PM
Post by: full strutting on August 18, 2015, 10:15:50 PM
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Post by: pashok23 on August 18, 2015, 11:45:28 PM
All joking aside bears are no joke at nite, I went for a day hike and ended up walking the last 4 miles of gravel road in the pitch black. I heard what I thought was something run away in the brush, no biggy then I heard it again and realized it was coming at me. so i picked up the pace. every time i moved it ran for me untill it reached the side of the road next to me. I yelled profanity really loud and kicked gravel at it in the dark and it ran off. :oCrazy.I would have a panick attack right there
Post by: pilebuck on August 19, 2015, 08:31:29 AM
Post by: tgomez on August 19, 2015, 10:55:06 AM
I'm out a lot at night. I've got some serious stories. Lol. It's when the hair on the back of your neck goes up and you have no idea why.Lol, he's not joking. Part of the reason I pack a pistol now and a headlamp!
Post by: ridgefire on August 19, 2015, 09:00:10 PM
Post by: passing-thru on August 19, 2015, 09:30:40 PM
I used them tacks to mark my way in and out that glow when light hits them,caution don't put them side by side with a 3 inch gap,holy moly batman,I about freaked when them two beady eyes were staring at me,,lol when not using them keep the light from messing with your eyes and use the gps
I also use the tacks if I'm not real familiar with area. cheap , about $2 for 40 at Bi-Mart. Those LED lights are great, but I find them almost to bright. I lose my night vision with them. A good head lamp attached at waist , and flashlight work well for me.
Post by: huntnnw on August 20, 2015, 04:17:34 AM
Post by: jdb on August 20, 2015, 05:03:39 AM
If this makes you feel any better, if a cat is going to eat you, they will do just fine during daylight hours. They really don't need it to be dark. It is unnerving when you know they are there but can't see them, or you do see the demon eyes. That's always fun. I cut up a bear one night in firelight while 50 yards away, a bear ate huckleberries in the moonlight, completely carefree of my presence. He then followed me all the way to my truck with a backpack full of meat on. He hung back about 75 yards or so the whole way. I even fired a shot. He didn't budge.he probably didn't hear that long bow go off!!
Post by: coachcw on August 20, 2015, 06:38:50 AM
Post by: Bofire on August 20, 2015, 09:38:29 AM
Camper lanterns work well too.
Carl
Post by: Jonathan_S on August 20, 2015, 09:54:33 AM
In Fruitland I can walk under the moon easy.
Especially when it's on fire
Post by: Jarhead Chase on August 20, 2015, 01:33:46 PM
A couple of things could have helped:
It was an impromptu hunt, so neither of us had maps or compasses.
I left a lot of my cold weather gear and rain gear at camp in order to decrease my pack load.
I had extra batteries, but these were also left at camp in order to save weight.
We each only had one light on is.
We got lucky. We were cocky, and it could have really cost us.
It was the best venison, and with some more details, it is still my best hunting story to date.
Post by: Bean Counter on August 20, 2015, 01:48:36 PM
Post by: Jarhead Chase on August 20, 2015, 03:30:12 PM
Post by: outdooraddict on August 20, 2015, 06:53:43 PM
Post by: Pete112288 on August 20, 2015, 07:49:55 PM
Post by: Jarhead Chase on August 21, 2015, 05:58:48 AM
I swear I can never work up my nerves to go out too early or stay too late when alone. Even when I get somewhere super early I still get jumpy when sitting in my truck alone on some dead end log road. There have been a couple times that I patterned some animals but just couldn't get myself moving before it started to get light. I had a herd pinned, they pushed through a choke point in the timber half mile from the truck about the same time every day, 10 min or so after daylight in the timber. Several days I tried getting myself there in the dark. It was not an issue with navigation (a skid road lead right to the spot) it was my nerves. I get so freaked out too easily. I had no one at the time to tag along either. Most of the time I would only make it 200 yards till I hit the edge of the timber, then I would start hearing and/or seeing things. It is something I have tried working on over the years and have pushed myself to try and make it work but I always freak out too much. I am not afraid to admit it I turn into a gigantic chicken shi* in the dark alone in the woods. Even with a full moon and clear skies.If you have a good lead on a herd, I, and I am sure plenty of others on here, are more than willing to hike in with you. :D
We would just need to coordinate shots. 8)
Post by: RadSav on August 21, 2015, 06:18:33 AM
I swear I can never work up my nerves to go out too early or stay too late when alone. Even when I get somewhere super early I still get jumpy when sitting in my truck alone on some dead end log road. ... I get so freaked out too easily. I had no one at the time to tag along either. Most of the time I would only make it 200 yards till I hit the edge of the timber, then I would start hearing and/or seeing things. It is something I have tried working on over the years and have pushed myself to try and make it work but I always freak out too much. I am not afraid to admit it I turn into a gigantic chicken shi* in the dark alone in the woods. Even with a full moon and clear skies.
