Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Backcountry Hunting => Topic started by: kselkhunter on July 12, 2017, 04:40:48 PM

Title: Anybody else get funny looks from the neighbors?
Post by: kselkhunter on July 12, 2017, 04:40:48 PM: So with my first backcountry hunt of the season for bear coming up in 3 weeks (and five total backcountry hunts committed to this season), I've transitioned from running/cycling to hiking daily with my hunting pack full of weight on the hiking path around the neighborhood (a 2.3 mile loop and 3.5 mile loop) with my dogs. I'm at a 55lb pack this week, upping it to 65lb of weight next week.

I always am amused by the funny looks from others I get while on the path. Anybody else get this?

I'm assuming it's because I'm using the cammo hunting pack instead of one of my solid colored recreational packs. Or maybe they think I'm a homeless dude carrying my pack and walking my dogs. Always amusing.
Title: Re: Anybody else get funny looks from the neighbors?
Post by: Alchase on July 12, 2017, 04:48:07 PM: Quote from: kselkhunter on July 12, 2017, 04:40:48 PM
So with my first backcountry hunt of the season for bear coming up in 3 weeks (and five total backcountry hunts committed to this season), I've transitioned from running/cycling to hiking daily with my hunting pack full of weight on the hiking path around the neighborhood (a 2.3 mile loop and 3.5 mile loop) with my dogs. I'm at a 55lb pack this week, upping it to 65lb of weight next week.

I always am amused by the funny looks from others I get while on the path. Anybody else get this?

I'm assuming it's because I'm using the cammo hunting pack instead of one of my solid colored recreational packs. Or maybe they think I'm a homeless dude carrying my pack and walking my dogs. Always amusing.

I get funny looks when they see me open carry doing yard work on occasion.
LOL
Title: Re: Anybody else get funny looks from the neighbors?
Post by: PlateauNDN on July 12, 2017, 05:15:14 PM: I smile and wave. Who cares what they think. :tup:
Title: Re: Anybody else get funny looks from the neighbors?
Post by: 7mag. on July 12, 2017, 11:00:49 PM: I get lots of questions. Usually either "are you training to hike Rainier?", or "what tag did you draw?". Some people ask how heavy my pack is.
Title: Re: Anybody else get funny looks from the neighbors?
Post by: Cab on July 13, 2017, 08:39:52 AM: I got this all the time! Before I moved here I hiked every day and often got the :o look when someone saw me. I just would smile and say "mornin' ". I would get the question "is it hunting season?" I would explain no it's not but that I am just getting ready for it. I often found house wives with dogs were often the ones that would kinda act like I was some crazy person. I found it more comical then anything. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Anybody else get funny looks from the neighbors?
Post by: kselkhunter on July 13, 2017, 09:24:43 AM: Yeah it's usually the moms out walking their kids that give me the strangest looks and hurry their kids along. They never say "Hi" or anything. Amusing. It's not like I'm on a sidewalk in front of their house, it's a hiking path through the greenbelts.

Thankfully all my nearby neighbors know I'm a hunting freak. Given the 3-D archery range in my back yard. :-)

But I live on the rural/city divide. On my side of the main road is unincorporated county, on the other side is the suburbs. So my neighbors and I all have acreage and many with livestock, but when crossing the main road it's the mega neighborhoods with tiny lots for miles. So a mix of cultures.