Backpack hunters?

[J-Dub]

Are there any backpack hunters around?

Im looking forward to attempting a backcountry backpack hunt in 2013.

Probably archery elk or mule deer.

Post up some pics! I'd love to hear some stories and/or advice.

[FlyingHunter]

Backpacking hunter here. A couple of pointers I'd offer.

Get in great shape. Train with your pack and rifle (and sidearm)
Learn to use both:dedicated GPS eg Garmin AND use of map/compass

Get a great pack. I use BullPacs from Montana, helps pack meat out.

Gore-Tex socks = expensive but worth it. Wet boots day after day...

Have a skill set or get it to carefully cape the hide = taxidermy mount

Take alot of pics, use a timer so your in them!

If going solo, have a careful itinerary with timelines to friends/family

Build a smart but lightweight medical kit

Practice shooting with an elevated HR eg. was hiking and saw game

Cover the barrel with electrical tape, keeps rain, dirt etc out

Stretch your body before and after each day, low back, hamstrings...

Study the topo maps before going, laminate them as well

Get a better than average water filter to stay well hydrated

Have fun!

[J-Dub]

Thanks. I workout almost daily, all be it I need to pick up the cardio.

I bought a USMC ILBE for use as a pack. I'll probably buy an assault pack for day use.

Right now Im thinking of using a bow (atleast until rifle season opens). And not a compound, i'd like to use a recurve.

Thank you again for your info and opinions, lots of good stuff there.

[FlyingHunter]

That pack should work fine. I use waterproof bags x 4. Under the load bearing shelf of the pack, to enclose my tent, tarp, sleeping bag, and roll pad. That's the bulkiest of the H20 packs. Bottom pack sitting on the shelf is food, stove, and cooking gear. Next pack up, clothes. Top pack is my first aid, survival gear, hunting gear inc hydration bladder and purifier.

Here's a mistake I made...once: Used my top pack as a day pack and left the pack frame at base camp. Lightweight, more mobile, more comfortable, generally a great way to go UNTIL I killed a caribou (solo in Alaska) about 5 miles from base camp. Sooo, a long slog back to get the frame pack so I could start the meat pack out.

Lastly, never leave your survival pack or gun. Sounds simple. My point is...I know of actual cases where hunters died because they dropped their pack to close the gap on the animal, or some other reason, never to find their pack again and die - almost always to weather exposure. You get tired, dehydrated, you can get disoriented and do stupid stuff.

Another tip that comes to mind: Cheesecloth wraps and a spray bottle of acetic acid are handy to preserve meat if your gonna be out there a while.

Kindest Regards and good hunting.

[xjustintimex]

what do you guys do for rain when backpack hunting? I had that problem last weekend. also what do you guys do after shooting game to get it back?

[J-Dub]

I would assume for personal protection from rain a poncho would the lightest/easy to pack option. I think most guys have a rain fly to sleep under.

As far as packing meat out I plan on deboneing in the field. Quarter, debone, put in gamebags.

[AKDoug]

I'm surprised that hunt_ak hasn't chimed in. He and his family have spent a lifetime under pack straps in Alaska. They flat get it done.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXQmxi2GN-U

His sister in-law here.. Her and her husband know more about the latest gear than anyone I've ever met.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ad0iTnV8qcA

I've done my share of backpack hunting also, but kids have definitely gotten in the way of that for the last dozen years. I've been losing weight for the last three months and I really hope to get back out there again this year. The things I won't skimp on are a good tent, good backpack, good rain gear and a good sleeping bag. In Alaska this can be the difference of life and death.

For a tent I am really partial to my MSR Hubba Bubba, I use a big Agnes bag and pad, Barney's Alaska Hunter pack, and Helly Hanson Impertech rain gear. Gear is really a Ford vs. Chevy argument and it's really important you develop what really works for you and your intended hunting area.

My pack usually runs at about 60#. I probably pack too much stuff, but it works for me. I pack animals and my gear out in relays depending on the game. For a moose, you will spend days packing it out if it's too far.

Being in shape is important, but the most important thing is your mental attitude. You can overcome being overweight by simply slowing down and keeping a good mental attitude. I've seen plenty of "in shape" guys quit because they don't like being wet and cold. If you are in shape AND can endure discomfort, that's the best of both worlds.

[Ironman8]

Man would I ever love to do a hunt like this!

J-Dub, are you set on the hammock idea?

If not, I've been eyeing the Kirafu Para Tarp (http://store.kifaru.net/tarps-c19.aspx) and can see it fitting well in this role since it packs so small and lightweight.

Just a thought.

[J-Dub]

No Im not set on anything really. I have a feeling Im going to be going through a lot of gear before I find something that works.

I like the idea of the hammock, but there are a ton of draw backs. Gear storage, what happens if I camp above the tree line?, in down pours I would be stuck in a hammock, ect.

I'll take a look at the Kifaru para tarp. Some people swear by floorless tipis, or bivys.

I have a feeling I'll be doing a ton of gear sorting out on scouting trips in July and august.

Again if anyone wants to share their setups, Im all ears.

So far I have my pack: USMC ILBE (I might add an assault pack for a day pack), pocket rocket stove, Bow, Boots,

I need a good sleeping bag, shelter, binos, and some clothes (first lite wool for a base layer, and whatever else I can find for cheap) and I think that's about it..

[J-Dub]

Im totally going to pick up that Kifaru para tarp...less than two pounds...yes please!