My first solo back country hunt pretty much cured me of being nervous and freaking out. Eight miles in was far enough I wasn't going to run home because of being afraid of the dark. This is before I had a flashlight or head lamp. First night I could hear every demon creature hell bent to attack me in my little bivy tent. Then about 3 AM Yogy poked his head in to take a look see. I about crapped myself :yike:
Took about three days to settle in and feel comfortable. Yogy made a few more late night rummages through my gear. Hunted one day in my sock feet because he stole my left boot. Found it a few days later a little chewed up but usable. Finally killed him one morning at first light. I slept really good that evening :chuckle: Hard to beat your fears if you never pick a fight with them.
From then on the curse was broken. I now sleep better in the woods than I do at home. Even in grizzly country I sleep well and don't worry any more than I do in my bed here at the house.
Post by: skagitsteel on August 25, 2015, 08:42:19 PM
Post by: 3nails on August 25, 2015, 08:46:07 PM
I am alone 90% of the time I venture out into the backcountry, I am hiking in our out of the backcountry in the dark almost every time I go out. The only time I have been nervous was when I got trailed by a cat in the dark, other than that I just got used to itYou are alone because nobody is stupid enough to go that far with you and you are used to it because you don't have a choice!!! :lol4:
Post by: shanevg on August 25, 2015, 09:17:32 PM
I am alone 90% of the time I venture out into the backcountry, I am hiking in our out of the backcountry in the dark almost every time I go out. The only time I have been nervous was when I got trailed by a cat in the dark, other than that I just got used to itYou are alone because nobody is stupid enough to go that far with you and you are used to it because you don't have a choice!!! :lol4:
Hey - I can go with him! :)
Post by: 3nails on August 25, 2015, 09:26:51 PM
Then I stand by what I said. :tung:I am alone 90% of the time I venture out into the backcountry, I am hiking in our out of the backcountry in the dark almost every time I go out. The only time I have been nervous was when I got trailed by a cat in the dark, other than that I just got used to itYou are alone because nobody is stupid enough to go that far with you and you are used to it because you don't have a choice!!! :lol4:
Hey - I can go with him! :)
Post by: skagitsteel on August 26, 2015, 09:18:19 AM
I am alone 90% of the time I venture out into the backcountry, I am hiking in our out of the backcountry in the dark almost every time I go out. The only time I have been nervous was when I got trailed by a cat in the dark, other than that I just got used to itYou are alone because nobody is stupid enough to go that far with you and you are used to it because you don't have a choice!!! :lol4:
I do take some 'special people' up my trails, I just make sure there not old and washed up :chuckle:
One of my trails:
Post by: huntingbaldguy on August 27, 2015, 02:45:22 AM
Post by: Okanagan on August 27, 2015, 08:44:01 AM
I am alone 90% of the time I venture out into the backcountry, I am hiking in our out of the backcountry in the dark almost every time I go out. The only time I have been nervous was when I got trailed by a cat in the dark, other than that I just got used to itYou are alone because nobody is stupid enough to go that far with you and you are used to it because you don't have a choice!!! :lol4:
That's the weirdest comment I've seen so far on this forum noted for barbed replies! :)
While working in a Seattle office some years ago, one Monday morning the receptionist asked sweetly what I'd done over the weekend and I told her I'd been hiking, not wanting to mention hunting. "Did anybody go with you?" she asked and I told her "No."
"You shouldn't hike alone," she primly informed me.
"Nobody wants to hike like I do," I replied.
The bookkeeper asked, "What do you do that nobody wants to go with you?"
So I told them. I'd left work on Friday and drove straight to a trail head during the early high buck season. I hiked up a switchback trail till 11:00 PM and slept on a flat spot on the uphill side of a big fir till cold woke me at 5:00 AM still in the dark. I hiked on and by daylight was overlooking a basin above timberline with a pair of deer nearby, a bear across the basin and mountain goats on the ridge.
She eyed me for a moment and said, "You're right. Nobody wants to hike like that."
