Solo backpackers ???
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Kaptoe
Well-Known Member
I go solo most of the timw. Have to live a little and no substitute for that feeling of walking away from your truck knowing it is all on you. Be smart, be prepared, be good
Wouldn't have it any other way
Wouldn't have it any other way
BrentM
Well-Known Member
I primarily solo hunt or take my dog. I bp hunt, hunt off an atv/bike/snow bike, or camp and hunt. I do a lot of things solo and am not bothered one bit. I have an inreach that I use to track and com with my wife on a regular basis. Being solo is not for every one but for some it is acceptable. People tend to project their fears on to others and sometimes those fears are valid. Just be prepared and try not to take unnecessary risks.
I agree with folks that a solo hunt is truly satisfying. When I go solo, I typically don't go as far afield - either back to the truck at night if I travel far or maybe a day's hike or so in if I stay a couple hours from home. One needs to be a little better prepared and a little more careful. In addition to some sort of communication, I bring a decent first aid kit with blood clotting powder or wound sealing patches. A slip of the knife can quickly ruin a trip. While I can handle a deer or similar sized animal myself without any issue, if I'm going out for elk, I try to make sure I have help available on standby. While not particularly thrilled about it, my wife will always come help if needed.
Woods...alone....safe???? Safer than going for a walk in any Democratic run city with over one population.
KS Shooter2021
Well-Known Member
I don't solo hunt, but solo hike. InReach is your friend. Went fishing in Colorado and wife could track where I was. Took along a small solar charger. If things go really south there is an 
button and emergency crews know pretty much where your at. Even if you fall and conk your head, your family/friends can let emergency crews know where you are if you don't check in on time.
Cheapest insurance you will ever have. Just don't push the if you just have a tummy ache or feel to tired. I have read those stories and it really p****** the rescue folks off. Those folks have no business being out in the woods and should stay on the paved trails near the ranger station.
You are right about the Democrat cities, always be aware of local predators, in the woods or out.
button and emergency crews know pretty much where your at. Even if you fall and conk your head, your family/friends can let emergency crews know where you are if you don't check in on time. Cheapest insurance you will ever have. Just don't push the
if you just have a tummy ache or feel to tired. I have read those stories and it really p****** the rescue folks off. Those folks have no business being out in the woods and should stay on the paved trails near the ranger station. You are right about the Democrat cities, always be aware of local predators, in the woods or out.
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GW Hunter
Well-Known Member
This is why this site is wearing me... it always seems to go here b
Been doing it since the early 90s. Not sure what all the hub bub is about. Maps were a crap shoot back then and no satellite whatever. Just get to know your country.
Just think about all the woods and swamp country we covered as kids, get over it.
The most dangerous thing I do is drive a car
Just think about all the woods and swamp country we covered as kids, get over it.
The most dangerous thing I do is drive a car
Hespco
Well-Known Member
Have done it many times over the years. Long before cell phones were available. Can be very physically demanding. Only those in good physical condition should even consider it. I'm not talking about sleeping in your vehicle , but actually back packing every thing you need. Plastic sheet to cover your self if wet weather comes, plus sleeping bag , & on & on. Requires serious planning . This is not some romantic idea, but requires out door experience /abilities. Be very aware & conditioned.
This here sums it up. I've solo hunted out of my truck several times and more packing in 2 hours from my truck. The first time I started to cross an almost sketchy rockfall it came to me that now was the time to take it easy and be deliberate. Lots of good advise, only other item I can think of is back country emergency insurance, comes in handy if someone wants to charge you for a helo evacuation.
My wife doesn't like me going alone. I tell her I'm taking all of my friends with me. That's because they have / had to work or had other commitments and if I waited until they could go I never would.... One of the coolest trips was with a friend's bivy sack on a three day trek up a 13,000 ft mtn on a different (these are all 3-4th class) route. I do like the InReach thing - will have to look into that!
I just returned from a solo back country hunt in CO. I enjoyed every bit of it. Had cell coverage about 50% of the time. As others have said, every thing requires thought. Even some things that would seem simple in normal life, like hopping over a down log, or stepping on the wobbly rock to cross the creek. Maybe trying to find a better way. I was successful and put my tag on a 5x5 bull. I will tell you the quartering process was even more serious for me. I've never been more careful with a knife. I also walked away uninjured and without a scratch. 3 very heavy trips out and I've got a freezer full of meat. Unbelievable experience. Go do it, you'll enjoy it!!
Hespco: What do you mean "Plastic sheet to cover yourself if wet weather comes?" Hunting solo or with one hundred friends, I can stop a drought in the Mohave Desert just by thinking about being there. When I was a young stud muffin I hunted all over Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona with very few amenities of today's backpackers. It was usually too cold to worry about rattlesnakes, and I never really thought about the dangers of being picked off by other people as I would today. (Everyone out there is not there to enjoy nature.) I would not let fear play too large a part in the experience, or the trip will be mostly worry and not as much about the enjoyment. Take two plastic sheets and plenty of dry socks. Don't miss, don't wish.
