Post by: MikeWalking on November 13, 2007, 08:06:18 AM
Now that I think about it I've never crossed paths with any Hunters hiking into the high country for that season.
Now I'm not asking for anyones "favorite-secret" spot/trail. But some recommended trailheads?
After a couple run-ins with Feral (?) dogs I now hike with a visible side arm (although I may hang a hat over it when close to the trailhead) My ongoing concern is crossing paths with someone who will "freak" at the sight of a gun on the trail.
So, any hints on which trailheads into the proper GMU's might not have much in the way of non-hunters on them would be greatly appreciated.
Hey, any and all comments welcome.
Post by: Chesapeake on November 13, 2007, 09:03:15 AM
By september most of the granola crowd has left the woods for the most part. I stay away from the PCT. It attracts the through hikers and seems to attract the most hikers. You dont want hikers laughing and joking as they tromp along the ridge above the medow you were attempting to hunt.
I also stay away from trails that the outfitters use, or those that are horse friendly. It will ruin your hunt if you hike for several miles just to have an outfit with several hunters come in on horses and crowd you out.
You will probably also want to avoid the trails that are an easy few mile hike to a lake type trails. They seem to attract the late season day hikers, and campers.
I have yet to meet a person on the trail that did anything more than give me dirty looks. By far the majority of the people are nice and polite.
Post by: Ridgerunner on November 13, 2007, 09:08:32 AM
Post by: wrangler on November 13, 2007, 09:22:05 PM
Post by: dbllunger on November 13, 2007, 10:03:34 PM
My normal response to bark eaters and owl humpers when they question what I do is "Well, why are you (fill in blank on their activity)? There usual response is because they enjoy it and how much self satisfaction and interaction they are getting out of it. I then reply "I guess you answered your own question, kind of like I always tell my kids" and walk off. By the time the realize you just female dog slapped them I'm back doing what I was.
Post by: Cougeyes on November 13, 2007, 10:18:01 PM
Post by: WonkyWapiti on November 14, 2007, 02:20:58 AM
Well long story short of it he starts making up all these stories about the Sheriff's dept coming out to this area and arresting all sorts of hunters, etc, etc. Some of the guys I hunt with are deputies and they proceeded to correct his blatant lie. I'm sure some others would have attached him to tree by his underwear to let him think of things for a bit. I really enjoy my time spent deer hunting in Eastern Washington, the difference in the attitudes towards hunting is amazing.
Post by: high country on November 14, 2007, 05:39:23 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on November 14, 2007, 05:56:33 AM
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on November 14, 2007, 07:11:32 AM
Well I would say that it is our duty to give a perception to the public that we are not a threat to them. If we go about it with an attitude than we will undoubtly recieve it. I always say hello to hikers when I am on the trail hiking into hunt. If a person should come across an abrasive hiker or tree hugger just keep calm and turn the other cheek. For sure if confrontations occur they will put every hunter in the same "all a bunch of a-holes" pot. Just like when unethical hunters give the rest of us a bad reputation. Sure we could beat the krap out of them and hang them from their undies in a tree but it is easier to be diplomatic about it. I walk away with have a good day response.
Got to agree with that.
Post by: Bighorse on November 14, 2007, 07:36:41 AM
Ridge running is always a good option. That usually gets you into "no-mans-land". When the hiking gets really tough is when the hunting is at its best in my opinion.
It would help if you posted a specific wilderness area you were very serious about.
Like I'm really serious about the Henry Jackson for next year. I went back there for the past two years and worked out some access issues. Finally I think I've got a good game plan for hunting some nice remote country in there. I'm also working out the kinks for an Alpine hunt too. I purchase the green trail maps for all the areas I'm researching and always keep them handy durring the year. I read them like a book sometimes.
Post by: MikeWalking on November 14, 2007, 08:05:25 AM
On my last trip to Alaska, up to Lake Peters on the flank of Mount Chamberlin I had the chance to converse with a beautiful Blond Grizzly. After snapping a few pictures it became clear he was sniffing my trail back to my tent and was not put off by my shouted suggestions to go away. My final comments to him came while looking through the sights of my trusty 1895gs. With a stiff wind off the Arctic Ocean in my face Spray was not an option, but I still had some...Luckily for us both he stopped short of the "Line"....don't know if it means anything but he crapped a lot walking away.
The summer before that my pilot had 3 customers much less fortunate. One was a man who has hiked ANWR side to side many times. 2 days short of finishing he surprised a Griz in some willows. It took a chunk out of his thigh and had him pinned face down before he was able to get to and use his spray. It worked. He got home minus a chunk of thigh, but he got home.
The other two were killed on the Hulahula, in their tent. Both Spray and Rifle unused.
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/0510/whats_new/anwr_grizzly_attacks.html
What's my point? Not sure myself...Guess people need to realize no one option will always be the best. Each has their ups & downs (I hear Bear Spray doesn't work on Black Bears very well) It's your life your protecting. How you do it is your business and yours alone.
Having grown up on Dirt Bikes I know all about protecting your sport from bad PR. Most everywhere I rode as a kid is now closed. I don't suffer the Self Righteous well at all but I know I have to think about the larger picture and leave people with a positive view of me. Or at least not give them reason to go off on the next hunter they see. Many will have their petty, poorly thought out reasons anyway.