Some of us prefer solo to inadequate companions! :chuckle:
Post by: skagitsteel on August 27, 2015, 07:00:35 PM
I am alone 90% of the time I venture out into the backcountry, I am hiking in our out of the backcountry in the dark almost every time I go out. The only time I have been nervous was when I got trailed by a cat in the dark, other than that I just got used to itYou are alone because nobody is stupid enough to go that far with you and you are used to it because you don't have a choice!!! :lol4:
That's the weirdest comment I've seen so far on this forum noted for barbed replies! :)
While working in a Seattle office some years ago, one Monday morning the receptionist asked sweetly what I'd done over the weekend and I told her I'd been hiking, not wanting to mention hunting. "Did anybody go with you?" she asked and I told her "No."
"You shouldn't hike alone," she primly informed me.
"Nobody wants to hike like I do," I replied.
The bookkeeper asked, "What do you do that nobody wants to go with you?"
So I told them. I'd left work on Friday and drove straight to a trail head during the early high buck season. I hiked up a switchback trail till 11:00 PM and slept on a flat spot on the uphill side of a big fir till cold woke me at 5:00 AM still in the dark. I hiked on and by daylight was overlooking a basin above timberline with a pair of deer nearby, a bear across the basin and mountain goats on the ridge.
She eyed me for a moment and said, "You're right. Nobody wants to hike like that."
Some of us prefer solo to inadequate companions! :chuckle:
He knows me pretty well, just giving me a hard time all in good fun :tup:
Post by: Longbowz on August 28, 2015, 10:45:20 AM
I am alone 90% of the time I venture out into the backcountry, I am hiking in our out of the backcountry in the dark almost every time I go out. The only time I have been nervous was when I got trailed by a cat in the dark, other than that I just got used to itYou are alone because nobody is stupid enough to go that far with you and you are used to it because you don't have a choice!!! :lol4:
That's the weirdest comment I've seen so far on this forum noted for barbed replies! :)
While working in a Seattle office some years ago, one Monday morning the receptionist asked sweetly what I'd done over the weekend and I told her I'd been hiking, not wanting to mention hunting. "Did anybody go with you?" she asked and I told her "No."
"You shouldn't hike alone," she primly informed me.
"Nobody wants to hike like I do," I replied.
The bookkeeper asked, "What do you do that nobody wants to go with you?"
So I told them. I'd left work on Friday and drove straight to a trail head during the early high buck season. I hiked up a switchback trail till 11:00 PM and slept on a flat spot on the uphill side of a big fir till cold woke me at 5:00 AM still in the dark. I hiked on and by daylight was overlooking a basin above timberline with a pair of deer nearby, a bear across the basin and mountain goats on the ridge.
She eyed me for a moment and said, "You're right. Nobody wants to hike like that."
Some of us prefer solo to inadequate companions! :chuckle:
Sounds like we went to the same school of hiking/hunting. After my hunting partner passed away a few years back I'm normally alone.
Post by: Okanagan on August 28, 2015, 02:21:34 PM
I am alone 90% of the time I venture out into the backcountry, I am hiking in our out of the backcountry in the dark almost every time I go out. The only time I have been nervous was when I got trailed by a cat in the dark, other than that I just got used to itYou are alone because nobody is stupid enough to go that far with you and you are used to it because you don't have a choice!!! :lol4:
That's the weirdest comment I've seen so far on this forum noted for barbed replies! :)
While working in a Seattle office some years ago, one Monday morning the receptionist asked sweetly what I'd done over the weekend and I told her I'd been hiking, not wanting to mention hunting. "Did anybody go with you?" she asked and I told her "No."
"You shouldn't hike alone," she primly informed me.
"Nobody wants to hike like I do," I replied.
The bookkeeper asked, "What do you do that nobody wants to go with you?"
So I told them. I'd left work on Friday and drove straight to a trail head during the early high buck season. I hiked up a switchback trail till 11:00 PM and slept on a flat spot on the uphill side of a big fir till cold woke me at 5:00 AM still in the dark. I hiked on and by daylight was overlooking a basin above timberline with a pair of deer nearby, a bear across the basin and mountain goats on the ridge.
She eyed me for a moment and said, "You're right. Nobody wants to hike like that."
Some of us prefer solo to inadequate companions! :chuckle:
He knows me pretty well, just giving me a hard time all in good fun :tup:
Thanks for straightening me out. My bad. I was too dense to catch the satire and it is a fun and funny comment when seen in that light.
Post by: WAnoob on October 07, 2015, 03:00:50 PM
I swear I can never work up my nerves to go out too early or stay too late when alone. Even when I get somewhere super early I still get jumpy when sitting in my truck alone on some dead end log road. ... I get so freaked out too easily. I had no one at the time to tag along either. Most of the time I would only make it 200 yards till I hit the edge of the timber, then I would start hearing and/or seeing things. It is something I have tried working on over the years and have pushed myself to try and make it work but I always freak out too much. I am not afraid to admit it I turn into a gigantic chicken shi* in the dark alone in the woods. Even with a full moon and clear skies.
My first solo back country hunt pretty much cured me of being nervous and freaking out. Eight miles in was far enough I wasn't going to run home because of being afraid of the dark. This is before I had a flashlight or head lamp. First night I could hear every demon creature hell bent to attack me in my little bivy tent. Then about 3 AM Yogy poked his head in to take a look see. I about crapped myself :yike:
Took about three days to settle in and feel comfortable. Yogy made a few more late night rummages through my gear. Hunted one day in my sock feet because he stole my left boot. Found it a few days later a little chewed up but usable. Finally killed him one morning at first light. I slept really good that evening :chuckle: Hard to beat your fears if you never pick a fight with them.
From then on the curse was broken. I now sleep better in the woods than I do at home. Even in grizzly country I sleep well and don't worry any more than I do in my bed here at the house.
I almost spit out my coffee with that line "First night I could hear every demon creature hell bent to attack me in my little bivy tent." :chuckle:
I felt the same way my first few hunts on Kodiak when I used to walk back at night with just a headlamp, you weren't sure if those eyes you lit up were just a blacktail or a brown bear cub off in the distance away from it's mommy. We did have the benefit of hunting during a full moon and with clear skies and a little snow you could actually almost see better without a headlamp. After the first couple times you shake off the nerves and stop worrying about every little twig breaking.
To be honest, growing up in Alaska has me kind of numb to being afraid of wolves, grizzly, brown or black bears. I have had plenty of encounters and have only been scared once, walking back from sheep hunting in the dark on a trail my partner and I kept hearing noises so I shined my headlamp that way and surely enough I saw 2 sets of eyes low to the ground and decent size, it took me a minute to realize they were too short to be moose and too low to be a mature bear. Literally one minute later we heard a distinctive roar from mama off behind the cubs. Needless to say I grabbed my 06 off my pack and chambered a round, I knew I was almost in the worst situation possible since I was near 2 cubs and mom wasn't far off. We slowly backed up the trail for about 1/4 of a mile and thankfully the sow realized the "threat" was backing away. There was definitely some pucker factor and that was the luckiest I've felt being out in the woods it was a very humbling experience.
I have only seen a couple wolves in the wild though, the one I did see moose hunting had broke away from the pack and it was way too timid to scare you at all, they are very cool to watch in the wild. They were far more concerned with eating the cow moose they just brought down close to us.
After moving to Washington I am more afraid of cougars after hearing the stories from people, I hope some exposure will put my mind at ease?
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on October 09, 2015, 10:12:06 AM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on October 09, 2015, 10:12:26 AM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on October 09, 2015, 10:12:49 AM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on October 09, 2015, 10:13:58 AM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on October 09, 2015, 10:17:01 AM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on October 09, 2015, 11:01:45 AM
:yike:
But really.. Most critters are more afraid of you than you are them. Even at night. Wolves and Griz aside. That said, right after dusk, right before dawn, that's when I've noticed the most predator movement.
-Steve
Post by: Hectocotylus on October 18, 2015, 06:53:17 PM
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Post by: 2labs on October 18, 2015, 07:02:43 PM
Post by: RadSav on October 18, 2015, 08:16:33 PM
Boogie mongsters :yike:
Boogie mongsters are way better than Boogiemonsters - They're the worst! :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: 2labs on October 18, 2015, 08:27:15 PM
Boogie mongsters :yike:
Boogie mongsters are way better than Boogiemonsters - They're the worst! :chuckle: :chuckle:
That's what my son called them, they were every where!
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on October 26, 2015, 10:09:25 AM
-Steve
Post by: coachcw on October 26, 2015, 10:15:14 AM
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on October 26, 2015, 10:23:34 AM
-Steve
Post by: stromdiddily on October 26, 2015, 12:19:26 PM
When you hike in at night and hang the head end of your hammock from a tree that has a coon den in it... And they come home at 4:am from a night of scavenging... You'll learn you've made a big mistake.
-Steve
How did that one work out for ya?? :yike:
Post by: jasnt on October 26, 2015, 04:04:24 PM
:chuckle:When you hike in at night and hang the head end of your hammock from a tree that has a coon den in it... And they come home at 4:am from a night of scavenging... You'll learn you've made a big mistake.
-Steve
How did that one work out for ya?? :yike:
Post by: jtw on October 26, 2015, 10:10:17 PM
Post by: skagitsteel on October 28, 2015, 10:44:46 PM
Was scouting this past week (deer and bear tag notched already). Hiking in the dark with my dog about 5:45 am. I stopped to take my jacket off, was kneeling down facing up the trail. My dog had been trailing about 10ft behind me since we left the truck about half hr before. She was sitting next to me as I was kneeling over my bag re adjusting gear. I heard hear growl a real low deep growl that I have never heard from her before. I turn my head around and there is a cat 20 ft behind us in crouch position, yellowish green eyes glaring back Into the light of my headlamp. I reactively grabbed my 40 cal, yanking it so hard I ripped the holster right off my pack. I fired once and missed, definately a reactionary defensive shot with the holster still attached to the gun lol. Definately some pucker factor in that moment. Not going to stop from hiking in the dark, but definately be more aware when I'm kneeling or in a low position. I also think the cat was probably drawn in initially by my dog
Post by: tgomez on October 29, 2015, 06:11:13 AM
Oh, almost forgot. If you do end up spending the night in the elkwoods, away from your established camp or truck....... and wake up to a wet kiss..... don't kiss it back :yike:
Good thread folks!
Lol :chuckle:, my father was in a two man tent bear hunting and was hearing noises outside his tent. He stuck his face next to the tent, and a bear touched his face with its nose. He said he just hoped it didn't rip the tent apart then him. It eventually wandered off, and in the moring his tracks were all over camp. DON'T KISS BACK IS RIGHT!
Post by: Hectocotylus on October 29, 2015, 06:37:47 AM
Alright I have a good hiking out at night encounter :yike:What kind of holster do you have that you can fire with the gun still in it that doesn't sound good
Was scouting this past week (deer and bear tag notched already). Hiking in the dark with my dog about 5:45 am. I stopped to take my jacket off, was kneeling down facing up the trail. My dog had been trailing about 10ft behind me since we left the truck about half hr before. She was sitting next to me as I was kneeling over my bag re adjusting gear. I heard hear growl a real low deep growl that I have never heard from her before. I turn my head around and there is a cat 20 ft behind us in crouch position, yellowish green eyes glaring back Into the light of my headlamp. I reactively grabbed my 40 cal, yanking it so hard I ripped the holster right off my pack. I fired once and missed, definately a reactionary defensive shot with the holster still attached to the gun lol. Definately some pucker factor in that moment. Not going to stop from hiking in the dark, but definately be more aware when I'm kneeling or in a low position. I also think the cat was probably drawn in initially by my dog
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Post by: huntingbaldguy on October 30, 2015, 02:25:14 AM
What kind of holster do you have that you can fire with the gun still in it that doesn't sound good
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Unfortunately my wifes GP100 holster is like that. Need to find her a new one. I can just see the news, idiot buys his wife a holster without a trigger guard and the accident that ensued, at 11.
Post by: wsucougs8 on October 30, 2015, 01:42:34 PM
I always carry a 22 for protection from bears and cougars, If one is going to attack shoot your buddy in the leg then run.
:chuckle:
Post by: skagitsteel on November 02, 2015, 11:58:33 PM
Alright I have a good hiking out at night encounter :yike:What kind of holster do you have that you can fire with the gun still in it that doesn't sound good
Was scouting this past week (deer and bear tag notched already). Hiking in the dark with my dog about 5:45 am. I stopped to take my jacket off, was kneeling down facing up the trail. My dog had been trailing about 10ft behind me since we left the truck about half hr before. She was sitting next to me as I was kneeling over my bag re adjusting gear. I heard hear growl a real low deep growl that I have never heard from her before. I turn my head around and there is a cat 20 ft behind us in crouch position, yellowish green eyes glaring back Into the light of my headlamp. I reactively grabbed my 40 cal, yanking it so hard I ripped the holster right off my pack. I fired once and missed, definately a reactionary defensive shot with the holster still attached to the gun lol. Definately some pucker factor in that moment. Not going to stop from hiking in the dark, but definately be more aware when I'm kneeling or in a low position. I also think the cat was probably drawn in initially by my dog
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It was partially out just enough to reach the trigger, when I lifted gun holster was still 'hanging on' when its all the way in trigger is covered